Is this the best job in the world? Get paid to travel around Thailand...but there's just one catch

  • The Thai government has announced a domestic tourism incentive package
  • The scheme will subsidise traveller's accommodation, food, and travel expenses
  • The Morrison government is considering a similar tourist scheme for Australia
Holidaymakers will soon be paid to travel around Thailand as the government moves to revitalise the tourism industry following the coronavirus pandemic.
Government officials have announced an AUD $1million package to boost tourism that will be in effect from July 15. 
Tourists can get their accommodation subsidised by up to AUD $140 a night and can also receive a $30 per day voucher for food or other services at local businesses. 
There is one catch, however, the scheme is currently only available to Thai citizens.
But, if successful, the scheme could prompt similar support packages to draw in overseas tourists to the popular holiday destination. 
In June Thailand's tourism minister said a 'travel bubble' between Australia and Thailand was being considered. 
Tourists can get paid to travel around Thailand with the government announcing an incentive package to get tourism up and running after the coronavirus crisis
Tourists can get paid to travel around Thailand with the government announcing an incentive package to get tourism up and running after the coronavirus crisis 
Tourists at one of Thailand's popular 'half moon' parties in 2019
Tourists at one of Thailand's popular 'half moon' parties in 2019 
Around 800,000 Australians visit Thailand each year and the tourism industry is one of the top earners for the subtropical Southeast Asian nation. 
Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the possibility of the 'travel bubble' with Australia would focus marketing efforts towards 'high-end visitors' looking for luxury holidays. 
International travel is still being prohibited by the Morrison government and some fear that it will be banned until July next year. 
However, the notion of 'travel bubbles' with Pacific countries who have managed to contain the virus may mean certain destinations could be opened earlier. 
The governments of New Zealand, Taiwan, Japan, and Thailand have each specifically mentioned they are looking at such arrangements with Australia. 
CEO of Australian travel company Luxury Escapes Cameron Holland said he expected individual resorts in Thailand who rely on overseas visitors would be offering incredible deals once flights are opened. 
 'Some of our top performing Thailand resorts have included Le Meridien Khao Lak, JW Marriott Khao Lak, Banyan Tree Bangkok, Amarai Koh Samui and Outrigger Phuket,' Mr Holland told 9 Honey.
'These deals are generally more than a bed in a room, they encompass meals, drinks and exclusive activities. We're looking forward to unveiling new deals with our Thailand partners in the next few months.' 
In addition to the accommodation and food payments the Thai scheme will also offer a travel subsidy of AUD $50 to use on domestic airfares or buses. 
Travellers must book a trip outside their own province at least three days in advanced to claim the one-off subsidies. 
A similar incentive package for domestic tourism in Australia is expected to be announced soon. 
Federal tourism minister Simon Birmingham has previously said the government is investigating a domestic travel incentive scheme to offset the loss of revenue from international visitors being experienced by tourist destinations in Australia. 
Travel companies will also offer their own incentives with Jetstar launching a 'Tourism Recovery' sale in June. 
Thailand's temples are a major tourist attraction along with the country's stunning subtropical beaches
Thailand's temples are a major tourist attraction along with the country's stunning subtropical beaches 

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