Thailand plans 3,000-baht hotel subsidy from October

Thailand is preparing to offer 500,000 domestic travel subsidies under the proposed Thai Travel Thai Plus 2026 scheme, with the government paying half of accommodation costs up to 3,000 baht per entitlement.

The programme, which remains subject to Cabinet budget approval, is proposed to begin on October 1 through Krungthai Bank's Paotang application. Entitlements would be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul chaired a public-private tourism committee meeting on August 10, where the plan was considered following discussions with the Finance Ministry.

Up to five benefits per person

The proposed 1.75-billion-baht programme would operate across all 77 provinces, with no separate subsidy rates for major and secondary tourism destinations.

Each person would be able to receive up to five entitlements. For each one, the government would meet 50% of eligible hotel or accommodation costs, up to 3,000 baht. It is an accommodation co-payment, rather than a 3,000-baht cash handout.

A digital tourism coupon worth up to 500 baht would also be attached to each entitlement. It could be used for eligible spending including restaurants, attractions, OTOP and community-product shops, spas and health-massage businesses, one-day tours, car rentals, public transport and chartered boats.

The scheme is intended to steer spending towards smaller tourism operators and local communities, rather than concentrating support among larger businesses.

Access is expected to be through the Paotang app. Travellers planning to apply have been advised to update the application, complete identity verification and connect their G-Wallet before registration opens. Final conditions and registration procedures have not yet been confirmed.

Budget approval still required

The proposed budget would be committed across fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The government projects the scheme could generate 32.046 billion baht in economic circulation and more than 1.6 billion baht in tax revenue.

Ministry officials said funding and detailed conditions remain under consideration. The proposal is expected to go to the Cabinet during August, with October 1 set as the proposed launch date.

Pictures courtesy of The Nation

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15 August 2026