Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirms that this controversial measure will be submitted to the first Cabinet meeting.
The next government, dubbed “Anutin 2” in Thailand, is preparing to accelerate the introduction of a controversial tourist entry tax. Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced that the proposal for 300 bahts (around $9) for air arrivals will be debated at the first Cabinet meeting, alongside a major ministry merger.
According to the refined policy, this 300 baht tax will apply exclusively to foreign tourists arriving by air. Plans for a 150 baht tax on land or sea entries have been put on hold.
Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn explained that taxing land crossings would unfairly penalise border commuters and day-trippers.
To improve the public image, the minister proposes renaming this fee, currently called in Thai “ka-yiab-phaen-din” (literally “fee for treading the soil”), with a more welcoming and positive name.