The government of Thailand has announced its plan to impose a tourism fee in 2022 to subsidize tourism-related projects. The country plans to introduce 500 baht ($14) for a tourism transformation fund that will focus on eco-friendly tourism. Speaking about the development, the Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Yuthasak Supasorn said that the aim is to raise 5 billion baht in the first year.
The governor said, “The projects should be co-creations and the government should use the fund to support projects that can create an economic impact. The additional cost won’t have an impact on tourists as we want to focus on the quality market. We hope this fund will support a national tourism makeover creating more safe and clean places.”
However, it is not yet decided how the fee will be collected from tourists arriving in the country. The government is planning to set up a committee to determine how projects will be deemed eligible for financial support. The latest development comes as Thailand is gradually reopening its borders to oversea travelers. Thailand has been reopening to foreign tourists by introducing various tourism programs such as the Phuket Sandbox program and the Samui Plus program on Koh Samui.
Thailand is now planning to welcome international tourists in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ranong and Chon Buri from November 1. To support the economy and attract more tourists, Thailand started a ‘Visa On Arrival’ facility for international tourists earlier this month.
Passport holders of Bulgaria, Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Uzbekistan and Vanuat can now apply for Visa on Arrival at any international airport in Thailand.
