Thailand’s long-planned tourism tax may begin with air passengers as the government prepares for its phased rollout. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has announced that the collection of the 300-baht fee could start within six months of cabinet approval, anticipated in January 2024. The project, initially approved in February 2023 under the previous administration, now requires re-endorsement from the new government following recent elections.
The first phase of the plan will target air passengers, who make up 70% of foreign arrivals, according to the ministry. The collection system, powered by Krungthai Bank, will allow tourists to pay the fee via a website or app. This process is modeled on South Korea’s K-ETA registration system, which mandates foreign visitors to register and pay online before entering the country. The ministry aims to complete preparations within six months after receiving approval.
Once the system is fully operational, the second phase will extend to overland travelers, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. The ministry is also considering making the fee uniform across all points of entry, after initial plans set a lower fee for land and sea arrivals.
The 300-baht fee will include a 60-baht insurance premium for tourists, providing accident-related coverage during their stay. The insurance plan will offer compensation of up to 1 million baht for accidental death and 500,000 baht for injury, with coverage lasting 30 days. Tourists typically stay no longer than one month, which aligns with the insurance duration, according to the ministry.
Sorawong mentioned that people frequently crossing borders for trade purposes would be exempt from the levy by using a border pass. The ministry is expected to begin procurement for software developers and insurance companies to support the system once the project is greenlit.
Key officials, including Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, have emphasized the importance of this initiative to ensure safety and support services for Thailand’s tourists.
