Thailand plans to charge a tourism fee in 2022

Thailand

Thailand plans to subsidize tourism-related projects by imposing a tourism fee for $14 beginning 2022.

The fee will help the country’s industry shift from mass tourism as well as focus on things like eco-friendly tourism where the goal is to collect 5 billion baht, roughly $148 million, in the first year.

As of now, it has not been determined how the fee will be collected from arriving tourists. A committee must also determine how projects are deemed eligible for financial support.

The fee comes after Thailand reopened their country to set a few rules and programs for outsiders who visit.

Since the reopening of Thailand, they opened the Phuket Sandbox program where travelers must secure a Certificate of Entry, obtain proof of insurance that would cover up to $100,000 in potential COVID-19 treatments, pre-book a stay at an SHA Plus-certified hotel for at least seven nights, and book and prepay for all required on-the-ground testing.

Travelers must also show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their departure. If a traveler is fully-vaccinated they can enter any part of the country for seven days.

These procedures in place, the country plans to open more destinations to international tourists on Nov. 1, including Bangkok and designated areas in Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, and Ranong.

Currently travelers are also limited to specific areas for 14 days.