Thailand’s proposed B450 tourist fee likely delayed until mid-2027

Thailand’s proposed B450 tourist entry fee is unlikely to take effect before June or July 2027, after officials delayed an earlier first-quarter target to complete regulations and payment systems, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said.

The charge is not currently collected from international visitors entering Thailand. The revised timetable was set ahead of a 12 November review by the National Tourism Policy Committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun.

Even if the committee and Cabinet approve the measure, officials must wait 180 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette before collection can legally begin, according to the ministry’s proposed timeline.

The first phase would apply to air arrivals. Land and sea crossings, including routes from Malaysia and Laos, would be introduced about a year after the aviation rollout.

Phuket airport collection concerns

Tourism operators have warned that collecting the fee in cash at Phuket and Suvarnabhumi airports could create severe immigration queues. To avoid delays, the ministry favours adding the charge to international airline tickets, with a dedicated mobile application, website and airport kiosks considered as alternatives.

Airlines would need to distinguish exempt passengers from visitors required to pay when tickets are issued. The current draft exempts foreign nationals with valid Thai work permits, transit passengers, diplomatic and official passport holders, border-pass holders, airline crew members and children under two.

Transit passengers would qualify only if they remained airside without passing through Thai immigration, according to legal analysts cited in the proposal. Retirees and other long-stay residents without work permits remain a sensitive category because they are not explicitly covered by the work-permit exemption.

The proposed fee has been repeatedly delayed since 2023. Earlier plans included different charges for air and land arrivals, while the current proposal sets a flat B450 levy. The ministry estimates it could raise B8 billion a year for site restoration and emergency visitor insurance.

Hotel associations have supported the fee on condition that the government provides transparent audits of hospital insurance payments rather than directing the funds into general budgets.