“Tourism Sector Backs Vouchers to Boost Spending by Visitors”

Tourism industry players are urging Thailand’s new tourism minister to introduce cash coupons for foreign visitors—encouraging them to spend more during their stay. The proposal echoes past promotional strategies aimed at boosting domestic spending by overseas travelers. Tourism operators argue that such vouchers could revive foot traffic amid sluggish visitor numbers and strengthen recovery in key sectors. The recommendation comes as the government explores incentives to make Thailand more appealing in an increasingly competitive regional market. While details on distribution or value remain unspecified, the push signals active industry engagement in shaping recovery efforts.

So if a tourist (I am assuming that this means ALL tourists)  get a voucher for 1,000 th band spend that extra 1,000 thb only. Where does Thailand gain? It will cost Thailand the extra 1,000 thb in the first place, plus the cost of printing the voucher in the first place, plus the cost of redeeming the voucher in time and labour costs.

 

If the tourist is willing to spend an extra 20 or 30,000 baht. then let them spend their own money at NO cost to the country. Alternatively take the money from the tourist operators budget, and let them pay for it.