@Stuart ********

Yes the 65k transfers cost about 5k per year. So what do those using an agent actually live on if they're not transferring any money?

@Steve *********

Krispy Kreme in Bangkok also cashless in many places

@Steve *********

Or whoever is "advising" her 😆

@Steve *********

Can't recall where I read it, but it was the tourism minister who indicated the new PM wants the 300 baht tax put back on the table with the impending introduction of the ETA

@Pam ********

Correct. And Thailand won't be missing the opportunity. With 36m+ expected next year that's a 10.8 billion Baht bonus.

@Graham *****

It's not my opinion at all, I'm just passing on information from the tourism minister which was reported about two weeks ago.

@Graham *****

Yes they are, but they'll be integrated. The logistical problem with the 300 baht was collection. The airlines don't want to do it, and it would be impossible to segregate tourists from non-immigrant entries. Collection at immigration would only add further to the queues and congestion at busy times. Some bright spark suggested the ETA (which was announced back in March) would provide the opportunity to levy the charge on tourists, as only visa exempt entries will be subject to the ETA

@Miroslav *********

Nothing's ever confirmed until it's been in the Royal Gazette

@Steve *********

Not quite. The tourism tax was delayed because the government didn't know how to determine tourist entries from longstay visa holders. The ETA allows for this, as payment will be made when application for the ETA is completed online. It'll be through the Thai visa website. They've delayed it because priority is being given to the remaining countries to get into eVisa

The government is bringing in ETA next year. The 300 baht tourism tax will be collected at that point