Minister pledges to finally implement B300 tourism tax

The tourism and sports minister plans to start collecting the 300-baht tourism tax during his four-month term and instructed relevant parties to communicate the benefits of the scheme to tourists.

- MOLPASORN SHOOWONG

Tourism and Sports Minister Artthakorn Sirilatthayakor said the tourism tax is important because it provides tourists with insurance and generates additional budget for infrastructure development.

He acknowledged the additional cost could hamper tourism sentiment, as foreign tourists voiced their concerns regarding this issue in a social media discussion.

The previous four tourism and sports ministers were unable or unwilling to initiate collection of the levy.

Though a study was completed on the tax’s benefits, it still has not been implemented because of concerns about the potential impact on tourism sentiment.