Thailand Moves Closer to Proposed 450-Baht Foreign Tourist Entry Fee

Thailand Moves Closer to Proposed 450-Baht Foreign Tourist Entry Fee

Thailand is considering charging foreign visitors a 450-baht entry fee under a proposal currently open for public consultation until September 28. Revenue would be used for tourist insurance, infrastructure improvements, environmental restoration, visitor protection and assistance with unpaid medical expenses. Under the plan, qualifying travellers would pay the same amount whether arriving by air, land or sea, with one payment covering multiple entries during a 30-day period. Exemptions would include groups such as work permit holders, diplomatic passport holders, transit passengers, airline and ship crews and children under two. Authorities would initially introduce the collection system for air arrivals, with land and sea travellers following later, although no final implementation date has been confirmed.