PATTAYA, Thailand – Despite economic uncertainties and global challenges, Pattaya’s tourism sector continues to prove its resilience. Backed by a massive new funding proposal from Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the city is expected to benefit from an ambitious strategy aimed at reviving and expanding tourism across the country.
Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, has revealed that his ministry has submitted a funding request of 13 billion baht to stimulate tourism as part of the government’s broader 157 billion baht economic stimulus plan. The ministry’s proposed projects fall under four main categories:
- Infrastructure development
- Tourism promotion
- Export-impact mitigation and productivity improvement
- Community-based economy and other initiatives
The ministry is pushing forward with a total of 184 tourism-related projects, with a combined requested budget of 13.381 billion baht, aimed at generating an estimated 267 billion baht in economic value.
This funding would be divided among key agencies, including:
-Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) – about 9 billion baht
-Department of Tourism
-Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA)
-As well as various development projects coordinated with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, especially where improvements to public facilities such as restrooms and general infrastructure fall within their jurisdictions.
Before any of the projects are greenlit, they must pass a review by the Subcommittee on Economic Stimulus Projects on June 5, 2025, and then receive approval from the Thai Cabinet on June 10, 2025.
Major Tourism Stimulus Projects Proposed by TAT
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that her agency alone is requesting over 3.2 billion baht, projected to generate up to 90 billion baht in tourism-related economic activity. The projects must launch before September 2025 and can continue operations through September 2026.
Key initiatives include:
- “Travel Thailand Half-Half” Program – Budget: 1.78 billion baht
This popular co-payment travel scheme is being revived with updated terms. It will offer 500,000 rights to travelers for discounted tourism experiences. - Online Travel Platform (OTA) Support Project – Budget: 800 million baht
This aims to strengthen digital tourism ecosystems by supporting online booking and promotional platforms. - “Thailand Summer Blast – China & Overseas Market Stimulus Plan” – Budget: 750 million baht
This is one of the most impactful parts of the plan, focusing on attracting international visitors through flight incentives.
-350 million baht is allocated to support charter flights from China and other key markets, offering 350,000 baht per flight for a total of at least 1,000 chartered flights from 15 secondary Chinese cities to Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pattaya, Krabi, and Samui. Estimated inbound travelers: 140,000.
-250 million baht is designated for promotional partnerships with commercial airlines, aiming to attract more than 500,000 tourists.
-An additional 150 million baht will stimulate incentive travel markets and summer camp tourism groups.
Combined, these efforts under the “Thailand Summer Blast” plan are expected to generate over 33.5 billion baht in economic value and bring at least 790,000 foreign tourists to Thailand.
Exclusive Events and Entertainment Included
To further elevate Thailand’s global appeal, TAT has also proposed additional funding for international marketing campaigns, exclusive world-class concerts, and support for concerts organized by Thai rights holders. These events are meant to bring vibrancy to tourist destinations like Pattaya, drawing both locals and international visitors.
In a city that has weathered countless highs and lows, Pattaya continues to find ways to reinvent and reignite its tourism economy. With billions in proposed investments, aggressive marketing strategies, and new projects targeting both domestic and international travelers, Pattaya proves once again that no matter the season, tourism here never truly goes out of style — or out of budget.
As long as there are visitors to welcome and sunsets to chase, Pattaya will find its way forward — with or without headwinds.
