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Thailand has decided to hold off on its new tourism tax, giving travellers a little more breathing room before it kicks in
The Thai government has officially postponed the introduction of its controversial 300 baht (around RM39) tourist fee, originally scheduled to begin in 2025.
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Image via Markus Winkler/PexelsThe new launch date is now expected in the second or third quarter of 2026
The fee is called "Kha Yeap Pan Din" in Thai, which literally means "stepping onto Thai soil".
It is aimed at foreign tourists and was approved in principle back in February 2023.
The plan was to charge 300 baht for those flying in, and 150 baht (about RM20) for people entering by land or sea.
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Image via Martin Péchy/PexelsSo why the delay?
Assistant Tourism Minister Chakrapol Tangsutthitham said that the current travel situation is still a bit unstable.
He said the ministry wants to monitor how international tourism performs during the year-end peak season before moving forward with the plan.
"We must wait to assess international tourist demand during the upcoming high season in Q4 this year," Chakrapol said in a press briefing, as reported by The Nation.
The Thai government also needs more time to sort out the fee structure — making sure it's fair for people coming in by plane, train, boat, or car — and to fine-tune the technical details
Once implemented, the money collected will go towards improving tourist sites in Thailand and covering basic insurance for foreign travellers while they're in the country.
In June 2024, then-Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the plan would be scrapped, but the Tourism and Sports Ministry later revived it under the new administration.
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Image via David Egon/PexelsImage viaMalaysians won't feel the pinch — yet
This delay means Malaysians planning to fly or drive up to Thailand for a quick getaway can still travel without worrying about any extra entry fees for now
Since Malaysia is one of Thailand's top tourist sources, any changes to costs could affect cross-border travel, especially for budget-conscious travellers.
But at least for now, that RM39 fee isn't kicking in just yet.
