Thailand postpones implementing entry fee until early 2026

The postponement of the fee collection comes as the Southeast Asian country's tourism industry is facing a decline in revenue mainly due to a drop in the number of tourists from China.

Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports said on July 14 that it will postpone the implementation of a plan to collect entry fees into the country until early 2026.

The move comes as the Southeast Asian country's tourism industry is facing a slump in revenue largely due to a drop in visitors from China.

Mr. Jakraphol Tangsutthitham, Assistant Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, said that the plan to collect entry fees from foreign tourists, also known as immigration fees, is still in the research and assessment stage and it is not the right time to collect this type of fee.

He revealed that the toll collection could be implemented in the first or second quarter of 2026. This is considered a big issue that needs to be carefully considered. The toll rates will be different for roads, sea routes, and air routes, and there are no specific figures yet. The goal is to bring positive impacts on both aspects: ensuring safety and building confidence for tourists when deciding to come to Thailand.

The tourism industry accounts for about 12% of Thailand's gross domestic product (GDP). As of July 6, the total number of tourists to Thailand reached 17.2 million, down 5.1% compared to the same period last year.

The decline was partly due to the number of tourists from China falling to 2.3 million since the beginning of 2025, compared to 3.4 million in the same period last year./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/thai-lan-hoan-thuc-hien-thu-phi-nhap-canh-den-dau-nam-2026-post1049645.vnp