If you’re planning a trip to Thailand soon, be prepared to pay a little extra! A 300-baht (approx. RM39) tourism tax per person will officially kick in for foreign visitors by the end of this year, according to Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong.
According to The Nation, Sorawong shared on Thursday (Feb 27) that the tax scheme is expected to take effect during Thailand’s high season once it gets the green light in the Royal Gazette this March.
How will it work?
The exact details of how the tax will be implemented are still being finalised, but authorities are working on linking it to the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which will be rolled out on May 1.
Under the new scheme, foreign travellers arriving in Thailand by air will have to pay 300 baht per person for each trip.
Those entering via land or water routes, including Malaysians who often travel by car or bus across the border, will also be charged 300 baht, but this fee will allow multiple entries within 30 to 60 days.
With Malaysia being one of Thailand’s top sources of tourists, this new tax is something to take note of, especially for those who frequently cross the border for short trips.
However, Sorawong assured that the tax is unlikely to deter visitors, as it is a small amount compared to overall travel expenses.
He added that several embassies have voiced support for the initiative, noting that the fee will provide life and accident insurance coverage for all foreign visitors entering Thailand with a passport.
Still, the minister acknowledged that a smooth and hassle-free collection process is key to avoiding frustration among travellers.
The fee itself isn’t a big deal, but if the collection process is complicated, that’s where problems start. Our goal is to keep things as smooth as possible,” he said.
A long-delayed plan
The 300-baht tourism tax was initially proposed under the previous government but was put on hold in hopes of boosting annual tourism revenue beyond 3 trillion baht.
Now, the plan is back on track, with officials confident that it will help fund tourism infrastructure while providing added benefits for visitors.
For Malaysians who love their weekend getaways to Thailand, would this affect your travel plans? Tell us in the comment section!
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