The government wants to tap the country's robust tourism growth, which is expected to average 9-10% a year over the next 5-6 years, in a bid to narrow income disparity. The cabinet late last year approved tax breaks for tourism spending in 55 provinces, a move aimed at spurring travel and distributing income to provinces dubbed "secondary". The government is estimated to lose 200 million baht in revenue from the tax breaks. According to the latest report of the Asean Tourism Forum, growth in foreign visitors to Thailand is forecast at 9-10% this year. The ministry aims for 37.81 million foreign visitors this year, up 6.8% from 2017.

Source: Bangkok Post February 02, 2018 21:33 UTC