Thailand unveils new subsidy to boost domestic tourism
Thailand is planning to launch a program to subsidize domestic tourism. According to announcements from Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sorawong Thienthong, the new initiative may begin as early as May.
The Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, Sorawong Thienthong, announced that the new program promoting domestic tourism could start in May, pending government approval. The program states that travelers will only cover half of their travel costs, with the rest financed by the government. The new opportunities apply exclusively to domestic travel and come with certain conditions.
Approximately 1 million travelers will be able to benefit from the program
The ministry is seeking approval to use the central budget to finance this program, which is initially estimated to cost 3.5 billion baht, equivalent to nearly 137 million Canadian dollars. Sorawong Thienthong anticipates that a million potential travelers will take advantage of the offer and that the program will quickly sell out.
A similar initiative, "Khon La Krueng," was introduced in 2020 during General Prayut Chan-o-cha's administration. It offered 50 percent subsidies on food, beverages, and general goods purchases. In the same year, Prayut's government also launched the "We Travel Together" program, which supported local tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program is set to support domestic tourism during the low season
Thailand's low tourism season lasts from May to September. The ministry hopes the new co-financing program will encourage Thais to travel and increase spending during this period.
The program also aims to stimulate the economy by increasing domestic consumer spending. Thailand hopes this program will attract domestic tourists and invigorate the local tourism market.
