Tourism Minister Surasak revealed after discussions with Finance Minister Aekniti that 3.5 billion baht has been approved for the Thai Teaw Thai Plus program, offering 1 million entitlements over three months, with a suspension of use during the New Year period from 16 Dec 2026 to 15 Jan 2027.
On the evening of 8 September 2026, Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, announced at the Ministry of Finance an update on the "Thai Teaw Thai Plus" program. After consultations with Mr. Aekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, it was initially concluded that the government will support accommodation costs with a flat rate of 1,500 baht per entitlement,
and additionally, provide co-payment travel coupons (government pays half, citizens pay half) worth 1,500 baht for use in restaurants, spas, or other tourism services in major cities. If tourists spend in secondary cities, the coupon value will increase to 2,000 baht, to stimulate and distribute income to local communities.
Mr. Surasak added that the program's budget is capped at 3.5 billion baht, covering 1 million entitlements, with a maximum government support of 3,500 baht per entitlement (1,500 baht accommodation plus 2,000 baht coupon in secondary cities). Citizens and businesses can register through the “Pao Tang” app starting 1 October 2026, and travel rights begin from 1 November onwards. Each tourist can receive five entitlements in total.
Regarding the program duration, it spans three months (1 November to 15 December 2026 and 16 January to 28 February 2027). However, there is a key condition: the use of entitlements will be suspended during the New Year holiday period (16 December 2026 to 15 January 2027). This is because studies clearly show that injecting funds during this period does not significantly boost tourist numbers.
"This program is designed to encourage travel spanning the New Year by motivating people to use entitlements quickly from November to 15 December, then again from mid-January through the end of February," he explained.
It is expected to generate economic circulation of up to 58 billion baht, yielding an economic return 2.5 times the budget invested.
Meanwhile, the government also has strict anti-fraud measures to prevent hotel operators from exploiting the program by raising prices over 10%. Operators must declare room prices upon registration; if found to have increased prices by more than 10% compared to the same period last year, they will be immediately disqualified. Participating hotels must be licensed or, if unlicensed, must pay taxes properly. The ministry is currently working with the Ministry of Interior to prepare for proper legal registration.