Travel agents in Thailand have pushed back strongly against the government’s proposal to impose a 1,000 baht (US$30.60) departure levy on Thai travellers, warning that it could further strain the tourism sector at a time of rising costs and geopolitical uncertainty linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Authorities estimate the levy could generate around 10 billion baht in revenue, which would be channelled into the Half-Half Thai Travel initiative – a stimulus programme designed to boost domestic tourism and support local businesses.
While acknowledging the government’s need to raise funds, Chotechuang Soorangura, vice-president of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), questioned how the revenue would be allocated and managed, according to local media reports.
The Thai government said the proposed charge would apply only to Thai citizens, not foreign visitors, in a bid to avoid concerns over double charging. It would also be implemented separately from the existing 300-baht tourism tax levied on inbound travellers.
No timeline was given for implementing the Thailand exit fee.