The Hatyai Songkhla Hotels Association has spoken out there against the government enforced 300-baht tourism charge, saying it has established a fresh blow following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Association chief executive Sitthiphong Sitthiphatprapha upon Saturday called out the levy an additional obstacle to travelers after more than two years of the pandemic.
The government initiated a plan to gather 300 baht from foreign visitors in 2020 after the termination of the tourist fund, but the plan offers only been implemented this year.
The taxation on all travelers without exemption or even consideration to the setting of transportation has become an issue for guests entering in private vehicles and those using day trips in to the country, Mr Sitthipong said.
Some holidaymakers living across the edge from southern Thailand have ended up paying the 300-baht fee every day and become deterred by the cost, he said.
“The government must have considered this regulation more thoroughly plus exempted visitors venturing in personal automobiles or on their individual motorcycles as most of them cross the boundary for day outings, ” Mr Sitthiphong said.
According to the association, southern border districts such as Sadao, Na Tawee, Betong and Su-ngai Kolok, which rely on travellers from adjoining Malaysia, have been especially affected, according to the organization.