Thailand Pushes Back 300-Baht Entry Fee Again, No Charge Until 2026

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand in 2025, here’s some good news: the much-debated Thailand tourism fee, also known as the Kha Yeap Pan Din (literally “stepping onto Thai soil”), has been delayed again.

The country’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has officially confirmed that the new entry fee for foreign tourists will not be implemented in 2025 as previously planned. Instead, authorities are pushing the rollout to sometime in 2026, tentatively in Q2 or Q3.

Thailand Delays Tourist Entry Fee Yet Again

Thailand has hit pause on its long-planned tourist entry fee, giving travellers a cost-free pass for at least another year. The government now says the fee won’t roll out until mid-2026. Here’s what’s behind the delay.

• Feb 2023: Thai Cabinet approves tourist entry fee in principle.
• Initial Plan: Launch in 2024, then pushed to 2025.
• July 2025: Officials delay rollout again to Q2–Q3 2026, citing global uncertainties.

Why Was the Thailand Tourism Fee Postponed Again?

According to Chakrapol Tangsutthitham, Assistant Minister of Tourism and Sports, the delay came after Minister Sorawong Thienthong reviewed the situation and decided the current conditions were not ideal.

Here’s what’s going on behind the scenes:

• Uncertainty in international markets: With global travel demand still shifting, officials want to wait until Thailand’s high season in Q4 2025 to reassess.
• Incomplete framework: The ministry is still studying how to structure the fee based on different entry methods, air, land, rail, or sea.
• Need for broader input: There’s still debate around how much to charge and how to best use the funds.

In short, Thailand is playing it safe before adding any new costs to international visitors.

What Is the Thailand Tourist Entry Fee?

Initially approved by the Thai Cabinet in February 2023, the proposed fee aims to support tourism infrastructure and provide insurance coverage for foreign travellers. Here’s how it would work:

Mode of Entry	Proposed Fee
By Air	300 baht (~US$9.25)
By Land or Sea	150 baht (~US$4.60)

The revenue would be funnelled into:

• Upgrading tourist sites
• Emergency support and accident insurance for visitors
• Better facilities at ports of entry

How Does This Affect Travellers?

For tourists, the short answer is: you’ll save money, for now. The fee may seem minor, but for budget-conscious travellers, especially backpackers or regional visitors making frequent crossings, even small costs add up.

Here’s what the delay means:

• No extra charges in 2025 – Flights and border crossings won’t include a tourism tax.
• Simplified entry – No changes to the current visa-on-arrival or visa exemption procedures.
• Extra time to plan – Those considering a trip in 2026 still have time to budget for the new fee.

This also benefits tour operators and airlines, who don’t need to adjust ticket prices or backend systems, yet.

What’s Next for Thailand’s Tourism Policy?

While the fee is delayed, it’s definitely not cancelled. The government sees it as a necessary step to sustain and protect Thailand’s tourism sector, which remains a major contributor to the economy.

Between now and late 2025, the ministry will:

• Monitor global and regional tourist flows
• Finalise a tiered fee structure
• Launch public awareness campaigns about the new system

So if you’re heading to Thailand in 2025, enjoy the reprieve. But keep an eye on Q2 2026, especially if you plan to visit during the summer or beyond.

Visa-Free Entry Still in Place for 93 Countries

Thailand is keeping its visa-free policy active to attract more international visitors. Citizens from 93 countries can now stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days, up from the previous 30. This includes travellers from the US, UK, EU nations, India, China, and Australia.

Final Thoughts

Thailand’s tourist entry fee is on hold, but not off the table. The delay gives both travellers and officials more breathing room. If you’re planning a trip next year, there’s one less thing to worry about. But come 2026, expect some changes at the border.

Let’s just hope the new fee comes with real improvements to match the price tag.