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THE THAI Government has announced its plans to impose a tourism fee on tourists by 2022 to subsidize tourism-related projects. The country will charge 500 baht (approximately IDR210,000) for a tourism transformation fund that will focus on eco-friendly tourism.
According to the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Yuthasak Supasorn said that their main goal is to earn 5 billion baht in the first year.
“The projects must be co-creation and the government must use the funds to support projects that can create an economic impact. The additional costs will not have an impact on tourists because we want to focus on quality markets. We hope this fund will support changes in national tourism that create safer and cleaner places,” he said.
However, it has not been decided how much fees will be collected from tourists who come there. The government plans to set up a committee to determine how the project will be deemed eligible for financial support.
The plan follows Thailand’s intention to gradually reopen its borders to overseas travelers. Thailand has reopened to foreign tourists by introducing various tourism programs such as the Phuket Sandbox program and the Samui Plus program on Koh Samui.
To make things easier for tourists, Thailand also eased the quarantine period last week, allowing fully vaccinated tourists to visit anywhere in Thailand after seven days. Previously, travelers were not allowed to move for 14 days.
Those wishing to take part in the sandbox program, they must obtain a Certificate of Entry and proof of insurance to cover up to US$100,000 in potential COVID-19 treatments. Visitors must also bring their negative COVID-19 PCR test no later than 72 hours. Thailand is now planning to welcome international tourists to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ranong and Chon Buri from November 1. [bisnis.com/photo special]
