The Hatyai Songkhla Hotels Association has spoken away against the government enforced 300-baht tourism fee, saying it has verified a fresh blow following a Covid-19 pandemic.
Association president Sitthiphong Sitthiphatprapha on Saturday called away the levy as another obstacle to vacationers after more than 2 yrs of the pandemic.
The federal government initiated a plan to gather 300 baht through foreign visitors in 2020 after the cancellation of the tourist fund, but the plan has only been applied this year.
The taxation on all travelers without exemption or consideration to the mode of transportation has become an issue for website visitors entering in personal vehicles and those taking day trips to the country, Mr Sitthipong said.
Some holidaymakers living across the boundary from southern Asia have ended up paying out the 300-baht fee every day and become deterred by the cost, he said.
“The government should have considered this legislation more thoroughly and exempted visitors travelling in personal automobiles or on their personal motorcycles as most of these cross the border for day excursions, ” Mr Sitthiphong said.
According to the association, southern border districts like Sadao, Na Tawee, Betong and Su-ngai Kolok, which rely on travellers from neighbouring Malaysia, have been particularly affected, according to the association.