October 6, 2025, 3:02 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
For years, it was planned, postponed, and hotly debated–now Thailand’s government is taking action: As BILD reports, a tourist tax for foreign visitors is set to be introduced. What was long blocked could soon become reality–with noticeable consequences for vacationers.
Tourism Minister Wants to Implement Fee
The new Thai Minister for Tourism and Sports, Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, has announced plans to introduce the long-discussed tourist tax of 300 baht (about 7.70 euros). In a speech, he stated that the fee will be collected upon entry into the country–initially for all foreign travelers arriving by plane.
For vacationers entering Thailand by land or sea, a reduced rate of 150 baht may apply. However, this regulation is not yet finalized. TRAVELBOOK has already reported on a newly introduced digital entry form and the announcement of the tourist tax starting at the end of 2025.
First Proposed in 2020
The idea of a tourist fee is not new: Thailand’s government first proposed it in 2020. In February 2023, the Thai cabinet approved the proposal. However, the introduction was halted at that time due to concerns in the travel industry and fears of negative reactions on social media.
Poorly organized implementation could lead to long wait times at border stations and deter travelers with complicated payment processes. Budget-conscious groups like backpackers or short-term vacationers would be particularly affected. Experts also see the risk that high administrative costs could consume a large portion of the revenue.
Revenue to Benefit Tourist Infrastructure
The tourism ministry aims to invest the revenue strategically–such as in infrastructure development, sanitary facilities, safe pathways, security services, and protective measures at heavily visited locations. Even less developed regions are expected to benefit.
The government plans to invest part of the revenue in insurance to protect tourists in emergencies: In the event of death, it pays up to 1.5 million baht (around 39,500 euros), and up to 500,000 baht for injuries.
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Digital Collection Planned
The fee is to be collected via the digital “Thailand Digital Arrival Card.” This system has been in use since March 1 of this year. Payment can be made either through an app, a website, or together with the flight ticket.
Children under two years old, diplomats, and transit passengers are to be exempt from the fee. Possible exemptions for long-term stays by foreigners are currently being discussed.
Final Step Still Pending
Before the fee can actually be introduced, one formal step is still missing: the publication of the new regulation in the “Royal Thai Government Gazette,” the official journal of the Thai government. Only with this entry does the tourist tax gain legal validity.