Thailand to launch 4 billion baht domestic tourism subsidy program

Thailand is planning to allocate 4 billion baht (approximately 109 million euros) toward subsidies designed to stimulate domestic tourism. The initiative aims to generate 20 billion baht in additional spending to counter the effects of rising energy prices and a decline in international visitors.

The proposed program, which includes one million individual subsidies, is scheduled for review by the Cabinet on September 22. The financial aid includes hotel subsidies of up to 2,000 baht and vouchers for services such as dining, shopping, and wellness, also capped at 2,000 baht. To encourage travel to lesser-known destinations and distribute wealth more broadly, higher levels of assistance will be offered for travel to non-major tourist hubs.

The program is expected to launch on November 1, pause during the New Year festivities, resume on January 16, and conclude in February. This move comes as the Kasikorn Research Centre anticipates a slowdown in the Thai economy during the second half of the year due to weakened purchasing power.