The government has launched a new tourism stimulus programme called “Check-in Fin Wow: East X Northeast” to boost tourism and revitalise local economies in seven provinces situated along the Thai-Cambodian border.
The campaign, set to begin on Nov 15, offers travel and accommodation subsidies through tour operators, with an expected economic impact of more than 90 million baht.
Deputy government spokeswoman Aiyarin Phanrit said on Friday that the move followed economic disruptions caused by the recent border dispute.
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed relevant agencies to use tourism as a key driver for strengthening the grassroots economy, encouraging collaboration between public and private sectors to promote group travel packages linking the seven border provinces — Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi and Trat.
Under the programme, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will provide financial support to registered tour companies for cross-provincial trips that include at least one overnight stay within the target areas, Ms Aiyarin said.
The scheme aims to rebuild travel confidence among both Thai and foreign visitors while distributing income to local communities, she added.
Spending from the project is expected to benefit tour operators, hotels, restaurants, and community shops, thereby creating new jobs in the tourism and service sectors, the spokeswoman said.
The project will accept 10,000 participants, with details and registration available through the Tourism Council of Thailand or the TAT’s 1672 hotline.