Thailand’s new scheme offers 400 baht to boost northern tourism

A new co-payment tourism promotion scheme aimed at revitalising the flood-affected northern region of Thailand will be presented to the Cabinet for approval, said Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong.

Dubbed Travelling North Half-Half, the initiative will subsidise trips to the northern region later this year, offering up to 400 baht (US$12) per trip to 10,000 visitors. This scheme, proposed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, is among the urgent measures needed to rehabilitate the economies of flood-hit areas, particularly Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.

Sorawong emphasised the significance of this co-payment programme in light of the severe economic losses caused by recent flooding, which has heavily impacted business opportunities in the popular tourist destinations of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

“The economic losses from the flooding are significant, including losses of business opportunities, as Chiang Mai is a popular tourist destination,” Sorawong commented.

If successful, the scheme might be expanded to other regions.

This initiative mirrors the Rao Tiew Duay Kan (We Travel Together) programme from the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration, which offered up to 40% discounts on accommodation, airfares, and dining, thereby promoting domestic travel and aiding the tourism sector’s recovery post-pandemic.

In response to the flooding, the government plans to hold a mobile Cabinet meeting in either Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai to stimulate economic activity and enhance local morale.

During recent visits to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, Sorawong engaged with local tourism entrepreneurs who requested government assistance through soft loans, reduced utility bills, and tax deductions to help the sector rebound, reported Bangkok Post.

“Their proposals will be presented to the cabinet so it can implement relief measures that meet their needs,” Sorawong assured.