ATOR assessed the impact of the new fee in Thailand on tour sales

The introduction of a tourist fee in Thailand in the amount of 450 baht (about $13.4, or 1.2 thousand rubles) per person should not seriously affect the sales of tours to the country, the press service of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) told RBC.

The amount of 1.2 thousand rubles per person is small against the background of the total cost of flight and rest. In addition, tourist fees are already operating in a number of popular countries, tourists perceive calmly, the association said.

The ATOR recalled that the Thai authorities have repeatedly postponed the introduction of such a payment. Now the launch of the system is expected to begin in 2027, but the project has yet to be finalized. The proposed rate was increased from the previously discussed 300 baht (about $8.9) to 450 baht (about $13.4).

At the first stage, the fee is planned to be charged from foreigners arriving by plane, later from those entering by land and sea. The payment mechanism has not yet been determined: a special website or application, as well as terminals at points of entry, are being considered. The idea of including a payment in the cost of air tickets was not previously supported by airlines.

Part of the proceeds will be spent on insurance protection of foreign travelers, the rest on the development of tourist infrastructure and improving security.

In February 2025, Thai authorities planned to introduce a 300 baht tax on foreign tourists by the end of the year, but the measure never worked. In 2024, the government abandoned a similar initiative, believing that the refusal of payment in the long term could bring more revenue to the tourism industry.