BANGKOK (Jan 11): Thailand plans to start collecting a 300 baht (US$9 or RM39.23) fee from foreign tourists arriving in the country beginning in June, with the money raised to support visitors involved in accidents and develop tourist destinations, a minister said on Wednesday (Jan 11).

Tourism is a crucial sector in Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, and contributed about 12% of gross domestic product before the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Fees won't be collected from foreigners with work permits and border passes," said Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, adding that Thailand expects 25 million tourist arrivals this year.

The proposal was first considered last year, and is subject to Cabinet approval.

Tourism spending is forecast to reach at least 2.38 trillion baht this year, said Phiphat.

In 2019, Thailand welcomed nearly 40 million arrivals.