Thailand will officially apply tourist tax to international visitors from June 1 this year.
Specifically, visitors arriving by air will pay 300 Baht (about 9 USD), and this tax is included in the air ticket. Those who arrive by water transportation or land will pay 150 Baht (4 USD). In particular, the year-round tax is only applied to visitors staying overnight in Thailand, except for children under two years old or those with diplomatic passports or work permits.
The tourist tax was proposed by the National Tourism Policy Committee and considered before the pandemic’s outbreak.
According to Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, the tax is allocated to cover the cost of insurance and medical care for international tourists. Besides, it also contributes to the development of the country’s tourism. As estimated, the tourist tax can bring more than 115 million USD to Thailand this year.
Tourism in Thailand has recorded many positive signs of recovery. Therefore, the government expects to welcome 25 million international tourists this year.
Thailand will join other famous tourist attractions implementing visitor entrance fees. Europe plans to launch the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in November 2023. Non-EU visitors need to pay 7 Euros to enter the area. People under 18 and over 70 years old will not have to pay this fee. Venice postponed new tourist entrance fees but will restart this year. Bhutan reopened last year, and it currently requires a daily visa fee of 200 USD.
