Thai Government Targets October 1 Launch for 'Thai Tiew Thai Plus' Tourism Stimulus

According to Khaosod Online, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supachai Suthumpun has announced plans to accelerate the 'Thai Tiew Thai Plus' tourism stimulus program, aiming for an official launch on October 1, 2026. This initiative follows the previous 'Thai Chuay Thai Plus' scheme and is designed to sustain economic momentum within the tourism sector.

During a meeting of the National Tourism Policy Committee, officials emphasized a long-term strategy to restructure the industry and enhance competitiveness. The government intends to utilize the Joint Public-Private Sector Consultative Committee (JPPCC) to integrate efforts across creative economy, agriculture, and SME sectors. The goal is to ensure that tourism revenue is more effectively distributed throughout the local economy.

For travelers and residents, this shift focuses on improving the overall visitor experience, including safety, service standards, and the development of new tourism products. Additionally, the government is moving forward with a proposal to implement a 450-baht fee for foreign tourists. This fee is currently slated for public consultation before being submitted to the Cabinet for final approval. While the October 1 launch date for the stimulus program is the current target, the implementation of the foreign tourist fee remains subject to the outcome of the public hearing process and subsequent government review.