Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the government will assess the economic outlook and higher energy prices before deciding on the tax. He also said the government wants to sustain the tourism recovery and keep its momentum despite rising fuel costs.

A draft bill suggests a 1,000‑baht (about $30) departure tax for every traveler leaving Thailand. The tax could raise costs for the public, airlines and foreign tourists.

Thailand welcomed over 32 million tourists last year and had 24.4 million foreign arrivals from January to October, a 4.12% drop and below the 33 million target. By delaying the tax, the government hopes to protect tourism growth.