Thailand: 300 THB tourism fee remains in hands of new government (Photo: bangkokpost.com)Bangkok (VNA) - The new government ofThailand is expected to decide the fate of the 300 THB (8.69 USD) tourism fee,which remains uncertain because of roadblocks from unclear implementation.
Since the cabinet approved in February thecollection of a 300 THB tourism fee from foreigners visiting Thailand by airand a 150 THB fee for visitors by land or sea, the scheme has not beenpublished in the Royal Gazette, which means there is no impetus to start theproject within a specific time frame.
Tourism Authority of Thailand governor YuthasakSupasorn said the project depends upon the decision of the new government asthe fee collection methods have not been sorted out.
He said there were objections from the private sector whichasked for a more flexible time frame after the Tourism and Sports Ministryearlier this year proposed starting collection in June.
The new government is expected to revise the scheme anddecide whether to continue, postpone or adjust the collection methods. Yuthasak said tourism fee collection should bepostponed until the industry has fully recovered, adding the most appropriateperiod is to start from 2024.
There are a number of roadblocks where the new governmentneeds to have a say, especially regarding collection methods.
The proposed measure called for embedding the feein airfares, but airlines said this is an impractical option and the ministryhas been hamstrung in trying to find feasible solutions.
Setting up automatic kiosks at airports was alsodiscussed, but with the surge of daily arrivals, this process might causeinconvenience and provoke discontent among tourists if they face congestion atairports.
Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the ThaiHotels Association (THA), said hoteliers mostly support postponing the projectto next year when the industry is in better shape.
Besides, she acknowledged that the structure ofthe fund's management must also be clear so the association can explain to tourists howtheir money will be spent./.
