Travelers Check Now! New Overseas Flight Tax Could Add Up to 5,000 Baht, Revenue Department Proposes

Airfare for international flights signals another price increase due to a new Revenue Department draft law imposing an overseas travel tax. Initially, the proposal sets an immediate surcharge of 1,000 baht per person, with a maximum ceiling of 5,000 baht.

This issue has sparked widespread discussion, especially among travelers who recently faced a hike in the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) or airport tax in the latest round.

Here we clarify how much extra cost international travelers will face next time, which passenger groups will be exempt from the tax, and until when public feedback on the draft law is accepted.

Summary of the overseas travel tax draft: who pays and how much it starts at.

This has become a major concern for those traveling abroad after the Revenue Department opened a public consultation on the draft Overseas Travel Tax Act via its website.law.go.thThe goal is to maintain fiscal discipline and manage government resources effectively.

A key point is the new rule to tax all travelers leaving Thailand regardless of nationality, differing from the previous law targeting only Thai nationals. The draft sets a maximum tax ceiling of 5,000 baht per trip.

However, initially the tax will apply only to international air travel at a rate of 1,000 baht per person per trip. Travel by land or sea remains exempt.

Who is exempt from paying the overseas flight tax? Summary of exemptions under the new draft law.

For those wondering who qualifies for the exemption, the draft law clearly sets air travel tax exemptions by aligning with the existing PSC exemptions.

The exempt groups include:

1. Infants and toddlers under 2 years old.
2. The King, Queen, royal family members, and their official entourage during royal processions.
3. Foreign heads of state, diplomatic guests, and government visitors.
4. Transit or transfer passengers confined to waiting areas or those required to wait per airport regulations.
5. Flight crews and airline staff traveling to perform duties on outbound flights.
6. Passengers on official government flights, both Thai and foreign, conducting official business.

Booking international flights? Prepare to pay more—breakdown of the new tax impact.

When booking international flights, the price shown includes not just the airfare but also the 1,120 baht PSC fee charged by Airports of Thailand (AOT).

If the overseas travel tax draft becomes law, the cost of international tickets will immediately increase as follows:

• Current actual payment Only the PSC fee of 1,120 baht per person.
• Initial enforcement phase Adds a 1,000 baht travel tax, raising total fees and taxes included in the ticket to 2,120 baht per person.
• If the full ceiling is applied The draft law allows a maximum tax of 5,000 baht, pushing total fees up to 6,120 baht per person.

Note: This tax will be collected upfront with the airfare purchase. Airlines or ticket agents will collect it directly along with the ticket price.

Examining the overseas flight tax ceiling of 5,000 baht: risk of tickets exceeding 6,000 baht.

Although the initial tax is set at 1,000 baht, the draft law's provision allowing a maximum of 5,000 baht is a significant issue. It grants administrative authorities the power to raise the tax rate via ministerial regulations without amending the law. If raised to the ceiling, passengers would face combined PSC and tax fees exceeding 6,000 baht per ticket.

Another concern is legal penalties: failure to pay the tax on time incurs a fine up to double the tax plus an additional 1.5% interest per month on the overdue amount. Furthermore, attempts to evade payment or falsify documents will result in criminal and administrative fines.

Check the enforcement date of the overseas travel tax: does advance ticket purchase require extra payment?

The draft law states it will take effect 180 days after publication in the Royal Gazette.

For passengers who buy tickets before the law takes effect, the draft clearly specifies they will be exempt from paying this tax retroactively, even if their travel date is after the law's enforcement.

Public consultation on the overseas travel tax draft open until 29 Oct 2026.

The draft Overseas Travel Tax Act is currently open for public input from citizens, tourists, airlines, and tourism operators.

Those wishing to express support, opposition, or suggestions can participate directly by submitting feedback via the legal central system on the website.law.go.th

This channel is open for comments from now until 29 October 2026 to incorporate feedback from all sectors when finalizing the tax conditions and rates.