Thailand Postpones Tourist Travel Fee Payment Until 2026, Explaining the Reason
Thailand Delays Implementation of Tourist Travel Fee to Mid-2026
The Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports has announced a delay in the implementation of a travel fee for foreign tourists, known as the Kha Yeap Pan Din. Originally scheduled for 2025, the fee is now expected to be introduced in the middle of 2026.
The delay is primarily due to weaker-than-expected tourist arrivals and ongoing uncertainties in the global economic environment. According to the latest data, total tourist arrivals at the start of July were approximately 17 million, a five percent decrease from the same period in 2024.
The travel fee, if implemented, would charge air passengers 300 baht (~€7.50 or US$9.26) and those entering by land or sea 150 baht (~€3.75). The revenue is intended to fund tourism infrastructure improvements and insurance coverage for foreigners visiting Thailand.
Chakrapol Tangsutthitham, the Assistant Minister of Tourism and Sports, stated that more time is needed to study the details and determine an appropriate fee structure based on the mode of travel. He also emphasized the need to wait for stronger international tourist demand, particularly assessing conditions through the high season in the fourth quarter of 2025, before implementing the fee.
In addition to the delay in the travel fee implementation, Thailand recently introduced a digital entry system to streamline visitor registration. This system aims to boost data collection, improve processing at airports and borders, and support a more seamless travel experience in Thailand.
The tourism sector, contributing about 20 percent of Thailand's GDP, has expressed concerns due to the slowdown in tourist arrivals. However, the delay in the travel fee implementation does not mean the fee has been cancelled. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports will continue to monitor tourist demand through late 2025 before finalising the rollout of the travel fee.
Minister Sorawong Thienthong, who made the decision to delay the implementation of the travel fee for foreign tourists, deemed the current timing inappropriate due to ongoing external uncertainties. The funds from the travel fee, if implemented, were intended for projects that improve tourism infrastructure and provide insurance coverage for travelers.
Sources: [1] Thai PBS World [2] Bangkok Post [3] Reuters [4] Outlook Traveller [5] The Nation
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports in Thailand has also introduced a digital entry system to enhance visitor registration and streamline travel, concurrently addressing the tourism sector's concerns about weaker tourist arrivals. Although the Kha Yeap Pan Din travel fee has been delayed until mid-2026, it is not yet cancelled, as the Ministry continues to analyze the appropriate fee structure and await stronger international demand for travel, especially during the high season in late 2025. This delay in implementation will also permit further study for a technology-friendly lifestyle, allowing for tailored technology integration in the travel and tourism sector to cater to the evolving preferences of tourists.
