Proposed Entry Tax To Thailand Still Just That, A Proposal, Says BSA Law

A controversial new entry tax for tourists visiting Thailand that has been proposed by the Ministry of Public Health is not to be confused with obtaining a visa for the kingdom nor is the tax yet in place, says leading international law firm in Thailand BSA Law. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) October 28, 2013 - Bangkok - The Ministry of Public Health has proposed the collection of the Bt500 tax from foreigners who stay in Thailand for longer than three days, while those staying no more than three days would be charged Bt30 a day.

"This proposed entry tax is still just that, it is in the proposal stage. It's understood if the tax does get implemented this will not be until sometime in January 2014" said Apisakdi Kongkangwanchoke, spokesman for BSA Law. "Also, the proposed tax is an issue separate from obtaining a visa to visit Thailand, for people of those nationalities who are required to do so."

The proposed entry tax has, however, run into passionate opposition from many in the kingdom's travel and tourism industry who say such a tax would dampen the tourism atmosphere and that it was not in line with the government's plan to promote tourism.

Among the reasons the Public Health Ministry has given for the introduction of such a tax is that it would help attract only quality tourists to Thailand. Tourism executives, in reply, say a fee of Bt500 will not deter tourists who are supposedly 'other than quality' and it would only end up sending the message that Thailand was no longer the hospitable, open destination it once was.

Some say Thailand needs to strictly enforce the law and regulations, and crackdown on tourist scams, rather than place yet another burden on visitors. Others claim the proposed tax lacks transparency and it was not clear how the money would be used and how it would benefit tourists.

The Public Health Ministry has said part of the tax would be used to provide services such as medical treatment, if tourists fell sick or were injured while in Thailand. The new tax proposal follows on from a proposal earlier in the year that called for all foreign tourists to buy medical assurance as a condition for entering the kingdom. At the time the ministry said it could not shoulder the high cost of treating foreign tourists who fell sick or were injured.

"At the moment this entry tax is not in place and it is not known whether in fact the proposal will be implemented" said BSA Law's Apisakdi. "We do advise foreigners planning a trip to Thailand to keep themselves updated on this issue, though."

BSA Law provides a wide portfolio of legal advice and services to the Thai and foreign communities in Thailand. This ranges from overall Thai law, Thai labour law and Thai visa service fields, to tax consulting and accountancy, to recommendations on starting a business in Thailand.

About BSA Law:
For nearly 30 years, Bamrung Suvicha Apisakdi Law Associates (BSA Law) has focused on providing reliable legal advice and services to the Thai and foreign business community in Thailand. BSA Law seeks to provide international standards of legal services while retaining the customs of the Thai business culture.

For more information please contact:

Jim Byrne
Business Advisor, BSA Law.
Email: jim ( @ ) bsalaw dot co dot th

http://www.bsalaw.co.th

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