It’s a small expense that you can add to your travel budget if you plan to visit the Land of Smiles anytime soon. Originally scheduled for January 2022 and then April, the new tourist tax sought by the Thai government has been delayed several times. “Its amount will be 300 baht [soit environ 8 €, NDLR]however, the period of its application has not yet been set by the authorities.“,-notes Figaro Soraya Homchuen, Director of the Thai Tourist Office in France.
If the collection system at the airports is already ready, the government is still thinking about the one that will be created at the sea and land entry points, the newspaper notes. Bangkok Post: Ministry of Tourism and Sports Deputy Secretary Mongkon Wimonrat. The program will start when all access points are equipped. Completion to carry forward the implementation of this tax to at least January 2023.
Payment on arrival
The authorities wanted this tax to be collected directly by the airlines when the plane ticket is purchased, like airport taxes or safety and security taxes already are. But the Royal Airline Association objected, saying the charges could be discriminatory. In fact, the carriers only have access to the data appearing in the passenger’s passport (surname, first name, date of birth, etc.). However, in this case, there is no difference between a tourist and an emigrant or a diplomat, the latter should be exempted from this tax. Therefore, the government has opted for collection on arrival at customs clearance.
“Proceeds will go towards insurance coverage for foreign tourists and improving infrastructure for sustainable tourismAt the beginning of the year, Yuthasak Supasorn, the manager of Thailand’s tourism department, announced to AFP. The insurance, which is valid for a maximum of 30 days, will cover the risks of accident, riot, terrorist attack and natural disaster up to 500,000 baht (about 13,700 euros), defines: Bangkok Post:. But not the risks associated with Covid-19 or other diseases, for which tourists are invited to take out optional travel insurance before departure.
Tourist taxes elsewhere in the world
Thailand is not the only country that applies a tourist tax to foreign visitors. Bhutan recently tripled its amount, which is now set at €200 per traveler per day. Since 2019, foreigners have to pay a €9 fee upon arrival in Bali, Indonesia, which is re-injected into the conservation program of the environment and Balinese culture. This tax is also applied at the local level. Many cities around the world charge a tourist tax for each night spent by tourists (hotel, camping, etc.). In Italy, Venice plans to charge €3 to €10 per day visitor tax from January 2023. But there, too, its implementation has been repeatedly delayed.
Source: Le Figaro
