Thailand offers up to THB40,000 per tour to boost domestic travel

Thailand is subsidising transport costs of up to THB40,000 per trip under a new domestic tourism campaign aimed at encouraging cross-province travel and spreading tourism income to businesses and communities nationwide.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan said the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) had joined nine tourism industry partners to launch “Amazing Thailand: Travel Thailand with Tours”.

The campaign is expected to generate at least THB208.8 million in tourism revenue through spending on transport, accommodation, restaurants, attractions and community products.

Bus operators can receive up to THB40,000 per trip

Under the scheme, TAT will subsidise the cost of non-scheduled buses and vans used for qualifying group tours.

For buses, each vehicle must carry at least 30 Thai travellers. The subsidy is THB10,000 per vehicle per day, capped at THB40,000 for each trip.

For vans, each vehicle must carry at least six Thai travellers. TAT will provide THB2,500 per vehicle per day, with support capped at THB10,000 per trip.

Eligible journeys must cross provincial boundaries, last at least two days and one night, and include an overnight stay in a province other than the point of departure.

Tours must also include designated highlight activities under conditions set by participating partner organisations.

The travel period runs from October 15, 2026 to January 31, 2027.

Campaign targets wide range of travel styles

The programme is designed to encourage Thais to travel through organised packages covering a broad range of interests.

These include religious and cultural tourism, historical attractions, nature, wellness and adventure activities, as well as corporate social responsibility trips, study visits and experience-based tourism.

The government hopes the subsidy will reduce the cost of travelling in groups while encouraging visitors to spend in provinces outside their home areas.

TAT said the programme should distribute income throughout the tourism supply chain, benefiting transport providers, hotels, restaurants, attractions and local communities.

Nine tourism partners join scheme

The nine participating organisations include the Association of Thai Tour Operators, Tourism Council of Thailand, Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association, Federation of Provincial Tourism Associations of Thailand, Thai Tourism Promotion Association, Association of Domestic Travel, Thai Travel Agents Association, Association of Thai Travel Agents and an association representing bus and transport operators nationwide.

Ploythalay said the programme was intended to stimulate domestic tourism while spreading economic benefits more widely among tourism operators around the country.

Travellers interested in joining can check packages and participation conditions through the nine partner organisations.

Further information is available from the Tourism Authority of Thailand on 02-250-5500 or the TAT Contact Center on 1672 Travel Buddy.