Tourism Thailand Delays Tourist Entry Fee Amid Travel Concerns

[snoop1130]

Photo of tourists at U-Tapao Airport courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

Thailand has once again postponed its proposed 300-Baht entry fee for foreign tourists, citing concerns over global economic uncertainty and travel demand. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced the delay, pushing the introduction to past 2025.

 

Assistant Tourism Minister Chakrapol Tangsutthitham revealed that the decision followed instructions from Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong to reassess the plan. The fear is that implementing the fee too soon could harm Thailand’s recovering tourism sector.

 

Chakrapol explained, “We must evaluate international tourist demand in the upcoming high season in Q4 this year. The ministry requires more time to study operational details and devise a fair fee structure based on the travel mode—air, land, rail, or sea.”

 

The proposed fee structure suggests a charge of 300 Baht for air travellers, with a reduced fee of 150 Baht for those arriving by land or sea. Funds collected would be allocated to enhancing tourist attractions and providing visitor insurance.

 

Initially approved by the Cabinet in February 2023, this fee's implementation has been repeatedly delayed due to timing and economic concerns. Tourism businesses argue that the cost of travel has increased with rising airfares and currency changes, and additional charges could deter budget travellers, steering them towards destinations like Vietnam or Malaysia.

 

While officials maintain that the fee is fair and beneficial, they acknowledge the importance of timing. “We believe it’s prudent to wait until Q2 or Q3 of 2026,” Chakrapol stated. “By then, we should have clearer data on visitor trends and economic outlook.”

 

This postponement occurs as Thailand strives to rejuvenate its tourism industry post-pandemic. Despite a robust recovery in 2024, experts warn that the resurgence is uneven and could be easily disrupted by new costs or travel restrictions.

 

The "stepping onto Thai soil" fee, meant to support tourism infrastructure and safety, remains on hold as officials weigh the best timing for its introduction. For now, tourists can enjoy Thailand without this additional cost, but the discourse continues as stakeholders aim for a balanced revival strategy.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-16

 

 

[ikke1959]

Let it go, let it go....throw the whole idea in the bin please....It is good for nothing except pocketfilling for some..

First make some investments as public toilets. waste bins, clean air , stop the scamming by taxi and others and make the roads safe and when that is finished start to think about an entrance fee.. Now you want money for nothing

[StayinThailand2much]

35 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Let it go, let it go....throw the whole idea in the bin please....It is good for nothing except pocketfilling for some..

 

Exactly. It would probably be a bureaucratic and costly (more staff needed) nightmare, with only a fraction left after expenses for tax coffers, but zero baht used for insurance, or tourism improvements...

[redwood1]

What is this now the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th time its been delayed....

 

Very similar to the submarine where where the delays turn from months into years and very soon a decade.....

 

Just forget about it... 

[daveAustin]

It’s a stupid idea from the start. People have already forked out handsomely to come to your country, paid taxes on flights, airports etc, and then you want them to put their hand in their pocket before they’ve even done anything. Sooo 1990s. Scrap it and move on already!

[BangkokReady]

11 minutes ago, daveAustin said:

It’s a stupid idea from the start. People have already forked out handsomely to come to your country, paid taxes on flights, airports etc, and then you want them to put their hand in their pocket before they’ve even done anything. Sooo 1990s. Scrap it and move on already!

 

The problem is, Thailand cannot shake the mindset of being the world's most popular tourist destination with tourists queueing up to visit.

[BarraMarra]

I'm sure someone in the Goverment will think of a way to extract more cash to off set the drop in Tourist numbers.

[newbee2022]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Photo of tourists at U-Tapao Airport courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

Thailand has once again postponed its proposed 300-Baht entry fee for foreign tourists, citing concerns over global economic uncertainty and travel demand. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced the delay, pushing the introduction to past 2025.

 

Assistant Tourism Minister Chakrapol Tangsutthitham revealed that the decision followed instructions from Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong to reassess the plan. The fear is that implementing the fee too soon could harm Thailand’s recovering tourism sector.

 

Chakrapol explained, “We must evaluate international tourist demand in the upcoming high season in Q4 this year. The ministry requires more time to study operational details and devise a fair fee structure based on the travel mode—air, land, rail, or sea.”

