Thailand considers increasing controversial tourist tax BEFORE levy is even introduced

Proposed tourist tax increased from 300 to 450 baht (€12 / $13) per visitor
Collection expected to begin in first quarter of 2027, possibly during Songkran festival
Fee applies first to air passengers, with land and sea arrivals added one year later
Funds to provide tourist insurance, upgrade infrastructure and restore over-tourism sites
Government still determining collection method after airlines rejected ticket-price inclusion

Thailand’s long-delayed foreign visitor fee has had its proposed value increased before the scheme has even started, with officials now examining higher figures as the government continues to refine the collection mechanism. The National Tourism Policy Committee recently endorsed a revised rate of 450 baht (approximately €12 / $13) per visitor, which is higher than the originally planned 300-baht fee. The higher rate was introduced to keep up with inflation and handle rising health and insurance costs for foreign travellers. The development has drawn attention across the travel trade as operators assess potential impacts on inbound demand.

The proposed fee applies to all foreign visitors, starting first with air passengers, with land and sea arrivals added to the programme approximately one year later. A major portion of the funds will feed into the Thailand Tourism Promotion Fund, providing automatic, comprehensive medical and accident insurance for tourists, upgrading local travel infrastructure, and helping restore environments impacted by over-tourism. The collection is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027, possibly by April to coincide with the busy Songkran festival. The 450-baht fee is not yet active and still requires official government approval, with the proposal first undergoing a mandatory 30-day public hearing before it proceeds to the Cabinet for a final vote.

The government continues to determine the actual collection mechanism, as airlines have pushed back against building the tax into plane ticket prices. Officials are now investigating alternative digital methods, including mobile applications, online payment portals, and physical airport kiosks. The original plan set the air arrival charge at THB300 with lower rates for land and sea entries. The increased figure represents a 50pc rise from the initial proposal, reflecting inflationary pressures and increased healthcare costs. Tourism operators have expressed concerns about the potential impact on visitor numbers, particularly from price-sensitive markets in Southeast Asia.

Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool shared the fee structure aligns with regional competitors and maintains Thailand’s value proposition.

Thailand Hotels Association president Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun shared the industry awaits clarity on the collection mechanism before assessing full operational impacts.