Tourism operators have expressed mixed views on the new government's plan to levy a 300‑baht tourism tax, as it may affect travel sentiment amid sluggish tourism caused by the Middle East crisis.
The government has also been urged to immediately reduce visa-free stays from 60 days to curb illicit activities by foreigners, and to be more proactive in cracking down on illegal businesses.
Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation, said it remains unclear whether plans to collect the 300‑baht tourism fee would worsen the tourism situation during this crisis, after airlines have cut flights and airfares have surged.
Mr Thanet said he agreed with the principle that the fee collected from tourists arriving by air would be allocated to tourism development.
However, he added that the government should consider postponing the plan until the Middle East crisis eases, as announcing it during this period could create unfavourable conditions for Thailand's travel sentiment.
Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, vice-president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), said the 300‑baht fee is not considered expensive compared with soaring airfares in the current context.
Tourists who continue to travel tend to have high purchasing power and are unlikely to be affected by this additional cost.
Regarding the plan to cut visa-free privileges from 60 days to 30, Mr Ratchaporn said the TCT supported the move, as foreign travellers typically stay for up to 20 days. He added that the reduction would help curb illegal work by foreigners to some extent.
Thailand has seen an increase in long-stay tourists seeking safer destinations away from conflicts. Some of these visitors have illegally worked in major cities during the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, he said.
"We should make them understand that the visa-free cut is not a hostile policy towards foreigners, but simply to screen out tourists with hidden intentions," said Mr Ratchaporn.
Mr Thanet said mandating the same visa requirements for all countries is not practical, as some markets typically have longer stays than others.
For instance, travellers from the Middle East usually take longer trips for healthcare and wellness services, compared with short-haul markets.
He said the more important steps were to improve entry screening and impose stricter law enforcement to close loopholes for illegal activities.
Recently, a Russian tourist who obtained a Destination Thailand Visa was arrested in Phuket for conducting illegal tour services.
Foreigners intending to work illegally in Thailand mostly choose to stay in unlicensed properties, Mr Thanet added.
He said that during this crisis, which has already slowed foreign tourism, the government should introduce new incentives, such as a domestic travel co‑payment scheme and stricter controls on goods prices.
Mr Ratchaporn added that as arrivals from Europe and the Middle East have declined significantly, the government should continue targeting markets less affected by flight disruptions, such as Russia, India and Southeast Asia.
