They never flip flopped over implementing the fee. They simply don't have a way to collect it. The airlines will not collect a fee that is only for some people, it's all or nothing. There was a shortlived proposal recently that Thais would pay it in their airfare and then get a rebate at the airport, but that proposal did not last long. Now that the TDAC is a thing, it gives a potential avenue for the collection of the fee, so they're getting more serious about it. Realistically they should bring back the ETA idea they had for visa exempt people, and incorporate the fee into the ETA. They can also add it to the tourist visa fee for those applying at an embassy. As a bonus, this would create much less uncertainty about visa exempt entries, since the ETA would tell you if you're approved to enter or not, no more officer discretion. They can even tie it into the automate entry gates. You have an approved ETA and you paid the fee, you stroll in through the automated gates. Seems like a no-brainer.
Create an account or sign in to comment