Thailand Delays Tourism Fee Again
Thailand has once more delayed the implementation of its tourist entry fee. Earlier, authorities confirmed that it won’t come into effect until mid-2026 due to “uncontrollable external factors” impacting tourism.
The move comes amid the continuous slump in international arrivals and economic uncertainty. Previously, the government had approved the fee in 2023, aiming for a 2024 launch.
However, postponements occurred one after another. Recently, officials have referred to “slow market recovery” and rising travel costs as triggers.
Slower Arrivals Trigger Reassessment
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand saw 17.8 million tourist arrivals from January to the start of July 2025. That’s a 5.6% drop compared to the same period in 2024.
Despite various promotional campaigns, key markets such as China and Russia remain underwhelming. Furthermore, rising airfares and a strong baht have discouraged regional travel. As a result, the government is taking a cautious stance before finally implementing the fee.
“We must wait to assess international tourist demand during the upcoming high season in Q4 this year,” remarked Chakrapol Tangsutthitham, Assistant Minister of Tourism and Sports.
Tourism Fee Details, Original Purpose
Previously, the government set the tourist entry fee or tourism tax, known as “Kha Yeap Pan Din,” at THB 300 (USD 9.23) for air arrivals. Meanwhile, land and sea visitors would pay THB 150 (USD 4.62).
Eventually, revenue would fund tourism infrastructure and insurance for foreign visitors. In principle, this would boost visitor safety and national preparedness.
The tourist entry fee follows a long strand of delays starting in its original inception in 2021, under then Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. At the time, the proposal indicated the fee would be THB 300, with implementation in 2022.
Tourism operators would later express strong opposition that year. This was after then Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Yuthasak Supasorn proposed hiking the fee to THB 500.
The government further postponed the fee’s launch from 2022 to 2023, repeatedly moving deadlines. Meanwhile, in 2024, then Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the shelving of the fee.
But the new 2024 administration of Prime Minister Pateongtarn Shinawatra and Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong acted otherwise, restoring the proposal.
Industry Reaction
Overall, tourism operators have responded positively to the tourism entry fee delay. They worry that adding cost as Thailand recovers from the pandemic could deter potential visitors.
In contrast, some officials believe the delay may slow infrastructure improvements. Still, the immediate focus remains on increasing arrivals, not taxing them.
Economic Impact of Fee Delay
The delay coincides with a broader economic slowdown. In early July, the World Bank revised Thailand’s 2025 GDP growth forecast down to 1.8% and 1.7% in 2026.
Overall, tourism typically accounts for about 12% of Thailand’s GDP. As such, experts say visitor numbers must recover before the government introduces any new fees.
Meanwhile, the government continues its “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports Year 2025” campaign. Specifically, the initiative aims to boost sports tourism and long-stay travel.
Boost Visitor Confidence & Growth
Officials now expect the entry fee to start implementation earlier than the second half of 2026.
In the meantime, government officials plan to reassess after the next peak season, after monitoring international tourist demand. They say the delay gives them time to study the digital arrival card system and streamline future fee collection.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
