Thailand Launches Tourism Stimulus Drive For Second Half 2025
Thailand's tourism minister has established a task force to roll out stimulus measures for the second half of 2025, expanding support beyond meals and accommodation to include transportation costs across the industry supply chain. The minis
Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul has signed an order establishing a task force to advance government tourism policy and accelerate economic and tourism stimulus measures for the second half of 2025. The task force will coordinate with the Public-Private Joint Committee for Economic Solutions, chaired by the Prime Minister, and welcomes active private sector participation in developing guidelines and measures.
The task force will gather data and proposals from businesses to present to the Tourism and SME Sub-Committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Suthammaphand. Representatives from major tourism industry associations—including the Domestic Tourism Business Association, Thai Tour Operator Association, Thai Tourism Business Association (ATTA), Thai Tourism Industry Association, Thai Tour Guide Association, Hotel Association, and Transportation Operator Association—will be invited to provide input ensuring measures address all stakeholders.
Minister Surasak emphasized that stimulus measures will not be limited to meal and accommodation support alone. They will also cover transportation costs, such as assistance for bus operators and tour coaches, to distribute revenue more widely across the tourism supply chain. The approach will consider the number of benefits, benefit value proportions, promotion of both major and secondary cities, and appropriate incentives for both weekdays and weekends to maximize public accessibility.
The task force will meet with relevant agencies and the private sector within the coming week to finalize all measure details before submitting to the government's Tourism Sub-Committee for consideration. The ministry will prioritize input from all business sectors.
Regarding implementation, the Tourism Ministry has decided not to develop a new application for registration and benefits. Instead, it will use existing platforms that the public already knows, reducing confusion and improving accessibility. The "Pao Tang" mobile application system may be adapted for benefit distribution.
On the same day, Minister Surasak announced enforcement measures to strengthen tourism confidence and law enforcement. The ministry is preparing to establish a task force to combat illegal businesses and nominalism in tourism through tourism police and related agencies. "Rapid-response teams" will conduct ongoing operations at major tourist destinations nationwide to eliminate nominal businesses, influential figures, and illegal activities damaging Thailand's tourism image.
The ministry has directed tourism police to intensify scrutiny of foreign tourists committing offenses, overstaying visas, or using Thailand as a base for illegal activities. Airport security and passenger screening remain under the jurisdiction of relevant agencies, with the government directing enhanced coordination.
