Tourism Minister Aims to Levy 300-Baht Fee for Visitors

[webfact]

 

Thailand's newly appointed Tourism Minister, Sorawong Thienthong, is set to revive the previously shelved 300-baht tourism tax, aiming to enhance tourism revenue to at least 3 trillion baht this year.

 

"I believe the collection of the tourism fee benefits the tourism industry, as the revenue can be used for infrastructure development and ensuring tourist safety," remarked Thienthong, who took office recently.

 

The tourism tax proposal, initially approved by the cabinet in 2022, mandates that foreign arrivals by air will pay 300 baht, while those entering by sea and land will be charged 150 baht. However, the scheme has yet to be endorsed via publication in the Royal Gazette.

 

Thienthong stated that the ministry needs more time to assess the system's readiness before deciding on implementing the tax within this year's final quarter.

The minister emphasised that the collection procedure would be finalised in a manner that does not discourage tourists. He is also keen to continue the "Ignite Tourism Thailand" initiatives introduced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, which include developing entertainment complexes, aviation hubs, and second-tier cities.

 

"We will encourage the private sector to invest more by offering incentives, such as tax breaks," Thienthong added, referring to plans for new man-made attractions and promoting second-tier cities.

 

Tourism stimulus programmes, similar to the successful We Travel Together co-payment scheme for hotel rooms and air tickets during the pandemic, may also return to ensure income distribution to locals.

 

The upcoming high season events, like marathons, Loy Krathong, and the New Year countdown, are anticipated to boost revenue to the target of 3 trillion baht from both domestic and international markets.

 

The minister remains committed to the long-term goal of achieving 3 trillion baht from foreign markets alone within the government’s four-year term. Additionally, he supports the idea of hosting a Formula One motor racing event in Thailand, suggesting a street circuit on Ratchadamnoen Road to reflect the country's unique character.

 

Thienthong also addressed concerns about price-dumping tours, stating that while the number of illegal companies might not have increased, the economic losses are potentially greater.

 

He has ordered authorities to curb such activities. To discuss tourism policies further, Thienthong will meet with 20 private tourism operators, including the Association of Thai Travel Agents and the Tourism Council of Thailand, soon, reported Bangkok Post.

 

TOP File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-09-17

 

 

[WhatsNext]

This comes back about once every year. Together with the planned / possible / maybe / flipflop tax plans, Thailand will not need much capacity anymore at Suvarnabhumi 

[Rolo89]

I went to Turkey once. Had to withdraw some cash from an ATM at the airport to pay for some kind of tourist visa / passport sticker.

 

Was the last thing I wanted after a long flight with all that messing around and a long line to first get cash then line up to get a sticker like cattle.

 

I've never been back to Turkey. 

 

But I'd pay 300 thb (as a tourist) in advance to get a pre-approved visa and pass through immigration quickly. That kind of implementation works as you're getting something for it. 

[John Drake]

  On 9/17/2024 at 2:13 AM, webfact said:

"I believe the collection of the tourism fee benefits the tourism industry, as the revenue can be used for infrastructure development and ensuring tourist safety," remarked Thienthong, who took office recently.

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Wasn't this money supposed to be used for health insurance fees for foreigners? Isn't that what they first touted it as? Now, it disappears into the black hole of "infrastructure development."

[Tim K]

Who's the target here - 1st timers on VE?
Or any farang even married ones with NON-O?

If just for VE then cancel VE and go back to VoA then but state that it is now 60+30 days.
And has no limit on back to back entries in Royal Gazette, that would be nice.

[Tim K]

  On 9/17/2024 at 2:26 AM, Rolo89 said:

But I'd pay 300 thb (as a tourist) in advance to get a pre-approved visa and pass through immigration quickly. That kind of implementation works as you're getting something for it. 

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Cambodia has that, 30$ on arrival or 36$ for paying in advance online.

[impulse]

So do it already, just be quiet about it.  Nobody will notice a $9 increase in airline ticket prices.  And if that's a deal killer for them, are they the kind of tourist you want?

 

They may be wonderful people.  But not likely to move the needle with sweaty tourist money.

 

[ikke1959]

It was abolished, it comes again, there is new investigation needed, it will be done, it will be dismissed again, ...and so it goes on and on..and all fake reasons to milk the money from tourists.. And I am wondering if Thais, living abroad must pay too, or are as usual Thais exempted from this scam?? The tourists are paying a lot of tax already without they know.. example the wines are extreem expensive, same as imported beer, and everything else that comes from outside Thailand..Entrance fees for foreigners are also much more than for Thais and in hotels they pay tourism tax already. Why not raise the tourism tax for hotels with 1 % or so? Hotels will a bit more expensive, but the revenue is much higher and people don't get the idea to get scammed.. However the hotel prices are already very high compared to European places, but a tourist on holiday will pay it ..All problems solved and the extra income of the tourism tax can be used for all plans they have to fill their pockets

[Will B Good]

 

 

As a singleton.....phffft, nothing .

 

Family of five? No thanks I'll go elsewhere......and they want to make Thailand a family destination???? Idiots.

