Thailand to impose travel tax in 2025, first phase to involve air passengers

PETALING JAYA: Thailand is expected to impose a 300 baht (RM39) travel tax next year, starting with air passengers.

The Bangkok Post quoted Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister Sarawong Thienthong as saying that the move needs Cabinet approval and will be implemented in mid-2025.

"We are working out the details and will submit for approval in January next year.

"It will start with air passengers, the first phase which will take six months to take effect," the Bangkok Post quoted the minister as saying.

He said once the implementation is completed for air passengers, a second phase will follow for overland travel.

Air travellers account for 70% of foreign arrivals in Thailand.

Sarawong said the system used would be similar to the South Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation, which requires travellers to register and make online payments before entering South Korea.

He said the 300 baht includes insurance premium for tourists, capped at 60 baht per person.

"The ministry was considering adjusting the fee collection to 300 baht for all ports of levy to avoid any discrimination.

"People who cross the border frequently for trade will not be affected as they can use a border pass for the levy exemption," added Sarawong

Thailand is a favourite place of travel for Malaysians where more than 100,000 crossed the border over the last four weekends.