Govt eyes bringing back ‘We Travel Together’ co-payment scheme
Tourism authorities enthusiastic about the reintroduction of the programme, which aims to boost domestic travel
To further boost the tourism industry, the Tourism and Sports Ministry is planning to bring back the popular “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” (We Travel Together) co-payment scheme implemented to revive the industry after the Covid-19 outbreak.
The scheme, which offers up to 40% subsidy on room rates, airfares, and restaurants at domestic establishments for Thai travellers, would help boost their spending during vacations, Minister Sorawong Thienthong said on Tuesday during a meeting with over 20 tourism entrepreneurs and associations.
“Rao Tiew Duay Kan benefitted all levels of tourism entrepreneurs, from big hotels to small food stalls,” he said. “The ministry will discuss with related agencies the details of the scheme in the new phase.”
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said that the campaign should be able to start immediately after receiving Cabinet approval as it has been implemented before, and new users can register on the existing platforms of Krungthai Bank and the Pao Tang application.
She added that the TAT would look into the period during which the campaign should be active, as the number of tourists during weekends and holidays is already high, and tourism entrepreneurs often raise their prices during these periods.
Thapanee added that the authority is also considering removing the age limit of 18 under the We Travel Together scheme to maximise the number of participants.
Sorawong told the meeting that the ministry is also discussing with tourism agencies the details of the landing tax, or “Kha Yeap Pan Din”, to be collected from foreign arrivals. He underscored that the tax is necessary for the development of tourist attractions and providing care to foreign tourists visiting Thailand.
“I personally agree with the collection of the landing tax, but the details and forms of collection still need further discussion, to avoid creating a negative impact on travellers’ sentiments,” he said.
The highly controversial tourist tax was approved in principle by the Cabinet in February last year. It aims to levy 300 baht ($8.99) on foreigners arriving by air and 150 baht ($4.49) on those arriving by land or sea. The money earned would be used to buy insurance for foreigners and the remainder added to the Tourism Development Fund.
