Thailand is reviving a plan to charge foreign visitors a flat 450-baht fee to fund a Tourism Promotion Fund, aimed at upgrading infrastructure, environments, workforce development, research, and community support, with insurance and health protection included.

The initial collection would apply to air arrivals, with land and sea collections planned about a year later to ease border congestion.

The fund would provide a basic 30-day insurance cover to travelers, reducing pressure on public health budgets for foreign visitors’ medical expenses.

Industry analysis suggests the policy signals a shift from volume-based growth to value-based tourism, potentially disfavouring budget travelers and budget-accommodation providers.

The government argues for a sustainable, higher-value tourism model as growth stabilizes, though details on enforcement and scope await approvals.

Officials say funding from a dedicated fund would prevent stagnation and push tourism toward higher quality and sustainability rather than merely increasing visitor numbers.

Open oversight proposals call for transparent management, including an independent stakeholder body and potential public broadcasts of meetings.

A tiered insurance model is under consideration for high-risk activities, with additional liability coverage for vehicle rentals and similar services.

The plan emphasizes shifting from chasing headcount to building a higher-value, safer, and more product-quality tourism sector.

The idea was paused after the COVID-19 travel collapse but has been revived.

Cabinet approval is required after public hearings and consultations, with a formal framework to be submitted for implementation.

Industry support is mixed, with groups like ATTA backing the fee in principle but calling for transparent governance and public oversight of fund management.