In Thailand, it is proposed to introduce a fee for leaving the country by plane

The Ministry of Finance of Thailand has put forward a bill for public discussion on introducing a fee for leaving the country by air. This was reported by the Thai newspaper The Nation, citing the text of the document.

The payment amount at the initial stage will be 1000 baht (about 30 US dollars) with the possibility of subsequent increase to 5000 baht. The requirement is planned to be extended to all departing passengers, including foreign tourists. The measure will not apply to travelers leaving the kingdom by sea or land.

The fee must be paid before departure. It is assumed that airlines or ticket agents will include the amount directly in the cost of air tickets. In case of non-payment, a fine is provided in the amount of twice the fee, as well as a penalty of 1.5% for each month of delay. At the same time, the norm will not affect children under two years old, members of the royal family, heads of foreign states, official delegations, crews of aircraft, and transit passengers who do not leave the transit zones of airports.

According to the statement of the Ministry of Finance of Thailand, the project is aimed at optimizing the use of state resources and increasing the flexibility of response to emergency situations. Public discussion of the initiative started on September 30 and will last until October 29. If the bill is adopted, the law will come into force 180 days after publication in the official government gazette.