Thai Tourist Tax Coming Back Under New Government
In the third announcement about the Thai tourism fee this year so far, the new Thai government has reversed course again and will soon implement a tax on all visitors to Thailand. The previous government under Srettha Thavisin mulled a similar fee earlier in 2024 but shelved the idea after backlash from the private sector.
Recently appointed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s new Tourism Minister, Sorawong Thienthong, however, wasted little time reintroducing the plan after he took office on September 16th.
The tourism fee scheme was approved by the cabinet in 2022 but has not been made official via publication in the Royal Gazette. Under the scheme, visitors entering Thailand will be required to pay a 300-baht tourism tax if they arrive by air, and a 150-baht fee if they arrive by land or sea.
A Familiar Solution to an Ongoing Tourism Problem
Levying a fee on all visitors to Thailand is not a new idea, and was the norm not that many years ago. The fee was scrapped but later reintroduced following the COVID-19 pandemic. As tourism in Thailand began its resurgence, overtourism became a problem.
Thailand did not have the resources to sustainably maintain the influx of tourists, and long airport wait times, environmental damage to tourist attractions, dwindling water supply, and more problems became worse due to over-tourism.
Why Levy a Tourist Fee in Thailand?
The tourist tax was and is intended to provide more resources to the tourism authority to increase capacity and promote “second-tier” cities. These are under-visited destinations in Thailand that could take the load off of the most famous and overcrowded cities such as Phuket and Bangkok.
Speaking on his reasoning for restarting the planned fee scheme, Tourism Minister Sorawong explained, “I believe the collection of the tourism fee benefits the tourism industry since the revenue can be used for the development of infrastructure and attractions, along with ensuring tourist safety.”
Opponents of the tourist tax scheme, who are mostly business representatives, warn that the fee could discourage visitors from coming to Thailand, or at least reduce spending once they are here.
Regardless, Mr. Sorawong has vowed to move ahead with the plan but also stated that the government would assist the private sector with developing second-tier cities and human-made attractions by offering tax incentives.
How the New Thai Tourism Fee Will Work
The plan has changed little since its introduction in 2021. Travelers visiting Thailand will be required to pay 300 baht upon arrival at every international airport. Those arriving by land or sea, however, will only need to pay 150 baht.
The details are yet to be finalized by Thailand’s tourism authority, but it is likely that anyone arriving with a new Thai Tourist Visa, or entering under the visa-exemption or visa on arrival scheme will be required to pay the fee. Residents and those with long-term Thai visas will not be required to pay.
When Will the Thai Tourist Tax Be Implemented?
Minister Sorawong stated that since he still needs more time to study the readiness of the system, the ministry has not yet made a decision on whether to start collection in the final quarter of 2024 or wait until 2025.
He also noted that the ministry needs to look into the details and adjust the collection procedure if needed so that it does not discourage tourism or create a negative sentiment. In the coming months, the Tourism Minister will also be meeting with private sector representatives from the tourism industry to discuss policies, including the tourism tax.
Category: Thailand Visa
