Thailand: Tourism fee to hit all foreigners

The planned 300-baht tourism fee is expected to apply to all foreigners without exception, serving as insurance coverage of up to 500,000 baht per person in case of accidents. But the fee has been repeatedly postponed since it was proposed in January this year, with an uncertain timeline for its launch. Mongkon Wimonrat, assistant permanent secretary at the Tourism and Sports Ministry, said the collection method and system for those arriving by air is now ready to launch. However, he said the ministry needs to conduct further studies on land and sea entry, meaning the programme will start when all ports of entry are equipped with feasible collection methods. The tourism fee was initially planned for collection from international arrivals, with the exception of diplomats and expatriates in Thailand. However, Mongkon said exemptions for certain groups cannot be implemented as airline ticketing systems have to embed the fee, and airfares only recognise passenger information listed in passports. As a result, the fee collection will apply to all entrants who are not Thai citizens, regardless of nationality or visa type, he said. "The 300-baht fee will guarantee insurance coverage during foreigners' stay in Thailand for up to 30 days," said Mongkon.<br/>