Canadians travelling to Thailand could be on the hook for more fees
The cost of travel can certainly add up, and Canadians planning a trip to Thailand may soon have to pay a new fee.
Thailand’s government is considering introducing a new fee for foreign tourists visiting the country. The Nation reports that under the new proposal, the fee will go towards the Thailand Tourism Promotion Fund and will be used towards improving popular tourist destinations and creating new attractions, especially in lesser-known destinations in Thailand.
Funds raised through this scheme would also help to maintain and restore parts of the country and tourist spots struggling with overtourism. It would also finance insurance and safety arrangements for visitors.
For now, the fee is at the proposal stage, and officials have yet to finalize the cost, launch date, and how the fee will be collected. Details are expected to be finalized within six months or up to one year.
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Thailand also recently doubled its airport fee this summer.
Previously, tourists flying out of Thailand were charged 730 Thai baht or C$30 per person for the passenger service charge (PSC). However, starting on June 20, travellers saw a 53 per cent fee hike, with tourists now being charged 1,120 Thai baht or C$47.
Tourists don’t have to pay the fee separately, as the charge is automatically added to the final cost of their tickets. The fee only applies to international departures, while travellers flying within Thailand will continue to pay the 130 Thai baht or C$5.46 airport fee per person.
The fee was implemented at six airports across the country: Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, Phuket International Airport, Hat Yai International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, and Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport.
Thailand is also considering making travel accident insurance mandatory for foreign visitors.
The move comes as the government looks to address rising costs from tourists’ unpaid medical bills. If introduced, Canadians and other international travellers could be required to show proof of coverage before entering Thailand. Most incidents occur in Phuket and Chiang Mai, with tourists requiring treatment for alcohol and drug use, as well as motorcycle accidents.