Thailand to introduce 300-baht tourism tax
Thailand is set to introduce a 300-baht tourism tax for foreign visitors by the end of this year, sparking debate over its potential impact on the travel industry.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong confirmed that the fee is expected to take effect during Thailand’s High Season, provided it is approved and published in the Royal Gazette by March.
The tax will apply to all foreign tourists, with those arriving by air charged 300 baht per person per trip. Visitors entering by land or water will also be charged 300 baht but will be allowed multiple entries within 30 to 60 days. The fee will be integrated with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which is set to launch on May 1.
Sorawong assured that the new system would offer a one-stop service to streamline the process for travellers.
“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.”
The tourism tax is designed to provide life and accident insurance for all foreign visitors using a passport to enter Thailand. This initiative is aimed at enhancing traveller safety and security, which several embassies have reportedly supported. Sorawong expressed confidence that the modest fee would not deter international tourists, highlighting that the revenue would contribute to improving tourism infrastructure and services.
The scheme was previously shelved under former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration to boost tourism revenue, which was expected to reach at least 3 trillion baht annually. However, the current government is moving forward with the plan, seeing it as a sustainable way to support the tourism sector.
Critics have voiced concerns about the potential inconvenience and administrative challenges of the new tax, particularly for repeat visitors entering by land or water. In response, Sorawong emphasised that the government is working on integrating the system seamlessly with the TDAC to minimise disruption, reported The Nation.
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