Thailand is set to reintroduce a controversial tourist tax, a decision that is already sparking heated debate in the kingdom. The new Minister of Tourism, Sorawong Thienthongannounced its intention to introduce the 300 baht (8 €) for visitors arriving by air, and 150 baht (4 €) for those entering by land or sea.
A resurgent project
This is not a new idea. The previous government had already considered the idea earlier this year, but shelved it in the face of criticism from the private sector.. But Sorawong Thienthongnewly appointed to his post on September 16, wasted no time in putting the subject back on the table.
I'm convinced that the collection of this tax will benefit the tourism industry. The revenue generated can be used to develop infrastructure, improve attractions and enhance tourist safety.
Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism
Ambitious goals
This measure is part of a wider strategy to boost Thai tourism. Sorawong Thienthong has set an ambitious goal: achieve at least 3,000 billion baht in tourism revenues this year. To achieve this, the Ministry is counting on several levers:
- Development of artificial attractions
The government intends to support investment in new man-made attractions, offering tax incentives to the private sector to encourage these projects. - Promoting secondary towns
The "One Map Tourism"is designed to encourage tourists to explore all of Thailand's provinces, beyond the flagship destinations of Bangkok and Phuket. - Sports tourism
The Ministry is keen to capitalize on sporting events to attract visitors, going so far as to consider staging a Formula 1 Grand Prix on the streets of Bangkok. - Strengthening air links
Work is underway with airlines to restore pre-pandemic flight capacity and develop new routes to secondary cities.
A still vague timetable
While the principle of the tourist tax seems to have been accepted, its practical implementation has yet to be defined. The Minister has indicated that he needs more time to study the feasibility of the system and finalize the collection methods. He did not rule out a launch as early as the last quarter of 2024.but the deadline could be pushed back to 2025.
The announcement of this tax has not met with unanimous approval. While some see it as an opportunity to finance the country's sustainable tourism development, others fear a negative impact on visitor numbers.
Representatives of the private sector, in particular, are warning that this could discourage visitors or reduce their spending once they're here. The Minister has pledged to meet with tourism industry players in the near future to discuss the policy and try to allay their concerns.
A worldwide phenomenon
Thailand is not an isolated case. Many tourist destinations around the world have introduced similar taxes in recent years. Venice, Barcelona and Bhutan have all adopted measures designed both to generate revenue and to regulate tourist flows.
| City/Country | Amount of tax | Special features |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | Variable, up to several euros per night | Regional tax + municipal surcharge |
| Paris | Varies by accommodation type | Higher for luxury hotels |
| Bhutan | 100 $ per day | Aims to limit the number of visitors |
Thailand will have to find the right balance between the need to finance the development of its tourism industry and maintaining its attractiveness in a highly competitive global market. The success of this measure will largely depend on how it is implemented and perceived by potential travelers.
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