Grasping officials in Thailand are planning a bizarre 'departure tax' to hit locals who leave the country for holidays or work.

Staff at the country's Revenue Department proposed the protectionist idea to stimulate the local economy by trying to stop residents from spending their money abroad.

The controversial tax - said to be aimed at curbing overseas spending to reduce Thailand's trade deficit - is set at 500 ($15) baht for land and sea travel, and 1,000 ($30) baht for air travel.

The Revenue Department has posted an online survey on its website hoping to gauge public sentiment on the proposed levy. Public hearings regarding the decree were scheduled for May 3 to 17.

However, tourists, Thai nationals, and permanent residents from other countries have criticised a bizarre levy.

Amid outrage from tourism-related sectors, Winit Wisetsuwannaphum, deputy director-general of the Revenue Department, said that they had began consultations about the tax, but it had not been rubber-stamped.

He said the departure tax was previously proposed through a 1983 executive decree, but was waived by a ministerial regulation in 1991. The department is now assessing the suitability of the outdated decree, he added.

The Revenue Department is also planning to gather public opinion on inheritance tax and petroleum income tax by 2024.

The departure tax was proposed after Thailand earlier this year began the process of implementing an entry tax on tourists.

Starting June 1, international visitors arriving by air will be hit with with a 300-baht ($9) fee upon arrival, while those entering via land or sea are charged 150 baht ($4).