Foreign visitors to Thailand could face 2,570 baht in travel fees

BANGKOK: Thailand is considering a 450-baht foreign tourist fee and a 1,000-baht departure tax, adding to AOT’s 1,120-baht international PSC.

Thailand is moving towards two additional charges on air travel alongside the 1,120-baht international passenger service charge already collected by Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), potentially bringing the combined cost to 2,570 baht (US$76) for eligible foreign travellers subject to all three charges.

The three measures are at different stages. The higher passenger service charge (PSC) is already in effect, while a 450-baht foreign tourist fee and a 1,000-baht departure tax remain proposals.

AOT raised its PSC for departing international passengers from 730 baht to 1,120 baht per person on June 20, 2026. The domestic passenger charge remains 130 baht.

The airport operator said the increase was intended to support improvements in service standards. AOT’s official information confirms the 1,120-baht international rate and its effective date.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is separately advancing a proposal to charge eligible foreign tourists arriving in Thailand by air 450 baht per person.

The draft would initially apply only to qualifying foreign visitors entering by air, with collection from travellers arriving by land or sea postponed for one year.

An online consultation held from Aug 24 to Sept 28 found that 80.5% of participants supported the draft measure, while 78.3% backed the proposed 450-baht rate. The ministry is expected to continue the approval process before the measure can take effect.

Revenue from the fee would be paid into the Tourism Promotion Fund. Part of the proceeds would finance insurance for travellers who pay the charge, including cover for death and medical expenses under the relevant policy conditions, while another portion would support the restoration and sustainable development of tourist destinations.

After collection costs and insurance expenses are deducted, the ministry estimates that at least 8 billion baht could be available for tourism development, conservation and restoration of natural resources and tourism promotion. Officials are also considering how the fund should distribute money among destinations, communities and relevant agencies, as well as rules for public disclosure of spending.

A third measure is a proposed departure tax being considered by the Revenue Department under the Ministry of Finance.

The department opened a public consultation on the principles of the Draft Departure Tax Act from Sept 30 to Oct 29. Unlike the proposed tourist fee, the departure tax would apply to travellers of all nationalities, including Thais and foreigners.

Under the proposal, air travellers would initially be charged 1,000 baht each time they leave Thailand, while the legislation would set a maximum rate of 5,000 baht per departure. Land and sea departures would initially be exempt.

The Finance Ministry asked the Revenue Department to study the tax as part of efforts to make more effective use of fiscal resources and increase flexibility in responding to possible future emergencies.

If both proposed measures ultimately take effect at the stated rates, an eligible foreign air traveller who is subject to all three charges could face a combined 2,570 baht: the 1,120-baht PSC, the 450-baht foreign tourist fee and the 1,000-baht departure tax. - The Nation/ANN