[Rolo89]

  On 9/17/2024 at 2:34 AM, Tim K said:

Cambodia has that, 30$ on arrival or 36$ for paying in advance online.

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Is it rapid to get through immigration if paid in advance? 

[webfact]

Thailand to revive 300-baht tourism tax to boost revenue
by Bob Scott

 

Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong reignited plans for a 300-baht tourism tax, which was put on ice by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The move is set to help rake in a whopping 3 trillion baht in tourism revenue this year.

 

Sorawong, who stepped into his role yesterday, September 16, believes the tax will be a game-changer for the industry.

 

“This fee is crucial for the growth of our tourism sector. It will fund better infrastructure, enhance attractions, and ensure the safety of tourists.”

 

Originally given the green light by the cabinet in 2022, the tax still awaits its official nod in the Royal Gazette. Travellers flying into Thailand will face a 300-baht charge, while those arriving by sea or land will pay 150 baht.

Sorawong mentioned that more time is needed to fine-tune the system before it could be rolled out, potentially in the final quarter of the year. The aim is to ensure the tax doesn’t put off visitors.

 

As the third tourism minister in a year under the Pheu Thai-led government, Sorawong will continue the Ignite Tourism Thailand policy started by Srettha. This includes plans for new entertainment hubs, an aviation centre, and a push to promote second-tier cities.

 

“We’re determined to support new attractions and boost secondary cities. We’ll offer incentives like tax breaks to attract private investment.”

 

High Season

 

The ministry is also looking at reviving successful pandemic-era stimulus schemes, such as the We Travel Together programme, which subsidised hotel stays and flights.

 

With the High Season approaching, Sorawong is banking on events like marathons, Loy Krathong, and New Year’s celebrations to help hit the 3 trillion baht revenue target from both domestic and international visitors.

 

Although the government has a four-year goal to generate 3 trillion baht solely from foreign tourists, Sorawong is confident they’ll meet this ambitious target.

 

On the topic of attracting a Formula One race to Thailand, Sorawong backed the idea but suggested a street circuit on Ratchadamnoen Road could offer a more unique boost to the economy.

 

Addressing the issue of price-dumping tours, Sorawong acknowledged that while the number of illegal operators may not have risen, the financial impact is expected to be larger. Measures are being put in place to tackle these illicit practices.

 

Tomorrow, Sorawong will meet with 20 key private tourism operators, including the Association of Thai Travel Agents and the Tourism Council of Thailand, to hash out new tourism policies.

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-09-17
 

 

[impulse]

  On 9/17/2024 at 2:40 AM, Will B Good said:

As a singleton.....phffft, nothing .

 

Family of five? No thanks I'll go elsewhere......and they want to make Thailand a family destination???? Idiots.

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If $45 makes the difference in a family of 5's choice of vacation site, they're not likely to move the needle with their vacation spending. 

 

One of Thailand's problems now is over-tourism in many locations.  That puts off well heeled travelers.  Thailand needs to upgrade the quality of the tourism, not the number of bodies.

 

[Tim K]

  On 9/17/2024 at 2:40 AM, Rolo89 said:

Is it rapid to get through immigration if paid in advance? 

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Yep

[Will B Good]

  On 9/17/2024 at 2:50 AM, impulse said:

 

If $45 makes the difference in a family of 5's choice of vacation site, they're not likely to move the needle with their vacation spending. 

 

One of Thailand's problems now is over-tourism in many locations.  That puts off well heeled travelers.  Thailand needs to upgrade the quality of the tourism, not the number of bodies.

 

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It may not be a great deal of money, but if people are on tight budgets and they have other choices available this is not a smart move.

[Patong2021]

He  wants to grow tourism, but Thailand cannot handle what it has now. As per the news reports, the tourist destinations are choking with the over development and over building. IMO, this is just a quick cash grab to fund political slush funds.

[impulse]

  On 9/17/2024 at 2:54 AM, Will B Good said:

It may not be a great deal of money, but if people are on tight budgets and they have other choices available this is not a smart move.

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If people are under such tight budgets that $9 is a deal killer, let them go elsewhere.  Give Thai hotspots a chance to recover so they're appealing to the people who aren't under a tight budget.  Sounds heartless, but it's the reality. 

 

I'm a perfect example.  I've been to Thailand 18 times in the past 18 months, but I haven't spent as much as one well heeled monger on a 2 week bender.  I just look good on the entry statistics.

 

[CapraIbex]

Based on their revenue estimates, the tourism tax could be a blessing in disguise for all long-term residents. It’s possible, just maybe, that the government might reconsider the newly proposed tax law. Perhaps they've realized that implementing the law too soon could pose significant challenges, such as complications with DTAs, the need for properly trained staff, and other logistical hurdles.

[Chadnik]

Sheeeit

 

If I wasn't married I'd be so gone!

 

If you're thinking of retiring here just simply do not

 

First it was the sports Minister that tried for years to get the b300 BS tax for sports/tourism. Is never clear what this tax was for ever ever! Just some big slush fund. He finally got the thing pushed through and I believe retired thereafter

 

Now an additional 300 baht for who freaking knows what. This is on top of the old 500 baht fee that we used to pay in cash but it's gone to 700 baht Incorporated in electronic tickets now.

