Thailand likely to impose a tourism fee in 2022

The government of Thailand has announced its plan of imposing a tourism fee in 2022 to subsidise tourism-related projects. The country will charge 500 baht (about INR 1100) for a tourism transformation fund that will focus on eco-friendly tourism. Informing more about the new development, the Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Yuthasak Supasorn said that their main aim is to get 5 billion baht in the first year.

The governor said, "The projects should be co-creations and the government should use the fund to support projects that can create an economic impact. The additional cost won't have an impact on tourists as we want to focus on the quality market… We hope this fund will support a national tourism makeover creating more safe and clean places." However, it is not yet decided how the fee will be collected from tourists arriving in the country. The government is planning to set up a committee to determine how projects will be deemed eligible for financial support. The latest development comes as Thailand is gradually reopening its borders to oversea travellers. Thailand has been reopening to foreign tourists by introducing various tourism programs such as the Phuket Sandbox program and the Samui Plus program on Koh Samui.
To make things easy for tourists, Thailand also reduced the quarantine period last week, permitting fully vaccinated tourists to visit anywhere in Thailand after seven days. Earlier, travellers were not allowed to move for 14 days. Those who wish to partake in the sandbox programs, they must get a Certificate of Entry and proof of insurance to cover up to $100,000 in potential COVID-19 treatments. Visitors should also carry their negative COVID-19 PCR test not older than 72 hours.

Thailand is now planning to welcome international tourists in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ranong and Chon Buri from November 1.