The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) also said it will propose extending the domestic tourism co-payment scheme with the remaining funds from the first phase, which will end on Oct 31, reports the Bangkok Post.
Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, a Vice President of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said that within the limited period in which it will be in power, the government should consider quick-win measures or incentives to compete with other competitors in Asia.
Examples include travel cash coupons that foreign tourists are able to use at any store, which would distribute income to local communities, resembling a similar scheme that has been implemented in Taiwan.
Although tourism is expected to be robust during the upcoming high season, the industry could face even more challenges next year, as US tariffs will have an impact on the global economy and could result in a tourism slowdown, said Mr Ratchaporn.
The Kla Tham party is expected to take charge of the tourism and sports ministry as the coalition led by the Bhumjaithai party is forming the government, according to news reports.
This administration has only four months before it has to dissolve parliament, paving the way for the general election.
Mr Ratchaporn said it should accelerate measures, drawing potential leisure markets and business meetings groups and restoring safety confidence.
The government’s plan to revive the Khon La Khrueng programme should benefit domestic consumption nationwide amid weak local spending.
Regarding the medical cannabis policy under the Bhumjaithai party, Mr Ratchaporn said that the government should strictly regulate usage to avoid problems for children and risk groups, and should also offer zoning for cannabis shops across cities.
Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said he agrees with TAT over an extension of the co-payment scheme for domestic tourism.
At present, there are over 15,000 privileges left for second-tier cities under a total of 500,000 privileges launched in July.
He also urged the new tourism minister to start preparing stimulus measures for next year’s low season.
The government should wisely utilise the 2026 budget by executing measures that can offer the greatest benefit to the public, he said, particularly eliminating call centre scams and tourist frauds.
The government should report its progress regularly every month, as well as restoring peace along the Thailand-Cambodia border, he said.
Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, said that as the new minister does not have much time to learn about the tourism industry, they must closely work with TAT and the private sector.
Mr Thanapol said that the new minister must decide on an important mission quickly, whether launching a new stimulus, planning marketing schemes, or eliminating tourist fraud.