BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand is considering a proposed 450-baht fee for eligible foreign visitors, with the government expecting at least 8 billion baht a year after collection and insurance costs to support tourism destinations, conservation and visitor protection.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said a meeting with government agencies, private businesses and civil society on October 6 followed an online consultation in which 80.50% of 5,954 respondents supported the draft regulation.
The proposed fee would initially apply to eligible foreign visitors entering Thailand by air, while collection at land and sea entry points would be delayed for one year. Part of the revenue would fund travel insurance covering death and medical expenses for visitors who pay the fee, while the remainder would support the restoration and development of tourism destinations.
Public Health Minister Phatthana Phromphat said Thailand’s public healthcare system faces more than 7 billion baht in unpaid medical costs for foreign patients each year. Data from 32 hospitals in 2024 showed claims of 16.957 billion baht, with only 9.935 billion baht collected.
The online consultation found 78.30% support for the proposed 450-baht rate. The largest group, 36.26%, favoured collecting the fee through airline tickets to avoid delays at immigration checkpoints. Private-sector representatives called for a fee that would not discourage travel, efficient collection without causing immigration delays, possible exemptions for regular cross-border travellers and clear communication about insurance coverage.
The government also plans to make fund revenues, insurance costs, disbursements and tourism development projects transparent and subject to public scrutiny. The Tourism and Sports Ministry will incorporate the feedback before submitting the draft to the National Tourism Policy Committee and Cabinet for consideration.
