Thailand has opened an online public hearing on its proposed 450-baht tourism fee for foreign visitors, inviting comments from both Thai and foreign respondents until September 28.
The government says the consultation will cover not only the proposed charge but also how money in the fund should be spent. The draft scheme and questionnaire are available at www.law.go.th
Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism and Sports Minister Sarawong Poonlert, who chairs the working group on creative economy and tourism development, said the process must be open and subject to scrutiny.
"We need to listen to as many perspectives as possible in order to efficiently implement the foreign tourist fee," he said.
For foreigners living in Thailand, making regular trips abroad, or planning visits, the consultation is a chance to comment directly on the proposed rate, payment arrangements and the definition of who would fall within the scheme.
Who would be covered
The questionnaire includes multiple-choice and yes-no questions. Respondents can state whether they support the 450-baht rate and select their preferred method of collection.
It also asks whether they agree with the proposed definition of a foreign tourist: someone who is not a Thai national and enters the kingdom temporarily for tourism or another purpose that does not generate income or compensation.
A comment box is available for additional views.
A recent National Tourism Committee meeting said the Tourism and Sports Ministry should gather opinions from a broad range of groups, including private businesses and foreign chambers of commerce in Thailand. An offline discussion panel is also planned at a later stage.
How the fee could be paid
Mr Sarawong said the most workable collection model would be a dedicated payment website, allowing travellers to pay in advance according to their preferences.
Airlines could collect the fee at an airport kiosk as a processing charge for travellers who are not comfortable using technology, while those who are can pay through the website, he said.
The tourism fee would be the first time the sector generated an annual budget of more than 10 billion baht through its own fund, separate from the normal fiscal budget.
Thailand received about 33 million foreign tourists last year, which could produce a tourism fund worth 14.8 billion baht.
Insurance and fund oversight
The fund is expected to provide insurance for foreign tourists and to finance improvements to tourism infrastructure.
Mr Sarawong said an assigned committee would manage the fund, with relevant stakeholders, including tourism operators and foreign chambers of commerce, permitted to observe management meetings.
He acknowledged that the 450-baht charge could affect price-sensitive visitors, although not all travellers. "Many private operators are not opposed to the idea, and Thailand aims to position itself as a high-value tourism destination," he said.
The government is also considering requiring foreign tourists to buy additional insurance for higher-risk activities, including diving and hiking, as well as third-party cover for rental vehicles.
Join the discussion? 
27 August 2026
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