Thailand authorities have confirmed that the South-East Asian nation will start collecting a 300 baht (AUD$12.60) tourism tax from international air travellers and 150 baht (AUD$6.30) from visitors entering by land and sea ports from 1 June 2023.
The year-round tax will only apply to those staying overnight – day-trippers, transit passengers and children aged under two years will be exempt from the tourism tax.
The tourism-reliant nation is moving forward with the small entry fee after a surprisingly quick inbound visitor rebound.
The Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects more than 25 million travellers in 2023 after lifting all pandemic restrictions.
The Thai government approved the long-delayed levy, proposed before the pandemic, on 14 February 2023.
The tourism tax will offset medical costs accrued by international tourists at Thailand’s public hospitals as well as support domestic tourism development, according to the Thai government.
Overtourism has also been an ongoing issue in Thailand, which saw the country close Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi – a destination made popular due to The Beach film – to rehabilitate the environment.
Thailand joins Bhutan in the introduction of its tourist tax, while Venice’s proposed fee for day-trippers has been postponed.
For more info, visit tourismthailand.org
