The tourism and sports minister has confirmed that collection of the 300-baht tourism fee will not be delayed beyond September, while the ministry plans to ask police to clear out "zero-dollar tours" and illegal tours.
Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the fee will not be cancelled, although the collection method of adding it to airfares was criticised by airlines as selective.
He said the ministry is considering outsourcing fee collection for all three methods of entry -- air, land and sea -- through online applications, websites or kiosks.
Foreign arrivals by air are charged 300 baht, while travellers via land and sea must pay 150 baht.
A tourism fund is expected to be established by using 60-70% of the fees, helping to develop tourism destinations, said Mr Phiphat.
As concerns over zero-dollar tours mount, he said the ministry will seek support from provincial police to help tourist police officers crack down on these illegal businesses.
Tourism operators are also worried about foreign tour guides, partially the result of a labour shortage in Thailand.
