BUSINESS: The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has said it hopes to drive up the number of international visitors to Thailand to 80 million over the next five years.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry is preparing to collect a 300-baht tourism fee from all foreign passport holders visiting Thailand by June, while expatriates can ask for a refund at a later date.
The cabinet on Tuesday approved a blueprint for tourism development over the course of the next five years, with a plan to push for Thailand to be among the world's top wellness destinations among several ambitious goals.
The National Tourism Policy Committee is preparing to set up a subcommittee to integrate soft power promotion into the tourism industry and develop a cost-of-living index for travel destinations.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Monday insisted the government has not yet cancelled the emergency decree as there remain concerns that the special law is still needed, although easing of restrictions will continue and the cabinet will reassess the situation when the time is right.