Thailand
plans to start charging its new 300-baht tourism tax, with the first
phase focusing on air travelers. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports
shared that it will take about six months to set up the system once it
gets cabinet approval, which is expected in January.
While the
tax was initially approved by the previous government in February 2023,
the new cabinet will need to agree before the plan can move forward,
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said. Once ready, the
second phase will expand the tax to cover travelers entering Thailand by
land.
Currently, air travelers make up about 70% of foreign
visitors, so starting with them will streamline the process. Krungthai
Bank has developed the payment system, and tourists will be able to pay
the fee through a website or app, similar to South Korea's K-ETA
registration. After government approval, the ministry will recruit
developers and insurance providers to provide insurance to tourists,
which will be included in the 300-baht tax.
This insurance will
cover tourists for 30 days, including 1 million baht in accident death
coverage and 500,000 baht for injuries. To prevent any perception of
discrimination, the ministry may propose a standard 300-baht fee for all
points of entry, replacing the previous rate of 150 baht for land and
sea arrivals. People who frequently cross the border for business may be
exempt if they have a border pass.
"Thailand's 300-baht tourism
tax for air travelers is set to begin soon. Learn about the tax, payment
methods and what it covers for foreign visitors to Thailand."
Thailand's 300-baht tourism tax will start with air travelers
Thailand's 300-baht tourism tax for air travelers is set to begin soon. Learn about the tax, payment methods and what it covers for foreign visitors
Location:
Bangkok, Thailand
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments
Post a Comment