In a new twist it turns out that the often spoken about ‘Tourism fee’ is expected to apply to all foreigners with previously planned Ex-pat and diplomat exemptions ruled out.
It was initially planned that the tourism fee for collection from international arrivals, would be applied to tourists, with the exception of diplomats and expatriates in Thailand. However Mongkon Wimonrat, assistant permanent secretary at the Tourism and Sports Ministry, said the collection method and system for those arriving by air is now ready to launch. However, he said the ministry needs to conduct further studies on land and sea entry, meaning the programme will start when all ports of entry are equipped with feasible collection methods.
Furthermore, Mr Mongkon said exemptions for certain groups cannot be implemented as airline ticketing systems have to embed the fee, and airfares only recognise passenger information listed in passports.
Accordingly the fee collection will be in the ticket price and apply to all non thais, who are entering Thailand. “The 300-baht fee will guarantee insurance coverage during foreigners’ stay in Thailand for up to 30 days,” said Mr Mongkon.
For travellers encountering an accident, riot, terrorism attack, natural disaster or other incidents, coverage is restricted to a maximum of 500,000 baht, while coverage for any damage caused by emotional distress cannot exceed 20,000 baht, said the ministry.
In the event of death, the insurance pays out 1 million baht per person, while coverage for crematory expenses is up to 150,000 baht per person. Covid-19 and other types of illness are excluded from this coverage, said the ministry.
In the initial announcement of the fee back in April, it was suggested that it would be by airlines between August and September 2022 as part of the National Tourism Policy Act of 2008, which authorised the creation of a fund to be funded by fees collected from foreign visitors. Airlines raised concerns about the budget for the system and manpower to handle the process, as they are still struggling with the pandemic impact and weak passenger flows.
Back then, it was stated that the fund will be used to develop tourist sites, provide 30-day insurance coverage, and assist tourists in emergency situations such as sickness, accidents, or other incidents while in Thailand. “The tourism fee is in line with the revised National Tourism Policy Act of 2008, which granted permission to set up the fund from the fees collected from foreign visitors. The fund will be used to develop tourist sites and offer tourists insurance,” said Chote Trachu, permanent secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry.
Seemingly, the development of tourist sites has been dropped from the most recent announcements. Additionally, there seems to be no exception either for ex-pats or tourists who are already adequately issued.
Author: Editorial Staff
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