Thai Tourism Council Advocates Boosting Local Spending Power

[webfact]

 

In light of economic challenges, the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) has put forward proposals aimed at strengthening local purchasing power and attracting foreign tourists. Central to their recommendations is raising the salary base for new civil servants to 25,000 baht per month, alongside a novel approach of offering digital incentives to foreign visitors.

 

The TCT’s recent quarterly survey highlighted a concerning trend: 85% of Thai households have reduced their expenses, with 83% cutting back on tourism and leisure, affecting the overall economy. Chamnan Srisawat, TCT president, believes adjusting entry-level government salaries could help alleviate this issue, making a case for higher wages coupled with controlled recruitment to manage public spending effectively.

 

Additionally, the TCT suggests a revision of the minimum wage structure, advocating for wage increments based on skill levels. This aims to drive workers toward skill enhancement, as the current policy seems to benefit mainly foreign workers in low-skilled roles.

Despite entering what's traditionally a high season, the tourism sector is grappling with declining confidence, as evidenced by a tourism confidence index of only 80 for the fourth quarter. Acknowledging this, the council estimates a dip in foreign arrivals and revenue compared to 2019 figures.

 

To counteract these issues and stimulate tourist activity, the TCT proposes a 1,000-baht digital incentive for foreign tourists, encouraging visits to lesser-known areas in need of support. This initiative aims to offset the adverse effects of a stronger baht, which has dampened foreigners' purchasing power, reported Bangkok Post.

 

For local residents, the TCT has suggested a 10,000-baht interest-free loan scheme, with repayments staggered over several years, to enhance cash flow. Furthermore, a revival of the "Khon La Khrueng" co-payment scheme is favoured by 60% of those surveyed, underscoring the population's need for government assistance in reviving consumer confidence and economic activity.

 

Photo: Facebook Not Just Travel, Newcastle

 

-- 2024-10-15

 

 

[JoePai]

raising the salary base for new civil servants to 25,000 baht per month

 

Why not for all workers ?

Plus they work(?) for the Thai people so should (if anything) be paid less

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

In light of economic challenges, the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) has put forward proposals aimed at strengthening local purchasing power

Give every local 10K.... Oh wait a moment...

[greeneking]

In light of economic challenges the Tourism Council of Thailand.........

suggests there are a lot of savings that could be made when there also  exist the Tourist Authority of Thailand and the Ministry of Sports and Tourism.

[mran66]

Would be very interesting to have the opportunity meet the people puking these ideas, and discuss with them about their views of how the world works. Or doesn't. I imagine we might have different views, and also believe they would quickly start contradicting their own views as the discussion goes. 

 

TIT.