During a visit to Chiang Mai on Saturday, June 8, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the government’s decision to abandon the controversial 300-baht (US$8.20) tourism fee. Initially proposed last year, the fee faced significant opposition from the private sector. The decision to scrap the fee was made with the rationale that eliminating it could encourage higher tourist spending in other areas, thereby providing a more substantial boost to the economy.
Addressing concerns over Thailand’s decline in the World Economic Forum’s tourism and travel development index, where it now ranks 47th out of 119 countries, Srettha emphasised the importance of a constructive approach rather than assigning blame. He noted the consistent recognition of various Thai cities and islands as top global tourist destinations and urged a focus on promoting positive developments within the sector.
 tourism fee. Initially proposed last year, the fee faced significant opposition from the private sector. The decision to scrap the fee was made with the rationale that eliminating it could encourage higher tourist spending in other areas, thereby providing a more substantial boost to the economy.){kind=link}