Thailand: as of November 12, 2026, the US State Department's maximum per diem for Bangkok is $374 a day, made up of $259 for lodging and $115 for meals and incidental expenses. Anywhere in the country without its own rate falls under “Other”: $162 a day ($99 lodging, $63 meals and incidentals). Rates are set for 13 separate locations.
Per day, in US dollars. Effective Aug 1, 2026.
Actual hotel cost is reimbursed up to this amount per night.
Per diem is a ceiling, not a typical spend. Our own model puts a comfortable day of travel in this country at about $187 per person and a mid-range day at $79. See what Thailand costs right now
| Location | Season | Lodging | Meals & incidentals | Total | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | All year | $259 | $115 | $374 | Aug 1, 2026 |
| Cha Am | All year | $185 | $115 | $300 | Jan 1, 2024 |
| Chiang Mai | All year | $219 | $84 | $303 | Nov 1, 2026 |
| Chiang Rai | All year | $129 | $85 | $214 | Mar 1, 2024 |
| Hat Yai | All year | $129 | $85 | $214 | Mar 1, 2024 |
| Hua Hin | All year | $185 | $115 | $300 | Jan 1, 2024 |
| Khao Lak | All year | $207 | $107 | $314 | Feb 1, 2024 |
| Krabi | All year | $245 | $100 | $345 | Nov 1, 2026 |
| Nong Khai | All year | $99 | $63 | $162 | Jan 1, 2024 |
| Pattaya City | All year | $170 | $105 | $275 | Jan 1, 2024 |
| Phuket | All year | $245 | $109 | $354 | Mar 1, 2024 |
| Samui Island | All year | $260 | $104 | $364 | Jan 1, 2024 |
| Other (everywhere else) | All year | $99 | $63 | $162 | Jan 1, 2024 |
Source: US Department of State, Office of Allowances, foreign per diem rates, retrieved November 13, 2026. Rates are published in US dollars and revised on the first of each month; where a location has seasons, the row that applies today is shown in full strength. Confirm against the official table before filing an expense claim.
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