Tourism operators have voiced mixed reactions to the new government’s proposal to introduce a 300-baht tourism tax, warning it could impact travel sentiment at a time when the sector is already under pressure from the Middle East crisis.
Industry leaders are also calling for a reduction in visa-free stays from 60 days to 30 days to help curb illegal activities by foreign visitors, alongside stronger enforcement against unlawful businesses.
Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation, said it remains uncertain whether the proposed fee would further weaken tourism during the current downturn, as airlines have reduced flights and airfares have risen sharply.
While he supports the principle of using the fee—collected from air arrivals—for tourism development, he suggested postponing its implementation until the geopolitical situation stabilises. Announcing the measure now, he said, could negatively affect Thailand’s travel appeal.
Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, vice-president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, took a more neutral stance, noting that the 300-baht charge is relatively minor compared to the current spike in airfare prices. He added that travellers who are still flying tend to have higher purchasing power and are unlikely to be deterred by the additional cost.
On the proposal to shorten visa-free stays, Mr Ratchaporn said the council supports the move, as most tourists stay fewer than 20 days. He believes the adjustment could help limit illegal employment among foreign visitors.
Thailand has seen a rise in long-stay travellers seeking refuge from global conflicts, some of whom have reportedly engaged in unauthorised work, particularly during the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts.
Mr Ratchaporn emphasised that the visa change should be communicated as a screening measure rather than a hostile policy toward foreigners.
However, Mr Thanet cautioned against applying a blanket visa policy across all markets, noting that visitors from regions such as the Middle East often stay longer for health and wellness purposes.
He stressed that improving entry screening and strengthening law enforcement would be more effective in addressing illegal activities. He cited a recent case involving a Russian tourist in Phuket who was arrested for operating illegal tour services, adding that many foreigners working unlawfully tend to stay in unlicensed accommodations.
Given the current slowdown in international arrivals, Mr Thanet urged the government to introduce stimulus measures such as domestic travel subsidies and tighter controls on goods pricing.
Mr Ratchaporn also recommended focusing on markets less affected by flight disruptions, including Russia, India and Southeast Asia, as arrivals from Europe and the Middle East continue to decline.