Travellers heading to Thailand may soon have to pay a higher tourist entry fee, as Thai authorities review plans to increase the long-discussed tourism tax.
According to the Bangkok Post, Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the proposed 300 baht (around S$11.30) tourist fee could be raised due to inflation and increasing medical insurance costs.
The tourist tax was first proposed in 2020 but has yet to be officially implemented.
Thai authorities said most of the money collected would go towards insurance coverage for tourists, while the remaining funds would be used for tourism infrastructure upgrades and maintenance of attractions across the country.
Officials are reportedly exploring two possible collection methods — either through airline tickets or via the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system, which foreign travellers are now required to complete before arrival.
Thailand Reviewing Visa-Free Stay Duration
The announcement came just one day after the Thai government revealed plans to shorten visa-free stays for travellers from 93 countries.
Authorities are preparing to roll back the current 60-day visa exemption scheme and return to shorter entry periods similar to pre-2025 arrangements.
Under the proposed changes, some travellers could once again receive only 30-day or even 15-day visa-free stays depending on nationality.
Thai officials said the changes are partly linked to growing concerns over illegal activities involving foreign nationals staying in the country for extended periods.
However, the tourism ministry stressed that the shorter visa-free duration is unlikely to significantly impact visitor numbers, as the average tourist reportedly stays only around nine days.
Medical Costs From Foreign Tourists A Concern
Thai authorities also highlighted the growing burden of unpaid hospital bills involving overseas visitors.
Studies cited by officials estimate that unpaid medical expenses from foreign tourists cost Thai hospitals roughly 2.5 billion baht annually — equivalent to around S$94 million.
The government is now discussing suitable insurance premium structures with the Thai General Insurance Association to determine how much coverage visitors should receive under the tourism fee scheme.
Industry players are also calling for clearer explanations regarding what the insurance would actually cover, including whether it applies to road accidents, floods, construction incidents or motorcycle crashes involving unlicensed riders.
Tourism Industry Facing More Challenges In 2026
Thailand’s tourism sector is also facing fresh uncertainty due to global tensions and slowing travel demand.
Authorities reportedly expect the ongoing US-Iran conflict to affect international arrivals, potentially causing Thailand to miss its target of 33 million foreign visitors for 2026.
At the same time, tourism officials are considering adjustments for selected countries. India, currently one of Thailand’s top tourism markets, may potentially receive a separate 15-day visa exemption arrangement in future discussions.
Thailand remains one of the most popular travel destinations for Singaporeans due to its affordable shopping, food and holiday options. Any increase in tourism taxes or changes to visa policies could affect travel costs for frequent visitors from Singapore.