Southeast Asia’s second most visited country delays $30 departure tax to sustain tourism growth
Southeast Asia is worth knowing before you plan the route. Thai diner faces $29,770 lawsuit after calling $7.74 plate of basil rice expensive As Chinese tourists stay away. Japan records first January-September drop in foreign visitors since 2021 Thailand has postponed plans to impose a 1,000-baht (US$30) departure tax on all air travelers to sustain the tourism sector’s growth momentum amid economic uncertainty. Rising energy costs.
Thai diner faces $29,770 lawsuit after calling $7.74 plate of basil rice expensive As Chinese tourists stay away. For travelers, the practical note is how Southeast Asia fits into a realistic Vietnam day.
Planning a trip around Southeast Asia? V-International Tour & Travel can help shape a practical Vietnam itinerary.
Southeast Asia in Practice
Deputy Prime Minister Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said on Thursday that the government would assess the economic outlook. The impact of higher energy prices before deciding whether to proceed with the measure. Khaosod English newspaper reported. The government is seeking to sustain the country’s tourism recovery, particularly as rising fuel costs could put additional pressure on airlines.

How to Place Southeast Asia in Your Route
Key figures include 29,770, 1,000, 4.12%. These numbers show how Southeast Asia is unfolding in practice.
Useful reference points: 29,770, 1,000, 4.12%. Keep these in mind while you plan around southeast asia.
What to Expect on the Ground
The wider tourism industry, Ekniti said. For example, tourists pose for photos at Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok, Thailand. For instance, photo by Reuters The decision comes amid a positive international response to Thailand’s recent hosting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). World Bank annual meetings, Nation Thailand reported.

For deeper insights, explore our related coverage: Southeast Asia’s third richest country allocates $229M to boost tourism growth for next year and Emirates flight from Delhi to Dubai delayed for over 15 hours over bird strike.
Planning Notes
The government expects tourism activity to remain strong in the fourth quarter of 2026. Wants to preserve the sector’s positive momentum. Introducing an additional departure tax at this stage could increase costs for both the public. Airlines, while also placing an extra financial burden on foreign tourists, Ekniti said.

Nearby Ideas
Earlier this month, the Revenue Department invited public feedback on a draft bill proposing a 1,000-baht departure tax per trip for travelers of all nationalities flying out of Thailand. The proposed levy aims to optimize the use of existing government resources, uphold fiscal discipline. Provide greater flexibility in responding to emergencies. However, the proposal has quickly drawn opposition from tourism industry insiders.

For more on Vietnam travel, see also: Southeast Asia’s third richest country allocates $229M to boost tourism growth for next year and Vietnam tours. Official visitor information is available from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.
Conclusion
Southeast Asia is a useful stop when you want quiet roads and time to look around. Keep the day flexible, and leave space for weather and slow meals.

For more information, visit Vietnam Government Portal.
Source: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/travel/southeast-asia-s-second-most-visited-country-delays-30-departure-tax-to-sustain-tourism-growth-5136178.html
What travellers should know
As Chinese tourists stay away, Japan records first January-September drop in foreign visitors since 2021
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said on Thursday that the government would assess the economic outlook and the impact of higher energy prices before deciding whether to proceed with the measure, Khaosod English newspaper reported. The government is seeking to sustain the country’s tourism recovery, particularly as rising fuel costs could put additional pressure on airlines and the wider tourism industry, Ekniti said. Tourists pose for photos at Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo by Reuters The decision comes amid a positive international response to Thailand’s recent hosting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank annual meetings, Nation Thailand reported. The government expects tourism activity to remain strong in the fourth quarter of 2026 and wants to preserve the sector’s positive momentum. Introducing an additional departure tax at this stage could increase costs for both the public and airlines, while also placing an extra financial burden on foreign tourists, Ekniti said. Earlier this month, the Revenue Department invited public feedback on a draft bill proposing a 1,000-baht departure tax per trip for travelers of all nationalities flying out of Thailand. The proposed levy aims to optimize the use of existing government resources, uphold fiscal discipline and provide greater flexibility in responding to emergencies. However, the proposal has quickly drawn opposition from tourism industry insiders. Thailand welcomed over 32 million tourists last year, becoming the second most visted country in Southeast Asia after Malaysia (42 million). It recorded 24.4 million foreign tourist arrivals between Jan.1 and Oct.17, down 4.12% year-on-year, and still far from this year’s target of 33 million tourists. Subsidiary of VnExpress License number: 71/GP-CBC, Ministry of Information and

