After postponing the introduction of its tourism fee several times last year, Thailand now plans to implement it from June.
The BHT300 (R157) fee was due to come into effect between August and September last year, but was delayed to allow the country’s tourism industry to recover after the pandemic, reports The Thaiger.
A proposal for the fee was resubmitted to the National Tourism Policy Committee on January 24, and if approved, it will be put forward for Cabinet approval in February, according to The Bangkok Post.
Following this, collection of the fee will begin within 90 days after being published in the Royal Gazette, which the Tourism and Sports Ministry hopes will be on June 1.
Once implemented, the fee will be collected from tourists at all points of entry.
Those who will be exempt from the fee include border pass holders, passengers on cruises, and people visiting on day trips without an overnight stay.
Expatriates who hold a work permit will need to pay the fee upon arrival, but will be eligible for a refund later, as the system cannot distinguish between passport holders with work permits, and tourists.
The fee will be used for or tourism and safety development, and insurance for international visitors.
