According to information from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, the planned implementation of the tourist payment has been shifted from the first quarter of 2027 to a later date. As Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Natthariya Thavivong explained, following the official government approval of the initiative and its publication in the "Royal Gazette," a 180-day transition period will be required. This means that collection of funds may begin in June or July 2027.

How the money will be used and how the system will work

Authorities plan to use the generated revenue for infrastructure development, the restoration of tourist sites, and to provide medical insurance for arriving foreigners. In the first stage, the fee will be collected from those arriving in the country by air. The simplest mechanism is considered to be including the amount in the cost of the airline ticket, although in the future, the rules may extend to travelers using sea or land transport.

Fee indicators and public opinion

450baht (approximately $13.5)
80.5%support for the fee by discussion participants
78.3%agreement with the payment amount
  1. Q1 2027

    previous planned implementation date

  2. mid-2027

    new expected implementation timeframe

  3. after publication in the gazette

    start of the 180-day transition period