Buzz
Starting January 2014, Thailand will implement an entry fee for foreign tourists.
According to Bangkok Post, Thailand's Minister of Health, Sports, and Tourism has approved this fee, set to be applied next year. Besides the airport fees already included in ticket prices, foreign visitors will be required to pay 500 baht (350,000 dong) upon stepping foot at the airport to enter the country. The fee is applicable to all types of tourists, whether visa-exempt or visa-required, staying for more than 3 days. For those crossing the border by land or staying less than 3 days, the fee is only 30 baht (21,000 dong) per day.
The entry fee aims to establish a fund for activities related to foreign tourists in Thailand, particularly for health purposes. Although state-funded health fees are provided for many foreign visitors, they are either paid similarly to domestic citizens or left unpaid upon returning home, causing a strain on Thailand's budget. The entry fee is seen as a substitute for the previously suggested mandatory health insurance fee for foreign tourists entering Thailand.
The entry fee has stirred controversy in Thailand, with travel companies opposing this policy. In an interview with PV, Mr. Sitdiwat Cheevarattanaporn, President of the Thailand Travel Association, expressed disagreement with the Ministry of Health's new policy, stating that the entry fee is unnecessary for what the tourism industry already receives from foreign tourists.
“There are many ways to address the challenges facing the Thai tourism industry, but I believe this approach is not suitable and, if implemented, will affect Thai tourism,” Mr. Sitdiwat said. He added that he hopes Thai authorities will reconsider and not apply the entry fee from the beginning of next year.
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Source: Travel Handbook Mytour – According to Thanh Niên
MytourApril 21, 2014
