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Thailand’s new tourism minister, Sorawong Thienthong, is looking to reintroduce a tourism tax of 300 baht (about Rs 750). This tax was initially approved in 2021 but was delayed by the previous government due to pushback from the private sector.
Sorawong, who took office on September 16, 2024, aims to boost Thailand’s tourism revenue to at least 3 trillion baht this year. He believes that collecting tourism fees can help improve infrastructure and ensure tourist safety. However, he noted that more time is needed to review the proposal before any decisions are made.
How Thailand’s Tourism Tax Works
– Air travelers : 300 baht (about Rs 750)
– Land or sea travelers : 150 baht (around Rs 380)
Exemptions:
– Children under two years old
– Transit passengers
– Diplomatic passport holders
– Individuals with work permits
Tourism Taxes in Other Countries
Many countries also impose tourism taxes. Here are some examples:
– Edinburgh and Barcelona: Charge a regional tax and city surcharge, which can be several euros per night.
– Paris: Tax varies based on accommodation type and star rating, with higher fees for luxury hotels.
– Venice: Fee depends on location and accommodation type.
– Austria: Has a nightly tax that varies by province.
– Belgium: Tourist tax varies by city and hotel size or rating; Brussels charges up to around €7.50 (about Rs 702) per room.
– Bhutan: Charges a daily fee of $100 (around Rs 8,395) to limit tourist numbers and protect its environment and culture, expected to continue until at least 2027.
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