Tourism Minister "Surawong" launches "Half-Half Travel North" campaign, TAT gives 800 baht, postpones proposal to Cabinet to provide low-interest loans to tourism operators, says criteria for small operators must be revised Mr. Surawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, came out to emphasize the 'Half-Half North' campaign to stimulate tourism in the northern region. From visiting Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces and listening to the problems of entrepreneurs, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has brought information to solve the problems, some of which use the Ministry's budget and some must be presented to the Cabinet for acknowledgement. Therefore, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has proposed the Half-Half North project, which will kick off on November 1st. In Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces, entrepreneurs are preparing to restore and return to their original conditions. This project also includes 17 northern provinces, where TAT will cover half of the expenses, with a target of 8 00 baht, and tourists will pay the other half. If it is successful, a budget request will be submitted to the Cabinet again. However, this operation will use TAT's budget first. We will try our best to stimulate the economy as much as possible, especially organizing famous activities, such as Loi Krathong in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, which can be traveled to. Both provinces are ready. As for preparing other measures, such as providing loans and low interest rates to tourism operators, this matter is prepared to be presented to the Cabinet meeting. However, from listening to many operators, there are suggestions that there are still various criteria that are difficult to access, especially for small operators. Therefore, they must be revised soon in order to make adjustments so that operators receive benefits equally in this campaign. However, it cannot be presented to the Cabinet on Tuesday because there are some points that need to be revised and changed. Source: Thai News Agency