Thailand’s new tourism minister has confirmed plans to introduce a Thailand visitor tax of 300 baht within his four-month term. The policy, debated for years, aims to secure long-term funding for insurance and infrastructure.
Why the Thailand Visitor Tax Matters
Tourism and Sports Minister Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn explained that the tax will cover visitor insurance and improve tourism facilities. He said the ministry must communicate clearly with travelers about the benefits, as concerns about extra costs have surfaced in online discussions.
A Policy Years in the Making
The Thailand visitor tax was first proposed in 2020 and approved by the Thai cabinet in February 2023. The collection has been postponed by four successive ministers due to concerns about its impact on visitor sentiment. Rates are set at 300 baht for air arrivals and 150 baht for land or sea entries.
Boosting Tourism Spending
Artthakorn said new campaigns are planned to drive arrivals and spending in the final quarter of the year. He also outlined plans to reallocate leftover funds from a 1.76-billion-baht domestic travel subsidy. Safety and restoring arrivals toward the pre-pandemic peak of nearly 40 million remain government priorities.
Current Tourism Outlook
Thailand expects about 33.4 million foreign arrivals in 2025, down from 35.5 million last year. The minister has set new near-term targets but has not yet disclosed them.
What Travellers Should Expect
If introduced, the Thailand visitor tax would align Thailand with other countries that charge entry fees to support tourism services. Officials hope that by showing how the funds directly benefit travellers, the policy will gain acceptance.
FAQ: Thailand Visitor Tax
Who will need to pay the Thailand visitor tax?
All foreign travelers entering Thailand will be required to pay the tax. Thai citizens will not be charged.
How much is the Thailand visitor tax?
The fee is set at 300 baht per person for air arrivals. For land and sea entries, the fee is 150 baht per person.
When will the Thailand visitor tax start?
The minister has said he intends to implement the tax within his four-month term. No official start date has been confirmed yet.
What will the funds be used for?
Revenue will go toward visitor insurance coverage and tourism infrastructure projects.
Why has the Thailand visitor tax been delayed?
Although approved in 2023, implementation has been postponed due to concerns about its impact on tourism sentiment and arrivals.
Will this affect flight tickets or entry procedures?
Details on the collection are still being finalised. In other countries, similar fees are often included in ticket prices. Thailand has not confirmed the method yet.
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