Thai hotel association concerned about new tourist entry fee

Under the newly-approved policy, foreign tourists arriving in Thailand by air will have to pay a fee of 300 baht (US$9) while those entering the country via water and land transport will be charged 150 baht each.

“The new fee would likely impede tourists, especially those from Malaysia,” hotel association president Sitthiphong Sitthiphatprapha was quoted by The Bangkok Post as saying.

Malaysians who often cross the border for trips of two to three days would be significantly affected, and frequent charges would likely deter their visits, he said.

The association said it is working with local tourism businesses to monitor the situation.

Previously, the association submitted a letter to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports calling for the fee to be delayed for people arriving by land.

“A family of four would have to pay 600 baht to enter by land, which would result in a longer decision-making period for traveling families,” Sitthiphong Sitthiphatprapha added.

Thailand has long mulled charging foreign visitors an entry fee, but its implementation was delayed by the Covid-19 crisis.

Thailand welcomed 11 million foreign visitors last year thanks to its open visa policy. The Thai government is targeting 30 million arrivals this year.