As we look forward to 2025, Thailand will likely remain a top travel destination for Malaysians. With its intricate history, beautiful beaches, mouth-watering street food, and one-of-a-kind cultural festivals, Thailand truly has it all.
But if you’re planning a getaway to the Land of Smiles next year, there’s a new cost to consider—a travel tax that all international tourists must pay, starting with air travellers.
The RM39 (approx.) travel tax: What to know before you go
Pending cabinet approval, Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry may implement this RM39 (300 baht) tax on all international travellers in early 2025. This tax aims to support tourism infrastructure, environmental conservation, and medical coverage for tourists, ensuring a sustainable and secure travel experience. Rolled out in phases, the tax will first apply to air travellers, who make up 70% of foreign arrivals, and expanded to land and sea entries about six months later.
The seamless transaction system, powered by Krungthai Bank, is designed to make collection easy. At the same time, bundled travel insurance will offer up to 30 days of accident coverage, providing 1 million Thai baht for accidental death and 500,000 baht for injuries.
To ensure fairness, Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry is considering a uniform 300-baht rate for all entry points rather than the previously proposed lower fee for land and sea arrivals.
How to make the payment
Travellers can make the RM39 (300 baht) payment online through a website or app, much like South Korea’s K-ETA system, which requires foreign visitors to register and pay before arrival.
Approved initially in early 2023 by Thailand’s former government, the current cabinet will revisit the plan this January. If given the green light, the online system aims to make it simple and hassle-free for tourists to settle this small fee, paving the way for a smooth start to their Thailand adventures.
