Thailand Plans Tourist Landing Fee Above 300 Baht

Thailand is moving ahead with plans for a new tourist landing fee for air arrivals, with the Tourism and Sports Ministry indicating the charge could exceed 300 baht (around USD 8–9) per person. The announcement, reported by Khaosod English on 21 May 2026, adds to a growing list of new costs that visitors to Thailand will need to factor into their budgets this year.

The landing fee is separate from the international airport passenger service charge, which is already confirmed to rise 53 percent — from 730 to 1,120 baht — on 20 June 2026. That departure charge is embedded in airline ticket prices, and airlines have been notifying passengers of the adjustment. The new landing fee, if enacted, would apply on arrival rather than departure and would similarly be folded into airfare.

No implementation date for the landing fee has been set, and the amount has not been formally legislated. Authorities are still working through the mechanism for collection, which is expected to operate through airlines. The funds would be directed toward a tourism development and insurance fund intended to cover foreign visitors who are injured or require emergency assistance in Thailand.

The news follows the Thai Cabinet’s decision on 19 May 2026 to reduce visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days for more than 90 nationalities. That change takes effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, meaning mid-June arrivals could be the first affected. We have a full breakdown in our Thailand visa guide.

For travellers planning a trip, the combined effect of these changes — shorter stays without a visa, higher airport charges, and a potential arrival levy — means Thailand is no longer quite the bargain it was in 2024. The core destinations remain excellent value relative to Europe and North America, but it is worth checking updated costs when booking. Our Thailand budget guide has current estimates for daily spending in Bangkok, Phuket, and beyond.

If your trip involves flying in through Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang, check with your airline about any ticket price adjustments stemming from the June 20 departure charge change. Flights booked before the announcement may not yet reflect the higher rate, depending on the carrier.

Bangkok and Phuket remain the country’s busiest entry points for international visitors, and both airports are equipped for high-volume arrivals. Plan for slightly longer processing times as immigration and customs systems adapt to the renewed 30-day policy checks from mid-June onward.