Thailand Adopts Similar COVID Stimulus Package To Taiwan

In an announcement by Thailand’s deputy government spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul yesterday, it would appear the Thail government is adopting similar domestic tourism stimulus packages to those announced by Taiwan a month ago.

Valued at 22.4 billion Thai baht (1 baht: 0.95 NTD) the plan is to give a boost to an industry left on its knees by travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thai authorities first announced a trio of packages but have since merged two, leaving the ‘We travel together’ package and another named ‘Moral Support.’

For its part, the government of Thailand will subsidise up to 2000 baht per person on two million air tickets in addition to subsidising domestic accommodation and food options to the tune of 18 billion baht.

As of yet here has been no clear indication as to whether or not foreign nationals living in Thailand can benefit from the packages.

In Taiwan there has been some discontent at single foreign nationals being unable to benefit from a stimulus voucher system coming into force in July, and in the case of subsidies aimed at boosting domestic travel, all foreigners regardless of status being unable to benefit.

The Thai system it is understood will subsidise a reported 40%  of normal room rates for an estimated five million nights of accommodation in participating facilities, albeit with a cap of 3000 baht per night.

Subsidies on flights meanwhile will be capped at 1000 baht per person per seat on round trip tickets, and will be paid after ticket purchase is confirmed by the government.