Southeast Asia's second largest economy delays tourist entry fee to early 2026

Authorities have confirmed that the measure, locally referred to as the "Kha Yeap Pan Din" (literally, "stepping onto Thai soil" fee), will not be enforced in 2025 as initially planned.

Chakrapol Tangsutthitham, Assistant Minister of Tourism and Sports, stated that the decision was made following a review by Minister Sorawong Thienthong, who deemed the current timing inappropriate due to ongoing external uncertainties.

Chakrapol noted that it was necessary to monitor international tourist demand during the upcoming peak season in the fourth quarter of this year, while emphasizing that the ministry required additional time to study the details and determine a suitable fee structure based on the mode of travel—by land, sea, rail, or air.

As it stands, the tourist entry fee is expected to be introduced in Q2 or Q3 of 2026.

The fee, which was approved in principle by the Cabinet in February 2023, is set at 300 THB (US$9.23) for air arrivals and 150 THB for land or sea entries. The revenue generated will be used to enhance tourist sites and fund insurance coverage for foreign visitors.