Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Pattaya’s tourism industry is gearing up for a mid-year revival, fuelled by the Thai government's new plan to boost domestic travel and spending.

 

The Thai Half-Half Travel programme begins taking bookings today, with travel starting on July 4. Holidaymakers can enjoy up to 3,000 baht per night in government subsidies, making accommodations and dining more affordable.

 

Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, Sasikan Watthanajan, stated that the initiative, led by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), aims to rejuvenate tourism and support businesses hit hard by the pandemic.

 

“So far, over 34,000 tourism operators have applied to participate, and more than 6,400 have been approved following strict checks to prevent misuse,” she explained.

 

Travellers across Thailand can access 500,000 "rights," with each individual eligible for up to five, focusing on key destinations like Pattaya and secondary cities.

 

The government will cover 50% of accommodation costs, capped at 3,000 baht per night on weekdays and 40% on weekends and public holidays. Additionally, tourists will receive 500-baht coupons for food and shopping at participating businesses.

 

As a top resort destination, Pattaya is set to benefit significantly, with local hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues readying for a surge in domestic tourists eager to take advantage of these offers.

 

This timing is ideal, complementing Pattaya’s recovery, which has seen increasing numbers of European and international visitors, attracted by favourable exchange rates and promotions.

 

With the busy months of July and August approaching, the local economy is expected to gain momentum, providing new opportunities for businesses and employees.

 

Sasikan encouraged Thais to book and explore the country's diverse attractions, saying, “This project is vital for stimulating tourism, generating income for entrepreneurs, and allowing Thai people to enjoy cost-effective vacations. Let’s drive the economy forward together.”

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-01

 

 

So they are going to pay Thais to visit again to make up for the pandemic. But the pandemic is over. Maybe other reasons numbers are down. And what's this about the "favorable exchange rate" attracting Europeans. Yes July and August used to be mini hi season along the beach.That was back when there were cafes along Beach rd and nice promenade atmosphere. Days long gone. And this promotion for Thais with the already jammed beach parking and more of these happy sh*t events on the beach might attract Thais but forget about Europeans.

Cheaper than a flight to India, he he.

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Pattaya’s tourism industry is gearing up for a mid-year revival, fuelled by the Thai government's new plan to boost domestic travel and spending.

 

The Thai Half-Half Travel programme begins taking bookings today, with travel starting on July 4. Holidaymakers can enjoy up to 3,000 baht per night in government subsidies, making accommodations and dining more affordable.

 

Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, Sasikan Watthanajan, stated that the initiative, led by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), aims to rejuvenate tourism and support businesses hit hard by the pandemic.

 

“So far, over 34,000 tourism operators have applied to participate, and more than 6,400 have been approved following strict checks to prevent misuse,” she explained.

 

Travellers across Thailand can access 500,000 "rights," with each individual eligible for up to five, focusing on key destinations like Pattaya and secondary cities.

 

The government will cover 50% of accommodation costs, capped at 3,000 baht per night on weekdays and 40% on weekends and public holidays. Additionally, tourists will receive 500-baht coupons for food and shopping at participating businesses.

 

As a top resort destination, Pattaya is set to benefit significantly, with local hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues readying for a surge in domestic tourists eager to take advantage of these offers.

 

This timing is ideal, complementing Pattaya’s recovery, which has seen increasing numbers of European and international visitors, attracted by favourable exchange rates and promotions.

 

With the busy months of July and August approaching, the local economy is expected to gain momentum, providing new opportunities for businesses and employees.

 

Sasikan encouraged Thais to book and explore the country's diverse attractions, saying, “This project is vital for stimulating tourism, generating income for entrepreneurs, and allowing Thai people to enjoy cost-effective vacations. Let’s drive the economy forward together.”

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-01

 

 

Wow, now you get money to visit this "top resort destination"?

I think they should hand out the money to avoid visiting the dirty <deleted> hole.

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Pattaya’s tourism industry is gearing up for a mid-year revival, fuelled by the Thai government's new plan to boost domestic travel and spending.

Subsidising domestic travel... short term knee jerk that only helps a few.

24 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Subsidising domestic travel... short term knee jerk that only helps a few.

Yep, it’s a temporary patch that does nothing for long term prospects

Getting the foreign currency/Thai Baht exchange rate to a suitable level might do a lot to encourage foreign tourists to choose travel to Thailand instead of Viet Nam, the Philippines and other countries where they get more for their money. 

Just sell Pattaya to India and move on.

And when families stroll down the streets sometimes their little daughter might say "mommy, that's what I want to do for work when I grow up, sit in a bar."

 

hmm.. i wonder what tourism revival this is going to be .Is it the one that if you say it often enough it will happen ?

I wonder if this is a guise to lessen the average age of the bar girls, and to make them less overweight?  That'd be sure to bring more tourists in...

 

🤪

Thailand as a destination has seen it's zenith...

Now is the beginning of the downward trend ... 

They need to install a mile long zipline from the top floors of that ugly carcass of a building to a boat securely anchored out in the middle of the bay. 

 

I may visit just to try that one out.

 

Thailand's downward trajectory started years ago. It's now in full swing. Like Blackpool (England), Benidorm (Spain), and Acapulco (Mexico) and various other famous locations that have all seen their best days gone, the Thai resorts will still be around for some time, but the hay-days are well & truly over. 

Not sure most Thais nowdays, unless they have to work there, would holiday in Pattaya anymore.

Most Thais would know that 50 km further down the coast they can find a clean , cheap, and lovely place to stay with their own people and prices and with an unpolluted beach . Don’t think we're really encouraged to visit. My understanding is it’s  unofficially Thai only…FUF….f••• you Farang. 

5 hours ago, wensiensheng said:

Yep, it’s a temporary patch that does nothing for long term prospects

As they don't have a long term government I guess that's never been a priority

Oh wonderful. More tourists here...

11 hours ago, Nickcage49 said:

Oh wonderful. More tourists here...

 

you're not the one who needs to earn a living from tourists.

so you only care about yourself.

and narcissism is a beautiful thing. it really is. 

 

7 hours ago, wasabi said:

Just sell Pattaya to India and move on.

Already sold a long time ago to the Chinese i’m afraid 🤷🏼

I should visit....haven't been to Mumbai in ages.

20 hours ago, bendejo said:

And when families stroll down the streets sometimes their little daughter might say "mommy, that's what I want to do for work when I grow up, sit in a bar."

 

There is a good chance she will be following in mommy's footsteps!

Mrs has tried to sign up for this half half scheme for three days, she says it cannot be done. None of her many friends have managed it either, the online process just does not work. Anyone know of a success? I thought maybe all the places have been taken up already but she tried from minutes after it opened. 

Seems they want to collect tax from foreigners to pay holidays for the Thai.

Having now lived in Thailand for 12 years and worked for a Thai multinational, I can conclude that they absolutely have no concept of developing (medium) long-term visions and planning. The mindset of "living day by day" is too deeply ingrained. Thailand would benefit enormously if they were willing to learn from people with more knowledge and experience in this area. It's a shame, because the country has so much to offer.