Thailand's tourism sector continues to slump as foreign visitor numbers slide - but the government has opted to focus on boosting domestic travel, our Thai correspondent reports.
From January 1 to June 22, there was a 4.24% drop in arrivals compared to the same time last year, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported.
And, bizarrely, blame is still being cast on the Covid-19 pandemic.
And, bizarrely, blame is still being cast on the Covid-19 pandemic.
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has revised its forecast for the year, now predicting 37 million foreign tourists this year, falling short of the nearly 40 million record set in 2019.
But Thailand has just launched a campaign to spark domestic tourism: the Half-Half Thailand Travel initiative for Thais only.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong unveiled the program this week, saying it aims to revive the tourism industry during the low season and aid "post-pandemic recovery".
But Thailand has just launched a campaign to spark domestic tourism: the Half-Half Thailand Travel initiative for Thais only.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong unveiled the program this week, saying it aims to revive the tourism industry during the low season and aid "post-pandemic recovery".
The scheme will subsidise travel expenses and accommodation for locals.
The government will cover up to 50% of accommodation costs. In primary cities, they'll subsidise 40%, while in secondary cities, they’ll cover 50% during weekdays and 40% on weekends and holidays.
Participants can accommodation for up to five nights using digital coupons, which are also redeemable at participating restaurants, shops, and tourist locations with subsidies capped at 3,000 baht per night ($138).
The government says the initiative is set to energise domestic travel and distribute economic benefits across Thailand, focusing particularly on secondary cities, while providing a significant boost to local tourism businesses.
In another Thai-only scheme, from September 30, Bangkok commuters can enjoy a 20 baht (under $1) flat fare on all eight electric train lines, including those in surrounding areas. This initiative aims to make public transport more accessible and ease city congestion.
But passengers must register through the Tang Rat mobile app to benefit - and complete the registration process to verify their Thai nationality.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that the project is on track. "The 20 baht fare cap is a public benefit, and we are ensuring everything is ready for a smooth launch," he said.
There is no mechanism for visitors to benefit, AseanNow.com reports, in contradiction to the aim of boosting overseas numbers
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