Thailand unveils a pioneering campaign to revitalize border provinces, offering subsidies and encouraging longer stays to boost sustainable tourism growth

Posted on November 4, 2025

In an effort to rejuvenate local economies along its Thai-Cambodian border, Thailand is rolling out a new tourism initiative called “Check in, Fun, Cool, East x Northeast,” Starting from November 15. This new campaign is designed for injection 90 million THB (about 2.78 million US dollars) In the region, stimulating tourism, creating jobs, and supporting economic recovery in areas affected by recent regional tensions.

Revitalizing border provinces suffering from regional instability

This initiative is a direct response to the social and economic challenges faced by the provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border. Recent geopolitical tensions have affected these regions, reducing tourism and stifling local economies. By focusing on these underserved provinces, the Thai government aims to boost local income and encourage regional development through tourism.

the Seven provinces The target of the initiative –Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Surin, Buriram, Sa Kaew, Chanthaburi, and Trat– Home to a rich cultural history and stunning landscapes, yet it has been largely ignored by mainstream tourism. The government’s strategy focuses on stimulating tourism activity in these areas, thus promoting growth in small towns and rural areas.

Financial support and incentives for tourism operators

To facilitate the growth of tourism in these governorates Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) We will provide Subsidies to Tour operators Who created Group tours to these border areas. A large part of the initiative involves claiming It stays on overnight At local accommodations, ensuring visitors contribute directly to the local economy through spending on accommodation, meals and services.

In addition, TAT will be offered 300 THB ($9.26 USD) per night for tour operators per night of stay, encouraging longer visits and boosting local hospitality businesses. This financial incentive aims to offset some of the costs borne by tourists, making it easier for them to visit the targeted areas while ensuring that the benefits of tourism are distributed to local communities.

Building trust and attracting tourists

One of the main goals of “Check in, fun, great” The initiative is restoration Tourist confidence In the border areas that have witnessed a decline in the number of visitors due to recent events. The Government hopes that by offering travel incentives and highlighting local attractions, this campaign will restore these counties’ reputation as both safe and exciting destinations. local and International travelers.

The initiative focuses not only on attracting tourists, but also on providing them with opportunity An authentic cultural experience. The border provinces are rich in it Historical monuments and local traditionsand Cultural practices. To capitalize on this, the campaign will promote a variety of… Cultural tours Which will include Traditional arts and local cuisineAnd visits Historical sitesbesides Immersive experiences like Cooking lessons, Dance showsand Temple Explorations.

These efforts are designed to highlight the diverse offerings that northeastern Thailand has to offer, encouraging visitors to stay longer and engage more deeply with the local culture. The government hopes to do so by showcasing the region Unique heritagethey can offer tourists a richer and more meaningful travel experience while stimulating the local economy.

Long-term strategy for rural development

while “Check in, fun, great” The campaign is primarily a short-term tourism stimulus, but the Thai government sees it as a key step in building more Sustainable and inclusive Tourism model for the country By directing resources to rural and border areas, the government aims to create lasting economic growth in areas that have historically received less tourism money than major cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

This initiative is part of a broader campaign to Support rural communitiesImproving infrastructure and creating economic opportunities that do not depend solely on agriculture. Through promotion Environmentally friendly tourism, Local entrepreneurshipand sustainable developmentthe campaign hopes to create Balanced growth A model that benefits all regions of Thailand, not just the major tourist centres.

Looking to the future: expanding the vision

The government is optimistic that “Check in, fun, cool, east x north east” The initiative will have a lasting impact on the seven targeted provinces, but it also sees the project as a model for future tourism campaigns in other rural areas of Thailand. If successful, the government intends to expand the initiative to other underserved provinces, using lessons learned from this program to guide future efforts.

finance 90 million Thai baht It is expected to have a significant impact, providing immediate relief to affected areas while laying the foundation for long-term growth. The hope is that this campaign will not only boost tourism in the short term, but will also contribute to its development Self-sufficient economies in these provinces, creating a more diverse and robust tourism sector throughout the country.