With a drop in exports and a severe drought afflicting Thailand, according to government reports, there has been an adverse impact on the economy, which in turn has affected domestic tourism.

Besides, with places such as Bangkok or Phuket drawing large number of global tourists, other regions are not getting the attention they deserve.

The finance ministry expects the incentive to travel will encourage domestic travellers to visit lesser known destinations and therefore boost rural economy.

The special campaign proposed by the Thai Finance Ministry will give Bt1,500 per person to registered  Thai travellers (aged 18 and above) to spend when they travel to 55 provinces.

The government will deposit the money into the travellers’ accounts through the e-payment system.

They can use the funds to make e-payments to the shops that have joined the project, reports said.

The Nation quoting a source from the Finance Minister said that the Ministry is collaborating with the Tourism and Sport ministries and Krung Thai Bank for the campaign and have set a budget of up to Bt15 billion.

If approved by the cabinet, the campaign is likely to be launched before July this year.

Image credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand website