TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Thai government has postponed the implementation of the tourist entry fee due to a decline in the number of tourists. The 300-baht entry fee, equivalent to around Rp150,000, was supposed to be enforced in 2025. Despite the postponement, Thailand continues to seek ways to enhance the tourism industry.
The implementation of the entry fee for foreign tourists, locally known as 'Kha Yeap Pan Din' fee, has long been planned. However, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has finally announced the postponement of the Foreign Tourist Entry Fee.
Reasons for the postponement
Chakrapol Tangsutthitham, Assistant Minister of Tourism and Sports, stated that Minister Sorawong Thienthong's review results indicated that the current implementation of the entry fee is inappropriate.
"We need to wait to assess the demand of international tourists during the upcoming peak season in the fourth quarter of this year," he said, as quoted from Nation Thailand.
In early July, the number of tourist arrivals reached about 17 million, a 5 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2024. This slowdown has raised concerns in the tourism sector, which contributes around 20 percent of the country's GDP.
Chakrapol added that the ministry also needs more time to study the details of the fee, including determining the appropriate fee structure based on the mode of travel by land, sea, train, or air. The tourist entry fee is expected to be implemented in the second or third quarter of 2026.
The entry fee for tourists, approved by the Thai cabinet in 2023, is set at 300 baht or around Rp150,000 for arrivals by air, and 150 baht or around Rp75,000 for arrivals by land or sea. The funds are allocated for projects that enhance tourism infrastructure and provide insurance protection for tourists.
Service enhancements
Thailand is a popular world destination, offering diverse attractions from natural beauty, mountains, white sandy beaches, friendly culture, to shopping and historical sites. Nearly 40 million tourists visit the country.
In addition to the postponed tourist fee until 2026, Thailand continues to enhance services for tourists. One of them is the launch of the digital entry system, which replaced the previous TM 6 immigration form, in May 2025. With the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) enhances data collection and processing at airports and borders, while supporting a smoother travel experience.
Every foreign tourist planning to visit Thailand can fill out the TDAC form up to three days before arrival. Tourists must provide various required information, including travel documents, passport details, personal data, travel plans, accommodation in Thailand, and health status as specified by the Ministry of Public Health.
Editor's Choice: AirAsia: Passengers to Thailand Must Fill Out TDAC Starting May 1, 2025
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