For many Indians, Thailand feels like a second home. With visa-free entry for Indian passport holders and a short 5-hour flight, it boasts stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural sites. And if you are planning a trip to Thailand soon, there’s an important update: a new entry fee might be implemented. The upcoming “Anutin 2” administration plans to introduce a tourist fee of THB 300 (approximately INR 866) for air travelers entering the country. Read on for all the details.
Also Read: Thailand To End 60-Day Visa-Free Entry Soon: Key Updates Travelers Must Know
The latest update on the policy has been announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. As per Deputy PM Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the new directive will only affect travelers arriving by air. Previous suggestions to implement a reduced fee of THB 150 (INR 434) for those entering by land and sea have been temporarily put on hold.
Tourist Entry Fee Will Be Applicable Only For Air Travelers
The land fee has been kept on hold because it would unfairly impact frequent cross-border travelers and day visitors from neighboring countries. Therefore, the initial focus will be on air arrivals, while plans for applying the fee at land and sea borders have been temporarily halted.
This isn’t the first time Thailand has proposed a tourist entry fee; it has been considered multiple times but has faced postponements due to concerns about its effect on tourism, especially during slow travel periods. However, the new government believes that tourism numbers have rebounded enough to reintroduce this fee, which is intended to fund tourism infrastructure and enhance visitor safety.
Also Read: Malaysia And Thailand Lead Visa-Free Travel Choices For Indians, As Per Agoda Reports
For Indians flying into Thailand, this means budgeting an extra INR 866 per visit once the fee is officially passed. While this fee is relatively minor compared to the overall travel expenses, it is a cost that all air travelers will need to account for.
