Bangkok (VNA) - The Thai government has rolled out a new tourism initiative, “Check-in, Fun, Wow, East X Northeast,” designed to inject more than 90 million THB (2.78 million USD) into the local economies along the Thai-Cambodian border.
The project, which is scheduled to begin on November 15, will offer financial support for travel and lodging to visitors as part of a targeted effort to boost regional income.
Deputy government spokesperson Airin Phanrit explained that the scheme is a direct response to the economic and social fallout caused by recent border disputes.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul instructed relevant agencies to prioritise local economic recovery, with tourism identified as the primary engine for driving grassroots development.
The project, managed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), aims to promote group tours through registered operators, linking seven border provinces, namely Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Surin, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat.
The TAT will provide subsidies to tour companies for inter-provincial trips that include at least one overnight stay.
The grant includes an incentive of 300 THB (9.26 USD) per night of accommodation within the seven specified provinces, subject to set criteria.
Airin said the key objectives are to restore confidence among both domestic and international tourists, revitalise the economy in the affected regions, and ensure income is distributed directly to local communities./.
