Gov't reconiders departure tax

[reader]

From The Nation

The Revenue Department is conducting a public hearing on the Royal Decree to evaluate the efficiency of the 1983 Overseas Travel Tax.

The public hearing kicked off on Wednesday and will wrap up on May 17, the department said on Friday.

The decree mandates that all travellers, including Thai nationals and foreign expats, pay a tax every time they leave the country. Those travelling by air will be subject to a 1,000 baht tax, while those travelling by sea or land will be subject to 500 baht.

The department said this decree had been issued to prevent an excessive outflow of Thai currency, preserve the country’s balance of payment and increase state revenue.

The tax does not apply to transport and logistics operators, flight crew, holders of border passes, monks and religious pilgrims, consular and embassy officials and their families, workers with tax exemption permits issued by the Labour Ministry, and transit passengers who spend no more than 48 hours in the country.

Violators can face up to three months in prison and/or 6,000 baht in fines.

[vinapu]

500 on arrival then 1000 on departure, that's equivalent of one short time tip. Aren't they too greedy ?

[alvnv]

2 hours ago, vinapu said:

500 on arrival then 1000 on departure, that's equivalent of one short time tip. Aren't they too greedy ?

Maybe they should throw one ST in at the departure with a “customs/border agent” of your choose 😜

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, alvnv said:

Maybe they should throw one ST in at the departure with a “customs/border agent” of your choose 😜

I'd go for it, when returning from Laos last Nov border agent stamping me into Thailand was extremely  hunky and could give Jupiter, Tawan or Moonlight boys run for their money

[reader]

From National News Bureau of Thailand

Revenue Dept Dismisses Rumors of Departure Tax Reintroduction

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Revenue Department has dismissed rumors circulating on social media that it is planning to reintroduce a departure tax for Thais and foreign residents leaving the country.

The tax, initially imposed in 1983, was scrapped in 1991. However, the constitution requires the department to assess the suitability of old executive decrees, including the departure tax.

According to Winit Wisetsuwannaphum, the department’s deputy director-general, the government has no intention of reinstating the tax. He noted that the department conducted a survey on the tax from May 3-17 on its website, www.rd.go.th, to comply with constitutional requirements.

However, some members of the public saw the survey and became extremely concerned, thinking that the tax was making a comeback.

Winit also revealed that the department would conduct similar surveys on inheritance and petroleum income taxes by the end of next year. The purpose of the surveys is to assess public opinion on executive decrees scrapped by past administrations.

[Riobard]

On 5/6/2023 at 10:41 AM, alvnv said:

Maybe they should throw one ST in at the departure with a “customs/border agent” of your choose 😜

500 ST like the Polynesian lei idea; 1,000 LT turning the lei over. Wreath for the stars but try not missing your flight.