BANGKOK, THAILAND – Tourism ministry pushes 2.45 billion baht in emergency loans to boost travel before the high season hits.
Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul confirmed on July 31 plans to use the emergency loan decree to fund three programs instead of waiting for the 2027 budget. The money comes from a 400 billion baht emergency credit framework.
Emergency loan avoids budget delay
Surasak said waiting for the central budget for fiscal year 2027 would reach the market at the end of the year, when the high season is already running. That misses the chance to stimulate the market in September or October 2026 – the low season.
That would mean missing the opportunity to boost the market in September or October 2026, which falls in the low season.
said Surasak, Tourism and Sports Minister.
Tourism operators and airlines are struggling under the impact of the Middle East crisis and rising energy prices, he added.
Three programs target 56 billion baht revenue
The three planned measures aim to generate around 56 billion baht in tourism revenue. All programs were approved by a public-private committee in July.
Talks with Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas on the final budget details are scheduled for next week. The proposals should be submitted to the cabinet by the end of August 2026.
The ministry targets funding from the second part of the 400 billion baht framework – the 200 billion baht set aside for urgent energy crisis relief.
Thai Tiew Thai Plus offers 500,000 subsidies
The centerpiece is the co-payment program Thai Tiew Thai Plus. Travelers and the government split eligible expenses evenly. A total of 500,000 entitlements are available, each traveler can use up to five.
Hotel subsidies are capped at 3,000 baht per entitlement, plus vouchers worth up to 500 baht. With a budget of 1.75 billion baht, the ministry expects an economic impact of over 32 billion baht and tax revenue of 1.6 billion baht.
Fly Thai offers 400 baht flight discounts
The second program Fly Thai All the Feelings cuts domestic flight prices to secondary destinations. For 400,000 seats, the discount is 400 baht on flights to main destinations and 600 baht to secondary destinations. Six Thai airlines distribute the promo codes on a first-come, first-served basis.
The expected 200,000 travelers could generate around 1.6 billion baht in economic activity, according to the ministry. The cost to the state is 200 million baht.
Thailand Air Connect targets international flights
With 500 million baht for joint marketing campaigns, Thailand Air Connect aims at international charter and scheduled flights. At least 600 flights will be covered, bringing roughly 87,000 charter passengers and 400,000 travelers on commercial airlines into the country.
That means at least 487,000 additional arrivals, pushing revenue beyond 23 billion baht.
Second phase planned for next low season
The ministry sees the first phase as a test run. If successful, a repeat is already scheduled. Surasak announced the portfolio of stimulus measures will be expanded with a second phase in the next low season.