Thailand plans to increase the entry fee for foreign tourists to 450 baht, which will be implemented in the first quarter of 2027 at the earliest

(Central News Agency reporter Li Zongxian reported in Bangkok on the 15th) The Thai government plans to increase the entry fee for foreign passengers from the originally planned 300 baht to 450 baht (approximately NT$435). If approved by the cabinet, it will be collected from foreign passengers entering by air as early as the first quarter of 2027.

According to the Thai Enquirer, Thailand’s National Tourism Policy Committee has approved the draft of the “450 baht entry fee plan” and is currently preparing to hold a 30-day public hearing to collect opinions from the private sector and all parties.

After the proposal completes the 30-day public hearing process, it will be sent to the National Tourism Policy Committee for review and then submitted to the cabinet. If approved, charging is expected to begin as early as the first quarter of 2027.

Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, said that the government will first conduct a 30-day public consultation before sending it to the National Tourism Policy Committee and the Cabinet for review.

"The 450 baht charge is for foreign passengers entering Thailand via air, land and sea," he said.

The Nation reported today that the amount of 450 baht was calculated based on research and standard models to reflect the current economic situation, and is higher than the previous plan of 300 baht for air passengers and 150 baht for land and sea passengers.

According to the plan, air passengers will be charged first in the first phase, and the relevant announcement will take effect 180 days after it is published in the Royal Gazette; in the second phase, land and sea passengers will be expanded to cover land and sea passengers approximately 360 days later to allow time to improve congestion problems at border crossings.

In addition, for travelers who frequently enter and exit Thailand, the Thai government is considering paying only one fee for multiple entries and exits within the validity period of the insurance. The charging method will prioritize passenger convenience and may include inclusion in air tickets, or payment through websites, mobile applications, self-service kiosks, etc.

The report pointed out that the income from the entry fee will be used for passenger insurance, development of tourist attractions and new tourism experiences, as well as tourism research, conferences and talent cultivation.