The Minister of Tourism and Sports has proposed reviving the 1983 Emergency Decree on Exit Tax to reinstate its enforcement. This would involve collecting an exit fee from Thai citizens traveling abroad. The fee is set at 1,000 baht per trip, with expected annual revenue of 10 billion baht, to help fund the "Co-Pay Travel" project. This program offers 10 million travel subsidies annually to boost the domestic economy, with confidence it will not deter Thais from traveling abroad.
Surachart Pancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Finance have discussed the possibility of reinstating the 1983 Emergency Decree on Exit Tax. They plan to collect an exit fee of 1,000 baht per person each time Thai citizens travel abroad.
Based on data estimating about 10 million Thais travel abroad annually, this measure could generate up to 10 billion baht in revenue per year. These funds would subsidize domestic tourism through a co-pay scheme called "Co-Pay Travel," offering 10 million travel subsidies yearly to prevent capital outflow and actively stimulate the domestic economy.
They have also discussed with the Thai Travel Agents Association (ATTA) the collection of a 300 baht fee from foreign visitors entering Thailand, known as the "footprint fee." ATTA has not opposed this, as the revenue will be allocated to the Tourism Development Fund to improve tourist destinations and provide insurance for foreign tourists.
However, ATTA expressed concern about whether the 1,000 baht exit tax would also be charged to foreign tourists leaving Thailand, which could result in foreigners paying fees both on entry and exit. The Tourism Minister clarified that the 1,000 baht exit tax will apply only to Thai citizens. He explained the clear purpose of using the funds to support domestic tourism projects, which eased ATTA's concerns.
Regarding progress, Surachart stated that further discussions with the Ministry of Finance are needed since supporting laws already exist. If approved by the Cabinet, the measure could be implemented immediately. Historically, this fee was previously applied at 500 baht before being discontinued.
He added, “If Thais truly intend to travel abroad, an additional 1,000 baht fee is unlikely to affect their decision. However, if airline ticket prices rise by 20%, that would weigh more heavily on their choices. Moreover, the purpose of this fee is clear: to use the funds to encourage Thais to travel domestically.” Surachart concluded.
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