Thailand to introduce new tax for tourists from 2014

The government of Thailand intends to introduce a tourist tax for foreigners from January 2014. 

The country's health minister Pradit Sintavanarong said that the decision had already been supported by the Ministry for Tourism and Sports, as well as by the Royal Thai Police.

The local authorities thus want to attract tourists with higher income to the country. 

It is assumed that the tax to enter the country for more than three days will make up 500 baht (about 460 rubles or 12-13 US dollars). Those arriving in the country for less than three days will have to 30 baht (about 28 rubles) one each day of their stay.

Initially, the authorities of Thailand intended to introduce the new fee from January 1, 2014, but now consider the possibility of pushing the move back for about two weeks, as the tourists planning a trip to Thailand for New Year celebrations may not like the new measure.