Thailand's Department of Tourism is proposing substantially higher security deposits for tour operators, reversing reduced rates introduced during the Covid-19 downturn.

Under the draft rules, deposits for general tour businesses would rise from THB60,000 to THB200,000. The department says the changes reflect the tourism recovery and current economic conditions, while aiming to improve protection for tourists.

The Tourism Business and Guide Committee approved the draft regulation in principle at a meeting on 13 August 2026. It is now open to a 45-day public consultation running from 17 August to 30 September.

Proposed deposit levels

The proposed "Ministerial Regulation Prescribing the Amount of Security Deposits BE..." would increase required deposits across all four tour-business categories.

Specific-area tour businesses would see their deposit rise from THB3,000 to THB10,000. Domestic tour businesses would move from THB15,000 to THB50,000.

For inbound tour businesses, which organise trips for overseas visitors arriving in Thailand, the required amount would increase from THB30,000 to THB100,000. General tour businesses would face the largest cash requirement, rising from THB60,000 to THB200,000.

The lower existing rates were brought in as pandemic relief when visitor numbers collapsed and operators faced severe pressure. With tourism activity recovering, the department says it wants requirements that are more suitable for the present market.

The department has asked operators in every category, members of the public and other stakeholders to submit views through the central legal consultation system. Responses will be compiled before the ministerial regulation is finalised.

Existing licence holders would receive a one-year transition period after the regulation takes effect to provide any additional deposit required. Operators with fewer than 180 days left on their licence, and no intention of renewing it, could retain their current deposit until the licence expires.

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31 August 2026

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Sounds sensible to reverse measures introduced for the Covid downturn, was it perhaps overdue?