Thailand proposes foreign visitor fee and domestic travel subsidy

Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports has proposed two major initiatives to stimulate the economy and protect local environments: a new fee for foreign visitors and a domestic travel subsidy program.

The proposed foreign visitor fee would be directed into a new Thailand Tourism Promotion Fund. According to Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul, these funds would be used for developing attractions, financing visitor insurance and safety measures, and restoring environments impacted by tourism.

To boost domestic spending, the government plans to launch the ‘Thai Travel Thai Plus’ program in September. This scheme includes a 1.75 billion baht (approximately US$53 million) budget to provide 500,000 travel grants. The program will offer a 50 percent match on eligible spending, capped at 3,000 baht per grant, with individuals allowed to claim up to five grants. Additionally, travelers can receive 1,000 baht vouchers for various services, including meals, car hires, and guided tours.

The domestic scheme is expected to generate over 26 billion baht in economic circulation. The move follows a 4 percent decline in domestic tourism revenue during the first five months of 2026, attributed to rising fuel costs and decreased spending during the low season.