Thailand’s government is edging closer to introducing a long-discussed entry fee for foreign visitors. The proposed charge, intended to support tourist safety and improve travel infrastructure, is expected to be finalised within the next four months, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn.
The measure, known locally as the “Kha Yeap Pan Din (ค่าเหยียบแผ่นดิน)” or “stepping onto Thai soil” fee, has been under consideration for several years but faced repeated delays. If approved, foreign travellers will be required to pay an entry fee of 300 baht (around RM40) upon entering Thailand, whether by air, land, or sea.
Speaking to reporters on 3rd October (Friday), Atthakorn said the government is determined to reach a decision soon. “The matter will be reviewed within the four-month timeframe of the current administration. We aim to make a clear and prompt resolution to ensure that all agencies are ready before the implementation,” he explained.
He noted that the proposed fee would not simply be an additional tax but a contribution towards improving the travel experience for all visitors. “The fee is for the benefit of tourists, to improve safety, welfare, and convenience. It will allow us to invest in the right areas to make Thailand a safer and more welcoming destination,” said the Tourism and Sports Minister.
Funds collected through the initiative would be channelled into a dedicated tourism fund, similar to the existing sports fund. The money would be used to enhance tourist welfare, strengthen safety measures, and upgrade tourism-related infrastructure and services nationwide.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports previously explained that the entry fee would help ease pressure on the state budget, which currently provides compensation and assistance to tourists in the event of safety incidents. It could also be used to provide travel insurance for visitors, ensuring they have coverage throughout their stay.
For air arrivals, the proposed charge stands at 300 baht per person per entry. For land and sea entries, the same amount would apply, an increase from the previously proposed 150 baht (approximately RM19), but would allow multiple entries within 30 to 60 days, offering flexibility for regional travellers.
Atthakorn emphasised the importance of transparency and communication in rolling out the new policy. “We must make sure tourists understand where their money is going. It’s not about adding a burden; it’s about giving back to the people who visit our country,” he said.
Thailand is currently targeting 39.9 million international visitors, a figure close to its pre-pandemic peak in 2019. Officials believe the small fee will be widely accepted as a fair contribution towards maintaining Thailand’s world-renowned hospitality and travel infrastructure.
If implemented on schedule, tourists, including Malaysians, could begin paying the entry fee as early as next year. Once introduced, Thailand will join a growing list of popular destinations that impose similar levies on foreign travellers to fund tourism development and sustainability initiatives.
Source: Nation Thailand
