Thailand is contemplating an increase in its planned foreign tourist entry fee from the initial 300 baht, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul. Originally proposed in 2020 but never enforced, the fee might rise due to inflation and the growing costs of insurance, aimed at providing extended coverage at private hospitals. Most of the funds from the tourism tax are intended for tourist insurance, with the balance directed towards maintaining tourist sites and enhancing infrastructure.
The discussion about the entry fee comes shortly after the Thai government revealed plans to terminate 60-day visa exemptions for travelers from 93 nations, a measure driven by concerns over rising illegal activities by foreigners. Minister Surasak emphasized that his ministry is working on finalizing the fee collection method, ensuring it remains traveler-friendly. Two methods are under consideration: inclusion in airline tickets or through the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system. However, airlines have indicated that they cannot selectively tax foreign passengers, suggesting that the government might need to charge all passengers and later allow Thai citizens to claim refunds. Alternatively, the TDAC system could be used, as all international visitors must submit it upon entry.
The final fee amount will largely depend on the anticipated costs associated with accident insurance and medical treatment at private hospitals, given that unpaid medical bills by foreign tourists reportedly cost Thai hospitals about 2.5 billion baht annually. The ministry intends to discuss suitable insurance premiums with the Thai General Insurance Association. Thai Hotels Association President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun has called for clarity on the types of incidents covered by the insurance fund, and the exact proportion of funds allocated for major infrastructure projects.
Further, authorities are determining the timeline for reducing the visa exemption period from 60 days to either 30 or 15 days and reinstating visa-on-arrival protocols akin to those planned for 2024. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, leading the national visa policy committee, is tasked with coordinating these changes with other countries’ foreign ministries. Surasak mentioned the ministry’s intention to propose adjustments for specific countries, citing India as a key market where a 15-day visa exemption is favored, given its status as a top-five source of tourists for Thailand.
In parallel, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has asked the Tourism Authority of Thailand to revise its 2026 goals and strategy, considering that the ongoing US-Iran conflict might impede the goal of attracting 33 million foreign visitors. Despite the reduced visa exemption period, Surasak believes it will not impact tourist numbers significantly, as the average stay of most international visitors is around nine days.
