300 baht tourism fees finally a reality this April

Tourists will soon be paying for Thailand’s “new chapter” in return for a little death and dismemberment coverage.

After years of failed proposals to bill travelers insurance and maintenance fees, a tourist tax finally won approval in these pandemic times. That means, starting in April, travelers from abroad will pay a THB300 (US$9) entry fee, prime minister spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said today.

The fee will help fund the tourism authority’s new, wonderfully titled promotion Amazing Thailand New Chapter. The money will be used to develop tourist attractions as well as provide accident and death insurance for all arriving foreigners. 

Those coming by air will hardly notice, as the price will be added to their air fare. The ministry said it was still figuring out how land travelers will be charged.

The insurance coverage will pay out up…