Brits heading to Thailand could soon face an extra charge as the country moves forward with plans to introduce a new tourist entry fee. Under proposals being fast-tracked by Thailand’s incoming government, international visitors arriving by air would be required to pay 300 baht (around £7). The fee would apply to all foreign tourists as part of efforts to boost revenue from the country’s vital tourism sector.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the country recorded 32.9 million international arrivals between January and December 2025 — a 7.2% drop compared with 2024, when more than 35 million visitors travelled to Thailand. Despite the overall dip, visitor numbers from Britain surpassed one million for the first time since the pandemic in 2025, marking a 12% increase compared with the previous year.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed the proposal will be tabled during the new administration’s first Cabinet meeting, Nation Thailand reports.

This tourist tax has been in discussion for several years and was shelved during the previous administration led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

Previous plans to also charge travellers entering by land or sea at a lower rate of around 150 baht have been put on hold for now.

Phiphat reportedly said that a fee on land borders would unfairly impact regular cross-border commuters and short-term visitors.

While final details are yet to be confirmed, the charge is likely to be incorporated into the arrival process, potentially through a digital system connected to immigration checks or airline bookings.

The new administration is also looking at restructuring departments, including potentially merging the tourism and sports ministry with the ministry of culture to streamline how the industry is managed.

Thailand’s parliament recently elected Anutin Charnvirakul as the country’s new prime minister, following his Bhumjaithai party’s decisive victory in the February 2026 general election.