Thai tourism officials have issued a statement for their trade partners explaining why the country’s government is considering introducing a tourist tax.
Here’s what they had to say:
"You may have read in the news this week that Thailand is set to introduce a new ‘tourist tax’ as soon as January 2014. We would like to reassure you that this bill has not yet been approved and is still to be passed by government. At this time, it is still one of several ideas the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Tourism & Sport are considering helping boost investment in their industries.
Unpaid medical bills, left by visitors staying in Thailand without the correct travel insurance, are putting a strain on Thai hospitals and the Thai government absorbs this cost at circa 200 million Thai Baht per year. As a result, the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Tourism & Sport are considering and discussing several options for how best to settle this. You may recall some news in August about the introduction of a compulsory ‘tourist travel insurance’ for all tourists entering the country, which was announced as a similar solution to the above.
It also forms part of the Ministry of Tourism & Sports objectives to target ‘quality’ tourists. In 2012 Thailand welcomed over 22 million tourists worldwide, with growth set to continue in 2013-14, so the focus is also on maintaining quality tourists visiting Thailand and encouraging more high-spending, long stay visitors.
For now we would like to ease your concerns and reassure you that these bills are not yet confirmed to be introduced but the ministries continue to deliberate over a possible solution. If and when a new policy is introduced the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will keep you informed and send full details."
