It took a long time to be put into practice.
In Thailand, the new tourist tax of 300 baht (8.37 euros) will take effect from June, said Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the country's tourism minister, whose remarks were taken up in the
Bangkok Post
.
Initially scheduled for January and then April 2022, it was to come into effect on January 1, 2023, before being postponed again due to necessary adjustments at the level of collection points at airports.
The fee will apply to foreign travelers arriving by air.
They will have to pay this entry fee, regardless of their visa status.
“Fees will not be collected from foreigners holding work permits and border passes
,” Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said.
Also exempt will be Thai passport holders and citizens of the country.
Although a collection system is already planned at airports, the mystery remains at sea and land entry points.
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Significant financial windfall
The authorities said that the money raised would be used to support visitors involved in accidents and to develop tourist destinations within the framework of sustainable tourism.
More specifically, insurance for foreigners, valid for a maximum of 30 days, should cover the risk of accident, riot, terrorist attack and natural disaster up to 500,000 baht (around €13,700), specified the
Bangkok Post
. few months ago.
Risks related to Covid and other illnesses are not taken into account and must be covered by optional travel insurance before departure.
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For Thailand, the financial manna should in any case prove to be significant.
The country plans to welcome 25 million tourists in 2023, compared to 11.8 million last year.
Optimistic forecasts fueled by the return of Chinese tourists to the international scene.
Tourism spending in the territory is expected to reach at least 2.38 trillion baht (66 billion euros), according to Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.
As a reminder, the country had 40 million visitors in 2019, including 11 million Chinese.