Ayutthaya, served as the capital of the Kingdom of Siam from 1351 until it was destroyed by Burmese forces in 1767 (Floyd Cowan Photo)

(Bangkok, October 8, 2026) Thailand's Finance Ministry is considering a departure tax of THB1,000 (S38.00 US $30.00) for every person leaving the country by air, regardless of nationality, under draft legislation that is now open to public comment. The Revenue Department's consultation on the proposed Departure Tax Act runs from September 30 to October 29, 2026. 

Is the Thai government getting greedy after the success of the The Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa? As reported by Newsfile Corp. - October 5, 2026: “The Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa has attracted 12,010 high-potential foreigners to Thailand in four years, generating approximately USD 1.28 billion (THB 43 billion) in economic value, according to the Board of Investment (BOI). The visa is a key mechanism for attracting executives and highly skilled personnel for future industries while increasing purchasing power and stimulating domestic spending and economic activity. A new online system now links services from four government agencies in an integrated process.”

Ayutthaya, (Floyd Cowan Photo)

While the proposed new tax would also affect Thai citizens, it may not apply to certain exempt categories. The current proposal reportedly includes an exemption for diplomats, although it is not clear whether other government personnel would qualify for exemption.

This move could well backfire on them. Some people will just include it in the cost of their travel but others will view Thailand as a more expensive destination – which they are already beginning to do. Thailand has been leaking international tourists while Japan and Vietnam have seen growing numbers. With Japan’s weakened yen the exchange rate has made it an economical country to visit that was once beyond many traveller’s budget. 

Sapa Vietnam (Floyd Cowan Photo)

Japan recorded a record 42.68 million international visitors in 2025. [tripdataset.com].  Even with the slight decline in 2026, visitor numbers remain well above Japan's pre-pandemic peak of 31.88 million visitors in 2019.

Vietnam has long been considered a budget distention but with continued facility and infrastructure improvements, and more destinations and attractions to visit, it is becoming very attractive to visitors. According to Vietnam Tourism, Vietnam welcomed 17.68 million international visitors in the first nine months of 2026, up 14.5% compared with the same period in 2025.

Over the same period Thailand received approximately 20.94 million international visitors between January and August 2026, down about 3.1% from the same period in 2025. [travelmarketnews.com], [portail-asie.com]

Vietnam (Floyd Cowan Photo)

World-leading travel app Skyscanner today officially launched its Travel Trends 2027 report revealing seven key trends influencing traveller behaviour and empowering them to ensure that their Travel is Better Spent in 2027. This was launched alongside a list of next year’s top trending and best value destinations, and key shifts in the travel industry expected in the coming year. Being wise about how you spend your money was amongst the trends it foresees. 

“Currency Chasers – Savvy spenders can make their money go further in 2027 by actively matching destinations to take advantage of positive foreign exchange rates. Nearly half (44%) of travellers, including 55% of Gen Z and 49% of Millennials, have switched destinations to take advantage of better exchange rates, directly influencing destination choices.”

Tourism has long been important to the Thai economy. Why is the country proposing this tax that could further dissuade visitors?

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