Flying to Thailand? A $13 tourist entry fee could be coming in 2027

BANGKOK – Thailand is moving ahead with plans to introduce a 450-baht ($13.38) entry fee for foreign tourists arriving by air, with collection expected to begin no earlier than June or July 2027, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said tourism remained a key driver of Thailand’s economy, but the industry could not rely solely on government budget allocations to support its development.

He said more than 80 countries worldwide already imposed various forms of tourism taxes or fees, adding that Thailand was not the first country to consider such a measure.

According to the ministry’s online public consultation, 80.50% of respondents supported the draft regulation, while 78.30% agreed with the proposed 450-baht fee. About 62% believed that tourists arriving by air, land and sea should not necessarily be charged the same rate.

Natthriya Thaweevong, permanent secretary for tourism and sports, said the ministry was revising the draft regulation to address exemptions, collection procedures and the readiness of supporting technology and infrastructure.

The National Tourism Policy Committee is scheduled to meet on 12 November to formally consider the proposal.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, who chairs the committee, is expected to sign the proposal before it is submitted to the Cabinet for approval, potentially as early as the following week.

However, Natthriya said the fee could not be collected immediately after Cabinet approval.

Under the law, a 180-day transition period must follow publication of the approved regulation in the Royal Gazette before collection can begin.

As a result, the government’s previous target of introducing the fee in the first quarter of 2027 has been pushed back.

“The earliest collection could begin would be around June or July 2027,” Natthriya said.

Fee could be included in airline tickets

The ministry is considering incorporating the fee into airline ticket prices to minimise inconvenience for international visitors.

Natthriya said discussions with aviation authorities and relevant organisations, including Airports of Thailand (AOT), had progressed positively, with the necessary systems considered technically ready.

She said the government had spent approximately seven to eight years studying the proposal and developing the collection system.

Although most tourism operators did not oppose the principle of collecting the fee, some had raised concerns about how the revenue would be managed and whether it would directly benefit the tourism industry.

The ministry said the money would be used to support tourism development, improve infrastructure and restore attractions affected by years of heavy visitor traffic.

Tourist insurance among planned benefits

Part of the revenue would also fund insurance coverage for foreign tourists who become ill or suffer accidents while travelling in Thailand.

Natthriya said the insurance component was intended to strengthen visitor confidence and provide additional protection during their stay.

The remaining funds would support the restoration of tourist destinations, community-based tourism, workforce development and the creation of new attractions.

She said Thailand needed to place greater emphasis on encouraging repeat visits rather than relying exclusively on attracting first-time tourists, particularly as global demographic trends presented longer-term challenges to tourism growth.

The proposed 450-baht fee has yet to receive Cabinet approval, and the final implementation date remains subject to the regulatory process.