Skip to content
I prefer the word “free” over “fee,” but that’s often not the case in my world. My next visit to Thailand will only worsen the blow of my travel-induced dwindling bank account thanks to a new tourism tax.
The growing trend of tourism fees
Thailand’s decision to implement a tourism tax is part of a growing trend among destinations around the globe that are prioritizing ways to invest in their country’s infrastructure and sustainability initiatives. In Thailand, the funds will also go toward helping visitors who’ve been involved in accidents or have fallen ill, as well as toward developing tourist destinations. The new tax could generate more than $115 million.
How much will the tourism tax be?
Each foreign visitor entering the country by air will be charged 300 baht ($8.84) beginning June 1. Foreigners arriving by land or boat will be charged 150 baht. Day travelers, transit passengers, and children under 2 years old are exempted. The fee won’t affect foreigners with Thai permits or travelers with diplomatic and official passports either.
Not everyone is excited, obviously
The one-time arrival charge has received mixed responses from the country’s tourism industry, with some fearing it will discourage travelers from visiting Thailand. Others view it as a chance to finance the sustainable expansion of the tourism industry and alleviate the strain of unexpected traveler incidents on government funds.
by your friends at The Daily Navigator
