Thailand is gearing up to boost its domestic tourism with the government launching the eagerly anticipated "Half-Half Thailand Tour" project. On June 24, 2025, Mr. Somsak Thepthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, announced that the Cabinet had approved an economic stimulus package including this initiative, which is allocated a substantial budget of 1,750 million baht. This project forms part of a larger economic stimulus plan with a total budget of 110,000 million baht approved from a central fund of 157,000 million baht, according to official statements.
The "Half-Half Thailand Tour" project is designed to encourage Thai citizens to travel domestically by sharing travel expenses between the government and the public. Starting from the night of June 24, 2025, the government opened registration for the public, while businesses had the opportunity to register a week earlier, beginning around June 17, 2025. The benefits of the program are set to be accessible from July 1, 2025, allowing participants to begin enjoying their subsidized travels immediately.
Eligibility for the program is straightforward: participants must be Thai citizens aged 18 years or older with a valid national ID card. The subsidy is specifically tailored for use at participating hotels, restaurants, and tourism-related shops, explicitly excluding airfare costs. The government will subsidize up to 3,000 baht per room per night for hotel accommodations, providing significant relief for travelers planning their stays.
The program features two distinct subsidy models to accommodate different travel preferences and destinations. The first model differentiates support based on the type of city visited. For travel to major cities, the government will cover 40% of expenses, with travelers paying the remaining 60%. For secondary or emerging tourism cities — often less frequented but rich in culture and attractions — the government’s subsidy increases to 50%, matching the traveler’s 50% contribution.
The second model adjusts subsidies according to the day of travel. For trips taken on weekdays (Monday through Friday), the government provides a 50% subsidy, with the traveler responsible for the other half. On weekends and public holidays, the subsidy decreases to 40%, requiring travelers to cover 60% of their expenses. This tiered approach encourages travel during off-peak times while balancing budget considerations.
In addition to accommodation and dining subsidies, the government is rolling out digital coupons that can be used at restaurants, souvenir shops, One Tambon One Product (OTOP) stores, and various tourist attractions. While the exact value of these coupons has yet to be announced, they are expected to further stimulate spending within local communities and support small businesses.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has played a pivotal role in organizing the project. After opening registration for tourism businesses on June 17, 2025, TAT will now contact registered businesses to guide them through the next steps once the program officially launches. This coordination ensures that participating hotels, restaurants, and shops are prepared to accommodate travelers using the subsidy.
To register, participants must download the "Amazing Thailand" application, available on both iOS and Android platforms. The registration process is user-friendly, designed to facilitate swift access to the program's benefits. Mr. Somsak Thepthong emphasized the government's commitment to a smooth rollout, stating, "We have coordinated with the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand to open public registration tonight and ensure the program starts effectively on July 1."
This initiative reflects the government's broader strategy to invigorate the domestic tourism sector, which has faced challenges amid global travel uncertainties. By sharing costs with travelers and incentivizing visits to less-traveled destinations, the program aims to distribute tourism benefits more evenly across the country.
Travelers keen to participate should note that the subsidy cannot be applied to airfare, focusing instead on accommodation, dining, and local purchases. This focus is intended to maximize the economic impact on local communities and small businesses, which often rely heavily on tourism revenue.
As the July 1 start date approaches, further details on the digital coupons and any additional incentives are expected to be announced, providing a clearer picture of the full range of benefits available to participants. The program's success will likely depend on effective communication and the ease of use of the subsidy system, both of which authorities appear committed to ensuring.
Overall, the "Half-Half Thailand Tour" project represents a significant government effort to stimulate the domestic economy through tourism, balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to support businesses and encourage citizens to explore their own country. It offers a promising opportunity for both travelers and the tourism industry to recover and thrive in the months ahead.
