On Tuesday, the Thai Cabinet approved the 300 baht “landing fee” for foreign air travellers, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. The proposed tax was earlier referred to as the arrival tax or tourist tax,
The fee is anticipated to take effect on approximately June 1, or 90 days following its publication in the Thai Royal Gazette.
For foreigners who arrive by land or sea, the “Kha Yeap Pan Din” (fee for stepping on Thai soil) will be halved since they typically stay for just a few days. So only 150 baht.
Foreigners who arrive through a border pass, those on a one-day trip, or those with a current and valid work permit, will be excluded from having to pay the fee.
People on retirement-style visas will have to pay the fee, according to the information available today.
When the fee was proposed last year, Phiphat stated that the proceeds would be used to purchase insurance for foreigners, with the leftover amount added to the tourism development fund. This fund will help construct disabled access entrances and restrooms at tourist sites.
According to the Minister, from 2017 to 2019, the government has incurred up to 400 million baht in medical expenses for foreigners at public hospitals. If the ministry uses this charge to pay for insurance, it will not have to request a separate budget. This ruling has received criticism from internet users both in Thailand and abroad.
