Baht-ing the bullet: Thailand to cash in on tourists with fee
Thailand is gearing up to introduce a 300 baht tourism fee for all foreign visitors starting in 2025, just in time for the bustling peak travel season.
The news comes courtesy of Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, who shared that the levy is designed to ease the financial burden currently shouldered by the government to assist tourists in emergencies and mishaps.
Some of the proceeds from this new charge will be channelled into a mandatory travel insurance scheme designed to safeguard visitors, although details remain as elusive as a sunbathing lizard in the Thai jungle.
Sorawong also divulged that a portion of the funds would bolster tourism development across various provinces. With the clock ticking towards an official announcement expected by March 2025, the government is hard at work on plans to get the wheels in motion.
“The tourist fee may not be a large amount that would put tourists off, but if collection is complicated, it will be inconvenient. Our aim is to make the process as smooth as possible.”
Initial projections suggest that the machinery of this new regulation will take five to six months to swing into full gear. It seems the fee collection might start in late 2025, aligning perfectly with Thailand’s high tourist season, timing that’s as exquisite as a beachfront sunset.
This fee will hit all foreign visitors in the wallet whether they touch down by air, land, or sea, reported Pattaya News.
The concept has been mulled over for years, dancing in and out of discussions like an undecided holidaymaker.
Yet, despite fresh statements, it’s not quite set in stone, leaving travellers and industry insiders alike holding their breath for the final word.
Meanwhile, the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), announced that this year, the country’s strategy to attract global tourists to Thailand will focus on emphasising Thai pride through Thai Charm or soft power.
Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool added that this will be coupled with promoting Must-Visit Cities to create valuable experiences that stimulate travel demand, expand market bases, and increase travel frequency and distribution across various provinces in Thailand.
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