Thailand is considering a THB2.45 billion tourism stimulus package that could offer 500,000 travel co-payment entitlements, discounts on 400,000 domestic airline seats and support for international flights. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul presented the three proposals after the first meeting of the Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committee on Tourism at the ministry's Government Complex offices on Wednesday, July 15. None of the measures is available yet. They must be approved by the main joint public-private committee and the Cabinet, while funding would need to be allocated from the central budget. Hotel and travel spending co-payments The largest project, Thai Travel Thai Plus, is a revised version of the former We Travel Together scheme. It would provide 500,000 entitlements, with the government paying 50% of eligible tourism spending and travellers meeting the other half. Each traveller could receive up to five entitlements. The state contribution for accommodation would be capped at THB3,000 per entitlement, with a further coupon worth up to THB500 for other qualifying expenses. The scheme would apply in all 77 provinces and cover hotels and other accommodation, restaurants, attractions, OTOP shops, spas and health-massage businesses, one-day tours, car hire, public transport and boat hire. It would require THB1.75 billion from the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years. Authorities estimate it could create THB32.046 billion in economic activity and THB1.6 billion in tax revenue. For foreign residents and visitors, the key point is that eligibility rules have not yet been announced. Previous domestic tourism subsidy schemes have generally been aimed at Thai participants, so foreigners should not assume they will qualify unless the eventual terms specifically include them, but it not expected. Domestic fares and international flight support A second proposal, Fly Thai All the Feeling, would provide airline discount codes for 400,000 seats on domestic services operated by six airlines. Passengers flying to major tourism cities would receive THB400 off per flight, while travel to secondary cities would attract a THB600 reduction. The first-come, first-served scheme would need THB200 million and is expected to support at least 200,000 trips where travellers use the benefit for return travel. The third project, Thailand Air Connect: Connecting the World to Amazing Thailand, would allocate THB500 million for joint marketing campaigns with scheduled airlines and charter operators. It aims to support at least 600 flights and bring in at least 487,000 overseas visitors, including 87,000 charter-flight passengers and 400,000 visitors through scheduled airline promotions. Authorities project at least THB23.166 billion in tourism revenue. If approved, Thai Travel Thai Plus could begin issuing entitlements towards the end of 2026. Picture courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? 17 July 2026
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