Declining visitor numbers, natural disasters and political flashpoints are making this a tough time for the normally buoyant tourism industry in Thailand.
With ongoing border clashes with Cambodia - albeit a fair distance from tourism regions - the House of Representatives was dissolved on Friday and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul‘s government resigned.
Under Thai law, a general election must be held within 45 to 60 days of the decree.
The political instability followed recent floods in Hat Yai in the south of the Asian nation.
Despite a caretaker government being installed ahead of elections in February, the Thai Tourism and Sports Ministry is pressing ahead with plans to roll out two tourism stimulus initiatives, the Bangkok Post reported over the weekend.
While the ministry says that policy momentum remains intact, tourism operators want to see quick rebuilding of flood-hit destinations in the south popular with Malaysian visitors, and at ensuring stability along the Thai-Cambodian border.
Tourism and Sports Minister Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn said the ministry continues to have the legal authority to advance tourism policy despite the political transition.
He confirmed that proposed stimulus measures will be submitted for consideration at the next cabinet meeting, leaving it to the caretaker government to determine whether they move forward.
Among the proposals is the “Tour Thai Khon La Khrueng” co-payment program, which would cover 50% of the cost of domestic tour packages for Thai domestic travellers.
The ministry is also still seeking approval for a scheme to distribute 200,000 complimentary domestic flight tickets to foreign visitors.
That move is designed to encourage travel within the country and spread tourism revenue more evenly.
Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), told the Bangkok Post that impacts on inbound tourism should be minimal. He said the dissolution of parliament alone is unlikely to deter visitors.
Festivals and other major events are proceeding as scheduled.
The political instability followed recent floods in Hat Yai in the south of the Asian nation.
Despite a caretaker government being installed ahead of elections in February, the Thai Tourism and Sports Ministry is pressing ahead with plans to roll out two tourism stimulus initiatives, the Bangkok Post reported over the weekend.
While the ministry says that policy momentum remains intact, tourism operators want to see quick rebuilding of flood-hit destinations in the south popular with Malaysian visitors, and at ensuring stability along the Thai-Cambodian border.
Tourism and Sports Minister Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn said the ministry continues to have the legal authority to advance tourism policy despite the political transition.
He confirmed that proposed stimulus measures will be submitted for consideration at the next cabinet meeting, leaving it to the caretaker government to determine whether they move forward.
Among the proposals is the “Tour Thai Khon La Khrueng” co-payment program, which would cover 50% of the cost of domestic tour packages for Thai domestic travellers.
The ministry is also still seeking approval for a scheme to distribute 200,000 complimentary domestic flight tickets to foreign visitors.
That move is designed to encourage travel within the country and spread tourism revenue more evenly.
Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), told the Bangkok Post that impacts on inbound tourism should be minimal. He said the dissolution of parliament alone is unlikely to deter visitors.
Festivals and other major events are proceeding as scheduled.
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