Thailand May Introduce A Tourism Tax: Here's What Travellers Need to Know
The tax is expected to be implemented in mid-2025.
The Thailand government is planning to impose a tourism tax of 300 baht (approximately RM39) on air travellers starting in mid-2025
This initiative, pending approval from Thailand's cabinet, aims to enhance the tourism experience and provide better support for foreign visitors.
The tax will be implemented in phases, initially targeting air passengers, who account for 70% of foreign arrivals. A second phase will later include overland travellers.
The tax will also include an insurance premium capped at 60 baht (approximately RM8) per traveller, offering coverage for up to 30 days. This insurance provides benefits such as accident compensation.
To ensure a smooth process, tourists can pay the tax conveniently through a dedicated website or app, similar to South Korea's K-ETA system.
Image via Athit Perawongmetha (Reuters)/NST
Who needs to pay this tourism tax?
While details are still being finalised by Thailand's tourism authority, it is expected that visitors entering the country with a tourist visa, visa exemption, or visa on arrival will be required to pay the new tourism tax, according to Siam Legal,
However, infants under two years old, transit passengers, diplomats, and those holding valid Thai work permits will be exempt from the fee, reported Travel and Tour World.
Malaysians do not need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travelling to Thailand:
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