Tourism Minister Surasak launches a ฿2.45bn recovery drive with possible flight subsidies as visitor numbers slip, global tensions mount and Thailand moves to restore confidence after the Chonburi murders.
Thailand is racing to revive its slowing tourism industry after arrivals fell more than 3% year-on-year, with Tourism Minister Surasak Pancharoenworakul unveiling a proposed ฿2.45 billion stimulus package that could subsidise international flights while ordering tougher nationwide security following the murders of two young Russians in Chonburi. As weaker European demand, Middle East tensions and rising airline costs threaten the recovery, the government is seeking to restore international confidence and secure Cabinet backing for measures expected to generate at least ฿56 billion in tourism revenue before the peak season.
Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak has moved to reassure the tourism industry and prospective visitors that Thailand remains a safe destination.
At the same time, he has unveiled plans for a ฿2.45 billion tourism stimulus package that could include subsidised international flights to the kingdom. The proposals come as tourist arrivals continue to lag last year’s levels. They also coincide with mounting geopolitical tensions and renewed international scrutiny following a high-profile murder investigation.
The latest figures show international tourist arrivals were down just over 3% year-on-year at the end of July. However, the ministry is becoming increasingly concerned about weaker demand from European markets.
Weaker European demand and Middle East tensions deepen pressure on Thailand’s fragile tourism recovery
In addition, the continuing hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran are clouding the outlook for long-haul travel. Consequently, tourism operators and airlines are entering the second half of the year under greater commercial pressure.
Separately, Thailand has again attracted damaging international media attention following last week’s murders of two young Russians in Chonburi province. The case has generated extensive overseas coverage.
It has also renewed international attention on violent crime and the kingdom’s criminal underworld. For the tourism industry, the timing is particularly difficult as businesses attempt to rebuild momentum ahead of the high season.
In response, Mr. Surasak stressed that Thailand remains extremely safe for visitors. He also confirmed that tourist security measures would be strengthened nationwide. According to the minister, the Chonburi murders were a specific criminal case. Nevertheless, he said the government would use the investigation to strengthen public safety further. He also pledged firm enforcement against offenders without exception.
Government orders faster investigation while strengthening tourist security and public safety
On August 1, Mr. Surasak expressed his deepest condolences and apologies to the family of the Russian tourist killed in Chonburi province. He confirmed that the government, under Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, had instructed all agencies to monitor developments closely.
Furthermore, all relevant departments have been ordered to accelerate the investigation transparently. The government, he said, intends to restore justice for the victim while rebuilding confidence in Thailand’s international image and credibility.
As part of this effort, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has coordinated with the Russian Embassy in Thailand, the Royal Thai Police, the Tourist Police and local agencies.
Together, they are providing full support and assistance to the bereaved family. The ministry has also maintained close coordination with all agencies involved in the investigation and victim assistance.
Meanwhile, the ministry has ordered stronger security measures across tourist destinations nationwide. These include increased patrols in higher-risk locations, improved integration of security information and wider deployment of CCTV systems.
Tourist Assistance Centres have also been instructed to maintain full 24-hour operational readiness. The enhanced measures are intended to improve response capabilities across key tourism areas.
Tourism ministry seeks ฿2.45 billion to boost demand before low season ends and visitor numbers recover
Notably, Mr. Surasak said the government places the highest priority on protecting the rights and well-being of visitors. He added that the latest measures would strengthen confidence while reinforcing security standards across the tourism sector.
On another front, the ministry is seeking fresh financial support to stimulate demand before the current low season ends. Mr. Surasak revealed that discussions will begin with the Ministry of Finance on securing ฿2.45 billion from the government’s ฿400 billion borrowing authority under the Emergency Decree addressing the economic impact on businesses from the crisis. Rather than waiting for the 2027 fiscal year budget, the ministry wants funding released in time for implementation from September onwards.
Initially, three tourism stimulus programmes have been prepared with a combined value of ฿2.45 billion. Together, they target domestic travellers, international visitors, airlines and tourism businesses. Officials believe earlier intervention will deliver greater economic benefits before the arrival of the traditional high season.
The largest proposal is the “Thai Travel Plus” programme. It would receive ฿1.75 billion. The domestic travel co-payment scheme would provide 500,000 entitlements. Under the proposal, the government would subsidise up to ฿3,000 per participant. The ministry believes the programme would encourage additional domestic travel during the quieter months.
Airline incentives and international flight subsidies to generate at least ฿56 billion in tourism revenue
In parallel, the “Fly Thai All the Feelings” project would receive ฿200 million. The programme would provide discounts on domestic airline tickets. Officials hope lower fares will encourage more internal travel while supporting airlines operating within Thailand.
The third proposal is the “Thailand Air Connect” programme. It would receive ฿500 million. The funding would subsidise international flights, including charter services and joint marketing campaigns with commercial airlines. It may also subsidise inward international flights to Thailand. The ministry believes stronger airline support could help increase overseas visitor numbers before the high season.
According to ministry estimates, the three programmes together could generate at least ฿56 billion in tourism revenue. That projected return forms a central part of the ministry’s funding proposal. It also underpins the case for releasing the funding before the end of the current low season.
Mr. Surasak warned that waiting for the 2027 central budget would significantly reduce the effectiveness of the measures.
Minister says delaying funding until 2027 would miss the low season and weaken tourism recovery efforts
“If we have to wait for the 2027 central budget to implement these measures, the earliest we could start is late this year, which would already be the peak tourist season (high season),” he said.
“This would mean missing the opportunity to stimulate the market during September or October, which are still considered low season.”
The minister explained that the government’s ฿400 billion borrowing authority is divided into two equal allocations. The first ฿200 billion supports Thailand’s transition towards renewable and clean energy.
The remaining ฿200 billion funds urgent assistance for households and businesses affected by the energy crisis. According to Mr. Surasak, the proposed tourism measures fall within the second category because they are intended to assist businesses facing economic pressures.
Emergency borrowing fund could finance tourism recovery as costs rise and overseas demand weakens
Previously, similar funding supported the “Thai Helps Thai Plus” co-payment programme, which remains in operation. The ministry believes the same funding mechanism can now be used to support tourism businesses and airlines confronting weaker market conditions.
At the same time, Mr. Surasak pointed to rising operating costs across the tourism sector. The Middle East crisis has increased pressure on airlines through higher fuel prices.
Meanwhile, softer European demand has reduced momentum in one of Thailand’s key long-haul markets. As a result, airlines, hotels and tourism operators are facing a more challenging commercial environment.
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Earlier, all three tourism projects received approval from the Joint Public-Private Sector Committee on Tourism during meetings in July.
Next, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports will finalise the funding proposal with Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas. Afterwards, the package will be submitted to the Cabinet before the end of August. If the first phase succeeds, the ministry plans to introduce a second round of tourism stimulus measures during the next low season.
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