Thailand Plans to Introduce 450 Baht Tourist Fee from 2027

Thai authorities plan to introduce a tourist fee for foreign nationals starting in early 2027. As reported by Zakon.kz, citing the Thai newspaper The Nation, the proposal has received support from the majority of stakeholders during industry discussions.

The initiative was discussed on October 6, 2026, in Bangkok, chaired by Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports, Surasak Phancharoenworakul. The meeting was attended by representatives of government agencies, businesses, and public organizations. According to the survey results, 80.5% of participants supported the introduction of the fee, while 78.3% approved the proposed rate of 450 baht (approximately 6,000 Kazakhstani tenge). The draft proposal will now be finalized and submitted to the National Tourism Policy Committee, and subsequently to the country's Cabinet of Ministers.

In the first phase, the new regulations will only affect travelers arriving in Thailand by air. For those entering by land or sea, the introduction of the fee is expected to be deferred by one year.

The authorities intend to allocate a portion of the collected funds to medical insurance for tourists. The policy will cover medical treatment expenses and repatriation in the event of death. To facilitate this, a dedicated mechanism will be established, allowing hospitals to quickly verify the insurance coverage of foreign patients and receive state compensation.

In parallel, transport connectivity between the regions is expanding. According to Zakon.kz, starting December 11, 2026, the number of flights between Kazakhstan and Thailand will increase to 20 per week.

What this means for travelers

• Additional expenses: starting in early 2027, travelers flying to Thailand will be required to pay a fee of 450 baht (approximately 6,000 tenge).
• Method of arrival: in the initial phase, the fee will only apply to those arriving by air. Those entering by land or sea will not be required to pay the levy during the first year.
• Medical insurance: the fee is expected to include basic insurance covering emergency medical expenses within Thailand.
• Flight frequency: when planning trips from Kazakhstan to Thailand starting December 11, 2026, keep in mind the increased flight frequency of up to 20 flights per week.