What is Thailand’s Tourist Tax

For some people who frequently travel around the world, they may be familiar with the term “Tourist Tax” or “Departure Tax,” as many countries already impose this type of tax. However, for Thailand, which is planning to implement this fee for the first time in 2023, let’s explore how the Tourist Tax in Thailand will be collected, its purpose, and when it will start.

 Tourist Tax, or Tourist Fee, refers to the fee imposed on international tourists traveling to Thailand. 

• It is expected to be enforced starting from June 1, 2023.
• The tax rates are as follows:
  • 300 baht per person per trip for travelers entering Thailand by air.
  • 150 baht per person per trip for travelers entering Thailand by land or water. • Exemptions from the fee include

• Holders of diplomatic or official passports.
  • Individuals with work permits or permits for foreign workers in accordance with the Ministry of Labor regulations.
  • Transit passengers.
  • Infants and children under 2 years old.
  • Other individuals as determined by National Tourism Policy Committee. 
• The Immigration Bureau will amend the ministerial regulations, establish criteria and conditions for stamping, and enforce relevant laws under the Immigration Act of 1979. Proof of payment of the domestic tourism fee by foreign tourists will be used as supporting documents for entry permits, and the Immigration Bureau will verify the evidence of fee payment to consider granting entry permits. 
• The revenue from the Tourist Tax will be allocated to the Tourism Promotion Fund, established under the Tourism Policy Act of 2019 (amended version). The responsibility for managing and developing tourism activities and destinations will be entrusted to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The fund will be used as working capital to take care of tourists and tourist destinations, manage and develop various aspects of tourism, and provide insurance coverage for foreign tourists during their stay in Thailand. 
• Currently, more than 40 countries worldwide collect fees in different formats. However, Thailand is the first country to collect this fee and provide benefits such as accident insurance, death benefits, and repatriation of remains to ensure the safety and well-being of tourists. Source: Office of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat