Tax: If you are going to Thailand for a massage, then take note of a new tax, add it to the budget, you will have to pay it in any case..

Many Indians dream of visiting Thailand, primarily because visas are available on arrival, and traveling by air from Delhi to Thailand is cheaper than traveling from Delhi to Goa. Affordable tickets, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife have made this destination a favorite for Indian travelers. But now, vacationing here may become a bit more expensive. The Thai government is introducing a new rule that will levy a 300 Baht (Thai currency) tax on foreign travelers. This is equivalent to ₹820 in Indian currency. This amount will be collected from every foreigner who sets foot on Thai soil.

This plan was formulated in 2020, but only now are serious preparations underway to implement it. The country's new Tourism Minister, Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, has clearly stated that he will implement this tax during his tenure. Previously, this tax was different for travelers arriving by air and land. The plan was to levy 300 baht on air travelers and 150 baht on those arriving by land or sea. However, it has now been fixed at 300 baht for all.

When will this tax be implemented?
Currently, there is no set date for this tax, but the government plans to implement it within four months of completing the regulations and technical procedures. According to reports, this tax could be implemented by the end of 2026. This means that if you are planning a trip to Thailand in the near future, you may have to add some additional expenses to your budget.

How many Indians visited Thailand in which year?
Year Number of Indian tourists Reasons
In 2020, Approximately 70,000 people were affected due to limited flights and lockdowns due to the pandemic.
2021 Approximately 80,000 Arrivals: Minimal due to travel restrictions.
2022 138,000 Recovery begins after restrictions are lifted.
2023: 1.628 million people travel again. The impact of visa exemptions.
2024: 2.1 million record number, a 30% increase due to the visa-free policy.
Statistics – Tourism Authority of Thailand – TAT

The government has also instructed relevant agencies to clearly explain the purpose of this tax to the public. The Thai government wants travelers to be clearly informed of the purpose of the tax. This money will be used to improve insurance coverage for tourists and tourism-related infrastructure. This tax is being imposed to further enhance travel safety and convenience.

The amount is not large, but it will definitely contribute to the budget.
The government says that transparency is essential before imposing the tax. Travelers must be assured that their money will truly be used for their own benefit. Therefore, the government will launch a publicity campaign to educate the public. Millions of travelers from India visit Thailand every year. While an additional tax of 300 baht may not seem like a significant amount, when added to ticket, hotel, and other expenses, the total cost of a trip can increase. Thailand's move is similar to the "tourism tax" already implemented in many countries.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News 18 hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.