 

So, basically you're paying $50 usd for the privilege of off the plane and visiting the country

 

INSANE

 

B500+200

B300

B300

 

There's probably more hidden somewhere in the air ticket

[Chadnik]

  On 9/17/2024 at 3:01 AM, impulse said:

 

If people are under such tight budgets that $9 is a deal killer, let them go elsewhere.  Give Thai hotspots a chance to recover so they're appealing to the people who aren't under a tight budget.  Sounds heartless, but it's the reality. 

 

I'm a perfect example.  I've been to Thailand 18 times in the past 18 months, but I haven't spent as much as one well heeled monger on a 2 week bender.  I just look good on the entry statistics.

 

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It's not $9 it's $50

[Chadnik]

  On 9/17/2024 at 2:50 AM, impulse said:

 

If $45 makes the difference in a family of 5's choice of vacation site, they're not likely to move the needle with their vacation spending. 

 

One of Thailand's problems now is over-tourism in many locations.  That puts off well heeled travelers.  Thailand needs to upgrade the quality of the tourism, not the number of bodies.

 

Expand  

It is now 200 US dollars for a family of four for tourism taxes flying into Thailand.

[mokwit]

Thai thinking: Tourists will stand for anything, after all, Thailand is the only country worth visiting.

[impulse]

  On 9/17/2024 at 3:06 AM, Chadnik said:

It's not $9 it's $50

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The topic under discussion is the proposed 300 baht tourist tax.  That's a $9 $8.50 increase.

 

 

[Chadnik]

  On 9/17/2024 at 3:10 AM, impulse said:

 

The topic under discussion is the proposed 300 baht tourist tax.  That's a $9 $8.50 increase.

 

 

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Entirely miss my point

 

The total tax burden now for the person or persons flying in is 1100B

 

Oh, when people say it's 300... No it isn't it's an additional 300 on top of the 900 wake up

[impulse]

  On 9/17/2024 at 3:12 AM, Chadnik said:

Entirely miss my point

 

The total tax burden now for the person or persons flying in is 1100B

 

Oh, when people say it's 300... No it isn't it's an additional 300 on top of the 900 wake up

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Wake up, indeed.  Is it 1100B or 900B? 

 

Last time I looked at the details of my US-TH airplane ticket, the vast majority of the taxes went to the US side.  Admittedly, that was awhile ago. 

 

I didn't miss any points.  Thailand is awash in low budget tourists.  There's nothing wrong with that if that's the best they can attract.  Some of us think they could attract higher dollar tourists if the crowds would thin out and nature had a chance to heal up. 

 

I'd rather see 10 million tourists spending $5000 each than 50 million spending $1000 each.  The money's the same and it's easier to clean up and recover from the wear and tear after 10 million than 50 million.  So I welcome the 300 baht increase and will happily pay it.  If it ever comes to pass.

 

[HauptmannUK]

I first travelled to Thailand almost 40 years ago and have been back many times to visit, live and at times work here.  Over that period countless billions of tourist baht have poured into the country but still the basic infrastructure is lacking. Death-trap pavements, road crossings that put naive visitors in harms way. Litter and plastic garbage piled up on beaches. Black bags full of stinking trash left at the roadside and on waste ground.

And it would be nice if some kind of government-backed accident insurance could be made available to tourists, or if not then rigorously enforce motorbike rental regulations to protect them from their own stupidity..

[Gottfrid]

  On 9/17/2024 at 2:13 AM, webfact said:

Thailand's newly appointed Tourism Minister, Sorawong Thienthong, is set to revive the previously shelved 300-baht tourism tax, aiming to enhance tourism revenue to at least 3 trillion baht this year.

Expand  

Lay it to rest. They are not even near that amount of revenue yet.

[Rolo89]

  On 9/17/2024 at 2:50 AM, impulse said:

One of Thailand's problems now is over-tourism in many locations.  That puts off well heeled travelers.  Thailand needs to upgrade the quality of the tourism, not the number of bodies.

Expand  

Everywhere is trying to upgrade their tourists and get the high spending clientele, the Spanish resorts are now complaining after years of catering to the low quality tourists. Problem is the limited number of such people and they're having fewer holidays now everything costs so much more.

 

Most things you can get in Thailand you can also get in Japan, for a way better experience and thesedays for not that much more with how much they've devaluated their currency. 

[mancub]

How about making an effort to enforce collection of their own peoples unpaid traffic fines,,,,,,and use it to "ensure their safety" on the roads ?

............and bt300 is a 10-30 pc increase on flights within Asean. 

[Tim K]

So that's why ticket from DMK to Phnom Penh is cheaper than flying back.
Same with Phuket -> Malaysia  or with Singapore.
Thai airports want more tax. Now I get it.

And then they say heeeyy Visa is free!

Like Buy iPhone XYZ but get "free" screen protector
not many man made things are free.

[JRG23]

  On 9/17/2024 at 2:13 AM, webfact said:

"I believe the collection of the tourism fee benefits the tourism industry, as the revenue can be used for infrastructure development and ensuring tourist safety," remarked Thienthong, who took office recently.

 

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Hahahahahaha