Minister to the ThaiPrime Minister's Office Kobsak Phutrakul said that the tourism stimuluspackages would help boost the Thai economy as the global economic situation hasimposed adverse impacts on Thai exports.
The stimulusmeasures are aimed at attracting more tourists to push for the country's grossdomestic product (GDP) growth to reach 3 percent, said Kobsak.
As for short-termmeasures to spur the economy, Kobsak said the Thai Government would review lawsand regulations to support the use of e-wallets by foreign tourists and topromote domestic tourism among expat groups.
Working hours of twoborder check points will be extended to 24 hours during weekends and longholiday and issuance of electronic visa (E-visa) will be accelerated forChinese tourists, he added.
The Tourism Authorityof Thailand (TAT) expected this year's tourism income will increase to 1.12trillion baht (36.76 billion USD), or about 10-20 percent growth from theprevious target of 1.05 trillion baht (34.46 billion USD)./.