Tour bus operators in Thailand ask for assistance

Monday, June 28, 2021

If it cannot distribute income in an equal manner to the majority of people, the Tourism and Sports Ministry has intimidated to end a domestic stimulus package called “Tour Teaw Thai”. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the tourism and sports minister explained that the ministry is set to arrange a meeting with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to make sure the stimulus package will profit several operators to mitigate the financial impact of Covid-19.

This stimulus package is planned to offer a subsidy of 40% on tour packages priced up to 5,000 baht to 1 million local tourists. He also mentioned that there is a possibility the scheme will be stopped if only certain groups make the most of it.

The Thai Transportation Operators Association in the last week met with the Tourism and Sports Ministry, requesting for help and assist the operators to arrange for the reopening of the country. The government in August is all geared up to introduce Tour Teaw Thai and many local travelers may choose air travel, leaving tour buses to cover only short-distance trips, said Wasuchet Sophonsathien, president of the association.

He also stated that from the scheme, the operators of the tour bus do not stand much benefit. The operators want at least 25,000 trips out of the 1 million offered, based on a tour bus capacity of 40 seats, said Mr. Wasuchet.

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