DEPUTY Prime Minister/Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said today (Oct. 22) it is inappropriate to introduce a 1,000-baht departure tax at this juncture as last week’s 2026 IMF-World Bank annual meetings had helped enhance the country’s image and showed a clear interest from many nations in returning to Thailand, PPTVHD36 said.
Moreover, feedback from Apec meetings also indicated a strong desire among various parties to visit Thailand, suggesting that the tourism sector could see a significant boost in this year’s fourth quarter.
The government intends to sustain this positive momentum, ensuring that tourism continues to serve as a key driver for the Thai economy, especially at a time when the aviation and tourism sectors may face challenges from rising energy costs, Ekniti said.
Imposing an additional departure tax at this juncture would only increase the burden on the public and airline operators. It could also negatively affect international visitors, who would be required to pay this tax upon their departure from Thailand; it is therefore inappropriate to add further financial strain at this time.
Regarding the 450-baht tourist entry fee, Ekniti clarified that this falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and is separate from the tax collection plans of the Revenue Department and is not included in the scope of the current decision to defer such measures.
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Top and Front Page: A packed Thai airport. Photo – PPTVHD36
Insert: Deputy Prime Minister/Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas. Photo – PPTVHD36
Earlier report:
Minister backs 450-baht tourist entry fee
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