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Thailand considers charging tourism tax

Fee will be used to improve local attractions.

Thailand's Tourism and Sports Ministry is considering the possibility of charging tourists for health insurance in an effort to improve local attractions in the country.
According to the Bangkok Post, the ministry raised the idea after the National Tourism Policy Act was enacted last week. Chote Trachu, the tourism permanent secretary, said the ministry is in talks with Naresuan University and the Office of Insurance Commission for further study of the tourism tax and will carefully find the proper solution that will have a minimal impact on the country's tourism.
According to the secretary, the fee will provide security for tourists in case of an unfortunate event and raise their confidence. It will also reduce medical expenses for the state.
Tourism has been an economic driver for Thailand over the past decade. Last year the country welcomed over 38 million arrivals, contributing more than 2 trillion baht of income.