Thailand is moving forward with a new fee structure that will make flying in and out of the country noticeably more expensive. Starting in the first quarter of 2027, the government will introduce a 450-baht entry fee alongside a new 1,000-baht departure tax for all air travelers.
According to Thailand Business News, these two new levies will be applied to international flights. When combined with existing airport passenger service charges, the total tax burden for a round-trip international flight could reach 2,570 baht per passenger, as noted by Thai Enquirer.
What this means for expats
If you live in Thailand and frequently travel internationally for work, family visits, or visa runs, these fees will add up quickly.
The proposed breakdown includes:
- Entry fee: 450 baht, applied when you fly into Thailand (starting Q1 2027).
- Departure tax: 1,000 baht, applied when you fly out.
- Existing charges: Current airport passenger taxes remain in force and stack with these new fees.
The proposed charges currently make no distinction between tourists and long-term residents. Thai Enquirer points out that this blanket approach overlooks people who call Thailand home, meaning expats holding long-term visas, work permits, or permanent residency will likely have to pay the exact same fees as short-term holidaymakers.
Timeline and next steps
The entry fee is officially slated to begin in the first quarter of 2027. The exact implementation date for the 1,000-baht departure tax has not been pinned to a specific month, but both are moving forward in the legislative pipeline.
For now, no immediate action is required. However, expats who rely on frequent short trips or border runs should factor an extra 1,450 baht into their travel budgets for flights booked into 2027.
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