Thailand mulls over introducing ‘tourist tax’ for foreign tourists

Thailand authorities are mulling over introducing a tourist tax in a move to cover insurance for foreign visitors and help improve local attractions.

The idea was originally suggested by the Thai Tourism and Sports Ministry after a new tourist act was introduced on May 22. Referring to this development, Tourism Permanent Secretary Chote Trachu said that the ministry is, in fact, holding talks with Naresuan University and the Office of the Insurance Commission for conducting a study of tourism tax, and find a solution that is apt and puts a minimal impact on Thailand tourism.
Naresuan’s survey team will be carrying out a check on examples across the world of successfully implemented tax schemes and their consequences. There are a number of countries that have implemented such a tax to fight the issue of ‘over tourism’.

Also, all the tourism stakeholders will be consulted during the six-month study before a decision is made. During this period, research will include studying the environmental impact of a large number of tourists in historical sites and aim to ensure that sustainable tourism is adopted in the near future. The official further stated that the fee will be used to offer security to tourists in case they find themselves caught in any unforeseen incident. It is expected that the fee will help reduce their medical expenses in the state.

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations for travellers all around the globe. In 2018, Thailand registered a footfall of around 38 million visitors, which is around 7.5 per cent as compared to the previous year.

In case Thailand introduces this additional tax, your trip is going to cost you more in the coming days. So, you might as well prepone your dream trip!