Travel subsidy nears launch

Thailand's Tourism and Sports Ministry is nearing the finalization of its "Thai Tiew Thai Plus" domestic tourism subsidy scheme, aiming to stimulate travel during the traditionally quiet monsoon season. Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul announced that details are expected to be confirmed within the next week, with a launch to follow.

The initiative proposes to subsidize a portion of travel expenses, encouraging domestic trips and injecting income into hotels, restaurants, and businesses, particularly in secondary cities and less-visited areas. The ministry is currently deliberating on eligibility criteria for hotels and the scope of services to be covered, beyond food and lodging.

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The ministry is considering the platform through which the scheme would operate, with the Pao Tang application operated by Krungthai Bank being viewed as the main channel.

Discussions are also underway regarding the operational platform, with the Pao Tang application, managed by Krungthai Bank, being considered the primary channel. The source of funding remains a key consideration, with the Finance Ministry evaluating whether borrowing or utilizing the central budget is more appropriate, pending a decision by Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas will decide whether borrowing or the central budget would be more appropriate, taking into account the scheme's objectives and prevailing economic conditions.

Private sector representatives have indicated that a green season launch would be beneficial for demand and revenue distribution. However, the ministry acknowledges that if preparations extend into the peak season, adjustments to the scheme's design might be necessary, requiring further consultation with businesses.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister's Office spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek highlighted the success of the existing "Thais Help Thais Plus: 60/40" co-payment scheme, which has generated over 106 billion baht in economic circulation, involving millions of participants and shops, thereby spreading capital to small businesses nationwide.

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As of 11pm on Sunday, total spending under the programme had reached 106.63 billion baht, involving 26.04 million eligible participants and 1.1 million participating shops.