The Minister of Tourism is scheduled to meet with Ekniti on 8 September to finalize the "Thai Teaw Thai Plus" program, expected to use a 4 billion baht budget to distribute 1 million vouchers. Surasak noted that allowing citizens to co-pay is better than fixed pricing. Cabinet approval is expected next week, with registration opening on 1 October 2026.
On 7 September 2026, Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, revealed progress on the year-end tourism stimulus measures. He said that on 8 September 2026, he will meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas to finalize the "Thai Teaw Thai Plus" project. The Tourism Ministry has requested budget support of 4 billion baht under a loan to allocate 1 million vouchers to the public.
The project divides support into two parts: accommodation discounts up to 3,000 baht per voucher, totaling 3 billion baht, and travel vouchers worth 1,000 baht each, totaling 1 billion baht. This voucher amount has increased from the previous program's 500 baht, which was limited to restaurants. The new program expands use to tourism-related businesses such as spas and wellness services to better distribute income among tourism operators.
Mr. Surasak said that the Finance Ministry is considering a fixed rate approach to prevent accommodation price hikes during peak season. However, the Tourism Ministry believes a co-payment system would benefit the economy more because citizens must also pay part of the cost, bringing additional consumer spending into circulation.
"With a fixed rate, for example, if the government provides 1,000 baht, people might choose a hotel costing exactly 1,000 baht and pay nothing extra. But with co-payment, people pay some themselves, increasing overall spending in the economy. Thus, the 3,000 baht stimulus per voucher could effectively become 5,000 to 6,000 baht including co-payments, leading to stronger economic stimulation," he explained.
Mr. Surasak stated that if the 8 September meeting reaches a clear conclusion, the project details are expected to be submitted to the Cabinet meeting for consideration the following week. The goal is to open registration for the public and businesses to join the program starting 1 October 2026.
Before the program launches, system testing with Krungthai Bank will be conducted over 2-3 weeks to prepare registration and voucher use. The Tourism Ministry expects the measure to stimulate domestic travel and spending in the last quarter of the year.