Thailand Considers Adding Tourist Entry Fee to Digital Arrival Card System

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism is continuing to move forward with plans to introduce a tourist entry fee for all foreign visitors entering the country. Officials now say the payment system could eventually be integrated directly into the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) platform.

The proposal was discussed during the “Thai Tourism Amid the Global Crisis” forum held in Bangkok on May 20. Speaking at the event, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phanchanworakun said Thailand’s tourism industry remains resilient despite global economic uncertainty, rising oil prices, inflation, and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS), international arrivals between January and April 2026 were down 3.39% compared to the same period last year. However, the minister noted that major markets such as China and India continue to show strong growth, reinforcing confidence in Thailand as a trusted global destination.

The government says future tourism policy will focus less on visitor numbers alone and more on improving the overall quality and sustainability of the industry. Authorities outlined several long-term priorities aimed at strengthening Thailand’s tourism sector:

• Creation of a Tourism Situation Monitoring Center for rapid crisis response;

• Revision of visa policies to attract higher-quality tourism markets;

• Introduction of a tourism fee to fund visitor insurance and maintenance of tourist attractions;

• Greater support for domestic and community-based tourism;

• Promotion of year-round travel across all regions of Thailand;

• Improved tourist safety through technology and stricter law enforcement.

One of the most closely watched topics was the planned tourism fee itself. The minister suggested the amount could exceed the previously proposed 300-baht rate because insurance costs have increased significantly. Authorities want the included insurance coverage to apply not only at public hospitals but also at private medical facilities.

Another major point is that airlines may no longer be responsible for collecting the fee. Instead, the payment could be incorporated into the TDAC system, which is completed by all foreign arrivals entering Thailand.

The minister explained that integrating the fee into TDAC would simplify the process and avoid complications for airlines, particularly regarding passenger nationality checks.

No official launch date or final fee amount has yet been announced. However, the government confirmed that discussions with the Thai General Insurance Association will continue in order to determine appropriate insurance premiums and the scope of coverage included in the system.

Thailand’s hotel industry is also seeking clarification about exactly what situations the insurance policy would cover. Industry representatives have specifically raised questions about flood-related incidents and motorcycle accidents involving tourists without valid driving licenses.