Thailand May Introduce an RM39 Tax to All Foreign Tourists to Deal With Overtourism

Post-pandemic, Thailand has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world again, with the country recording an impressive 28.09 million foreign visitors in 2023, which the country’s Tourism and Sports Minister claimed as being the highest in Southeast Asia.

Given that Malaysians made up the most number of foreign tourists in the Land of Smiles last year, 4,626,422 to be exact, then travellers from our country should know that recently, there have been discussions and debates in Thailand for the reintroduction of a THB300 or approximately RM39 tourism tax to all foreign tourists. 

Federation of Thai Tourism Association to present a white paper on solutions to overtourism

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As reported by the Thai-based publication Bangkok Post, Thai tourism operators stressed that popular destinations in the country such as Phuket, Koh Samui and Pattaya are on the verge of facing overtourism. 

Accordingly, the Secretary-General of the Federation of Thai Tourism Association (Fetta), Adith Chairattananon announced that the federation will present a white paper to the Thai government with solutions to prevent overtourism, which was rampant in the Land of Smiles before the pandemic.

Recently, the high season in Phuket witnessed traffic congestion and water shortages due to the high volume of foreign tourists. In fact, the Phuket International Airport even ran out of available slots for airlines.

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Tourism Council of Thailand wants the reintroduction of foreign tourist tax

One of the measures that the country’s tourism operators are urging Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to consider is the reintroduction of the RM39 foreign tourist tax. 

According to the Vice-President of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) Surawat Akaraworamat, the tourism tax can help fund tourism development.

Moreover, Surawat asserted that the amount is not too high for it to discourage foreign tourists from coming to Thailand.

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So, what do you guys think of Thailand potentially imposing an RM39 foreign tourist tax? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Also read: 1.39 Million M’sian Tourists have Helped Thailand Generate RM67.41 BILLION Revenue So Far This Year