Surasak, Minister of Tourism, revealed after discussions with Akniti that 3.5 billion baht was approved for the Thai Teaw Thai Plus program, offering 1 million vouchers over a three-month period, with usage suspended during the New Year overlap from 16 Dec 2026 to 15 Jan 2027.
On the evening of 8 Sep 2026, Mr. Surasak Phanjaroenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, revealed at the Ministry of Finance the progress of the "Thai Teaw Thai Plus" project. After consulting with Mr. Akniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the initial conclusion was that the government will support accommodation costs with a flat rate of 1,500 baht per voucher, paid on actual expenses.
Additionally, there will be co-payment tourism coupons (state and public share costs equally) worth 1,500 baht for use in restaurants, spas, or other tourism services in primary 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 has a budget ceiling of 3.5 billion baht, covering a total of 1 million vouchers. Each voucher receives a maximum government support of 3,500 baht (1,500 baht for accommodation plus 2,000 baht for secondary city coupons). The public and operators can register through the “Pao Tang” application starting 1 Oct 2026, and travel eligibility begins 1 Nov 2026. Each tourist can receive up to five vouchers.
Regarding the project period, it spans three months (1 Nov to 15 Dec 2026 and 16 Jan to 28 Feb 2027). However, there is an important condition: usage is suspended during the New Year festival (16 Dec 2026 to 15 Jan 2027). This is based on studies showing that injections of funds during this time do not significantly boost tourist numbers.
"This project is designed to encourage travel spanning the New Year, attracting people to use their vouchers quickly between November and 15 December, then resume usage from mid-January through the end of February," he explained.
It is expected to generate up to 58 billion baht in economic circulation, representing a 2.5-fold return on the budget invested.
Meanwhile, the government has strict anti-fraud measures to prevent hotel operators from exploiting the program by raising prices. Operators must declare room prices when registering for the project. If price increases exceed 10% compared to the same period last year, they will be disqualified immediately. Participating hotels must have valid licenses or, if unlicensed, must pay taxes properly. Currently, cooperation with the Ministry of Interior is underway to ensure proper legal registration.