Thai Government Scraps Plan for Tourism Fee on Foreign Arrivals
In a move to boost tourism, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has announced that his government will not implement a proposed 300 baht (S$11.05) “tourism fee” on foreigners arriving by air. The policy, which was first announced in February 2023, was met with opposition from the private sector.
According to Prime Minister Srettha, removing the fee could lead to an increase in tourist arrivals, resulting in more revenue for the local economy through shopping and other activities. He emphasized that any decisions must take into account the voices of all stakeholders and that the government could explore alternative tax sources to generate additional revenue.
The decision comes as Thailand’s ranking in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) tourism and travel development index has dropped to 47th out of 119 countries. However, Prime Minister Srettha did not assign blame for the decline, instead focusing on the importance of continuously developing the tourism sector, which is a significant revenue generator for the country.
The scrapping of the tourism fee is seen as a positive move for Thailand’s tourism industry, which has been a key driver of the country’s economy. By removing the fee, the government aims to make Thailand a more attractive destination for foreign tourists, which could lead to increased revenue and economic growth.
The decision is also a nod to the private sector, which had expressed concerns about the impact of the fee on tourism. By listening to the voices of stakeholders, the government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the tourism industry and promoting economic growth.