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ATTA Criticizes Exit Tax; Urges Investment in People

ATTA Criticizes Exit Tax; Urges Investment in People

Khaosod•Economy•3d ago

Reader Briefing

Thai tourism association ATTA strongly opposes the proposed exit tax, arguing it will harm the nation's competitiveness and international standing, and advocates for investment in human capital development instead.

  • •ATTA, the Thai Travel Agents Association, criticizes the proposed 1,000 baht exit tax.
  • •The association argues the tax will negatively impact the tourism industry, airline costs, diplomatic relations, and economic growth.
  • •ATTA advocates for a 'Two-Way Tourism' strategy and government investment in developing Thai citizens as global ambassadors and soft power.

Overview

  • •Adith Chairattananon, Secretary-General of ATTA, stated that the government should look beyond short-term revenue from citizens traveling abroad.
  • •Adith Chairattananon believes the Thai people traveling abroad act as diplomatic ambassadors and assets for the country's negotiations.
  • •Adith Chairattananon urged the cancellation of the 1,000 baht Exit Fee and support for the 'Two-Way Tourism' strategy.
  • •ATTA highlights that the global tourism landscape has changed, making single-direction marketing insufficient.
  • •ATTA warns that the exit fee could lead to increased inbound travel costs, diminishing Thailand's competitiveness in attracting foreign tourists.
  • •The association argues the fee contradicts open-door policies and visa-free initiatives, potentially leading to retaliatory measures from other countries.
  • •ATTA points out that an exit fee would create an obstacle for SMEs, startups, and investors traveling for business, hindering market expansion.
  • •ATTA asserts the 1,000 baht fee would unfairly be a large barrier for students and the middle class, limiting their opportunities for self-development.

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Key Quotes

Adith Chairattananon
"Advancing the Two-Way Tourism strategy by elevating our role on the global stage, adjusting our status to a mutually beneficial tourism partner for balanced market exchange."
การเดินหน้ายุทธศาสตร์ Two-Way Tourism ผ่านการยกระดับบทบาทบนเวทีโลก ปรับสถานะสู่ พันธมิตรการท่องเที่ยวแบบสองทางคือการแลกเปลี่ยนตลาดอย่างสมดุล
Adith Chairattananon
"Travel is an investment in human capital and soft power, contributing to the development of the vision of the new generation."
การเดินทางคือการลงทุนในทุนมนุษย์ และซอฟต์พาวเวอร์ ถือเป็นการพัฒนาวิสัยทัศน์ของคนรุ่นใหม่
Adith Chairattananon
"The concept of an Exit Fee, besides contradicting the strategy to build bargaining power on the global stage, creates ripple effects in many dimensions that may cause more damage than the estimated revenue."
แนวคิดการจัดเก็บค่าเดินทางออกนอกประเทศ (Exit Fee) นอกจากจะย้อนแย้งกับยุทธศาสตร์การสร้างอำนาจต่อรองบนเวทีโลกแล้ว ยังสร้างผลกระทบลูกโซ่ (Ripple Effect) ในหลายมิติที่อาจสร้างความเสียหายมากกว่ารายได้ที่รัฐประเมินไว้

Key Entities

Organization

ATTA(แอตต้า)
The Thai Travel Agents Association, an organization that has spoken out against the proposed exit tax.

Person

Adith Chairattananon(นายอดิษฐ์ ชัยรัตนานนท์)
Secretary-General of the Thai Travel Agents Association (ATTA) who has voiced concerns over the exit tax.

Law

Exit Fee
A proposed tax for citizens traveling outside of Thailand, criticized by ATTA for its negative economic and diplomatic consequences.