Thailand’s highly controversial landing fee has been renamed “travelling tax” and is expected to come into effect around mid-2025, starting with arrivals by air, the Tourism and Sports Ministry has announced.

Minister Sorawong Thienthong said on Oct 23 that the new tax will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval within the first quarter of 2025.

After being approved, it will become effective in six months, or around mid-2025, he said, adding that the tax will be levied on those arriving by air in the first phase.

Kha Yeap Pan Din (fee for stepping on Thai soil), also known as a landing fee, was approved in principle by the Cabinet in February 2023.

It aims to levy 300 baht (S$11.70) on foreigners arriving by air and 150 baht for those arriving by land or sea.

Mr Sorawong said the money would be used to buy insurance for foreigners and the remainder added to the tourism development fund.

The fund will support the improvement of tourist attractions, including building facilities for the disabled and toilets for tourists.