รัฐจ่อฟื้นเก็บ ‘ภาษีเดินทางต่างประเทศ’ ในรอบกว่า 30 ปี กระทบท่องเที่ยวแค่ไหน | THE STANDARD WEALTH

The Thai government is considering reinstating a departure tax for Thais traveling abroad, a measure that was exempted in 1992. This proposed tax, outlined in the Medium-Term Fiscal Plan for 2027-2030, aims to generate an estimated 12 billion baht starting in fiscal year 2027, based on a law from 2017. The tax would apply to Thai nationals and foreigners residing in Thailand who travel outside the kingdom, with exceptions for those traveling for official duties. The Ministry of Finance has the authority to set tax rates through ministerial regulations, with a current proposed limit of 5,000 baht per instance. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, through the Thai Tourism Service Association (ATTA), initiated the concept of this travel tax, drawing insights from research and consulting the Ministry of Finance. While the Ministry of Finance confirmed the concept, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Surasak Panjaroenworakul, clarified that this is not a Ministry of Finance initiative and that the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has no direct affiliation, beyond the legal framework. The primary objective behind the tax is to generate income to support the tourism sector, similar to the "We Travel Together" project, aiming to stimulate the economy without incurring further government debt. Funds collected are intended to support tourism expenses in both major and smaller cities. However, economists and industry stakeholders have raised concerns about the timing and potential impact of this tax. Amidst global economic uncertainties, including protracted wars in the Middle East that have increased energy costs and airfares, reconsidering the enforcement timing is crucial. Ms. Kaewarin Wangpichayasuk from Kasikorn Research Center suggests that the government might need to delay or implement a tiered tax system. There are also worries that the tax will increase operational costs for businesses and potentially affect tourist spending habits, with travelers possibly reallocating budgets by reducing expenses like shopping. The sentiment is that imposing additional financial burdens on citizens already facing economic difficulties might be ill-timed. The Thai Tourism Business Association (ATTA) has presented three key proposals to the government. Firstly, they advocate for continued support for the "We Travel Together" or similar domestic tourism stimulus projects, suggesting the budget for these initiatives could be supplemented by the proposed exit tax revenue. They believe extending such programs is vital for boosting domestic travel and the broader economy, especially given the current cost of living. Secondly, ATTA proposes the implementation of a "Thai People Travel Within Thailand" campaign, potentially involving vouchers for inter-provincial travel, to encourage domestic tourism. This initiative would aim to stimulate local economies and provide financial support to citizens. Thirdly, ATTA strongly advises against implementing the outbound travel tax at this juncture. They argue that the timing is inappropriate, especially considering the recent increase in airport Passenger Service Charges and the ongoing recovery of the tourism sector post-COVID-19. ATTA believes that imposing an additional tax on Thai travelers, particularly for short-haul trips to neighboring ASEAN countries, could make Thailand less competitive and deter outbound tourism. They emphasize that travel is increasingly viewed as an investment in human capital development and global exposure, and that restricting such opportunities could be detrimental. ATTA also highlighted the importance of balancing inbound and outbound tourism markets. They noted the significant recovery of the Chinese tourism market to Thailand, which has helped offset losses from other regions. However, they stressed that disruptions like the Middle East conflict and rising airfares could negatively impact the overall tourism landscape. A balanced flow of tourists, both inbound and outbound, is seen as crucial for the stability and growth of the regional tourism economy. The government has acknowledged these concerns and stated that the Ministry of Tourism and Sports is reviewing the proposals. The Treasury Department is conducting further studies on the feasibility and implications of the departure tax. While the exact timeline for implementation remains uncertain, the government is reportedly taking a cautious approach, considering feedback from industry stakeholders and the broader economic context. The focus is on finding measures that can effectively stimulate the economy and support the tourism sector without placing undue burdens on citizens.