Thailand to impose a tourist tax from June

Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, has announced that from June a fee of 300 baht will be charged to foreign tourists arriving in the country.

According to Phiphat, the funds raised will be used to help injured visitors and develop the country’s tourist destinations.

Minister Phiphat noted, however, that the fee will not be charged to foreigners with work permits and border passes.

Upcoming Tender for Thailand Satellite Slot Packages

Thailand expects to receive approximately 25 million tourist arrivals this year, a significant increase from 11.8 million arrivals in 2022. In 2019, the country received a record 40 million arrivals, of which more than 11 Millions were Chinese.

According to Phiphat, the funds raised will be used to help injured visitors and develop the country’s tourist destinations.

Tourism is a major contributor to the economy of Thailand, the second largest economy in Southeast Asia, contributing around 12% of its pre-pandemic gross domestic product. Tourism spending is forecast to reach at least 2.38 trillion baht this year.

The proposal for a tourist tax was first raised in 2020 and is still subject to cabinet approval.