Thailand is poised to implement a standardized 450-baht tourist entry fee for all visitors, regardless of their mode of arrival, following a national committee’s endorsement of a revised tourism levy. This proposed fee, which has cleared its initial hurdle and is now open for public consultation, would supersede a previous plan that differentiated charges based on entry point.
The earlier proposal stipulated a 300-baht fee for air arrivals and 150 baht for those entering by land or sea. The new, unified rate aims for simplicity and broader revenue generation for the tourism sector.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, who presided over the committee meeting, confirmed that the draft principles and the notification detailing the collection mechanism have been approved. A 30-day public hearing will commence, after which the proposal will be revisited by the committee and, if successful, will proceed to Cabinet for final approval. It was emphasized that no decisions are yet finalized.
Even with eventual approval, the collection of the fee is not anticipated to commence until the first quarter of 2027, with April being a potential starting month.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul explained that the revenue generated from the entry fee is intended to fund crucial tourism infrastructure and enhance safety standards. This, he stated, will support the sector’s growth without placing an undue burden on the state budget. The 450-baht figure was derived from an economic model, with some studies suggesting a base rate exceeding 490 baht.
The implementation of the levy is planned in two phases. Phase 1 will apply to air travel, commencing 180 days after the official notification is published in the Royal Gazette. Phase 2, covering land and sea entries, will follow approximately 360 days later. This staggered approach for land and sea travel is designed to mitigate potential congestion, particularly at border crossings such as the one with Malaysia.
Furthermore, officials are considering a flexible, multiple-entry option linked to insurance policies for frequent travelers. The concept is that individuals with a one-month insurance policy might be permitted multiple entries and exits within that period without incurring additional fees.
Authorities are prioritizing a convenient payment process for tourists. Potential methods under consideration include integrating the fee into airline ticket prices, online payment via an official website, a dedicated mobile application, self-service kiosks at entry points, or other mechanisms approved by the tourism fund committee.
The collected revenue will be channeled into a tourism development fund. The primary objectives for this fund include providing insurance coverage for visitors, encompassing health and safety protections, upgrading existing tourist attractions, developing new experiences, and supporting research and training initiatives for tourism personnel.