Proposed Outbound Travel Tax Sparks Tourism Sector Concerns
Thailand's Revenue Department is considering a new 1,000-baht outbound travel tax, prompting analysts to warn of potential short-term impacts on tourism-related stocks.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, the Revenue Department is currently seeking public feedback on a draft proposal to implement an 'Outbound Travel Tax.' The proposal suggests a fee of 1,000 baht per air departure for travelers of all nationalities, with a legal ceiling set at 5,000 baht per trip.
Research analysts at Asia Plus Securities (ASPS) have noted that the proposal has already created short-term pressure on tourism-related stocks due to concerns over rising travel costs. If enacted, the tax would add to the existing 450-baht inbound tourism fee, potentially increasing the total additional cost for international travelers to 1,450 baht per trip.
It is important to note that this policy is currently in the consultation phase, which runs from September 30 to October 29, 2026. Analysts emphasize that the actual impact on businesses remains uncertain, as the implementation depends on the formal passage of the law and subsequent official announcements. Drawing parallels to the inbound tourism fee—which was legislated in 2019 but is not scheduled for implementation until 2027—experts suggest that any potential outbound tax would likely require significant time before becoming enforceable. Travelers and residents should monitor official government channels for updates, as the proposal is not yet law.
