New taxes in tourism (1) : to be or not to be taxed in Thailand?
Taxing international visitors is becoming increasingly trendy in many countries. In many cases, implementing such a tax can help regulate and manage tourist flows—for example, funding beach cleanups or waste collection—improve infrastructure, or enhance the overall visitor experience. In other cases, however, the legitimacy of these taxes can be questioned. They often serve as a convenient way for local politicians to fill government coffers without upsetting potential voters.
TravelMole looks at new potential taxes that authorities want to ponder. Starting first with Thailand. With the recent change in government, Thailand’s new Tourism and sports Minister Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn is determined to revive the THB300 (US$9.3) entry fee on foreign visitors. Mulled already in 2020, the THB300 tax has been delayed several times over concerns that it could be perceived as a con for visitors and another way to bring a little more money into the state coffers.
New Minister in favor of a quick tax implementation
However, the current minister now expresses its determination to turn the tax effective before his four-month term ends.
The levy would fund travel insurance for tourists and support improvements to the country’s tourism infrastructure. Sirilatthayakorn emphasized the necessity to communicate the benefits clearly. Visitors would then better understand where their money is going. Some travelers have already criticized the idea online, warning it could discourage budget-conscious visitors.
Still, the minister believes the time has come to implement the plan. He argues that the small fee will yield long-term benefits. And help funding better services and facilities across Thailand’s top destinations.
“The key is transparency,” Artthakorn said to Thai local media. “People need to see how this fee contributes to their safety and experience.”
If approved, the THB300 tax would be collected directly from international arrivals -eventually through the Thailand Digital Arrival Card registration. The government also thinks about the possibility to only charge THB150 for entries by land or sea.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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