Surasakdi Clarifies 1,000 Baht Fee for Thais Traveling Abroad Is Only Under Study

At a Bhumjaithai Party event on April 28, 2025, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasakdi Phanjaroen addressed the concept of collecting a 1,000 baht fee from Thai tourists traveling abroad. He explained this would be a departure tax under a royal decree that existed since 1983 and was previously collected in 1997. Surasakdi clarified that the Finance Ministry is studying this idea, noting his ministry lacks authority to implement such a fee. The Finance Ministry has consulted with the Thai Travel Agents Association (ATTA) and other agencies, raising concerns about how collected funds would be used.

The minister stated the fee would apply only to tourism-related departures, with exemptions for diplomatic visas, work permits, and other visa categories. He emphasized this is still in the information-gathering phase and not finalized. The 1,000 baht figure references a historical rate and represents preliminary consideration. The rationale is to use revenue from outbound travelers to support domestic tourism initiatives.

ATTA and other associations have submitted recommendations aligned with government tourism stimulus plans like "Let's Travel Together" and nationwide tours. However, Surasakdi noted budget constraints remain a challenge. He explained the concept as "collecting from those traveling abroad to help Thais without opportunities for international travel enjoy domestic tourism."

Surasakdi emphasized the fee would not apply to students or workers abroad. The existing royal decree allows for a maximum collection of 5,000 baht. He stressed this remains purely exploratory, with no Cabinet approval date set. The Finance Ministry and government are still gathering feedback on implementation details, including approval, appropriate rate, timing, and eligible exemptions before moving forward.