BANGKOK, THAILAND – Tourism Minister Surasak proposed an exit fee for Thai nationals to boost domestic travel and ease pressure on the state budget.
1000 Baht per Exit
The minister outlined a plan requiring every Thai citizen flying abroad to pay a 1000 Baht fee, approximately 26 euros. The charge appears modest, but the arithmetic yields substantial returns.
Around ten million Thais travel overseas each year. That would generate 10 billion Baht annually, equivalent to nearly 260 million euros.
Money for the Homeland
The revenue would be channeled directly into domestic tourism. Travelers vacationing within Thailand might receive 1000 Baht per trip, creating a self-sustaining cycle.
The minister promised the program would make the tourism sector independent of annual state budgets, ensuring stable long-term planning.
Old Idea, New Attempt
The ministry revived past successful initiatives, including the popular “Wir reisen gemeinsam” (We Travel Together) program, under which the state previously covered part of travel costs.
Other measures under discussion include bus tours, tax breaks, and subsidies for trips to smaller cities, all aimed at encouraging Thais to explore their own country.
Crisis Forces Action
The push stems from a sharp decline in international tourist arrivals. Wars and crises in the Middle East have deterred foreign visitors, severely impacting Thailand’s tourism industry.
Now Thais are expected to fill the gap. The exit fee makes foreign travel more expensive while domestic holidays become the cheaper alternative.
Minister Defends the Fee
“This kind of program will help strengthen the long-term sustainability of Thailand’s tourism sector without relying on annual state budgets.”
said Surasak, Tourism Minister.
His ministry is currently working on implementation details. The exact launch date remains undecided, but the goal is clear: keep Thai spending within the country.
Is the State Allowed to Do That?
An exit fee raises concerns about government overreach. Critics ask whether every Thai who wants to travel abroad should be penalized. In a globalized world, mobility is seen as a freedom.
The article invites readers to weigh in: Is the fee fair to rescue domestic tourism, or will it burden those who can least afford expensive foreign trips? The debate is open.