The Revenue Department wants to reinstate a departure tax of 1,000 baht per trip, which could rise to a maximum of 5,000 baht. The Thai Travel Agents Association and Thai Hotels Association have petitioned the Finance Minister to withdraw or delay it, arguing it hurts travel demand and that outbound tour operators already pay VAT on services consumed abroad. The Hotels Association says a family of four would pay about 10,280 baht. The proposal is still a draft in a public consultation, so no change is in force yet. Travel agencies and tour operators should watch the outcome, and factor possible higher traveller costs into pricing for groups and family trips.