Thailand plans to impose landing tax  

泰國將向游客開征入境稅 擬每人交百元人民幣

計劃明年去泰國迎接新年陽光的游客們可能會發現，他們必須得向泰國政府支付每人500泰銖(約合97.93元人民幣)的入境稅。泰國政府官員20日表示，將向外國游客征收入境稅，新措施最快將在2014年1月1日起實施。 [查看全文]

(ECNS)-- Authorities in Thailand are considering charging every tourist a 500 baht ($16.10) fee upon landing for staying longer than three days.

A tourist who stays less than 3 days in Thailand will pay 30 baht each day.

The tax is expected to be introduced in January.

The government said it is introducing the tax in order to pay for visitors' unpaid medical bills and to attract a better quality of holidaymakers.

Pradit Sintavanarong, Thailand's Public Health minister, said officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Ministry of Public Health and the Royal Thai Police agreed the fee should be introduced, according to a local media report.

"Now is the time for us to have quality tourists," said Pradit, who added that the policy wouldn't block domestic tour agencies in Thailand from organizing tours for foreign tourists to come to the country.

The new measures will help ensure that visitors are unable to outstay their visa. It has been reported that about 100,000 foreigners are currently staying on in the country with expired visas.

The new policy is expected to add $419 million to the government's foreign currency earnings. The money would go toward tourism, health and foreign affairs ministries, and the immigration department.  

In 2012, Thailand welcomed over 22 million tourists worldwide, with growth set to continue in 2013-14.