Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has confirmed that the country will implement a 300 baht tourist fee from next September, and the ministry also plans to ask the provincial police to assist the tourist police. schedule in activities aimed at eradicating “free tours” and illegal travel.
According to Mr. Phiphat, Thailand will still collect the above fee, although the method of adding tourist fees to air tickets has been criticized by airlines as being selective and violating the Chicago Convention of the Transport Association. Download International Aviation on equal priority.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is considering outsourcing to external organizations responsible for collecting fees for all three modes of entry – air, land and sea – through applications. online application, website or kiosk.
Foreign visitors arriving by air must pay 300 baht, while visitors by land and sea must pay 150 baht.
Mr. Phiphat added that a tourism fund is expected to be established using 60-70% of the aforementioned fee revenue, helping to develop new tourist destinations and upgrade infrastructure for services. public.
Regarding the growing concern about “zero-dong tours” as well as the wave of foreign tour guides practicing illegally in Thailand, Minister Phiphat said the ministry would seek assistance. from the provincial police, which has more than 200,000 police officers nationwide, to assist the 2,000 tourist police in cracking down on these illegal business activities.
Also according to Minister Phipha, he discussed the issue of illegal tourism with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China in February this year to cooperate in ensuring the safety of visitors, quality tourism services and meaningful travel experience.
In addition, the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports is developing a training program and renewing the license for existing tour guides to ensure a sufficient number of guides.
Thailand still expects to welcome 80 million foreign tourists by 2027, generating 25% of gross domestic product (GDP).
According to the head of Thailand’s tourism industry, the main attraction of the country will be the reputation of natural attractions, such as the island of Kradan (Koh Kradan) in Trang province, which is listed by the World Beach Guide website voted as the most beautiful beach in the world this year.
However, Mr. Phiphat said that such destinations must apply capacity control measures and implement strict water and waste management measures to conserve natural resources.
