The Cabinet on 14 February 2023 approved a draft announcement of the National Tourism Policy Committee on the collection of the “Thailand Tourism Fee” for international tourist arrivals.

According to the announcement, each foreign tourist entering Thailand by air will be charged 300 baht for each trip, while the fee for foreign tourists arriving by land and sea will be 150 baht per person.

The fee collection is not applied to those who hold diplomatic and official passports, work permits for specific professions as stipulated by the Ministry of Labor, transit passengers, and children under two years old, as well as other persons specified by the National Tourism Policy Committee.

The Thailand Tourism Fee will be used for tourism development in the country and for insurance coverage for foreign tourists while they are in Thailand.    The fee will also support healthcare for foreign tourists. 

The announcement will come into effect within 90 days after being published in the Royal Gazette, or tentatively in June 2023.

The Cabinet also assigned the Royal Thai Police (Immigration Bureau) to improve its regulations, methods, and conditions concerning immigration documents and related immigration laws. Receipts for the Thailand Tourism Fee will be used by the authorities as evidence to allow entry permits for foreign tourists.

The Government spends about 300-400 million baht a year on medical costs for foreign visitors at public hospitals. Budget allocations have also been provided to take care of tourist sites, develop facilities for tourist safety and security, and preserve the environment and natural resources.

Thailand focuses on overseeing safety measures related to tourism. This will promote international tourists' confidence in their safety while in Thailand and boost the favorable image of the country, as well.