Asking airlines to collect fee is impractical, say carriers, who favour collection via TDAC system
Aviation bodies suggest integrating tourism fee collection with the immigration system as a more feasible solution. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)
The government’s plan to collect a tourism fee of at least 300 baht through airlines is not feasible because of limitations in airlines’ back-office systems, with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) a better option, say aviation bodies.The Ministry of Tourism and Sports Ministry last month asked airlines to act as an intermediary platform to collect the fee on behalf of the government.
As the National Tourism Policy Act, which governs the levy, does not cover Thais, collecting the fee from them would be unlawful. The ministry proposed that airlines charge a standard fee to all passengers and subsequently reimburse Thais, with the ministry covering the associated administrative costs.
Sheldon Hee, regional vice-president for Asia-Pacific at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), said collecting a tourism tax through airlines would create additional complications.
