WASHINGTON - The travel and tourism industries are facing their worst crisis since the 2001 terrorist attacks, prompting White House officials to consider deferring taxes for the cruise, travel and airline industries to stem the economic fallout of the coronavirus, according to two people briefed on the discussions.

The Cabinet on December 11 approved the waiver of personal income tax on Bt50,000 cash rebate people will gain from the "Baan Dee Mee Down" government housing purchase campaign.