Thai Examiner
New tourist tax of 450 baht a step closer with officials targeting early 2027 after cabinet approval is obtained
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Key facts
- Foreign tourists face a ฿450 Thai entry charge from early 2027 under a plan now heading towards Cabinet
- Cabinet approval comes next as Thailand targets early 2027 launch for its ฿450 tourist entry charge
- Tourist insurance takes centre stage with medical and death cover funded by Thailand’s new ฿450 charge
- Unpaid foreign medical bills enter the debate as tourism revenue tops ฿1 trillion through September
- New tourism fund could retain at least ฿8 billion yearly after insurance and collection costs are paid
- Cabinet remains the decisive hurdle before ฿450 charge and insurance scheme can begin for air arrivals
Summary
### Foreign tourists face a ฿450 Thai entry charge from early 2027 under a plan now heading towards Cabinet. Air arrivals would pay first, with medical and death insurance included as the scheme targets at least ฿8bn yearly for tourism development.
Thailand’s long-delayed tourist tax moved closer to reality Tuesday as government and industry leaders backed a ฿450 charge on foreign visitors. Cabinet is now the critical hurdle, with officials targeting early 2027. Eligible air arrivals would pay first, while land and sea collection waits a year. Crucially, the fee brings insurance covering medical expenses and death benefits.
Thailand is pushing ahead with a ฿450 foreign tourist tax after government and industry representatives backed the plan on Tuesday. Cabinet approval, however, remains the crucial next step before Thailand can start collecting the charge. Officials are targeting the first quarter of 2027. Importantly, paying tourists would receive insurance covering medical expenses and death, subject to final policy terms.