Thailand is set to revamp its popular “Half-Price Thai Travel” scheme in a bid to stimulate tourism in secondary cities and promote weekday travel across the country. The revised initiative, currently under review by the Bureau of the Budget, is backed by a proposed allocation of 3 billion baht.

The scheme, which provides a 50% government subsidy on accommodation costs, is aimed at distributing tourism benefits more evenly across Thailand’s 77 provinces. Travellers will continue to pay the remaining half of their lodging expenses.

Tourism Vice Minister Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham revealed that a key change under consideration is the introduction of a quota system for the one million privileges available. Authorities are weighing two models for the allocation — a 5:5 ratio between major and secondary cities, or a 4:6 split in favour of less-visited destinations.

Another major adjustment is a shift in focus to weekday travel. Subsidies will now only apply from Monday to Friday. For example, travellers checking in on a Friday can enjoy coverage into Saturday, but weekend stays will otherwise not be eligible. This move aims to spread tourism revenue beyond the typical weekend peak.

Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports is exploring ways to include government officials in the scheme through “workation” trips, blending work with leisure to further stimulate domestic tourism.

The revamped scheme reflects Thailand’s efforts to support more sustainable and inclusive tourism growth, especially in the lead-up to the country’s broader post-pandemic recovery strategy.

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