Thailand plans higher tour operator deposits amid tourism rebound
Thailand’s Department of Tourism proposes raising tour operator security deposits to as much as THB200,000 as tourism rebounds from the Covid-era downturn.
- Thailand's Department of Tourism is proposing to increase security deposit requirements for tour operators, reversing relief measures introduced during the pandemic.
- The proposed changes are intended to align with the recovering tourism market, current economic conditions, and to enhance tourist protection.
- For general tour businesses, the required deposit is set to rise from THB 60,000 to THB 200,000, with other categories also facing increases.
- The draft regulation is currently undergoing a 45-day public consultation, and existing operators will have a one-year grace period to comply once it is enacted.
Thailand’s Department of Tourism is proposing higher security-deposit requirements for tour operators, with the amount for general tour businesses potentially rising to THB200,000, as the agency seeks to bring the rules into line with the recovery in tourism and current economic conditions.
The existing rates were introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic as a relief measure for tour operators when a sharp decline in traveller numbers severely affected the industry. With tourism activity having recovered, the department is seeking to adjust the requirements to levels considered more appropriate for the present market.
The proposed changes are also intended to strengthen protection for tourists and improve oversight of tour businesses.
The Department of Tourism has invited tour operators in all categories, members of the public and other stakeholders to comment on the draft “Ministerial Regulation Prescribing the Amount of Security Deposits BE…”.
The public consultation runs for 45 days, from August 17 to September 30, 2026, and is intended to gather views on revisions to the security-deposit criteria and rates.
Security deposit rates (current vs proposed)
- Specific-area tour businesses: THB3,000 to THB10,000
- Domestic tour businesses: THB15,000 to THB50,000
- Inbound tour businesses: THB30,000 to THB100,000
- General tour businesses: THB60,000 to THB200,000
The Tourism Business and Guide Committee approved the draft regulation in principle on August 13, 2026, with the proposed adjustment aimed at bringing security-deposit requirements into line with current tourism and economic conditions.
Existing licence holders would be given a one-year transition period after the regulation takes effect to provide the additional security deposit required under the new rates.
Operators whose licences have less than 180 days remaining and who do not intend to renew them would be allowed to maintain their existing security deposits until their licences expire.
The Department of Tourism has invited tour operators, the public and other stakeholders to submit comments through the central legal consultation system. The feedback will be compiled for consideration before the ministerial regulation is finalised.
