Thailand proposes departure tax; Maldivian travelers may face higher exit costs if approved

Thailand’s Ministry of Finance has proposed introducing a 1,000-baht departure tax for all passengers leaving the country by air, a measure that, if approved, would increase travel costs for Maldivians who frequently visit Thailand for holidays, shopping and medical treatment.

The draft law, published by the Thai Revenue Department, states that the tax would apply to all departing passengers, regardless of nationality. Public consultation on the proposal will run from September 30 to October 29, according to the department.

The Ministry of Finance said the tax is intended to boost state revenue amid current economic conditions and to strengthen Thailand’s ability to provide financial assistance during emergencies.

Under the draft, authorities would be permitted to levy up to 5,000 baht per trip, though the initial phase sets the charge at 1,000 baht. The tax would apply only to air travel in the first instance and would typically be collected by airlines or ticketing agents as part of the ticket price.

Exemptions include children under two, transit passengers, foreign dignitaries and official government guests.

If approved, the law would take effect 180 days after publication in Thailand’s Royal Gazette. The Revenue Department has clarified that the tax would not apply to tickets purchased before the law comes into force.

Thailand previously imposed a departure tax in 1983, but air travellers have been exempted since 1991. Unlike the earlier law, which applied only to Thai citizens and permanent residents, the new proposal would cover all nationalities.

As the measure remains a draft, no changes have been made at airports, and the public consultation process is still ongoing.