Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has announced a delay in the implementation of a long-planned travel fee for foreign tourists, locally referred to as the Kha Yeap Pan Din (literally, “stepping onto Thai soil” fee).
Initially scheduled for rollout in 2025, the fee would have required air passengers to pay THB 300 (approximately INR 796), while those entering via land or sea were to be charged THB 150 (approximately INR 398). The funds would go toward projects that improve tourism infrastructure and provide insurance coverage for travellers.
The delay comes amid weaker-than-expected tourist arrivals and broader concerns over Thailand's economic outlook.
At the start of July, tourist arrivals totalled about 17 million, down five per cent from the same period in 2024. The slowdown has raised concerns in the tourism sector, which contributes about 20 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Chakrapol Tangsutthitham, the Assistant Minister of Tourism and Sports, stated that the decision was made following a review by Minister Sorawong Thienthong, who deemed the current timing inappropriate due to ongoing external uncertainties.
“We must wait to assess international tourist demand during the upcoming high season in Q4 this year,” Tangsutthitham said, adding that the ministry needs more time to study the details and determine an appropriate fee structure based on the mode of travel—land, sea, rail or air.
As it stands, the tourist entry fee is expected to be introduced in the middle of 2026.
Earlier this year, the country rolled out a new digital entry system, replacing tedious paperwork with a streamlined online process for pre-arrival registration. Thai authorities say the digital form will boost data collection and improve processing at airports and borders, all while supporting a more seamless travel experience.
(With inputs from multiple news reports)