Skip to content
SawaLife BETA

Tourism

Proposed Thailand Tourism Fee Faces Scrutiny Over Corruption Concerns

One source
Proposed Thailand Tourism Fee Faces Scrutiny Over Corruption Concerns

A prominent political figure has urged the government to pause the implementation of the 'land entry fee' for international arrivals, citing risks of corruption and mismanagement.

According to a report by Matichon Online on September 22, 2026, Anusorn Iamsa-ard has publicly advised the government to halt the planned collection of the 'land entry fee' for international tourists. The proposal, which has been under discussion for some time, aims to levy a fee on visitors entering Thailand.

Anusorn expressed significant concerns regarding the potential for corruption and lack of transparency in how these funds would be managed. He suggested that if the government insists on proceeding with the policy, the revenue should be handled directly by the Ministry of Finance rather than being allocated to a separate fund. He argued that a centralized management approach would provide better oversight and accountability.

For travelers and residents, this development highlights ongoing uncertainty regarding the implementation of the tourism fee. While the government has previously signaled its intent to introduce such a charge, this political pushback suggests that the mechanism and administration of the fee are still subject to debate. It remains to be confirmed whether the government will adopt these recommendations, delay the policy further, or proceed with the original plan. Travelers should monitor official announcements from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports for any definitive changes to entry requirements.