Thailand plans tourist 'landing fee' above 300 baht

Thailand is considering raising its proposed tourist 'landing fee' to more than 300 baht as authorities work on a new collection system that would include premium insurance coverage for foreign visitors.

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the government is finalising both the collection model and appropriate pricing to avoid negatively affecting tourists' travel experience.

Officals are currently studying two collection methods. The first option would include the fee in airline tickets, which authorities view as the most convenient approach because tourists would not need to make additional payments upon arrival. However, airlines currently cannot clearly separate Thai passengers from foreign tourists or business travellers. To address this, the government plans to create a refund application allowing Thai nationals and exempt travellers to reclaim the fee after entering the country.

The second option would collect the fee through the immigration system using electronic payment before entry into Thailand. While this method would allow authorities to clearly identify visa categories and traveller types, it may add extra procedures for visitors before arrival.

Surasak said the fee could exceed the previously discussed 300 baht because the government wants to provide premium insurance coverage for tourists immediately upon arrival in Thailand. The proposed insurance would include treatment at leading private hospitals and help reduce the government's financial burden when tourists' own insurance coverage is insufficient.

Authorities are currently holding discussions with insurance associations to determine an appropriate fee structure. Part of the revenue would also be used to support tourism development projects nationwide.