Thailand’s ambitious domestic tourism stimulus, the “Half-Half Thai Travel” program, has run into mounting operational troubles just two weeks after its launch, prompting the Senate Tourism Committee to demand immediate clarification from Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong.
The campaign, officially launched on July 1, 2025, was designed to offer financial support to Thai nationals by covering up to 50% of their domestic travel costs, including accommodation and transportation. However, severe delays, technical malfunctions, and poor communication have hindered its success—frustrating hoteliers, tourists, and tourism operators across the nation.
Mounting Technical Failures Raise Alarm
During a high-stakes committee session on July 15, chaired by Senator Phisut Rattanawong, concerns were raised about the poor rollout and disorganized management of the scheme. At the heart of the issue is the decision to abandon the successful “Paotang” mobile application—which facilitated the former “We Travel Together” program—in favor of a new, untested service provider.
Senator Chamlong Anantasuk, committee spokesperson, sharply criticized the decision to bypass the proven app, calling it a “strategic failure” that has contributed to a breakdown in user registration, subsidy disbursement, and public confidence. The new system, critics argue, lacks the infrastructure and user-friendliness of its predecessor.
“Thai people have experience with the Paotang app. It worked well. Now they are confused, frustrated, and many are giving up on the program altogether,” said Chamlong.
Hotel Operators Left in Limbo
The Thai Hotels Association (THA) has echoed these frustrations, pointing out that the “Half-Half Thai Travel” scheme has not resolved past problems from earlier stimulus programs. Many hotel operators still await overdue payments from previous travel subsidies and remain skeptical about participating in this latest effort.
“There’s been no transparency on tax liability, no clear timeline on reimbursements, and no public promotion to educate businesses,” said one hotel operator in Chiang Mai. “We can’t afford to trust a system that already failed us once.”
Hotel associations in Phuket and Krabi have also reported low registration numbers due to fear of mismanagement and tax complexities. Without significant improvements, industry insiders warn that tourism businesses—already devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic—will opt out entirely.
Senate Pushes for Immediate Action
In response, the Senate Tourism Committee has requested a formal appearance by Minister Sorawong Thienthong to address the issues and provide a timeline for fixes. The committee’s recent Facebook statement emphasized that delays in tourism stimulus programs are more than bureaucratic setbacks—they have real economic consequences.
The committee also cited the risk of Thailand falling behind regional competitors like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, which are accelerating their domestic tourism initiatives with smoother implementation and stronger digital tools.
“Thailand’s economy cannot afford another failed tourism stimulus,” warned Senator Phisut. “We need a fast, transparent, and reliable solution, or we risk further economic instability and a collapse in public trust.”
Domestic Tourism Holds the Key to Recovery
Thailand’s domestic tourism industry accounted for nearly 40% of the country’s total tourism revenue pre-pandemic, according to data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). With international arrivals still recovering slowly, the government sees local travel as essential to stabilizing the economy.
TAT projections show that effective domestic tourism could generate over 700 billion baht in revenue and support over 1 million jobs nationwide. However, without immediate resolution of the current issues, these goals may be out of reach.
To regain momentum, senators and industry leaders are calling for the reinstatement of the Paotang app, a full-scale public awareness campaign, and the appointment of a reliable central operator with proven infrastructure.
Public Confidence Is Vital
Beyond technical and financial adjustments, the larger challenge remains winning back public trust. Many Thai travelers have voiced confusion over how to access the program, and tourism stakeholders worry the public will disengage unless confidence is restored through clear communication and fast results.
“There needs to be more than just another app or a new name,” said one Bangkok-based travel analyst. “People want to feel that the government has a firm grip on this process and is truly supporting the industry’s recovery.”
The Road Ahead
Minister Sorawong is expected to appear before the Senate committee in the coming weeks. Industry experts say this appearance will be critical in setting the tone for Thailand’s post-pandemic tourism recovery.
If the government fails to correct course, the “Half-Half Thai Travel” program may go down as a missed opportunity to stimulate regional travel and safeguard Thailand’s economic backbone. However, with swift reform, transparency, and a return to user-trusted systems, the program still holds the potential to become a cornerstone of the kingdom’s domestic tourism revival.
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