The Deputy Spokesperson of the Democrat Party opposes the proposed 1,000–5,000 baht tax on outbound international travel, saying it adds to the public's cost of living. He urges the government to withdraw the bill and review airport tax rates, returning them to previous levels.
On 24 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Jirawat Changwat, Deputy Spokesperson of the Democrat Party, held a press conference to express opposition to the Ministry of Finance’s draft bill proposing an outbound travel tax for Thais and foreigners, set between 1,000 and 5,000 baht. He said the policy would severely worsen citizens’ living costs and directly harm Thailand’s strategy to become a global aviation and tourism hub.
The Deputy Spokesperson stated the party strongly disagrees with the idea, as citizens are already burdened by high living costs and rising fuel prices, which have increased travel expenses. Adding an outbound travel tax of 1,000 to 5,000 baht would create an unnecessary financial barrier, undermining tourists’ decisions to travel. He called on the government to urgently reconsider and withdraw the draft bill, assuring it would not be reintroduced.
Additionally, Jirawat reiterated a call to Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) to reconsider lowering the Passenger Service Charge (PSC), or airport tax, which was previously raised by over 50% from 730 baht to 1,120 baht, urging a return to the original 730 baht rate.
Jirawat expressed concern that raising fees to levels near Singapore’s Changi Airport—a world-class airport—without Thai airports matching that quality or capacity unjustly shifts costs to travelers. He said the government and AOT should first improve services and infrastructure to international standards before considering any fee increases.
The Deputy Spokesperson emphasized that if Thailand aims to be an aviation hub and a world-class tourist destination, the government must keep travel costs reasonable and competitive. This will ensure a vibrant tourism atmosphere, spreading economic benefits to businesses of all sizes and to grassroots communities across the country.
“We want to see Thailand become an aviation and tourism hub and a world-class destination. Therefore, all related development and travel costs should be kept at reasonable levels—not too expensive—to avoid creating barriers to visiting Thailand. This will ensure that everyone, from grassroots citizens to small and large businesses, can clearly benefit from tourism,” said the Deputy Spokesperson of the Democrat Party.