Thailand is truly a magical destination. Bustling Bangkok offers gold-covered temples and fascinating cultural sites, while the country’s beautiful islands and beautiful beaches have some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. The jungle-filled northern province invites travelers to spend time trekking with elephants and exploring untouched wilderness.
To protect these natural resources, the Tourism Authority of Thailand says it will focus part of its 2023 visitor marketing campaign on meaningful travel, including responsible tourism and sustainable initiatives. Part of this plan is a proposed tourist tax of 300 baht (about $9) for incoming international tourists.
The country’s tourism minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, said the funds raised will go towards helping visitors who have been involved in accidents and developing tourist destinations. The fee will be charged a one-time fee to air travelers upon arrival in the country, reports The Independent.
Koh Lipe, Thailand. DANIEL PIETZSCH/FLICKR
If this sounds familiar to you, it’s because it’s not the first time Thailand has proposed this type of “tourism tax.” Last January, the country proposed a similar fee that was never implemented. Again, last summer, a supposed “sustainability tax” of a similar amount was also announced, but never came to fruition.
Lifestyle Asia reports that if this latest proposed fee is approved, it will go into effect in June.
Related: The best ways to get to Thailand using points and miles
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Current Thailand Entry Requirements
There have been several updates to Thailand’s entry requirements. Notably, as of October 2022, Thailand says all international tourists are welcome under its “full reopening to tourism” policy.
After some confusion over vaccination policies this week, the country’s deputy prime minister and public health minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, said that “international travelers arriving in Thailand are not required to show proof of vaccination.”
However, to avoid paying the treatment bills of uninsured foreigners who contract COVID-19 while in the country, Thai authorities say tourists will need to have health insurance if traveling to or from a country that requires proof of PCR to enter, like like China or India.
“While Thailand welcomes all visitors, a visitor’s country of origin or next country of destination may require incoming visitors, including its own citizens returning home, to have a negative PCR test,” it said. the Tourism Authority of Thailand in a statement.
Thailand has also temporarily extended the visa waiver rule from 30 days to 45 days for those arriving before March 31. Those who meet the requirements for a visa upon arrival will be able to stay 30 days instead of the usual 15.
Source: news.google.com