look news india
Many Indians dream of visiting Thailand, firstly because visa on arrival is available there and secondly, air travel from Delhi to Thailand is cheaper than going from Delhi to Goa. With cheap tickets, beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, this place has become a favorite destination for Indian travelers. But now, spending holidays here can be a bit expensive. The Thai government is introducing a new rule under which a tax of 300 baht (Thai currency) will be imposed on foreign travelers. This is equivalent to Rs 820 in Indian currency. This amount will be collected from every foreigner who sets foot on Thai soil.
This plan was made in 2020, but now serious preparations are going on to implement it. The country’s new tourism minister, Athakorn Sirilathyakorn, has clearly stated that he will implement this tax during his tenure. Earlier, this tax was different for air and ground passengers. According to the plan, 300 baht was to be charged for air travelers and 150 baht for those arriving by land or sea. However, it has now been set at a single rate of 300 baht for all.
When will this tax be implemented?
At present there is no fixed date for this tax, but the government is planning to implement it within four months after completing the rules and technical procedures. According to reports, this tax may be implemented by the end of 2026. This means that if you are planning a trip to Thailand in the near future, you may have to budget a little extra.
The government has also directed the concerned agencies to clearly explain the purpose of this tax to the public. The Thai government wants travelers to be given clear information about the use of funds collected. The funds will be used to improve insurance coverage and tourism infrastructure for tourists. This means that this tax is being imposed to further improve travel safety and convenience.
This amount is not big, but it will definitely be included in the budget.
The government says that transparency is necessary before imposing taxes. It is important to assure passengers that their money will be used for their benefit. Therefore, the government will run a publicity campaign to make the public aware. Millions of travelers from India visit Thailand every year. Although an additional tax of 300 baht may not seem like a huge amount, the total cost of the trip can increase when tickets, hotels and other expenses are added. Thailand’s move is similar to tourism taxes already implemented in many countries.