Thailand's Finance Ministry floats 1,000-baht exit tax for air departures
In short
Thailand's Finance Ministry has put a draft bill on an exit tax out for public consultation, Interfax and Meduza report, citing The Nation. The proposed levy starts at 1,000 baht (about $30) per departure and could rise to 5,000 baht, and would initially apply only to travellers leaving by air. The consultation runs until October 29.
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Thailand's Ministry of Finance is considering a tax on leaving the country and has put the proposal out for public discussion, Interfax and Meduza reported, both citing the Thai outlet The Nation and a draft bill. The initial proposed rate is 1,000 baht per departure, equivalent to about 2,500 rubles or $30. [ 2 , 3 ]
Under the draft, the tax would apply both to residents of Thailand and to foreigners, except for several categories of citizens, Interfax reported. It would first be charged only on travellers leaving the country by air, with payment made before departure — Interfax and Meduza, citing The Nation, said it is expected to be collected at the same time as the purchase of an air ticket. The maximum rate would be 5,000 baht, according to both reports; Meduza said it is not specified what the final amount would depend on. [ 2 , 3 ]
The two business outlets differ on the scope of the measure. Interfax reported that the plan is to extend it later to overland and sea trips abroad, while Meduza reported that no fee is envisaged for those leaving Thailand by land or sea. [ 2 , 3 ]
The draft is in public consultation until October 29, Interfax reported. RIA Novosti, the state news agency, reported more briefly that Thailand is discussing the idea of an exit tax, without giving rates or scope. [ 1 , 2 ]
Interfax noted that Thai authorities had earlier announced a tourist tax for foreigners, planned for introduction in early 2027. Meduza added that from September 15, 2026 Thailand cut the visa-free stay for foreigners, including Russian citizens, from 60 to 30 days, and that Thailand's Tourism Ministry recorded about 1.9 million Russian visitors in 2025, a record. The Russian Association of Tour Operators said the shorter visa-free period would not noticeably affect tourist flows, since most Russians come to Thailand for eight to 15 days, Meduza reported. [ 2 , 3 ]
Meduza also noted that Thailand became a common destination for anti-war Russians after the start of the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war. [ 3 ]
Why it matters
Thailand is a major destination for foreign tourists and long-stay visitors, so a departure levy would affect travel costs for anyone flying out of the country. The documents give no official estimate of revenue or of the effect on arrivals, leaving the practical impact unquantified.
Key facts
- Thailand's Finance Ministry is considering a tax on leaving the country, according to a draft bill reported by The Nation. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The initial proposed rate is 1,000 baht per departure, about 2,500 rubles or $30. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The rate could rise to as much as 5,000 baht. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The tax would apply both to Thai residents and to foreigners, with several categories of citizens excluded. [ 2 ]
- At the first stage it would be charged only on departures by air. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Payment would be made before leaving Thailand, reportedly at the same time as buying an air ticket. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The draft is in public consultation until October 29. [ 1 , 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Whether the tax would later be extended to land and sea departures. Interfax, citing The Nation, says the plan is to extend the measure to land and sea trips abroad later, while Meduza says no fee is envisaged for those leaving by land or sea.
- What the maximum rate of 5,000 baht would depend on. Meduza reports the maximum figure but says it is not specified what it would depend on.
- Which categories of citizens would be exempt. Interfax says several categories are excepted but does not list them.
- Whether the tax will be introduced at all. The documents describe a draft bill under public consultation, not an adopted measure.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- RIA Novosti reports that Thailand is discussing an exit tax. [ 1 ]
- Interfax reports the Finance Ministry is considering a departure tax, citing a draft bill reported by The Nation. [ 2 ]
- Meduza reports the Finance Ministry has put a 1,000-baht exit fee for air departures out for public consultation. [ 3 ]