Thailand is to introduce a 500 baht per person tourism fee next year.
Thailand plans to introduce a 500 baht/US$15 tourist tax next year. The Bangkok Post reported the fee will be used for projects that help transform the tourism industry. Yuthasak Supasorn, the Tourism Authority of Thailand governor, said the collection of 500 baht per person should start next year, with the aim of collecting 5 billion baht within the first year, assuming 10 million foreign tourists, the newspaper said.
The Southeast Asian nation is trying revive its Covid-19 battered tourism sector. Cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Pattaya were supposed to reopen from October, however travellers will now have to wait until at least November.
Thailand has welcomed fully-vaccinated tourists back to Phuket under its Sandbox programme, without a quarantine requirement, provided they fly directly there.
The Centre for Economic Situation Administration last week approved the fund, which will help projects that transform the tourism industry. The National Tourism Policy Committee already gave its approval earlier this year, with a proposed fee of 300 baht per person.
Mr Yuthasak said the additional 200 baht will be for a variety of projects. "The additional cost won't have an impact on tourists as we want to focus on the quality market," said Mr Yuthasak.
