Thailand to collect S$12 entry fee from foreign tourists, policy to be finalised within 4 months

Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister has announced that the government aims to finalise plans to impose a 300-baht (S$12) entry fee on foreign visitors within four months, reported The Nation Thailand.

The proposed levy, which has been long discussed but never enacted, will apply to arrivals by air, land, and sea, and is intended to support tourism safety, welfare, and infrastructure.

Stepping onto Thai soil

The measure has been referred to by its local name, “Kha Yeap Pan Din”, which loosely translates as “stepping onto Thai soil” according to Hype Malaysia.

Under the current plan, air arrivals would pay 300 baht (S$12) per person per entry. Land and sea arrivals would also be charged 300 baht (S$12), up from previous proposals of 150 baht (S$6), but with the added flexibility of multiple entries over a 30 to 60-day period.

Final details, however, such as how travel insurance will be handled and the actual fees, are still under review.

Not just tourist burden

The Thai Tourism and Sports Minister has also stated, as reported by Khaosod English, that the fee is not intended as just another tax burden on tourists.

Rather, funds collected would be channelled into a dedicated tourism fund modelled after Thailand’s sports fund system.

“The entry fee can be viewed from two perspectives: while tourists may see it as an added burden, the government will ensure they understand that the additional 300 baht will improve their safety, welfare, tourism infrastructure, and convenience.”

The Tourism and Sports Ministry has previously said the entry fee is intended to alleviate pressure on the government’s state budget in covering compensation and aid for tourists involved in safety incidents.

The collected funds could also be used for travel insurance for visitors during their stay and to contribute to the administration and development of Thailand’s tourism industry.

Public acceptance of new policy

The Tourism and Sports Minister emphasised that the tourism tax will be implemented within the next four months, as outlined in the government’s work plan, according to Khaosod English.

He also acknowledged that transparent communication will be key to securing public acceptance of the new policy.

“We must make sure tourists understand where their money is going. It’s not about adding a burden; it’s about giving back to the people who visit our country,” he reiterated, as shared by Hype Malaysia.

If successfully implemented, tourists, including Singaporeans, can expect to begin paying the entry fee as early as 2026.

Top images via Unsplash, ThaiEnquirer/Facebook