Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong has announced that the country is officially bringing back the tourism tax imposed on foreign nationals, including Malaysians, by the end of this year.
The tourism tax was previously scrapped by the previous Thai Government led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to attract more tourists to the country.
Foreign tourists visiting Thailand will have to pay a THB300 tourism tax starting later this year
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No exact date for the enforcement of the tourism tax was announced, though Sorawong confirmed that it will be imposed sometime later this year during the high tourism season in Thailand. For context, the tourism high season in the Land of Smiles usually starts in November.
Thai-based publication The Nation quoted the Tourism and Sports Minister as saying that the tourism tax would be set at THB300 or around RM39 per person, regardless of whether they enter Thailand via air, land or sea.
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However, the THB300 tourism tax is valid per trip for air travellers and valid for up to 60 days for those travelling via land or sea.
In other words, those who come to Thailand via flight will have to pay the THB300 tax again when they enter the country after leaving, while those travelling via land or sea can enter the country multiple times within up to 60 days without paying the tax again.
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The tourism tax will be linked to the new Thailand Digital Arrival Card system
Sorawong further revealed that his Ministry is also working on linking data to the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system to facilitate tax collection.
TDAC will be enforced for all foreign nationals visiting Thailand starting 1 May and involves them filling up an online form.
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So, what do you guys think of Thailand reintroducing a tourism tax for foreign arrivals later this year? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: Thai Cops Advise Malaysian Tourists to Stay Away from Fishing Villages in Southern Thailand
