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Since the resumption of post-Covid travel, the Thailand is making waves with numerous announcements relating to its tourism sector. In this context, a new tourism tax is planned for 2025, with the aim of stimulating infrastructure while guaranteeing insurance for travelers. Called “Kha yeap pan din”, this tax should apply to foreign visitors arriving by air, marking a turning point in the management of tourist flows in the Land of smiles.
Thailand, often called the Land of smiles, designed a project of tourist tax aimed at reforming its approach to the tourism sector after the Covid-19 pandemic. Scheduled to come into force in mid-2025, this tax has already encountered several backlashes since its announcement. Its main objective is to improve tourist infrastructure while guaranteeing automatic insurance for foreign travelers. This article looks at the implications of this new tax, its amount, its scope and the formalities that tourists will have to respect.
A long-pending tax
The project of tourist tax, called “Kha yeap pan din” Or “Tax for setting foot on Thai soil”, has been debated numerous times and postponed many times. However, Thai authorities now appear determined to enforce it. It will be set at 300 baht, or a little more than 8 euros, and will initially target travelers arriving by air, from mid-2025. Subsequently, it is expected that those entering by land or sea will also be affected, possibly with a reduced rate.
This tax aims to provide the financial resources necessary to improve the services And infrastructure tourist. In addition, it will provide insurance coverage for visitors, which represents a double benefit: financing improvements while protecting tourists on Thai soil. However, details on the implementation and impact of this tax still remain unclear and will be carefully scrutinized.
Formalities for entering Thailand as a tourist
To facilitate access for tourists, Thailand has also changed its entry rules. Since July 2024, French nationals and more than 90 countries can stay up to 60 days in Thailand without a visa, an extension compared to 30 days previously granted. This measure aims to further encourage tourism, while stipulating that a passport must be valid for at least six months upon entry.
It is important to note that practices such as visa run (making a round trip between Thailand and a neighboring country to extend a stay without a visa) have been declared illegal. This could lead to fines or harsher penalties for those who try to abuse them. Thus, the situation of entry formalities in Thailand is also changing to better regulate the stay of tourists on its territory.
Expectations regarding the new tax
Thai authorities appear to have high hopes for the new tax, which could potentially revitalize the industry. tourism post-pandemic. Indeed, the country seeks to attract an ever-increasing number of visitors while ensuring that infrastructure can meet growing expectations. The aim is to reach twice the current number of passengers at its airports, an ambition which requires appropriate investment.
However, questions remain about the reaction of tourists to this new tax. Many of them may consider this new charge as an additional constraint, reinforcing the importance of clear and transparent communication around the use of funds collected through this tax. Improvement efforts, awareness campaigns and guarantees of traveler safety will be essential for its success.
To follow the progress of the implementation of this tourist tax and registration procedures, the Thai government has already announced the launch of a dedicated website. The latter will allow travelers to register and pay the tax online before entering Thai territory, thus facilitating the administrative management of this measure.
For more information on this new tax, you can consult the available sources:
Registration site and payment of tourist tax
News about the reception system in Thailand
Key points on Thailand’s new tourist tax
- Tax amount: 300 baht (around 8 euros)
- Implementation date: Mid-2025 for arrivals by plane
- Application : All foreign tourists arriving by air
- Objective : Improve tourism infrastructure
- Insurance : Automatic coverage for travelers
- Arrivals via other modes: Prospective reduced rates for those entering by land or sea
- History: Tax debated for a long time, several postponements
- Formalities: Passport valid for at least six months required
FAQs on the new tourist tax in Thailand
What is the nature of the new tourist tax in Thailand? This is a tax called “Kha yeap pan din”, which translates as “Tax for setting foot on Thai soil”, amounting to 300 bahts (approximately 8 euros).
When will this tax be applied? It is expected to be implemented from mid-2025 for travelers arriving by air, with a potential extension to those arriving by land or sea thereafter.
Who will be affected by this tax? All foreign travelers entering Thailand by air will be subject to this tax, while those arriving by other means may benefit from a reduced rate.
What will this tax be used for? The revenue generated by this tax is supposed to be used to improve tourism services and infrastructure, as well as to guarantee automatic insurance for travelers.
Are there any specific arrangements for registration and payment of tax? Yes, a website will be set up for travelers to register and pay the tax before their trip to Thailand.
What are the entry conditions for French nationals in Thailand? Since July 2024, French nationals can stay up to 60 days without a visa, provided their passport is valid for at least six months upon entry.
Is the “visa run” still allowed in Thailand? No, traveling frequently back and forth between Thailand and neighboring countries to extend your stay without a visa has become illegal and can result in fines or even prison sentences.