BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s National Tourism Policy Committee has approved the draft principles for a 450-baht tourism fee on foreign visitors, paving the way for a public hearing and potential implementation by April 2027, The Nation reported.

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Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun announced on Friday that the committee had approved both the draft principles and the draft notification governing the fee collection. The proposal will now enter a 30-day public consultation process to gather opinions from the private sector and all relevant stakeholders.

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul explained that the 450-baht rate would apply to all foreign visitors entering Thailand by air, land, or sea . The figure is higher than previously considered rates of 300 baht for air arrivals and 150 baht for land and sea entry, with officials stating that an economic study had suggested a base rate of over 490 baht to reflect current economic conditions and inflation.

Under the planned rollout, the fee would initially be collected from air travellers, taking effect 180 days after the relevant notification is published in the Royal Gazette. Collection from visitors arriving by land or sea would follow in a second phase, approximately 360 days later, allowing the government time to address congestion issues at border checkpoints, particularly along the Malaysian border.

Thailand will hold a 30-day public hearing on a proposed 450-baht fee for foreign visitors, with collection from air travellers expected to start in early 2027.

Thailand’s National Tourism Policy Committee has endorsed draft principles for a proposed 450-baht tourism fee on…

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The government intends to use the revenue to support the tourism sector without relying solely on limited state-budget funding . Funds would be channelled into a tourism development fund for purposes including insurance protection for tourists, development of tourist attractions, and support for research and tourism personnel development.

Payment arrangements are being designed with convenience in mind. Options under consideration include incorporating the fee into ticket prices, payment through websites or mobile applications, or use of fee-payment kiosks . For frequent travellers with multiple entries and exits during a short period, officials are considering a multiple-entry arrangement linked to the duration of their insurance coverage.

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Minister Surasak emphasised the necessity of the policy, noting that without such a fund, Thailand risks reaching saturation or decline in tourism, especially as government budgets shrink annually . The proposal is expected to be presented to the Cabinet after the public hearing process, with actual collection anticipated in the first quarter of 2027.