Thailand is preparing a 2.45-billion-baht tourism boost aimed at making travel cheaper and attracting more visitors as the country faces stronger competition from destinations across the region, Bangkok Post reports.
The government’s plan combines hotel subsidies, domestic flight discounts and support for international flights. Together, the three measures are expected to create around 56 billion baht in economic value.
The largest part of the package will support domestic tourism. Under the “Thai Teaw Thai Plus” scheme, travellers will receive a 50% subsidy on accommodation costs, with the government initially offering 500,000 benefits.
Each traveller can receive up to five subsidies, with a maximum value of 3,000 baht per booking. Additional 500-baht coupons will be available for restaurants, attractions and local businesses.
The government expects the domestic travel scheme alone to generate around 32 billion baht for the economy.
Another part of the plan will reduce the cost of domestic flights. Around 400,000 airline seats will receive discounts of either 400 or 600 baht, depending on the destination.
Thailand will also support international tourism by subsidising charter flights and working with airlines on joint marketing campaigns. The initiative aims to attract hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors and generate more than 23 billion baht in tourism revenue.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the measures are needed to strengthen Thailand’s position in a competitive global tourism market.
The proposal still needs final approval, and the government has not yet decided whether the funding will come from the 2026 or 2027 national budget.
