Previously, we reported that Thailand planned to reintroduce its tourism tax on foreign visitors, including Malaysians, by the end of 2025.
However, the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports has since announced that the rollout of the tax, known locally as ‘Kha Yeap Pan Din’ (which translates to ‘stepping onto Thai soil’ fee), will be pushed back to mid-2026 instead.
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“The entry fee will go toward improving safety”
Thailand, currently under a new government, has given a new update on the tourist tax, confirming that it will soon start collecting a THB300 (~RM40) entry fee from foreign visitors, which officials say will go toward improving their welfare and safety.
According to Khaosod English, the country’s new Tourism and Sports Minister Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn said the entry fee will be implemented within the next four months, as outlined in the government’s work plan.
Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn
The move aims to create new revenue streams, boost visitor safety, and help Thailand reach its pre-pandemic target of 39.9 million tourists, matching 2019 levels.
“The entry fee can be seen in two ways. While some tourists might view it as an extra cost, the government wants them to understand that the THB300 will go toward improving safety, welfare, tourism infrastructure, and overall convenience,” he said.
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Collected funds would also cover tourist insurance
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports previously proposed the entry fee policy to ease the government’s financial burden in compensating tourists involved in safety incidents, while also using the funds to cover tourist insurance and support tourism development.
Atthakorn added that the entry fee for air travellers will be THB300 per person per visit, while those entering by land or sea will pay the same amount, up from THB150 (~RM20), but can make multiple entries within 30 to 60 days, with final details such as tourist insurance coverage to be confirmed later.
He also pointed out that the THB300 tourism tax isn’t something new, as it has been brought up by several past governments, studied multiple times, but never actually put into action.
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Also read: Malaysians Who Bring e-Cigarettes or Vapes Into Thailand Can Be Fined & Jailed Up to 5 Years
