Thailand has moved closer to introducing a 450-baht tourism fee for international visitors after the National Tourism Policy Committee approved the proposal’s draft framework, clearing the way for public consultation. The fee could start being collected as early as April 2027.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, who chaired Friday’s committee meeting, said members had endorsed both the core principles and a draft notification outlining how the levy would be collected.
The proposal will now undergo a 30-day public hearing involving private-sector representatives and other relevant stakeholders. Once the consultation is complete, the plan will return to the committee for further consideration before potentially being forwarded to the Cabinet for approval.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the proposed fee had been set at 450 baht per person for foreign nationals arriving in Thailand by air, land or sea.
Revenue from the charge would be used to support tourism development without placing additional reliance on limited government funding, while helping Thailand strengthen its competitiveness as an international destination.
Natthriya Thaweevong, permanent secretary for tourism and sports, said the proposed amount was determined through research and calculations using a standard model that reflects current economic conditions.
The new rate is higher than those considered under an earlier framework, which proposed charging air passengers 300 baht and visitors entering through land or maritime checkpoints 150 baht each.
Collection would be introduced in phases, beginning with travellers arriving by air. The charge would take effect 180 days after the relevant notification is published in the Royal Gazette.
Visitors entering Thailand by land or sea would be included in the second phase, approximately 360 days later.
The delayed introduction is intended to give authorities sufficient time to address congestion at border checkpoints, particularly those along the Malaysian frontier, and prevent the payment system from worsening existing delays.
Officials are also considering a multiple-entry arrangement for frequent travellers, including those who regularly cross land borders. Payments could be linked to the validity period of a visitor’s insurance coverage.
Under one possible arrangement, a traveller with insurance valid for one month would pay the fee only once, even when entering and leaving Thailand several times during that period.
Authorities said the payment process must be convenient for international visitors. Options being studied include adding the charge to ticket prices and allowing payments through a website, mobile application, self-service kiosk or mobile device.
The fund’s management committee could approve additional payment channels.
If the proposal receives Cabinet approval, the government expects collection to begin during the first quarter of 2027.
Income generated by the fee would be directed into a tourism development fund. It would primarily finance insurance protection for visitors, including health and safety coverage, as well as improvements to tourist attractions and the creation of new travel experiences.
The fund would also support research, conferences and professional development for tourism personnel.
