THAILAND again delayed the proposed 300-baht tourist fee from June to September due to problems in implementing the tax.
The collection of tourism tax from foreigners was supposed to take effect on June 1.
The amount of the tourist entry fee will vary depending on how tourists arrive.
Those who arrive by air will be charged 300 baht while those who arrive by land or water will have to pay 150 baht.
According to Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the proposed fee was delayed after airlines find it difficult to adjust ticket prices for foreign visitors only, which will be imposed by adding the tourism tax to their airfare.
The airlines insisted on giving all passengers the same treatment, based on their regulations, and criticized the collection method as “selective.”
The government previously said the money collected from the tourism tax will be used to provide health and accidental insurance coverage for travelers during their stay in the country.
The fund will also be used to finance the development of local tourist attractions.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry vowed that the collection of the controversial fee will not go beyond September.