Tourism Thailand Launches Half-Half Travel Scheme to Support Post-Pandemic Recovery

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of กรุงเทพธุรกิจ

 

Thailand launches a campaign to spark domestic tourism with a 1.75 billion baht investment in the Half-Half Thailand Travel initiative.

 

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong unveiled the programme on 24th June, aiming to revive the tourism industry during the low season and aid post-pandemic recovery.

 

Part of a wider 115 billion baht stimulus, the scheme subsidises travel expenses and accommodation. Registrations for operators began last week, with public enrolment opening tonight and benefits starting on 1st July. The initiative targets 500,000 participants, a reduction from the initial 1 million.

 

The government will cover up to 50% of accommodation costs. In primary cities, they'll subsidise 40%, while in secondary cities, they’ll cover 50% during weekdays and 40% on weekends and holidays.

 

Participants enjoy accommodations for up to 5 nights using digital coupons, which are also redeemable at participating restaurants, OTOP shops, and tourist spots, with subsidies capped at 3,000 baht per night.

 

This initiative is set to energise domestic travel and distribute economic benefits across Thailand, focusing particularly on secondary cities, while providing a significant boost to local tourism businesses.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-25

 

 

[Pouatchee]

half arse scheme imho

[blaze master]

Hahahahah Post pandemic ?

 

Covid was over YEARS ago.....but keep milking that buffalo for every last baht.

[redwood1]

In the past when they did this hotels and people would milk the system by making the reservations but not using the room...Each taking a cut of the free money.....Very profitable for all involved....

[redwood1]

I am sure people would rather have their 10,000 baht pay day than this hotel nonsense..

[carlyai]

If I want to book a place for 2 in Ko Chang for 2 weeks around December, how do I find and make use of the scheme?

[gargamon]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

The government will cover up to 50% of accommodation costs. In primary cities, they 'll subsidise 40%, while in secondary cities, they’ll cover 50% during weekdays and 40% on weekends and holidays.

 

Participants enjoy accommodations for up to 5 nights using digital coupons, which are also redeemable at participating restaurants, OTOP shops, and tourist spots, with subsidies capped at 3,000 baht per night.

 

So only venues paying (brown envelopes) or ones owned by the legislators will be eligible...

[Upnotover]

10 minutes ago, carlyai said:

If I want to book a place for 2 in Ko Chang for 2 weeks around December, how do I find and make use of the scheme?

 

From TAT.....

 

 

I suspect your holiday in December will not be covered.

 

[redwood1]

17 minutes ago, carlyai said:

If I want to book a place for 2 in Ko Chang for 2 weeks around December, how do I find and make use of the scheme?

 

This scheme is not for dirty farang...

[JimHuaHin]

Yet another waste of tax-payer money which will only benefit certain individuals.

[Cornish Pasty]

this place is literally a traveling comedy show!

 

Mark.

[carlyai]

4 minutes ago, JimHuaHin said:

Yet another waste of tax-payer money which will only benefit certain individuals.

Yep....hopefully me and the Mrs.

[Gottfrid]

1 hour ago, carlyai said:

If I want to book a place for 2 in Ko Chang for 2 weeks around December, how do I find and make use of the scheme?

You can´t as it´s only Thai´s who can register. Your wife have to connect to the benefits, and she probably knows how.

[lordgrinz]

There, fixed it for you.

 

Quote

Thailand Launches Half-Baked Travel Scheme to Support Post-Pandemic Recovery

 

[hotchilli]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand launches a campaign to spark domestic tourism with a 1.75 billion baht investment in the Half-Half Thailand Travel initiative.

Here we go, more short term thinking, no long term solutions.

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, redwood1 said:

 

This scheme is not for dirty farang...

It is if you're attached to a Thai national.

[Burma Bill]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

aid post-pandemic recovery.

 Oh really!

From recent Thai media reports I thought Thailand was in a new Covid pandemic, especially in Bangkok.

 

Reference: (04/06/2025

 

Covid-19 cases surge in Thailand, over 28,000 new cases in two days

 

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40050793

[alien365]

I wonder if the participating hotels will now increase their prices due to this.

[Muhendis]

I've got a better idea.

Adjust the FX to make tourists dollars/pounds go further.

(By the way, I would also be happy with that.)

Edit.

Oops. Only for domestic tourists. Must pay spec savers a visit.

[norsurin]

Here we go again!