Latest news with #ChakrapolTangsutthitham
Euronews
3 days ago
- Business
- Euronews
Thailand delays tourism fee as visitor numbers fall short
Thailand has postponed the rollout of its long-discussed – and frequently delayed – entry fee for tourists, citing sluggish visitor numbers and economic uncertainty. Initially expected to take effect in 2025, the 300-baht (€7.50) 'kha yeap pan din' ('stepping onto Thai soil') fee will now be pushed back to the middle of 2026, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Approved in principle by Thailand's cabinet in February 2023, the fee would apply to all foreign visitors arriving by air, with a reduced rate of 150 baht (€3.75) for those arriving by land or sea. The funds would go toward projects that improve tourism infrastructure and provide insurance coverage for travellers. But Assistant Tourism Minister Chakrapol Tangsutthitham confirmed this week that the government is holding off until demand rebounds. Why is Thailand pressing pause? The delay comes as the economy has stagnated and tourism numbers have fallen short of targets. At the start of July, tourist arrivals totalled about 17 million, down 5 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 GDP. Analysts suggest that economic pressures in key markets such as China may be affecting demand. The baht's strength and rising airfare costs have also made the country a more expensive destination to visit. Looking ahead, the US slapping tariffs on Thailand could have a ripple effect on economies, leading to reduced spending on international trips. Meanwhile, Thailand upgrades its tourism systems The fee might be on hold, but Thailand continues to eye up ways to improve its all-important tourism industry. Earlier this year, the country rolled out a newdigital 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. While its bureaucracy has never been a selling point, Thailand has plenty of other perks that have turned it into one of the world's most enduring travel destinations. From the verdant mountains and understated diversity of Chiang Mai to the white-sand beaches of island hotspots such as Koh Samui and Phuket, the country draws nearly 40 million annually with its natural beauty, affordable luxury and welcoming culture. With its legendary nightlife and combination of street food and Michelin star power, Bangkok continues to lure luxury travellers and digital nomads. Wellness tourism is also growing nationwide, thanks to newer and sleeker eco-resorts, yoga retreats and spas. Thailand's starring role in The White Lotus has only added to the buzz. Fee or no fee, the country is still betting that its seductive soft power will do the heavy lifting and keep travellers coming back for more.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Thailand delays tourist entry fee till 2026
FILE PHOTO: Passengers are pictured at the departures terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on October 27, 2021. The rourist entry fee, which was approved in principle by the Cabinet in February 2023, is set at 300 baht (US$9.25) for air arrivals and 150 baht for land or sea entries. - AFP BANGKOK: Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports has announced a delay in the implementation of the long-planned travel fee for foreign tourists, locally referred to as the Kha Yeap Pan Din (literally, 'stepping onto Thai soil' fee). Officials have confirmed that the measure will not be enforced in 2025 as initially planned. Chakrapol Tangsutthitham, 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,' Chakrapol explained, 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 Q2 or Q3 of 2026. The fee, which was approved in principle by the Cabinet in February 2023, is set at 300 baht (US$9.25) for air arrivals and 150 baht for land or sea entries. The revenue generated will be used to enhance tourist sites and fund insurance coverage for foreign visitors. - The Nation/ANN
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Thailand delays tourist entry fee till 2026
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The tourist entry fee is expected to be introduced in Q2 or Q3 of 2026. BANGKOK - Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports has announced a delay in the implementation of the long-planned travel fee for foreign tourists, locally referred to as the Kha Yeap Pan Din (literally, 'stepping onto Thai soil' fee). Officials have confirmed that the measure will not be enforced in 2025 as initially planned . Mr Chakrapol Tangsutthitham, 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,' Mr Chakrapol explained, 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 Q2 or Q3 of 2026. The fee, which was approved in principle by the Cabinet in February 2023, is set at 300 baht (S$11.80) for air arrivals and 150 baht for land or sea entries. The revenue generated will be used to enhance tourist sites and fund insurance coverage for foreign visitors. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore $3b money laundering case: MinLaw acts against 4 law firms, 1 lawyer over seized properties Business 'Some cannot source outside China': S'pore firms' challenges and support needed amid US tariffs Multimedia From local to global: What made top news in Singapore over the last 180 years? World Trump arms Ukraine and threatens sanctions on countries that buy Russian oil Singapore Turning tragedy into advocacy: Woman finds new purpose after paralysis Opinion Sumiko at 61: Everything goes south when you age, changing your face from a triangle to a rectangle Sport World Aquatics C'ship women's 10km open water swimming event delayed by a day due to water quality Singapore HSA intensifies crackdown on vapes; young suspected Kpod peddlers nabbed in Bishan, Yishun
