Policy Postponed Due to Uncertainty
Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has officially postponed its long-anticipated entry fee for foreign tourists. Initially set for 2025, the new implementation date is now projected for the second or third quarter of 2026.
According to The Nation, Assistant Minister Chakrapol Tangsutthitham confirmed the delay after a policy review by Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong. “We must wait to assess international tourist demand during the upcoming high season in Q4 this year,” Chakrapol said. He added that the ministry needs more time to study the appropriate fee structure based on entry method—whether by land, sea, rail, or air.
Fee Structure and Intended Use
Approved in principle by the Cabinet in February 2023, the planned fee stands at THB300 (US$8.30) for air arrivals and THB150 (US$4.15) for land or sea entries. Revenue collected will go toward improving tourist sites and funding insurance coverage for foreign visitors.
Impact of China Tensions on Tourism
This delay comes at a time when Thailand’s tourism sector is already facing turbulence—especially with regard to Chinese arrivals.
Earlier this week, opposition leader Anutin Charnvirakul blamed a dramatic drop in Chinese tourists on Thailand’s proposal to legalize casinos. In a Facebook post, Anutin claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping directly expressed disapproval to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during a recent summit.
According to Anutin, President Xi warned the Thai government three times to drop the casino legalization policy or face diplomatic and economic consequences. Since then, Anutin claims, Chinese tourist arrivals have plunged by up to 90 percent, severely affecting Thailand’s hospitality and retail sectors.
Political Fallout and Industry Pressure
Anutin, who recently exited the ruling coalition to join the opposition, urged the government to publicly cancel the casino bill to restore confidence and avoid deeper economic fallout. He warned that continued indecision could worsen damage to Thailand’s vital tourism industry.
