Paradon stated plans to use funds from the emergency loan decree to implement the "Thai Travel Thai Plus" program, emphasizing it does not violate emergency principles as it supports small businesses impacted by the war crisis. Meanwhile, the "Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2" awaits Deputy Prime Minister Aekniti's approval.
9 Aug 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Paradon Prisananantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, in his capacity overseeing the Budget Bureau, commented on the Ministry of Tourism and Sports' plan to request funds from the 400 billion baht loan under the Emergency Decree authorizing the Ministry of Finance to borrow funds to address energy crisis impacts and drive the country's energy transition (B.E. 2569) to implement the "Thai Travel Thai Plus" program. He personally believes this project aligns with the intended use of the loan since the borrowed funds would assist tourism operators, especially small businesses affected by the conflict in the Middle East. However, implementation requires setting clear eligibility criteria for participating operators and citizens granted benefits.
When asked if implementing the project meets emergency criteria, Paradon affirmed it does and is permissible. The "Thai Travel Thai Plus" program qualifies under emergency guidelines because small tourism businesses are directly affected by the overseas war situation.
Regarding clarity on the implementation of the "Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2" program, Paradon said it depends on the final decision by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Aekniti Nitithanprapas, as the Ministry of Finance is responsible for project approval. He added that the first phase should be completed first before assessing the situation, since the war is still ongoing. .