Thailand To Impose 300-Baht Tourism Fee On All Foreign Visitors

According to certain media reports, all international tourists arriving in Thailand in the coming months would be required to pay a tourism fee of 300 Baht ($8 or ₹650).

The Tourims Fee is likely to be imposed without exceptions by the Thai government since it would act as insurance coverage of up to 500,000 baht per person, including for accidents and natural disasters.

It is worth noting that the implementation of ‘Tourism Fee’ has been continually postponed since it was announced early last year, and it is unclear when the collection would begin.

According to prior reports, the ‘Tourism Fee’ for international travellers would increase by 200 Baht in 2022, although there is currently no clarity on this.

Tourism Fee On Foreign Visitors

The fee collecting method and system for air arrivals, according to Mongkon Wimonrat, assistant permanent secretary at the Tourism and Sports Ministry, is now ready to commence.

The Tourist Entry Fee will be added to air ticket fares, while the method of collections from the entry of tourists who enters by land has yet to be determined.

The government of Thailand is expected to begin fee collecting once a workable collection method for all entrance points has been finalized.

Notably, the Diplomats and expatriates in Thailand are likely to be exempt from paying the tourism fee.

However, there have been calls for more groups to be exempted, Mongkon said it cannot be implemented as airline ticketing systems have to embed the fee, and airfares only recognise passenger information listed in passports.

As a result, he stated that the fee collection will apply to all non-Thai nationals, regardless of nationality or visa status.

Insurance Coverage For Travellers

“The 300 baht fee will guarantee insurance coverage during foreigners’ stay in Thailand for up to 30 days,” said Mongkon.

According to the government, coverage for travellers involved in an accident, riot, terrorism attack, natural disaster, or other occurrence is limited to a maximum of 500,000 baht, while coverage for any damage caused by mental distress is limited to 20,000 baht.

The insurance pays out 1 million baht per person in the case of death, with crematory expenses covered up to 150,000 baht per individual. According to the government, Covid-19 and other forms of illnesses are not covered.

“The government has to reconsider the timeline to start this programme,” said Mr Mongkon. “Some countries have not fully reopened, so we might have to wait for a more appropriate time to launch.”

(With Inputs From Bangkok Post)