Global Courant 2023-04-19 21:19:36
Thailand postpones imposing an entrance fee on tourists from June to September due to problems with the implementation of the levy.
The Bangkok Post reported on Wednesday that there were problems collecting the 300 baht (S$12) from travelers flying to one of Southeast Asia’s most popular tourist destinations as airlines refuse to take a selective approach with foreign tourists, Thais and expats.
Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn told the Thai daily that airlines insist on giving all passengers the same treatment, based on their regulations. It was previously announced that the levy would be added to airline ticket prices.
The Thai government previously said it expects to use part of the tourist tax to provide travelers with health and accident insurance during their stay in the country. It will also use it to fund the development of local tourist attractions.
According to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand has received more than 2 million foreign tourists every month between December 2022 and February 2023 since it lifted all border restrictions in October 2022 and ended the requirement for international travelers to be vaccinated or vaccinated . show a negative Covid-19 test to enter the country.
This is a far cry from the 133,000 foreign tourists who entered Thailand in January 2022.
Bloomberg reported that it estimates the number of tourists could reach 30 million by 2023, nearly tripling from 11.2 million in 2022.