The government is set to adopt Japan's Michi-no-Eki (roadside station) scheme, a government-designated rest area found along roads and highways in Japan, initially developing them in the 12 provinces dubbed "hidden gems".
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Yuthasak Supasorn, the Tourism and Sports Ministry has already endorsed the idea proposed by the TAT.
Mr Yuthasak said the roadside stations will be centres to draw more tourists as well as display and sell local goods such as One Tambon One Product products.
Extra income from the roadside concept will help supplement farmers' revenue when the prices of farm products fall, he said.
In addition to providing places for travellers to rest, Michi-no-Eki facilities are intended to promote local tourism and trade. Shops usually sell local produce, snacks, souvenirs and other goods. All of them provide 24-hour access to parking, restrooms and information facilities.
In 1993, the first 103 stations went into operation. As of April 4, 2014 there were 1,030 roadside stations across Japan.
The roadside stations directly benefit both local communities and travellers and many have become popular destinations for tourists. They offer large parking lots that tourists can use at any time of the day throughout the year free of charge.
There is always a restaurant serving simple fare such as curry with rice and noodles and a market selling local products and seasonal crops from local farmers.
Since the farmers bring their produce directly to the market, good quality produce is offered at reasonable prices.
Besides tourists and drivers, local people use the markets as an alternative to supermarkets.
According to Mr Yuthasak, roadside station development is part of the government's economic development plan, while the TAT has been assigned as one of the key drivers to support the government's stimulus policies and measures.
The government aims to develop the first roadside stations at the 12 hidden gems by the end of this year. The stations will be managed by the provincial government and provincial offices of the TAT.
The 12 provinces being promoted as hidden gems are Lampang, Phetchabun, Nan, Buri Ram, Loei, Samut Songkhram, Ratchaburi, Trat, Chanthaburi, Trang, Chumphon and Nakhon Si Thammarat.