According to Phiphat, the funds raised from this fee will be used to support visitors involved in accidents and to develop tourist destinations in the country, reports state news agency NNT.
Minister Phiphat noted, however, that the fee will not be collected from foreigners with work permits and border passes.
Thailand expects to see approximately 25 million tourist arrivals this year, a significant increase from the 11.8 million arrivals in 2022. In 2019, the country welcomed a record 40mn arrivals, with over 11mn of them being Chinese.
Tourism is a major contributor to the economy of Thailand, Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, contributing about 12% of its gross domestic product before the pandemic. Tourism spending is forecast to reach at least B2.38 trillion this year.
The proposal for a tourist fee was first considered in 2020 and is still subject to Cabinet approval.