Thailand weighs 1,000-baht exit fee for Thais traveling abroad
Bangkok Thai authorities are exploring the reintroduction of a 1000 Baht exit fee on Thai nationals traveling abroad, wanting to generate billions of baht annually to subsidize domestic tourism and keep more spending…
Thailand is considering a 1,000-baht exit fee on Thai nationals leaving the country, with Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul saying on April 27, 2026 that the proposal is under discussion with the Finance Ministry. The outbound travel levy, if approved, would apply per person for each international departure from the kingdom, including departures from Phuket, under a legal framework tied to a 1983 Royal Decree.
Revenue target tied to domestic travel subsidies
Authorities estimate Thais make about 10 million outbound trips each year, putting potential annual revenue from the charge at up to 10 billion baht.
Officials said the money would be directed to an expanded domestic co-payment tourism scheme, “เที่ยวคนละครึ่ง” or Travel Each Half. The program is expected to provide around 10 million subsidy entitlements a year to encourage travel and spending within Thailand.
Separate from foreign visitor entry charge
Surasak said a similar outbound fee of about 500 baht was imposed in the past before being dropped. He added that the original legal basis remains in place, which could allow relatively quick implementation once the cabinet gives approval.
The proposed departure charge would apply only to Thai citizens, not foreign travelers. That separates it from the planned 300-baht land entry fee for foreign visitors, which would fund the Tourism Development Fund, support attraction upgrades and provide insurance coverage for international guests.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents has not objected to the foreign entry fee and had raised concern only about the possibility of overseas visitors being charged on both arrival and departure. Surasak also said he believes the 1,000-baht levy would have little effect on outbound travel decisions because airfare changes tend to matter more to travelers than fixed fees.
Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/04/27/thailand-considers-1000-baht-exit-fee-on-outbound-international-thai-travelers-to-boost-domestic-tourism/
