Thailand plans entry fee: what does that mean for tourists?

Thailand plans entry fee: what does that mean for tourists?

The discussion about the planned introduction of an entry fee for foreign tourists to Thailand is entering the next round. On October 3, Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, announced that the 300 baht (about 7.80 euros) fee would be imposed from the first four months of the new government. According to Nation Thailand, the matter will be thoroughly examined in the coming months to find quick and clear solutions.

This measure is seen as an attempt to strengthen Thailand's image in international tourism and increase revenue from the sector. Sirilatthayakorn never tires of emphasizing the benefits of this fee: it is intended to contribute to the safety and well-being of visitors and to the development of tourism infrastructure.

The objectives of the entry fee

The minister clarified that this fee is intended not only to create a new source of revenue, but also to increase visitor numbers to the level of 2019, when Thailand welcomed 39.9 million tourists. However, the challenge ahead is to allay potential concerns of foreign guests who may fear higher costs. From an industry perspective, the budget could be used to promote tourism-related initiatives - similar to a sports fund, which already has successful examples in the country. You can find more information about this at Wochenblitz.

Talks about an entry fee are not new. In the past, these suggestions have been made again and again by various governments but have never been put into action. Now the new government has apparently dared to pursue this idea seriously.

The current situation in tourism

Current figures show that Thailand has already received 23.9 million international tourists from January to September 2025, generating revenue of around 1.11 trillion baht (around 28.9 billion euros). The main source markets include Malaysia, China, India, Russia and South Korea. Despite this positive development, there are concerns about a decline in the Chinese market - a fact that Country Data takes up and which poses a major challenge for Thailand to maintain its position as a leading destination in Southeast Asia.

Tourism in Thailand, which began in the 1970s with the involvement of US troops, has developed enormously over the decades. Popular destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai continue to attract millions. All of these places benefit from great Thai hospitality and breathtaking landscapes.

However, mass tourism is not without its downsides. Thailand is struggling with environmental problems caused by tourists. Rethinking and adapting tourism strategies could not only protect the environment but also improve the tourist experience. That's why introducing an entry fee, as is now being discussed, could be a step in the right direction - both for tourists and for the country itself.