 

The proposed fee structure suggests a charge of 300 Baht for air travellers, with a reduced fee of 150 Baht for those arriving by land or sea. Funds collected would be allocated to enhancing tourist attractions and providing visitor insurance.

 

Initially approved by the Cabinet in February 2023, this fee's implementation has been repeatedly delayed due to timing and economic concerns. Tourism businesses argue that the cost of travel has increased with rising airfares and currency changes, and additional charges could deter budget travellers, steering them towards destinations like Vietnam or Malaysia.

 

While officials maintain that the fee is fair and beneficial, they acknowledge the importance of timing. “We believe it’s prudent to wait until Q2 or Q3 of 2026,” Chakrapol stated. “By then, we should have clearer data on visitor trends and economic outlook.”

 

This postponement occurs as Thailand strives to rejuvenate its tourism industry post-pandemic. Despite a robust recovery in 2024, experts warn that the resurgence is uneven and could be easily disrupted by new costs or travel restrictions.

 

The "stepping onto Thai soil" fee, meant to support tourism infrastructure and safety, remains on hold as officials weigh the best timing for its introduction. For now, tourists can enjoy Thailand without this additional cost, but the discourse continues as stakeholders aim for a balanced revival strategy.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-16

 

 

Missed the chance.

Should have asked for 500 Baht and include a Health Insurance.

[Formaleins]

I really cannot get my head around this. Why are they so in favour of charging a fee to enter the country, it is pathetic. Are they really that desperate that they need to claw 300 Baht out of every visitor.

As usual, it is the short term "solution" to the entire tourist industry. Do they really think that by charging everyone 300 Baht a pop they are going to solve the economic woes? Are they really as dumb as they make out?

 

They used to do it a few years back, with their ridiculous 500 Baht departure tax - see where that got them.

 

Why not have a sliding scale that runs from 10 Baht for the real scum tourists and charge up to 1 million Baht for the Arabs....

 

Nothing these departments do makes any sense to a "normal functioning brain" but somewhere deep inside those empty cobweb strewn vaults that  contain the sludge they call a brain, must surely have a plan worked out, or is it the usual knee jerk, suck it and see approach.

 

Never mind, tomorrow is another day in paradise.

[AhFarangJa]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Funds collected would be allocated to enhancing tourist attractions and providing visitor insurance.

"another trough to fund  mia noi's, Mercedes, Condo funding, There, fixed that.

[cookie1974]

Yes and blah, blah, blah do these people have any idea, any idea at all about the mistakes they make on a daily basis? Stop treating foreigners visiting for a holiday and expats living here as commodities to be exploited, Thailand is not the center of the universe, and more and more people are seeing through the mirage that is " The Land of Fake Smiles " ,and other places in Asia are opening their doors and gratefully accepting the disgruntled, pissed off masses who are deserting Thailand in droves ( myself included ) all i can say is " GOOD MORNING VIETNAM " your time has come, the evidence is clear, and has been for a long time, the Thai government doesnt want you here, just your money, but they cant have it both ways, the Thai apolagists will defend the Thais until they are red, white and blue in the face, but the writing is on the wall, the old Thai tradition of when the chips are down, pick the on the farangs is now more evident than ever....

[Thumbs]

Thailand either do it or don't do it, this 300 baht tourist fee has been on and off for about 4 years now just decide one way or the other

[hotchilli]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand has once again postponed its proposed 300-Baht entry fee for foreign tourists, citing concerns over global economic uncertainty and travel demand.

Best not to deter anyone with an entrance fee.

Out of interest do they still take a donation on exit ?

[AustinRacing]

I think the frequent postponement is due to a typo in the proposal. I think it said starting in Q5.  Still waiting for it to arrive. 😜

[klauskunkel]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The ministry requires more time to study operational details and devise a fair fee structure based on the travel mode—air, land, rail, or sea.

Apparently the 4 or 5 years this proposal was "in the works" was just not enough for the involved governments. Therefore, more feasibility studies, committee meetings and luncheons, everybody knows what makes you "work".

[spidermike007]

This is going to be huge! That $9 savings could mean an extra million tourists, once again Thailand is going to be flooded by humanity, and the center of the universe is again going to attract the masses. 

