Bangkok
Thai authorities are exploring the reintroduction of a 1000 Baht exit fee on Thai nationals traveling abroad, wanting to generate billions of baht annually to subsidize domestic tourism and keep more spending within the country.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul announced that his ministry is in discussions with the Finance Ministry about reviving a long-dormant 1983 Royal Decree on outbound travel taxes. Under the proposal, Thai citizens would pay 1,000 baht per person for each departure from the kingdom.
With approximately 10 million outbound trips by Thais estimated each year, the levy could raise up to 10 billion baht annually. Officials plan to channel these funds into an expanded domestic co-payment tourism scheme, commonly known as “เที่ยวคนละครึ่ง” (Travel Each Half), which would offer around 10 million subsidy entitlements per year to encourage locals to explore and spend within Thailand.
The measure seeks to stimulate the local economy while reducing capital outflows from overseas travel. Surasak noted that a similar fee of around 500 baht had been enforced in the past before being discontinued, but the underlying legal framework remains intact, allowing for relatively swift implementation once approved by the Thai cabinet.
The fee would apply exclusively to Thai nationals, easing concerns from the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) that foreign visitors might face charges on both entry and exit.
In a related development, Thailand is set on proceeding with a 300-baht land entry fee for foreign visitors, separate from the outbound Thai levy. Proceeds from this tourist charge will support the Tourism Development Fund, funding improvements to attractions and providing insurance coverage for international guests. ATTA has expressed no opposition to this plan. However, it continues to face opposition from some tourism associations and there is no firm implementation date.
Surasak voiced confidence that the 1,000-baht exit fee would have minimal impact on outbound travel decisions. He argued that travelers tend to be more sensitive to fluctuations in airfares than to modest fixed charges of this nature and that the fee is a small matter to those who can afford to travel internationally.
The proposal comes as the government pushes broader efforts to promote “Thai travel within Thailand” and wants to balance the promotion of both domestic and international tourism sectors. Details are still under review, with further cabinet discussions expected in the coming weeks.
