Controversial Thailand Tourism Fee Proposal Delayed Again

Thailand –

The 300-baht ‘land entry’ fee collection has been postponed to January 1^st of next year.

Our previous story:

Thailand is planning to collect a 300-baht ‘land entry fee’ on all foreign tourists under the “Amazing Thailand New Chapter” tourism boost concept, a government spokesperson reported, January 12^th, 2022.

The National Tourism Policy Committee, under the Tourism and Sports Ministry, approved a proposal of collecting a fee of roughly 10 USD, or about 300 baht, on foreign tourists who enter Thailand as a part of the tourism promotion fund, including tourist accident insurance and funds for affected labor and entrepreneurs in case of a financial crisis.

The Thai Tourism and Sports Minister confirmed that the 300-baht ‘land entry fee’ on all foreign tourists visiting the country would be eventually implemented, stressing that it would be used for tourists’ insurance and an emergency fund for those traveling in the country.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has decided to postpone the collection of a 300-baht ‘land entry’ fee until the fourth quarter of this year and is planning to propose the cancellation of the ‘Thailand Pass’ registration.

The 300-baht ‘land entry’ fee collection is expected to be officially take effect in June of this year.

Now for the update:

The Caretaker Minister of Tourism and Sports Piphat Ratchakitprakarn told Thai media, “We have agreed to postpone the 300-baht ‘land entry’ fee collection which previously was expected to take effect this month to January 1^st of next year.”

“When arriving in Thailand tourists will have to pay a 300 baht fee for aircraft transportation and 150 baht for marine transportation. The fee will not be collected from foreigners with Border Passes, work permits and babies younger than two years old”, Mr. Piphat added.

The specific reason for the future postponement was not given however was speculated to be a variety of issues including a changeover of a Thai government and issues previously trying to determine how to both process the fee and how to properly identify those who have an exception. The plan has also been enormously unpopular with both tourists and tourism-based businesses.

The original article appeared on our sister website TPN National News.