Travel to Thailand gets more expensive: Service charge for international travellers to rise 53%

Thailand has announced a significant increase in the service charge levied on international travelers, which is set to rise by 53%. This adjustment is expected to generate an additional revenue of approximately ₹3,787 crore for the country. The decision is anticipated to impact the travel budgets of tourists visiting Thailand, as the increased fees will affect airline ticket prices and overall travel costs. The hike comes at a time when Thailand is keen on boosting its tourism sector, which has been recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The surge in travel demand post-pandemic has prompted the government to enhance its revenue streams, while still aiming to attract tourists from around the globe. Stakeholders in the tourism industry are closely monitoring this development, as it could influence traveler choices and the competitiveness of Thailand as a preferred destination in Southeast Asia.