Songkhla operators urge delay to 300-baht entry fee

Tourism operators in southern Thailand have urged the government to postpone a proposed 300-baht tourist entry fee, saying it could deter cross-border travel and duplicate insurance already arranged for visitors.

The proposal was discussed at a tourism development meeting in Hat Yai chaired by Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul. Government agencies, private-sector representatives, the Songkhla Chamber of Commerce, tourism associations and hotel operators attended the meeting.

Businesses seek fuller review

Songchai Mungprasitchai, president of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, said tourism businesses wanted the government to delay the charge and carry out a more comprehensive study before proceeding.

He said one concern was that the proposed fee could overlap with travel insurance already supplied by tour operators. The issue is particularly relevant to organised visitors whose travel packages may already include insurance cover.

For foreigners planning trips to Thailand, the calls underline that the 300-baht charge remains under discussion rather than an announced new requirement. Travellers using land borders, especially those making short visits, would be among those most directly affected if it were introduced.

Daily Malaysia border travel is a concern

Mr Songchai said the greatest concern involved the southern border provinces, where large numbers of people travel daily between Thailand and Malaysia for trade, work, dining and short visits.

A fee levied on every traveller could add up for people who cross frequently, including foreign residents and visitors based on either side of the border. It could also affect tourists making brief overland trips rather than longer holidays in Thailand.

The meeting was convened to discuss measures to make border crossings easier and improve safety, alongside wider tourism development issues.

Call for a vehicle-based charge

Mr Songchai urged the government to consider charging per vehicle instead of per traveller. Such an approach, he said, would better reflect the realities of high-volume daily crossings in the south.

Join the discussion?

18 July 2026