Bangkok: Surasak revealed the progress of the "Thai Travel Plus" program, which will be submitted to the Cabinet on September 22. The program will offer 1 million vouchers, with the government subsidizing accommodation costs up to 2,000 baht, along with tourism coupons worth 1,500 baht for major cities and 2,000 baht for secondary cities. It is expected to stimulate the economy by over 20 billion baht.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Surasak Panjaroenvorakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, stated that the "Thai Travel Plus" project aims to stimulate tourism during the fourth quarter of 2026 and the beginning of the first quarter of 2027, encouraging domestic travel. The government will subsidize up to 2,000 baht for accommodation, with tourists paying any additional costs. Coupons worth 1,500 baht in major cities and 2,000 baht in secondary cities will also be available, expanding the scope of tourism-related businesses.
The program will initially offer 1 million entitlements, with each individual allowed to use a maximum of 5 entitlements. Registration is set to begin in early October 2026, with usage from November 1, 2026, to December 15, 2026. The program will pause for the New Year holiday and resume from January 16, 2027, to February 28, 2027.
Mr. Surasak also highlighted measures to prevent price gouging for accommodation, with the Ministry of Finance setting a flat rate for services. Businesses must report prices to prevent opportunistic hikes. Tourist police will investigate any reported price increases promptly. Legal actions have been taken against businesses and individuals found guilty of violations since the government of General Prayut Chan-o-cha.
In related news, Mr. Surasak praised Wat Phutthaisawan, a temple with historical significance, known for its reclining Buddha statue and royal monuments. He addressed concerns about a former abbot's arrest for misconduct, emphasizing that such incidents do not deter visitors. The temple remains a place of worship and tourism, with most visitors focused on its sacred objects rather than the controversies surrounding individuals.
Mr. Surasak expressed confidence that tourism to Ayutthaya Province will continue, as the faith in the temple's sacred objects remains strong among visitors, despite ongoing issues within the Buddhist clergy.