Clarifying departure levy scuttlebutt

Travellers walk along the departures hall of Suvarnabhumi airport. Mr Charoen believes a 1,000-baht departure tax is too expensive amid current economic conditions. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)

As the general election draws near, implementing collection of a new tax is an extremely sensitive issue and almost unheard of as a political tactic.

Given this backdrop, the Revenue Department sidestepped concerns last week that it is considering a new departure tax on outbound travellers, based on a 40-year-old "emergency decree".