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Thailand government has approved new tax incentives and visa-free aimed at stimulating domestic tourism during the traditional low season.
The Thailand government has introduced new tax incentives and visa-free entry measures to boost domestic tourism during the traditional low season. These initiatives aim to attract more visitors and stimulate the economy by offering tax breaks for businesses and individuals traveling for leisure, alongside simplified entry requirements for tourists from 93 countries.
These incentives, which are available from May 1 to November 30, 2024, are divided into two categories: tax incentives for businesses holding seminars, and incentives for individuals traveling for leisure. Additionally, there are further tax cuts available for those traveling to selected provinces in the country which are deemed ‘secondary provinces’ by the government.
The move is part of the government’s short-term plans to stimulate the economy which has continued to lag regional peers with growth recorded at 1.5 percent in Q1, slowing from 1.7 percent from the previous quarter. The economy is expected to see modest growth at just 2.4 percent in 2024. Other measures will include offering tax incentives for small businesses as well as providing them access to credit. Further, the government plans to accelerate government spending.
The approval of these tax incentives also reflects the government’s commitment to supporting key sectors like tourism, which has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
Tax incentives for companies
Companies can deduct expenses (approximately 1.5 times) from their taxable incomes for expenses such as seminar rooms, transport, accommodations, service fees for tour operators, or other related costs for domestic seminars. The government will award double tax deductions for seminar expenses held in ‘secondary tourism provinces’ which are designated by the Revenue Department.
If a company undertakes seminars in secondary and non-secondary provinces simultaneously then the expenses are to be separated.
Tax incentives for individuals
Individuals can deduct up to 15,000 baht (US$408) in actual expenses paid to tour operators or for accommodation in hotels, Thai homestays, or non-hotel lodging when traveling to secondary tourism provinces.
Tourism to play a vital role in Thailand’s economy in 2024
With Thailand’s Finance Ministry lowering the country’s 2024 growth forecast to 2.4 percent from 2.8 percent, tourism will play a vital role in the economy amidst a lackluster recovery from slowing exports.
Tourism accounts for approximately 20 percent of the country’s GDP in recent years. This includes direct contributions from hotels, travel agencies, airlines, and other passenger services, as well as indirect contributions from related sectors such as retail and food production.
The government introduced a visa waiver program for Chinese tourists which enabled them to enter Thailand without a visa between September 25 and February 29, 2024. Between January and September 10, 2023, Thailand saw over 2.2 million Chinese visitors, making it the largest source of tourists after Malaysia. Without the visa exemption scheme, the government expected to see 3.4 million Chinese visitors for the year, or 31 percent of the total in 2019.
Looking ahead, the third National Tourism Development Plan for 2023-2027 projects that the tourism industry will contribute 25 percent of Thailand’s GDP by 2027. In line with this projection, the Thai government aims to attract some 36 million international arrivals in 2024 and generate over 3 trillion baht (approximately US$81 billion) in revenue.
Additionally, the Thai government introduced this initiative to boost tourism by inviting people from various backgrounds, such as professionals, students, and retirees, allowing them to enjoy extended stays.
This reform, which encompasses a list of 93 countries, is part of a broader strategy to revive the global tourism sector that has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Remote workers can look forward to a visa extension of up to five years, with each stay allowable for up to 180 days. Known for its affordability and allure, Thailand remains a popular destination for international travelers. In 2023, the country welcomed approximately 24.5 million international visitors. Through these measures, Thailand’s government aims to increase annual tourist numbers to between 25 and 30 million.
Thailand’s visa-free entry policy for 93 countries, including the UAE and UK, is designed to enhance tourism and spur economic growth by attracting more visitors.
List countries with visa-free entry
Ecuador
Philippines
Monaco
Jamaica
New Zealand
Japan
Portugal
Israel
Sri Lanka
Guatemala
Belgium
Switzerland
Iceland
Hungary
Andorra
Jordan
Bahrain
Slovakia
Macau
Sweden
United Kingdom
Argentina
Colombia
Kuwait
Oman
Myanmar
South Korea
Cyprus
Hong Kong
Czech Republic
Taiwan
Dominica
Spain
Kazakhstan
Maldives
United Arab Emirates
Australia
Canada
China
Morocco
Netherlands
Qatar
Nepal
Tonga
Indonesia
Germany
Bulgaria
Croatia
Italy
Greece
Georgia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
France
Albania
Peru
Saudi Arabia
Lithuania
Serbia
Slovenia
Papua New Guinea
Laos
Finland
Brunei
Chile
Mauritius
Romania
South Africa
Russia
Panama
Latvia
Fiji
Malaysia
Luxembourg
Belarus
Ireland
Norway
Malta
Bhutan
Poland
Singapore
Mexico
United States
Brazil
San Marino
Estonia
Austria
Mongolia
Macedonia
Denmark
Liechtenstein
Cambodia
Trinidad and Tobago
Albania
Top 5 Tourist Destinations in Thailand
Bangkok: The bustling capital city known for its vibrant street life, majestic temples like Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew, and lively markets.
Phuket: A popular island destination offering stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife, as well as cultural attractions like the Big Buddha and Old Phuket Town.
Chiang Mai: A cultural hub in northern Thailand, renowned for its ancient temples, vibrant night markets, and the annual Yi Peng Lantern Festival.
Krabi: Known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and beautiful beaches like Railay and Ao Nang, as well as activities like rock climbing and island hopping.
Pattaya: Famous for its bustling nightlife, beautiful beaches, and attractions like the Sanctuary of Truth and the floating market, making it a popular coastal city.
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