Thailand intends to introduce a tourist tax for foreigners in the amount of 450 baht (about 1100 rubles) in the first quarter of 2027. The authorities plan to first charge a fee to travelers arriving by plane.
According to preliminary estimates, the new measure will allow an annual increase of about 8 billion baht. Some of these funds will be used for insurance coverage for foreign guests. As a result, the state expects to reduce its own spending on health care for tourists by about 7 billion baht per year. The balance is to be transferred to a special fund for the development and renovation of tourist infrastructure.
Thailand’s Minister of Tourism, Surasak Phantyanryrakun, said that similar mechanisms are already in place in more than 80 countries. At the public hearing that ended on 28 September, more than 80% - almost 6,000 participants - expressed support for the idea of collection itself. The rate of 450 baht was approved by 78.3% of respondents.
The authorities received objections from representatives of the tourism business. In particular, industry organizations suggested that launching should not be rushed amid ongoing flooding.
Thailand is discussing the introduction of a fixed fee for foreign guests since 2020. Among the payment options considered is the inclusion of the amount in the cost of a flight or hotel.
Information source "Tourdom.ru": https://www.tourdom.ru/news/tailand-vse-taki-vvedet-turisticheskiy-sbor-v-nachale-2027-goda.html
Use of photo "ATOR": https://www.atorus.ru/tourist/travel_notes%20/article/4730.html