The Tourism and Sports Ministry plans to use 600 million baht from its central budget to promote the tourism industry during the high season as fiscal 2024 budget disbursement is expected to be delayed until April next year.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said the proposed budget will be allocated to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for their promotions, starting from the fourth quarter this year through to the first quarter of 2024.
Major projects include "Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges", which requires 150 million baht to promote Thailand as a preferred destination for shopping, while another 150 million is allotted for marketing campaigns for all international markets.
Around 200 million baht is for the Thailand Festival Experience, promoting large festivals across five regions, with the remainder dedicated to a domestic campaign called "The Link Local to Global" that is meant to boost cross-regional trips, she said.
Ms Sudawan said these projects can be tied to several important festivals across the high season, including Loy Krathong, the New Year Countdown or Chinese New Year, and even extended to the Songkran holiday in April next year.
She said the ministry already submitted the proposal to the Cabinet Secretariat, which is awaiting approval from the cabinet.
Regarding the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme, Ms Sudawan said the ministry discussed possibly allocating some of the handout for tourism purposes, such as allowing users to spend 3,000 baht for travel in a second-tier city.
After the government offered a temporary visa exemption for Chinese and Kazakh visitors from Sept 25, she said the ministry has been monitoring security issues and there are no concerns at the moment.
Ms Sudawan said the ministry is talking with other ministries and related organisations about the possibility of extending the visa-free scheme to other countries.
She said the government might focus on extending the length of stay for certain markets from 30 days to 45-90 days, notably Russians and Europeans, who are already eligible for a visa-free visit.
Other ideas being internally discussed include a plan to create joint promotions with airlines and extending the operating hours of entertainment venues in Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Phuket, said Ms Sudawan.
Next week, while Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visits China, the TAT is expected to sign a letter of intent with seven Chinese companies to promote tourism, including airlines and online travel agents.
