Bangkok: Surasak Panjaroenvorakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, announced plans to launch the "Thai Travel Plus" initiative aimed at stimulating domestic tourism. Details of the project are expected to be finalized this week or next, aligning with the proposed timeline for the tourism stimulus period.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Surasak disclosed that the government's strategy to enhance domestic tourism has been reassessed following the first meeting of the Sub-Committee on Trade, Tourism, and Community Economic Development in 2026. The initiative, developed in consultation with the private sector, will be reviewed by relevant committees. The project, tentatively named "Thai Travel Thai Plus," is exploring funding sources, with considerations for hotel subsidies and support for services beyond food and restaurant expenses. The Krung Thai Bank's Paotang application is expected to facilitate the project's implementation.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand, in collaboration with the private sector, is tasked with finalizing the terms and conditions, including the project's structure and specific requirements, in consultation with the Ministry of Finance. Concurrently, discussions covered the collection of entrance fees to Thailand and their allocation to the tourism promotion fund, aimed at enhancing tourist attractions, ensuring environmental sustainability, and developing new destinations.
This initiative will progress alongside efforts by the Creative Economy Committee, chaired by Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, to ensure simultaneous advancement in tourism promotion and economic development.
The total funding amount remains undetermined as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, evaluates potential sources. The development of the back-end system for application registration for both citizens and businesses is ongoing. Upon finalizing project details, funding, and timelines, further discussions will ensue.
Stakeholders agree that a quick launch during the green season could benefit tourism. However, launching during the high season requires additional feedback from business operators to gauge suitability across different areas. If the project overlaps with the high season, further evaluation will be necessary to assess its tourism benefits.
Mr. Surasak anticipates that the "Thai Tourism Plus" project details will be finalized within the next week or two, paving the way for subsequent implementation steps.