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Thailand's Tourism Ministry has announced a 2.45 billion baht package of three travel incentive schemes aimed at boosting both domestic tourism and inbound visitor numbers, with the government projecting the measures could generate 56 billion baht in total economic value once approved and launched.
Thai Teaw Thai Plus: Half-Price Hotel Bookings for Locals
Thai residents stand to get the most direct benefit from this scheme, which sets aside 1.75 billion baht to co-pay 50% of accommodation costs. Each eligible person can claim up to five bookings, with the government covering up to 3,000 baht per booking. On top of that, each booking comes with a 500-baht coupon redeemable at restaurants, attractions, shops, car rental companies, and tour packages.
The scheme runs through the Pao Tang app only, with an initial allocation of 500,000 privileges. The government estimates this will generate 32 billion baht in economic activity and around 1.66 billion baht in tax revenue.
Fly Thai All the Feelings: Cheaper Domestic Flights
A 200 million baht budget has been set aside to discount 400,000 seats across six local airlines on a first-come, first-served basis. Flights to first-tier cities receive a 400-baht discount per flight, while routes to second-tier cities get a larger 600-baht reduction, reflecting the government's interest in spreading visitors beyond the major hubs. The projected economic impact of this scheme is 1.6 billion baht.
Thailand Air Connect: Subsidising Inbound Charter Flights
To pull more international visitors into the country, the government plans to subsidise 600 charter flights from overseas at a cost of 500 million baht. Airlines must fill at least 80% of seats to qualify for the subsidy. The scheme is designed to bring in 87,000 inbound travellers via charter, with a broader target of attracting more than 400,000 overseas visitors. Projected tourism revenue from this scheme is 23.2 billion baht.
What Still Needs to Happen
None of the three schemes are live yet. They must first pass through a Joint Public-Private Consultative Committee subcommittee on trade, tourism, and community economic development, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun. Budget finalisation is still pending with the Budget Bureau and Finance Ministry, and the funding source (fiscal 2026 or 2027 central budget) has not yet been decided.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul described the measures as crucial to keeping Thailand competitive "amid global competition and the economic crisis."
Information sourced from Bangkok Post.