Thailand plans entry fee: What does that mean for tourists?

Thailand plans entry fee: What does that mean for tourists?

The discussion about the planned introduction of an entry fee for foreign tourists in Thailand goes into the next round. On October 3, Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, the Minister of Tourism and Sport, announced that this fee of 300 baht (around 7.80 euros) should be charged to the new government from the first four months. According to Nation Thailand, the matter will be thoroughly examined in the coming months in order to find quick and clear solutions.

This measure is seen as an attempt to strengthen the Thailand image in international tourism and to increase the income from the sector. Sirilatthayakorn is not tired of emphasizing the advantages of this fee: It should contribute to the security and the well -being of the visitor and flow into the development of the tourism infrastructure.

The goals of the entry fee

The minister made it clear that this fee should not only create a new source of income, but would also like to raise the number of visitors to the 2019 level when Thailand welcomed 39.9 million tourists. Before that, however, there is the challenge of dispersing potential concerns of foreign guests who may fear higher costs. From the industry's point of view, the budget could be used to promote tourism -related initiatives - similar to a sports fund that has already successfully has examples in the country. You can find more information about this at Wochenblitz.

The conversations about an entry fee are not new. In the past, these suggestions were repeatedly made by various governments, but never put into practice. Now the new government has apparently dared to pursue this idea seriously.

The current situation in tourism

Current figures show that Thailand has already received 23.9 million international tourists from January to September 2025, which generated income of around 1.11 trillion baht (around 28.9 billion euros). The main source markets include Malaysia, China, India, Russia and South Korea. Despite this positive development, there are concerns about a decline in the Chinese market - a fact that countries data and the Thailand presents the great challenge of asserting its position as the leading destination in Southeast Asia.

Tourism in Thailand, which began with the commitment of the US troops in the 1970s, has developed enormously over the decades. Popular travel destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai continue to attract millions. All of these places benefit from the great Thai hospitality and the breathtaking landscapes.

However, mass tourism is not without its dark sides. Thailand fights with environmental problems caused by tourists. Remembering and adapting the tourism strategies could not only protect the environment, but also improve tourist experience. Therefore, the introduction of an entry fee, as it is now being discussed, could be a step in the right direction - both for tourists and the country itself.