The Ministry of Tourism and Sports plans to provide financial assistance to international tourists stranded in Thailand by global airspace closures because of the Middle East crisis.

Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sports Natthriya Thaweevong explained that the ministry had set up the Foreign Tourists Assistance Fund, with a regulation allowing initial compensation of 2,000 baht per day for each tourist for force majeure cases, such as airspace closures and travel disruptions. The regulation allows compensation up to a total of 20,000 baht per person.

The financial assistance is intended as an emergency relief form of support and will be provided for Thai entrepreneurs taking care of stranded tourists at various hotels and other places. The Government provides a budget allocation for the fund each year. 

Ms. Natthriya stated that a number of foreign tourists were stranded in Thailand as a result of flight cancellations linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports had held discussions with relevant organizations to coordinate assistance for affected international visitors. Officials have also assessed the situation and the scope of assistance the ministry could offer to help tourists.

She emphasized that the compensation payment would be allowed, when the situation became severe and prolonged, and that hotel operators and other related sectors were unable to handle expenses in providing food and accommodation for stranded tourists.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Phuket, in collaboration with the Phuket Tourism Association and the Thai Hotels Association – Southern Chapter, has urged hotel operators and tourism businesses to assist travelers affected by flight disruptions, both inbound and outbound.

The measures include (1) waiving rescheduling fees for affected guests, (2) waiving cancellation fees where necessary, (3) offering special rates for extended stays, and (4) providing updated travel information and guidance.