Thailand is preparing to introduce a tourism fee for foreign visitors, with the government considering a charge of 400–450 baht per person and viewing 450 baht, or about US$15, as the appropriate level to help fund tourism development, infrastructure and visitor safety. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said on August 17 that the National Tourism Policy Committee had given preliminary approval to the proposed framework. The committee is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun.
Surasak stressed that the proposed rate is not yet an immediate mandatory charge. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports will review the fee level, collection methods and approaches adopted by other countries before gathering views from tourism businesses, foreign visitors and relevant agencies.
The proposal will then return to the National Tourism Policy Committee before being submitted to the Cabinet for consideration.
If the necessary legal process is completed, collection from visitors arriving by air could begin within 180 days, while land and sea arrivals are expected to require about 360 days because additional systems and border facilities need to be prepared.
Ministry Permanent Secretary Natthriya Thaweevong said an assessment incorporating economic conditions, inflation and other costs found that a calculated base rate would be more than 490 baht. However, the ministry considers 450 baht to be a more suitable level that would not place an excessive burden on tourists. She said the key issue is not simply the amount charged but whether visitors can clearly see how their money is being used to improve Thailand’s tourism industry.
Where the Money Would Go
The ministry plans to channel revenue into a tourism fund covering a wide range of activities.
These include developing and improving tourist attractions and infrastructure, research, workforce development and tourism promotion. The fund could also be used for tourist insurance, healthcare and measures to improve visitor safety.
If implemented effectively, the system would give Thailand a source of revenue outside the regular government budget that could be continuously reinvested in tourism and help strengthen the country’s competitiveness over the long term.
Visitor Reaction Could Be Crucial
The proposed fee comes while Thailand is competing for visitors against destinations across the region, particularly in important markets such as China, India, Russia and the United Kingdom.
Ministry figures released earlier showed that Thailand welcomed more than 13 million foreign visitors during the first five months of 2026, generating approximately 650 billion baht in tourism revenue. China remained one of Thailand’s leading visitor markets, while the UK was regarded as an important higher-quality market because of relatively long stays and higher spending per trip.
The reaction of foreign visitors could therefore become a key test of the proposal.
Chinese tourists, for example, may be more willing to accept a 450-baht fee if they can see visible improvements in tourist attractions, public transport, toilets, cleanliness and safety. However, they are also likely to expect a clear collection system and no duplicate charges.
Indian visitors may similarly regard an additional charge as acceptable if it brings greater convenience and safety, particularly in busy tourist destinations.
Russian visitors could view spending on emergency assistance, tourist protection and higher safety standards as reasonable uses of the money.
British visitors, meanwhile, may place greater emphasis on transparency and want to know exactly where the money goes, particularly in relation to tourist attractions and safety systems. The broader issue is therefore value for money. Visitors are unlikely to judge the fee purely by its price. They will compare the additional cost with the quality of the experience and services they receive in Thailand.
Thailand Already Has Other Travel Charges
The proposed tourism fee would also come on top of existing travel-related costs.
Since June 20, 2026, the international passenger service charge at airports operated by Airports of Thailand Plc has been set at 1,120 baht per departing international passenger. The charge is incorporated into the price of an airline ticket. Tourism businesses therefore want any new tourism fee system to be simple, transparent and easy for visitors to understand before they travel. Avoiding duplicate charges will also be important, particularly for frequent travellers and those entering Thailand through land borders.
How the Fee Could Be Collected
Authorities are examining different collection methods, including incorporating the fee into airline tickets, online payment, mobile applications and other systems that could be approved by the Tourism Fund Committee. For land and sea arrivals, additional time will be needed to prepare collection systems at border crossings and other entry points. The government is also considering arrangements that could make the system more practical for frequent land travellers, including possible multiple-entry options linked to insurance coverage.
The 450-Baht Question
For now, the proposed “land entry fee” remains in the 400–450-baht range, with 450 baht identified by the ministry as the level it considers appropriate. Foreign visitors are not required to pay the fee yet. The next stage will be public consultation and further consideration before the proposal goes to the Cabinet. The government’s challenge will be to make the system transparent, avoid unnecessary complications and demonstrate that money collected from visitors is genuinely returned to the tourism sector.
If tourists can see cleaner attractions, better infrastructure, improved safety and stronger emergency services, the fee could become easier to accept. If those benefits are not visible, the additional charge could instead become another factor travellers consider when comparing Thailand with competing destinations across Asia.
