Thailand: Air tax finally abandoned

Repeatedly postponed Thailand: the Thai government recently decided to drop the proposed 300 baht (approx. 8 euros) tourist tax for international air travellers. This decision aims to encourage tourism and increase visitor spending in the country. The original proposal, which had caused concern among travellerswas cancelled to facilitate a quicker recovery of the tourism sector after the pandemic.

The abolition of these fees is part of a series of measures designed to boost tourism. On June 8, 2024, the Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the cancellation of the previous proposal to impose a 300 baht (around 8.20 euros) tourism fee on foreign visitors arriving by air in Thailand, the aim being to make Thailand more attractive to international travelers by reducing additional costs and facilitating access.

According to Srettha Thavisin, while charging these fees may generate revenue in the short term, allowing more tourists in without additional fees will probably encourage them to spend more on shopping and other activities, which will be more beneficial for the Thai economy.

2021 年時泰國政府曾經宣佈準備徵收 300 泰銖的旅客入境費，消息公佈後受到各方反對，所以當時的政府宣佈暫緩。目前的總理宣佈，這個原本說暫緩的政策將會取消。

Thailand to drop unpopular THB300 tourism fee policy, PM confirmshttps://t.co/hu06AmvQMQ pic.twitter.com/FZ5tZogJqE

- 淫狐的風俗情報推特 fuzokuu.com (@Fuzokuu) June 10, 2024

Visa reforms to encourage longer stays

At the same time, tourism fees are waived, Thailand has introduced visa reforms to attract more visitors. These reforms include visa extensions for various categories of travelers, including tourists, students, remote workers and retirees.

Visa extensions include extended visa-free stays for passport holders of 93 nationalities, now extended to 60 days, valid from June 1, 2024 to November 11, 2024. In addition, more countries are now eligible for visa-on-arrival with extended stays of up to 60 days.

Tax incentives for domestic tourism

The government has also approved tax incentives to stimulate domestic tourism. These measures, in force from May to November 2024, include tax deductions for companies organizing conventions and seminars, as well as for individuals staying in alternative accommodation such as homestays in secondary towns.

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