The Thai government is currently designing “Thai Tiew Thai Plus,” a new domestic tourism stimulus measure aimed at boosting local travel and reducing reliance on foreign visitors amid global economic volatility. Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Phancharoenworakul announced the preliminary framework following discussions with public and private sector representatives during a meeting of the Tourism and Sports Joint Public and Private Consultative Committee.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the proposed co-payment initiative shares a similar structure with previous schemes like “We Travel Together” but offers enhanced benefits. The government plans to subsidize accommodation costs using a flat-rate subsidy per night, such as 2,000 or 3,000 baht per night per right. Additional details regarding the subsidy structure, budget allocation, and Cabinet approval timelines are currently being finalized.
Proposed Co-Payment Structure and Subsidy Rates
Under the initial framework outlined by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the government will implement a co-payment system for hotel and accommodation expenses. Officials are currently evaluating whether the state support ratio should be set at 50:50 or 60:40 between the government and travelers. Coverage will apply across all 77 provinces without dividing destinations into primary or secondary cities, ensuring equal administrative management and broader economic distribution.
Supplemental reporting from Thansettakij indicates that the program is provisionally slated to support 500,000 total rights, with individual travelers eligible to receive up to five rights. Accommodation bookings would utilize the “Paotang” application, and the plan projects an economic impact of 32,046 million baht alongside 1,660 million baht in tax revenue. Furthermore, planners are considering increasing the value of electronic coupons—previously set at 500 baht per right—to cover broader spending categories such as local restaurants, shopping, one-day tours, car rentals, Thai massage, and spa services.
Did You Know? The “Thai Tiew Thai Plus” program is designed to operate without any administrative distinction between primary and secondary cities, allowing travelers to use their rights evenly across all 77 provinces in Thailand.
Timeline and Approval Process for October 2026 Launch
Authorities anticipate opening public registration for the stimulus package in October 2026 to coincide with the start of the high tourism season. The project duration is provisionally scheduled to run for three months, spanning from October through December 2026, with an estimated total budget of 1,750 million baht. Before reaching the public, the initiative requires formal review and approval through multiple administrative layers.
Reporting from Thansettakij notes that after finalization by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the proposal must pass through a committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Suphachี Suthamphan and the main Joint Public and Private Consultative Committee chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Final official submission to the Cabinet is expected by August 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Thai Tiew Thai Plus expected to open for registration?
Registration is provisionally expected to open in October 2026, ahead of the peak travel season, pending final Cabinet approval.
How much financial support will travelers receive for accommodation?
The government plans to provide a flat-rate subsidy per night—such as 2,000 or 3,000 baht per night per right—under a co-payment structure where the state covers a substantial portion of hotel expenses.
Can the subsidy rights be used anywhere in the country?
Yes. The initiative is designed to operate across all 77 provinces without separating destinations into primary or secondary tiers.
How will local small businesses benefit from the proposed electronic coupons under this tourism scheme?