Soon, tourists entering Thailand will have to pay a THB 300 Thailand tourist tax. Here’s everything we know about this new measure: who has to pay, who doesn’t, and other exceptions.
Following in the footsteps of many European countries, Thailand is also planning to collect tourist tax from visitors. The proposal which was put on hold in 2021, despite being approved by the Thai cabinet, was shelved by the previous administration of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. However, Sorawong Thienthong, Thailand’s new tourism minister, is considering reintroducing the initiative. The plan to implement a tax worth THB 300 per tourist is a way to boost tourism revenue in the country, especially after the minister pledged to increase it to at least THB 3 trillion within a year.
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Everything we know about the new THB 300 Thailand tourist tax: Who has to pay and who doesn’t?
Sorawong Thienthong plans to utilise the amount to develop infrastructure and attractions in Thailand, as well as, enhance tourist safety, states a report by VisaGuide. However, the minister has yet to confirm when the tax collection will begin.
How much is the new Thai tourist tax? And who has to pay it?
The fee structure for Thailand’s proposed tourist tax has remained the same since its approval in 2021, which states:
- Air travellers are to pay THB 300
- Travellers by land or sea are to pay THB 150
The structure makes exemptions for certain groups of people, including:
- Children under two years of age
- Transit passengers
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Individuals with work permits
Further, the Tourism Ministry of Thailand is also considering the reinstatement of the “We Travel Together” co-payment scheme for hotel rooms and air tickets, along with other tourism stimulus programs. This comes in a bid to directly benefit local economies in the country. Thailand is not the first country to consider implementing tourist taxes, with France, Spain, Austria, Belgium, and Bhutan among others already imposing similar taxes on tourists.
One of the most popular tourist hubs in Asia, Thailand offers numerous stunning beach destinations, cultural spots, adventure activities and national parks among others. Some of the best places to visit in Thailand include Phuket, Bangkok, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Pattaya, and Phi Phi Islands.
This story first appeared on Travel + Leisure Thailand.
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Esha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked with TravelTriangle and Internet Moguls. When not in work mode, she can be found downing endless cups of coffee while reading Enid Blyton/Sidney Sheldon.
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