Tourism
Opposition MP Calls for Halt to Proposed 'Land Entry Fee' for Tourists
An opposition lawmaker has urged the government to reconsider the planned 450-baht tourist entry fee, citing concerns over potential declines in visitor numbers and financial transparency.
On September 22, 2026, Anusorn Tamjai, a Member of Parliament from the People's Party, publicly opposed the government's proposal to implement a 450-baht 'land entry fee' for international tourists. Speaking at the Parliament, Anusorn expressed concerns that the additional cost could deter foreign visitors, ultimately harming Thailand's tourism revenue.
The proposal, currently under review by the House Committee on Finance, Banking, and Financial Institutions, suggests directing the collected fees into a tourism promotion fund. However, Anusorn argued that this mechanism lacks efficiency and transparency. He warned that because these funds would bypass the standard national budget process, they could be susceptible to corruption or mismanagement. He suggested that if such a fee were to be implemented, the revenue should be directed into the national treasury instead to ensure proper oversight.
For travelers and residents, this debate highlights ongoing uncertainty regarding the future cost of visiting Thailand. While the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has evaluated the potential impact of the fee, the opposition's intervention suggests that the policy remains subject to further scrutiny and potential revision. It remains to be confirmed whether the government will proceed with the current plan, adjust the fee structure, or adopt the opposition's recommendation to integrate the revenue into the central budget.