Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has directed relevant agencies to keep an eye on prices at hotels and restaurants, which have reportedly skyrocketed following the rapid recovery of tourism.
He also ordered responsible agencies to cooperate with business operators to ensure they charge fair prices for their services, preventing profiteering that may mar the country's tourism image over the long term.
According to Traisuree Taisaranakul, a deputy government spokeswoman, Gen Prayut was informed of the tourism industry rebound this year, with 6.15 million foreigners entering Thailand as of March 27.
However, along with the rapid recovery, prices have shot up for hotels, accommodation and restaurants.
The prime minister assigned the Tourism and Sports, Interior and Commerce ministries to closely monitor and regulate the pricing of services in the tourism sector, ensuring the prices are reasonable and fair for visitors, and avoiding damage to the country's tourism image.
Ms Traisuree said the premier understands tourism operators were severely affected by the pandemic over the past few years as the government implemented various measures to help them, including financial and rehabilitation laws, such as the "We Travel Together" hotel subsidy campaign, which is in its fifth phase.
She said the government needs to seek cooperation from entrepreneurs to take care of the tourism environment, ensuring a strong recovery by setting service charges at reasonable rates and avoiding excessive hikes to maintain the positive image of the Thai tourism sector over the long term.
"The prime minister acknowledges that rates for hotels, accommodation and restaurants need to be adjusted according to the market, but we also want to create a good impression for tourists choosing Thailand as one of their first destinations after the pandemic, as well as domestic tourists," said Ms Traisuree.
"Entrepreneurs are requested to help maintain reasonable and fair service rates. Related agencies are requested to closely monitor and supervise the situation."
The government estimates between 25-30 million foreign arrivals in 2023, up from 11.2 million in 2022.
