The Hatyai Songkhla Hotels Organization has spoken out against the government enforced 300-baht tourism charge, saying it has proven a fresh blow adopting the Covid-19 pandemic.
Association president Sitthiphong Sitthiphatprapha on Saturday called away the levy an additional obstacle to tourists after more than 2 yrs of the pandemic.
The federal government initiated a plan to gather 300 baht through foreign visitors within 2020 after the cancellation of the tourist fund, but the plan has only been applied this year.
The taxation on all tourists without exemption or consideration to the setting of transportation has become an issue for guests entering in personal vehicles and those using day trips to the country, Mr Sitthipong said.
Some holidaymakers living across the boundary from southern Asia have ended up paying the 300-baht charge every day and become deterred by the cost, he said.
“The government should have considered this rules more thoroughly plus exempted visitors traveling in personal vehicles or on their individual motorcycles as most of these cross the edge for day trips, ” Mr Sitthiphong said.
According to the association, southern border districts like Sadao, Na Tawee, Betong and Su-ngai Kolok, which depend on travellers from neighbouring Malaysia, have been especially affected, according to the organization.