[dlclark97]

18 minutes ago, Thumbs said:

Thailand either do it or don't do it, this 300 baht tourist fee has been on and off for about 4 years now just decide one way or the other

The 300 baht or 150 baht fee is not going to break anyone's budget.  But the reason for it must be provided in better detail.  Yes, to enhancing tourist attractions but at the same time eliminating the dual pricing at many locations.  The 'insurance' provision must be thoroughly described, WHAT WILL IT COVER?  Last, provide better exchanges rate for foreign currencies.

[ronster]

If they think the reason numbers are low is a 300bht charge then they are insane.

People numbers are down due to Thailand not being value for money anymore , exchange rate being awful , high flight costs , scams , overpriced hotels , bars and restaurants .

Then if you add in some places being swamped with certain nationalities , that puts people off also.

[dlclark97]

8 minutes ago, dlclark97 said:

The 300 baht or 150 baht fee is not going to break anyone's budget.  But the reason for it must be provided in better detail.  Yes, to enhancing tourist attractions but at the same time eliminating the dual pricing at many locations.  The 'insurance' provision must be thoroughly described, WHAT WILL IT COVER?  Last, provide better exchanges rate for foreign currencies.

Provide a WELCOME letter to all incoming tourists.  Among other things explain the DO's and DON'Ts of the Buddhist culture and the expected norms for visiting persons such as proper attire at some attractions, behavior in public places and more.  A small booklet, named CULTURE SHOCK THAILAND could also be provided but at a greater expense. 

[Peterphuket]

How do they turn like a leaf on a tree time after time.
The fact remains, since years we have already been paying THB 300 severance pay.
Since it is factored into the ticket price, you tend to forget about it.
We also pay, also since years, double prices.
Apparently, it's still not enough and they keep coming up with tricks to take money out of our pockets.

[Peterphuket]

45 minutes ago, AhFarangJa said:

"another trough to fund  mia noi's, Mercedes, Condo funding, There, fixed that.

With paying “Mia Noi's” is no solution, you will have to pay them to infinity, is a kind of natural law.

[AhFarangJa]

52 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Best not to deter anyone with an entrance fee.

Out of interest do they still take a donation on exit ?

750 Baht on the price of the ticket so you do not notice it.

[Caldera]

Yeah, that would go down really well with tourists in the current climate. Just like a lead balloon. 

[Nickcage49]

1. If 9 dollars more makes you change your travel plans, maybe you can’t afford to travel.

 

2. Why don’t they just bury it in the cost of the airline ticket?

[technoronin]

The changes in Thailand earlier this year caused me to not spend the summer there.  My suitcases were 80% packed and I was planning to leave for Thailand in a few weeks when the bank change caused me to change my mind.  That cost Thailand at least 300,000 baht of my money.  Unless Thailand becomes welcoming again, I'm not planning on visiting again.

[Iron Tongue]

IMO, any tourist that cannot afford 300 Baht entrance fee is not the kind of tourist Thailand needs.

[Asean Tiger]

56 minutes ago, Nickcage49 said:

 

 

2. Why don’t they just bury it in the cost of the airline ticket?

Ticketing system challenge to discriminate base on nationality or visa status? Will the fee apply to all Aliens?

 

They could put it on the TDAC arrival card. Surely a country of 70 million people can mount an online platform that accepts credit card payments?

 

 

[Xonax]

1 hour ago, Nickcage49 said:

2. Why don’t they just bury it in the cost of the airline ticket?

They did that already and called it exit tax, which would probably also include an entrance tax, but was only charged when you exit.

[chuang]

For donkey times they have tried unsuccessfully... what morons are running the show...

[norsurin]

1 hour ago, ronster said:

If they think the reason numbers are low is a 300bht charge then they are insane.

People numbers are down due to Thailand not being value for money anymore , exchange rate being awful , high flight costs , scams , overpriced hotels , bars and restaurants .

Then if you add in some places being swamped with certain nationalities , that puts people off also.

Thailand have become a s..t hole for scumbags from all over the world.

The only thing they talking about is the trillions of baht they will make on this and that and nothing happens.

Then a new stupid idea.Again and again.They try to lure people to come with stupid campains that not anyone believe.They totally priced themselves out compared to neighbor countries but they want admit it.

1st of August they hopefully pay the price for their gready minds.