Thailand: Pay €26 Just to Leave? The Debate

Paying to enter a country is becoming common. But paying to leave? That's the idea Thailand has been debating since early October 2026: a 1,000-baht (about €26) departure tax on every international flight. The government put it on hold on 22 October, but the file isn't closed. Here's what you need to know.

What the proposal says

• Amount: 1,000 baht per international air departure, about €26.
• Who pays: all travellers, foreign tourists and Thai nationals, with some exemptions.
• Ceiling: the draft law allows up to 5,000 baht per departure.
• Expected revenue: around 45.9 billion baht.
• Public consultation: run by the Revenue Department until 29 October 2026.

There's also a separate plan: a 450-baht entry fee for foreign visitors, already approved in principle by the government but not yet in force.

Why it's on hold

On 22 October, the Finance Minister said the government does not plan to apply it for now. No start date has been announced. The reasons given:

• protecting tourism during the final quarter, the high season;
• rising energy prices and airline operating costs.

But "on hold" doesn't mean "dropped". The government could bring it back later.

✅ For / ❌ Against

✅ Arguments FOR

• Significant revenue for the state, estimated at nearly 46 billion baht.
• According to the Tourism Minister, the money would fund domestic tourism programmes without drawing on the state budget.
• It would apply to everyone, Thais included, not just foreigners.

❌ Arguments AGAINST

• Paying twice: the Tourism Minister himself, who says he wasn't consulted, believes charging tourists on arrival AND departure would cause confusion and hurt the country's image. He suggests choosing one or the other.
• Families and small budgets hit hardest: the Thai travel agents association (ATTA) points out that a flat fee weighs more on families, students and budget travellers.
• Fewer flights: higher fares could reduce demand and push airlines to cut some routes.
• Tourists going elsewhere: the industry fears travellers will pick other Asian countries. ATTA mentions possible losses of 50 to 150 billion baht a year, projections, not confirmed figures.

What it means for you

• Right now: nothing. The tax isn't in force and no date has been set. Your trip this winter isn't affected so far.
• Keep an eye on the news if you're travelling in 2027: both the departure tax and the 450-baht entry fee could come back.
• Stay flexible: with rules changing, a cancellable hotel booking gives you room to adjust. And as long as you can cancel, re-check your hotel price before you leave with Prixofy: if it has dropped, you can take advantage.
• Stay connected from landing: an eSIM saves you hunting for a SIM card at the airport. We compare the two best-known ones in our article Airalo or Saily.
• Prepare the rest of your trip: visa, TDAC arrival card, cash… it's all in our article on Thailand's new entry rules.

Key takeaways

• Proposed departure tax: 1,000 baht (≈ €26) per international flight, for everyone.
• Put on hold on 22 October 2026, no start date, but not scrapped.
• A 450-baht entry fee is also in the pipeline.
• Today, nothing changes for your trip.

Plan your trip to Thailand

Tax or no tax, Thailand remains one of the favourite destinations for French travellers. To organise your stay:

• Activities, tours and transport: Bangkok's temples, islands, floating markets, trains and transfers… See deals in Thailand on Klook →↗
• Internet from arrival: See Airalo eSIM plans →↗ or See Saily eSIM plans →↗

What do you think?

€26 is small next to a Paris–Bangkok ticket… or is it one tax too many? Would an entry fee plus an exit fee make you choose another destination?

Sources

• Toute la Thaïlande, 23/10/2026: https://toutelathailande.fr/thailande-reporte-projet-taxe-depart-1000-bahts/
• Toute la Thaïlande, 09/10/2026 (updated 23/10/2026): https://toutelathailande.fr/thailande-divisee-sur-taxe-depart-1-000-bahts-pour-touristes/
• The Star / The Nation, 07/10/2026: https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2026/10/07/thailand-weighs-thb1000-departure-tax-for-travellers-of-all-nationalities
• The Star, 08/10/2026: https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2026/10/08/thai-revenue-dept-to-hold-public-hearing-on-1000-baht-departure-tax-until-oct-29