Thailand Scraps $8 Tourism Fee Proposal for Foreign Travellers

Proposal No More: Scrapped Tourism Fee

In a recent statement, Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, announced that his government would be scrapping a proposal approved by the previous government. According to the proposal, if implemented, a $8.2 tourism fee would have been charged to all air passengers. However, the PM has announced its cancellation due to repeated opposition from the private sector of the country.

It was also stated that though the fee, if charged, can generate short-term revenue, it will lessen the chances of tourists entering the area and subsequently spending money on food, shopping, and other activities.

The PM said that the government will be aiming to “generate additional revenue from other tax sources” and will allocate funds to support tourism as needed. In a bid to boost its tourism, Thailand, in the recent months, has extended its visa-free programme for Indians and approved longer stays for foreign tourists, remote workers, retirees, and post-graduate students in the country.

Additionally, Thavisin also announced that the government is currently negotiating with the tech company Apple to open up a startup centre in the country as well as an Apple Developer Academy at Chiang Mai University’s Science and Technology Park.