Association calls for travel subsidies
August 1, 2012 by Wanwisa Ngamsangchaikit
Filed under Government, News, Thailand
BANGKOK, 1 August 2012: Association of Domestic Travel says the government should subsidise retirees tour packages to boost domestic travel.
ADT president, Yutthachai Soonthronrattanavate, said the association would ask the government to approve a subsidy to underwrite travel for government servants approaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.
“The subsidy could be around Bt15,000 per retiree. This measure will help to spread revenue to domestic destinations as there are around 16,000 to 17,000 officials who retire annually.”
Yutthachai Soonthronrattanavate
He added: “The private sector needs the government to encourage travel which generates revenue of around Bt800,000 million a year. The government assisted the car industry with its reduced tax scheme for first-time car buyers. We are asking for a similar scheme for retired officials.
Domestic travel has suffered after the floods last year. Families that suffered had to invest in home repairs and there was very little left over for travel.
“The government needs to recognise this fact and fund measures to encourage Thais to travel in the country.”
Why not also subsidize retired expats living in Thailand on a fixed income?
The government should enforce and declare the special discount for all means of transportation and fares for senior citizens and youth to encourage domestic travel like it has been done in developed countries.