Thailand Puts Tourist Entry Fee Of Rs 800 On Hold Amid Travel Slowdown

Thailand has delayed the launch of its long-discussed travel fee for foreign tourists, pushing its implementation to mid-2026. The fee, known locally as 'Kha Yeap Pan Din' or the "stepping onto Thai soil" fee, was initially expected to be enforced in 2025. According to Nation Thailand News, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced that the measure will not come into effect in 2025. Assistant Minister Chakrapol Tangsutthitham stated that Minister Sorawong Thienthong reviewed the plan and decided that the timing was unsuitable due to ongoing "external uncertainties".

"We must wait to assess international tourist demand during the upcoming high season in Q4 this year," Chakrapol explained. The ministry is also taking additional time to finalise details and determine an appropriate fee structure for different travel modes - whether tourists arrive by land, sea, rail, or air. The fee is expected to be rolled out in the second or third quarter of 2026.

Under the approved plan, air arrivals would be charged 300 baht (about Rs 800), while land and sea entries would cost 150 baht (about Rs 400). Revenue from this collection will be used to upgrade tourist sites and provide insurance coverage for foreign visitors.

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Fall In Tourist Arrival Numbers In Thailand

As reported by Euro News, Thailand's economy has been stagnating, and tourist arrival numbers have fallen short of expectations. As of early July, the country recorded around 17 million tourist arrivals - a 5 per cent drop compared to the same period last year. This slowdown has raised concerns within Thailand's tourism sector, which accounts for roughly 20 per cent of its GDP. Rising airfares have also made it a relatively more expensive destination for travellers.

Thailand Continues To Upgrade Tourism 

While the entry fee has been paused, Thailand is pushing ahead with efforts to modernise its tourism systems. Earlier this year, authorities launched a new digital entry system, replacing tedious paperwork with a streamlined online pre-arrival registration process.

Also Read: Thailand Introduces Mandatory Digital Arrival Card For Tourists From May 2025

Between January 1 and April 20 this year, over 11 million international tourists visited Thailand, generating more than 540 billion baht in tourism revenue, according to the country's Public Relations Department.