Thailand Tourism: Stakeholders Advocate for Tourist Fee Reintroduction

Stakeholders in Thailand's tourism industry have expressed their support for bringing back a 300 baht fee for incoming tourists. They see it as crucial for raising funds to develop tourism in the country. The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) plans to discuss the need for this fee with Sermsak Pongpanich, the incoming tourism minister.

Surawat Akaraworamat, TCT’s Vice President, emphasized that both the Thai Chamber of Commerce and other industry stakeholders agree on the importance of this fee. He pointed out that the Tourism Department has set 56 standards for tourism-related services nationwide. However, the current budget allocated for enforcing these standards is only 10 million baht per year.

Surawat further explained that although guidelines exist for various tourism services such as tour buses, restaurants, and adventure activities, there is insufficient funding to effectively regulate and audit all operators.

Despite Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s suggestion to suspend fee collection to attract more tourists, Surawat believes that implementing the levy will not discourage tourists from visiting Thailand.

Wuthichai Luangamornlert, CEO of Siam Park City Group, also supports the fee collection, stating that the 300-baht fee, equivalent to US$9-10 for tourists, would not significantly impact the market. He stressed the pressing issue of the declining tourism development budget.

However, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, urged the government to devise fee collection methods that do not affect other types of arrivals, as Thailand receives not only tourists but also other visitors. Sisdivachr also emphasized the need for clear guidelines on how the tourism fund will be used, differentiating it from past fees.

Meanwhile, Tassapon Bijleveld, executive chairman of Asia Aviation Plc, mentioned that the Airlines Association of Thailand might meet with the newly appointed finance minister, Pichai Chunhavajira. Tassapon aims to resubmit a proposal for reducing the fuel excise tax due to increasing maintenance costs and high jet fuel prices, which have led to a 20% rise in airline costs, as reported by Bangkok Post.