Thailand delays the 1,000 baht exit tax: what it means for travelers

The authorities of Thailand have again postponed the introduction of a 1,000 baht exit tax. This was reported on October 23, 2026 by the agency Interfax, citing a statement by the country's finance minister. Here is what exactly was postponed, what stays in force and how it affects the price of a trip.

What happened

The exit tax was meant to be introduced for all air passengers, with a base rate under discussion of 1,000 baht. The introduction was postponed because of resistance from the association of Thai travel agencies. The finance minister also cited rising energy prices and airlines' operating costs.

For comparison, the figures the agency gives: by the association's estimate, the tax could reduce Thailand's annual tourism income by 50-150 billion baht. By the Finance Ministry's calculations, the tax itself would bring the country about 1.36 billion dollars a year.

What stays in force

The exit tax and the tourist fee are different things. The 450 baht tourist fee for foreign guests, planned to be collected on entry, has not been removed from the agenda. It is handled by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. We covered it in Thailand tourist fee of 450 baht from 2027.

As Interfax writes, tour operators stress that the effect of the fee on a traveler depends on the collection mechanism. The most convenient option is if the fee is included in the price of the air ticket.

What to do if you are planning a trip

1. Do not expect the postponement to last forever. The question is under discussion, and the tax may return to the agenda. If it matters to fix the price, check the terms of your tour and ticket.
2. Ask the tour operator whether future charges are included in the price.
3. Watch ticket prices in the HotTrip flight search, which shows the cheapest dates, and read the low-fare calendar for how to find them. You can buy through Aviasales.
4. Check entry rules for your own citizenship before you fly.

Frequently asked questions

Has the exit tax in Thailand been cancelled?

No, it has been postponed. The authorities of Thailand again moved the introduction of the 1,000 baht tax, and there is no final decision to cancel it.

Do I need to pay the 450 baht tourist fee?

According to Interfax, the fee for foreigners entering has not been removed from the agenda, and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports is handling it. The source does not report a launch date, so check with your tour operator.

How will the tax affect the price of a ticket?

While there is no tax, the ticket price does not depend on it. If a fee is introduced, it could be included in the ticket price or collected separately. The mechanism has not been decided.

Cover: photo by Shamsuddin Habib on Pexels