Thailand may introduce a $30 exit fee: it will be collected from tourists and citizens
The fee is charged only when leaving the country by air transport, and is not collected when leaving by land or sea.
The Thai government is proposing to introduce a new fee for individuals departing the country by plane. Public discussion of the initiative will continue until October 29.
According to the proposed procedure, the exit fee will be one thousand baht, approximately 30 dollars. It will be collected from Thai citizens as well as foreign tourists.
The fee is planned to be collected by airlines or their agents at the time of payment for the air ticket. It is proposed to exempt members of the royal family, the patriarch, heads of foreign states, official guests of the government, and children under two years of age from the fee.
However, this fee will not be collected from those leaving the country by land or sea.
The Ministry of Finance of Thailand estimates that the new fee will help develop domestic tourism and help funds remain in the country's economy. However, the Association of Thai Travel Agents has criticized the initiative.
After the public discussion concludes, if the proposal is adopted as a law, it will enter into force 180 days after its official announcement.
Additionally, Thai officials are also considering the issue of introducing an increased fee of 450 baht (approximately 13.5 dollars) for foreign tourists. This measure is planned to be adopted in 2027.
