Thailand’s plan to charge foreign tourists a small entry fee has been delayed once again, this time until the middle of 2026.
The move, originally set for the end of 2025, was meant to reintroduce the long-discussed “Kha Yeap Pan Din” tax, which translates to the “stepping onto Thai soil” fee. But according to the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports, more time is needed before the plan can roll out smoothly.
Photo via China Daily
A small fee with big intentions
Under the latest update, the government still intends to collect THB300 (around RM40) from each foreign visitor entering Thailand, whether by air, land, or sea. Tourism and Sports Minister Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn explained that the entry fee will help improve visitor safety, strengthen tourism infrastructure, and support welfare programmes for travellers.
“The THB300 fee isn’t just about revenue; it’s about reinvesting in safety, convenience, and better services for our visitors,” he said, adding that the funds will also help cover tourist insurance and development costs across popular destinations.
Not the first time the idea’s come up
The idea of a tourism tax isn’t new. Thailand has floated similar proposals several times in the past, though none have been fully implemented. The current administration hopes to finally make it happen, targeting mid-2026 for its official launch.
Once introduced, the fee for air travellers will be THB300 per trip, while those entering by land or sea will also pay THB300, but with the added benefit of multiple entries within 30 to 60 days. Final details, including insurance coverage, are still being discussed.
The government hopes that this initiative will not only create new revenue streams but also help Thailand reach its ambitious goal of welcoming nearly 40 million tourists, the same number it saw before the pandemic.
