The Ministry of Tourism of Thailand is again considering the possibility of introducing a tourist tax for foreign visitors. The newly appointed head of the department, Sorawong Thienthong, intends to implement this initiative next year, tourdom.ru reports with reference to bangkokpost.com.
The minister believes that this measure will have a positive impact on the development of the country's tourism industry. He expressed regret that his predecessor did not bring this idea to its logical conclusion, but assured that this shortcoming will be corrected in the near future.
“I believe that collecting a tourist tax is beneficial to the tourism industry, as the revenue can be used to develop infrastructure and attractions, as well as to ensure the safety of tourists”, - Thienthong explained.
The fee scheme is expected to remain the same as proposed five years ago. Tourists arriving in Thailand by land or sea will have to pay 150 baht (about 5 USD). For those arriving by plane, the amount will be 300 baht (about 9 USD).
However, exceptions are planned: children under two years of age, transit passengers, holders of diplomatic passports and persons with a work permit in the country will be exempt from paying the fee.
The minister noted that he could have insisted on introducing the tax as early as the fourth quarter of this year, but decided not to rush. The final discussion of the collection scheme will take place at the highest level, and it will most likely come into effect early next year.
It is worth reminding that the idea of a tourist tax first arose back in 2019, but its implementation was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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