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Thailand will introduce a 300-baht tourism tax for foreign visitors by the end of the year. The fee, integrated with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), will provide insurance coverage for travellers. Find out how it affects tourists and why it was delayed.
Get ready, globetrotters! Thailand is set to implement its long-awaited tourism tax by the end of this year. This new fee will impact all foreign visitors, so here’s a breakdown of what you need to know before you book your next Thai adventure.
Thailand’s 300-Baht Tourism Tax: Coming Soon
Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister, Sorawong Thienthong, recently announced that the 300-baht tourism tax for international visitors is slated to take effect by the end of 2025. This tax is designed to enhance tourist experiences and provide essential insurance coverage.
Tourism Tax to be Integrated with Thailand Digital Arrival Card
To streamline tax collection, the Ministry of Tourism is working on integrating the system with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which is scheduled to launch on May 1. This integration aims to make the process more efficient and convenient for travellers.
Who Needs to Pay the Tourism Tax?
• Foreign tourists arriving by air will be required to pay THB 300 per trip.
• Those entering by land or water will also be charged THB 300, but they will be allowed multiple entries within a 30- to 60-day period.
• The tax applies to all foreign visitors using a passport.
What is the Tourism Tax?
The tourism tax is a levy imposed on international visitors to support the country’s tourism sector. Revenue from the tax will contribute to infrastructure improvements, tourist attractions, and insurance coverage for travelers.
Why Was the Tourism Tax Delayed?
The 300-baht tourism tax has faced several delays. Initially proposed, it was later shelved by the previous government under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The focus then was on boosting tourism revenue to at least 3 trillion baht annually.
The delay was also influenced by concerns over implementation logistics and ensuring a smooth collection process. The current administration, however, has revived the plan, aiming to balance revenue generation with enhanced tourist services.
How Will the Tourism Tax Affect Travellers?
• Insurance Coverage: A key benefit of the tax is that foreign visitors will have access to life and accident insurance.
• Minimal Financial Impact: Authorities believe the fee is small enough to not deter visitors, especially considering the added insurance benefit.
• Efficient Collection Process: The government is working on ensuring a seamless payment method to avoid inconvenience to tourists.
Global Support for the New Tax
Minister Sorawong mentioned that multiple embassies have shown support for the initiative, particularly because of its insurance benefits. The government remains confident that the tax will not negatively impact tourism numbers.
Final Thoughts
With Thailand targeting a tourism revenue of at least 3 trillion baht per year, the introduction of this tax is seen as a strategic move to enhance tourist services while maintaining the country’s appeal as a top travel destination. More details on the tax implementation and payment process are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/thailand-300-baht-tourism-tax-timeline-fees-impact/
