Thailand drafts a fourth national tourism plan aiming at THB 4 trillion in revenue

On 31 October, deputy government spokesperson Lalida Periswiwatana announced that Thailand is moving ahead with upgrading its tourism industry as a driver of sustainable growth. The National Tourism Policy Committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, met for the second time in 2026 and discussed how to draft the Fourth National Tourism Development Plan, which would cover 2028–2032.

Two headline targets were named: at least THB 4 trillion in total tourism revenue, and a place in the global top 30 of the Travel & Tourism Development Index. The focus is on better products and services, on markets with high spending power, and on spreading income to small businesses and communities.

Several practical ideas came up. Thailand still needs enough cruise terminals and yacht marinas, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will work with other agencies on a clearer framework for them. A proposal for year-round provincial tourism calendars was put forward, with information in several languages and incentives for visiting more than one destination in an area. Agritourism and seasonal fruit tours, particularly in the eastern provinces, would also be promoted.

On markets, the short-haul priorities are Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. For long-haul visitors the committee pointed to major events, tour operators and wider airline partnerships. Thailand's hosting of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group was discussed as a long-term opportunity, including links to routes near Bangkok such as Ayutthaya.

Entry rules were on the table too. TAT is preparing to submit recommendations on 9 November on visa exemptions for Mexico, Colombia, Uzbekistan and Belarus; none of these has taken effect. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating e-Visa improvements to cut processing times, and faster arrival clearance at Suvarnabhumi Airport was discussed. On the administrative side, related draft legislation on the structure for tourism and culture is scheduled to go to parliament on 4 November, and a tourism strategy subcommittee chaired by Weerasak Kowsurat was approved for the transition period. A planned foreign tourist fee drew a positive response in public consultation and is to go to the Cabinet next; collection has not begun and no amount was given.

For travellers, the direction is clear: the country wants visitors to explore more provinces, stay for the local culture and food, and spend in places beyond the best-known resorts. Much of that travel happens by road, which is why a plan like this matters for anyone who rents a bike or a car.

This is where Balm Rentals fits in. Balm is a marketplace that brings licensed, verified local rental partners into one app for iOS and Android and on the web, with the price, deposit and rental terms shown before payment and the interface available in the traveller's own language. It works alongside Thailand's local rental businesses and the wider industry effort, and aims to make a self-drive trip to a new province a little easier to plan.

The plan is still a draft, and several measures are at the discussion stage. Travellers should rely on official announcements for any change to entry rules or fees.