Thai Outbound Tourism Growth Slows Amid Rising Costs

According to a report by the Kasikorn Research Center, the Thai outbound tourism market is experiencing a notable deceleration in 2026. The number of Thai travelers heading abroad is projected to reach 13.45 million, representing a growth of only 3%. This is a significant decline compared to the 12% growth observed in 2025. Analysts attribute this trend to weakened purchasing power resulting from current economic conditions, compounded by rising travel costs. These expenses include higher airfares, increased tourism fees, and elevated costs at destination countries. Consequently, certain demographics, particularly middle-income earners and corporate incentive travel groups, are reducing the frequency of their trips. A major factor impacting travel budgets is the accumulation of taxes and fees, which now account for approximately 3.5% to 9.5% of total trip costs per person. These charges are collected through various channels, including departure taxes, electronic entry authorizations, and local accommodation or environmental levies. For travelers and residents, this shift suggests that international travel is becoming increasingly expensive, potentially leading to more domestic travel or shorter, more budget-conscious trips. While the research highlights these economic pressures, the long-term impact on specific travel destinations and the potential for policy adjustments regarding these fees remain to be confirmed.