Thailand is determined to bring the benefits, or at least the business, of tourism to more parts of the country, and is willing to pay its citizens to explore the country.
Thailand gets over 38 million overseas visitors a year, with 20 million visiting Bangkok, and millions more heading to Phuket and other big-name beach resorts. Perhaps recognizing that the international visitors will stick to those locations, it’s offering incentives for its citizens to visit less-known areas, especially those that have been suffering from drought.
The Finance Ministry has put aside the equivalent of nearly a half-million dollars to be handed out as 1500 baht ($47) vouchers to be used at shops enrolled in the program across 55 provinces. It hopes to launch the program by July, giving the awards to Thai citizens at least 18 years old. The details remain to be determined.
Photo: Tourist bus in Ao Nang, Krabi Province (Wikimedia/karelj)
