The government is considering a 15-day visa exemption for Indian travellers and a 30-day exemption for all European Union (EU) countries, while assessing that easing geopolitical tensions could lift tourism revenue this year back to 2025 levels.
Meanwhile, a new phase of the domestic tourism co-payment scheme is set to launch, with discounts for 1 million hotel room-nights, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said on Tuesday.
He said that revisions to visa rules for certain countries would be proposed at the next meeting of the visa policy committee, overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The cabinet on May 19 approved scrapping 60-day visa-free entry for travellers from 93 countries and introduced new entry rules for each country. However, the measure has yet to take effect as it requires publication in the Royal Gazette, leaving room for amendments.
Mr Surasak said the next visa committee meeting would consider granting a 15-day visa exemption for Indian travellers, who currently must apply for a visa on arrival.
Some EU countries that currently receive no entry privileges would be granted the same treatment as other EU member states: Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Malta.
The reduction in visa exemptions should not have a negative impact on the tourism industry, particularly as geopolitical tensions have eased following an interim peace agreement between the US and Iran, Mr Surasak said.
The ministry expects foreign tourism revenue this year to remain on par with last year, reaching 1.53 trillion baht from 32.9 million visitors.
For domestic tourism, the ministry is drafting a proposal for a new phase of the co-payment scheme, with funding expected from the 2027 central budget that will take effect on Oct 1.
He said the initial budget would be similar to previous phases at around 3 billion baht, offering 3,000 baht per room night, which can be claimed via the Paotang mobile app. The project is expected to begin in October.
Details of the project still require refinement as the ministry is establishing a new tourism promotional policy committee, bringing together representatives from the private sector and agencies under the ministry, said Mr Surasak.
Other pending incentives for foreign travellers, such as free domestic air tickets or subsidies for chartered flights, could be considered once the committee is formed.
Weekday focus
Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), said that if the government can offer the hotel subsidy scheme within the final quarter, it will help absorb a substantial portion of travel costs for Thais, as room rates in the high season are expected to rise as global tensions ease.
He said the scheme should focus on weekday bookings and provide more attractive incentives for destinations other than Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Chiang Mai.
“There are many provinces categorised as first-tier locations, making them ineligible to receive privileges similar to second-tier destinations. But these first-tier areas are not posting strong tourism performances like key cities,” he said.
La-iad Bungsrithong, a THA board adviser, said the government should also consider reviving tax deductions for tourism expenses.
This measure is one of the most effective tools to increase domestic spending for both individual travellers and corporations, particularly when taxpayers are encouraged to spend in order to receive specific benefits tailored for them, she said.
