Thailand’s new government is fast-tracking a 300-baht (~US$9) tourist entry fee for all foreign visitors arriving by air. Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed in March 2026 that the proposal would be tabled at the first Cabinet meeting of the incoming administration.
The fee has been debated for years — the Thai Cabinet first gave it in-principle approval back in 2023 — but implementation kept getting delayed. Now, under the new “Anutin 2” government, it appears closer to becoming reality than ever before.
If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, or Krabi, here is what you need to know about the fee and how it will affect your travel costs.
What is the Thailand tourist entry fee?
The Thailand tourist entry fee — known locally as ka yiab phaen din, which roughly translates to “fee for stepping on Thai soil” — is a flat 300-baht charge on every foreign tourist arriving in Thailand by air.
What the fee covers
Of the 300 baht collected, 70 baht will fund medical and accident insurance that covers you from the moment you enter the country. The remaining amount goes toward tourism infrastructure improvements, public amenities, and visitor safety systems.
Why only air arrivals?
Earlier proposals included a 150-baht fee for visitors entering through land borders or by sea. That plan has been shelved. Deputy PM Phiphat noted that taxing land entries could unfairly burden cross-border commuters and day-trippers from neighboring countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.
When does the Thailand tourist entry fee start?
No official start date has been confirmed yet. Here is the timeline so far:
- February 2023: Thai Cabinet gave in-principle approval for the fee
- July 2025: The Tourism Ministry delayed the rollout, citing dipping tourist arrivals and economic concerns, and targeted mid-2026 instead
- March 2026: Deputy PM Phiphat confirmed the fee would be tabled at the new government’s first Cabinet meeting
- As of May 2026: The fee is still awaiting formal Cabinet approval and a system rollout
The government has signaled intent to move quickly, but travelers should not expect to pay this fee until an official announcement confirms the collection mechanism and start date.
Who has to pay & who is exempt?
The fee applies broadly to foreign tourists arriving at any of Thailand’s international airports, including Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Don Mueang (DMK), Phuket (HKT), and Chiang Mai (CNX).
Who is exempt?
Based on the proposals discussed so far, the following groups will not need to pay:
- Thai nationals
- Infants under 2 years old
- Transit passengers who do not clear immigration
- Diplomats and officials on government business
- Foreign nationals holding valid Thai work permits
- Holders of long-term resident (LTR) visas
The final list of exemptions will be confirmed once the fee is formally approved by the Cabinet.
How will the fee be collected?
The Thai government has indicated that the 300-baht fee will be bundled into airline ticket pricing rather than collected at immigration counters. This approach mirrors how several other countries handle tourist levies — Japan’s departure tax, for example, is already embedded in airfares.
If this method is adopted, you will not need to carry extra cash or complete a separate payment at the airport. The fee will appear as a line item or surcharge when you book flights to Bangkok or any other Thai destination.
The exact technical implementation — whether airlines add it at the point of sale, or whether it is collected through a digital platform linked to the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) — has not been finalized.
How Thailand’s tourist tax compares to other countries
Thailand is far from the first country to introduce a tourist entry fee. Here is how the 300-baht charge stacks up against similar levies in popular destinations:
| Destination | Fee | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 300 baht (~US$9) | Air arrivals only; expected to be bundled into airfare |
| Bali, Indonesia | IDR 150,000 (~US$10) | One-time levy per entry; paid online before or on arrival |
| Japan | ¥3,000 (~US$20) from July 2026 | Departure tax included in airfare; tripled from ¥1,000 |
| Venice, Italy | €5–10 (~US$5–11) | Day-tripper fee on select dates; overnight guests exempt |
| Bhutan | US$100 per night | Sustainable Development Fee charged per night of stay |
At roughly US$9 per entry, Thailand’s fee is among the lowest tourist levies globally and significantly cheaper than Bhutan‘s nightly charge or Japan‘s upcoming tripled departure tax.
What travelers should do now
The fee is not yet in effect, and no payment is required at this time. Until the Thai government announces a confirmed start date and collection method, you do not need to take any action.
Stay updated
- Complete your Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours before your flight — this is already mandatory and free
- Check your airline’s booking page closer to your travel date for any new surcharges
- Monitor official announcements from Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports
If you are planning a trip to Thailand, you can compare flights to Bangkok, flights to Phuket, or flights to Chiang Mai on Wego. You can also browse hotels in Bangkok and hotels in Phuket for the best deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Thailand 300-baht tourist entry fee already in effect?
No. As of May 2026, the fee is still awaiting formal Cabinet approval. No start date or collection mechanism has been officially announced.
Do I have to pay the fee if I enter Thailand by land?
No. The current proposal applies only to foreign tourists arriving by air. The earlier plan to charge 150 baht for land and sea entries has been shelved.
Does the fee include travel insurance?
Partially. Of the 300 baht, 70 baht will fund basic medical and accident coverage that activates upon entry into Thailand. This is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.
Will I pay the fee every time I fly into Thailand?
Yes, based on current proposals. The fee applies per entry by air, so multiple trips mean multiple charges.
Sources
- Nation Thailand — Thailand to Launch $9 Tourist Entry Fee Under New Government (March 2026)
- Nation Thailand — Tourism Ministry Delays ‘Travel Fee’ Collection, Eyes Mid-2026 Rollout (July 2025)
- Channel I’M — Thailand Considers Air Arrival Fee (April 2026)
- Chiang Rai Times — Thailand To Implement 300 Baht Tourist Entry Fee (2026)
- Scandasia — Thailand to Introduce 300-Baht Tourist Entry Fee in 2026
- Thai Immigration Bureau — Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) Official Portal
- The Star (Malaysia) — Thailand to Launch US$9 Tourist Entry Fee Under New Government (March 2026)
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
