The government of Thailand is reportedly considering the implementation of a special departure fee for all passengers leaving the country via air transport. The initiative was supposedly put forward for public discussion by the kingdom's Ministry of Finance, sparking fresh concerns among tourism industry stakeholders.

Under the proposed legislation, the fee is purportedly set at 1,000 baht, roughly equivalent to 30 US dollars. The payment is allegedly expected to be made prior to departure, with airlines and travel agencies supposedly incorporating the amount automatically into the final cost of air tickets. Furthermore, claims suggest that the maximum fee could potentially reach up to 5,000 baht, although specific grading criteria remain unspecified. Interestingly, travelers exiting Thailand through land or maritime routes are purportedly exempt from this additional financial charge.

This controversial measure comes on the heels of other restrictive travel policies implemented by the Thai authorities, including the reduction of visa-free stay periods and the introduction of mandatory visa requirements for various foreign nationals. The visa application process itself has allegedly proven to be burdensome, requiring applicants to navigate complex online systems and bureaucratic hurdles without straightforward direct payment mechanisms.

Industry experts remain skeptical regarding the long-term impact of these accumulating fees and regulations. Critics argue that such policies supposedly aim to manage tourist flows but ultimately create unnecessary friction and financial burdens for international travelers.

Source: podrobno.uz