Thailand has put plans for a 1,000-baht charge on every overseas trip on hold, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said on Thursday 22 October 2026.
The proposed tax had been under public consultation by the Revenue Department and would apply to people travelling out of Thailand. The government has delayed it while assessing economic conditions and the impact of elevated energy prices linked to the war in the Middle East.
Ekniti, who is also a deputy prime minister, said it would not be appropriate to add further costs at a time when energy expenses could affect both aviation and tourism.
Relief for departing travellers
For residents, expats and long-stay visitors, the postponement means there will be no immediate new 1,000-baht charge when leaving Thailand for a holiday, business trip or return journey overseas.
The proposed levy would also have affected foreign tourists departing Thailand after their visit, as well as Thai travellers. Ekniti said bringing in the tax now could place an added financial burden on the public and airlines.
No new date for introducing the measure was given. The Revenue Department had been seeking public views on the proposal before the government decided to pause it.
Tourism momentum a key concern
The minister said Thailand's hosting of the 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings had enhanced the country's image and created interest among international visitors in returning.
He also referred to feedback received during the APEC meeting, where, he said, many people had expressed an intention to visit Thailand again.
The government expects tourism to remain strong in the fourth quarter of 2026 and wants to preserve that momentum. Higher energy prices could raise operating costs for airlines and have wider effects on the tourism sector, Ekniti said.
Government to monitor conditions
Ekniti said the government wanted first to evaluate the economy and the consequences of high energy prices before moving forward with the travel tax.
The decision reflects concern that additional charges could weaken travel demand at a time when Thailand is seeking to maintain international visitor interest and support its aviation industry.
23 October 2026