Thailand to Reintroduce Tourism Tax for International Travellers

SEAToday.com, Thailand - Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister, Sorawong Thienthong, is proposing to reinstate a tourism tax for international visitors. This move is intended to boost tourism revenue in Thailand, aiming to reach three trillion Baht this year.

"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", Thienthong stated.

The cabinet approved this tax in 2022, but its implementation has been delayed.

Under the proposed plan, foreign tourists arriving by air would pay 300 Baht (approximately 138,000 rupiah), while those arriving by sea or land would pay 150 Baht (approximately 69,000 rupiah).

However, the minister noted that more time is needed to evaluate the system's readiness, making it uncertain whether the tax collection will begin in the fourth quarter of this year. The ministry is working to finalize the collection process in a way that avoids negatively impacting tourism sentiment.