New phase of 'Rao Tiew Duay Kan' in 2026: watching the Anutin government move forward with economic stimulus and exploring new policy possibilities.
The recent 'Rao Tiew Duay Kan' program and its outlook for 2026 are detailed as follows.
1. Expenditure statistics of the 'Rao Tiew Duay Kan' program (Phases 1-5).
Data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and Krungthai Bank show that the program, implemented over five phases from 2020 to 2023, had the following notable spending statistics.
State budget support: approximately 24,016 million baht.
Total spending (economic turnover): generated a direct economic value exceeding 58,621 million baht.
Number of rights used: approximately 12.06 million room nights booked under the program.
This program was initiated and mostly implemented during Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s government, with Anutin Charnvirakul serving as Deputy Prime Minister (overseeing the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Tourism at times). It was a key policy promoted by the coalition government to revive the economy after COVID-19.
2. The program in 2026 (current government).
For 2026, under the leadership of Paetongtarn Shinawatra (with Anutin continuing as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior), the outlook for the 'Rao Tiew Duay Kan' program or similar initiatives is as follows.
No direct announcement of 'Rao Tiew Duay Kan' for 2026: currently, the government focuses on economic stimulus through the 'Half-Price Thai Travel' program or 'Rao Tiew Duay Kan 2025,' which has been adjusted to emphasize travel in secondary cities and on weekdays.
2026 budget: in the draft 2026 budget bill, the government allocates funds to stimulate consumption and tourism but emphasizes tax deductions and support for hosting conferences in secondary cities rather than direct accommodation subsidies like in previous phases.
Advocacy from Anutin’s side: in 2025-2026, Anutin and the Bhumjaithai Party have proposed the 'Half-Price Plus' model, which may include tourism spending, but it awaits budget approval and cabinet resolutions each quarter.