Thailand readies payment system for 300-baht entry fee

October 02, 2022 | 17:48
(0) user say
The Thai government previously visioned collecting a 300-baht entry fee from each foreign traveler who visits Thailand early this year.

The date for the implementation of this levy has since been pushed back continually, with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports now expecting the collection to begin in early 2023. The matter will soon be deliberated by the Cabinet. Meanwhile, the fee collection system is now being prepared.

Thailand readies payment system for 300-baht entry fee
The Thai government previously visioned collecting a 300-baht entry fee from each foreign traveler who visits Thailand early this year. (Photo: NNT)

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Krungthai Bank to develop a system to collect the entry fee. Krungthai Bank will link its existing payment platforms to the tourism ministry’s fee management system. This will make it speedy as well as safe for businesses and foreign tourists to pay the entry fee.

Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said income generated from the fee will serve to fund tourism development. It will also be used to improve the Thai tourism industry’s competitiveness and will be drawn on to pay for medical services for tourists.

Phiphat said the fee will be collected at all points of entry. The fee might be paid for via websites, mobile apps, kiosks, or included in the airfare. The fee will be 300 baht for those arriving by air, with the rates for other entry channels still being considered.

The minister expected a study commissioned to determine the appropriate rates for other entry channels to be completed at the end of this month. The result will be presented at a Cabinet meeting in October. If the Cabinet gives its endorsement, collection of the fee can begin as soon as early 2023.

Thai national oil and gas conglomerate shifts to EV industry Thai national oil and gas conglomerate shifts to EV industry

With the Government of Thailand having launched electric vehicle (EV) incentive packages benefiting both manufacturers and buyers early this year, several major corporations are pushing for production of EVs and batteries and building of charging facilities.

Thai steelmaker plans to increase price Thai steelmaker plans to increase price

Thai steel manufacturers are planning to increase their domestic prices following a rise in operational costs, from raw material prices and electricity bills to the higher daily minimum wage, the Bangkok Post reported.

Thailand approves longer stays for tourists during peak tourist season Thailand approves longer stays for tourists during peak tourist season

The Thai Cabinet has approved a 45-day stay for tourists entitled to visa exemptions and 30 days for those eligible for the Visa on Arrival programme in order to help boost the tourism sector during the travel season.

By VNA

What the stars mean:

★ Poor ★ ★ Promising ★★★ Good ★★★★ Very good ★★★★★ Exceptional