Eateries applaud rejig of co-payment scheme

A revival of the “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” (We Travel Together) co-payment scheme could help restaurants upcountry amid a gloomy outlook for this year’s fourth quarter, according to the Restaurant Business Club.
Severe flooding in the North has affected the restaurant business in the country, with the prices of ingredients such as coriander, Chinese cabbage and rice rising sharply this month, said Sorathep Rojpotjanaruch, head of the club.
Restaurants have reported a dwindling number of customers this month, a period in which they would usually be busy with graduation parties and farewell banquets.
“I believe the country’s economy is in a crisis as restaurants are struggling to survive,” he said.
Even though Thailand is entering the high season for tourism, Mr Sorathep fears the number of Chinese tourists travelling to Thailand during China’s Golden Week holiday next month may be fewer than anticipated.
He urged the government to introduce economic stimulus programmes to help boost the country’s restaurant businesses amid a gloomy outlook for this year’s final quarter.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong last week announced plans for a possible revival of the scheme during a meeting with more than 20 tourism entrepreneurs and associations.
Implemented during the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration, the scheme provided subsidies of up to 40% on accommodation, airfares and dining at local establishments, which encouraged spending among Thai travellers, supporting the recovery of the tourism sector post-pandemic.
Mr Sorathep indicated his support for the reintroduction of the scheme and noted that the programme benefited many businesses, from large hotels to food vendors.
Following cabinet approval, the campaign could quickly be commenced, utilising existing registration platforms such as the Pao Tang application.
“I propose the new tourism and sports minister initiate the scheme as soon as possible, preferably from October to December this year to stimulate domestic tourism during this sluggish economy,” he said.
Instead of a one-time handout, Mr Sorathep recommended the government implement the scheme in phases to boost the economy through year-end.