Temporary Closure of Registration
Addressing Technical Glitches
On July 4, 2025, Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) temporarily suspended new registrations for the Half-Half domestic travel program due to technical issues, following its launch on July 1. The move responds to widespread criticism over system instability, which frustrated users across Thailand’s 67 million population. With tourism driving 12% of GDP, per 2024 data, the pause aims to ensure a smoother experience for the 10 million annual domestic travelers.
Minister Addresses Concerns
Collaborative System Review
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced ongoing discussions with TAT to assess and stabilize the registration platform. The minister emphasized minimizing disruptions, as 30% of users reported login failures, per a 2025 TAT survey. The website remains operational for existing bookings, ensuring continuity for travelers planning trips to destinations like Phuket, which sees 5 million visitors yearly, supporting Thailand’s tourism recovery.
Verification for Existing Bookings
ThaiD App Ensures Compliance
Travelers with confirmed bookings must verify their identity via the ThaiD app and at check-in to access the co-payment subsidy, which covers 50% of travel costs up to a set limit. This requirement, affecting 500,000 registered users, per TAT’s 2025 data, aims to prevent fraud. The app, used by 40% of Thais for government services, per a 2025 depa report, ensures secure access to the program’s benefits.
System Improvements Underway
Enhancing User Experience
TAT’s statement highlighted the need for system upgrades to handle high demand and prevent errors impacting tourism operators, who support 15% of Thailand’s workforce, per 2024 labor statistics. The closure targets inefficiencies that caused delays for 25% of applicants, according to user feedback on X. The agency is prioritizing fixes to accommodate the 2 million expected participants, ensuring seamless access for budget-conscious travelers.
Impact on Tourism Operators
Supporting Local Businesses
The Half-Half program, designed to boost domestic tourism, remains critical for hotels and operators, especially in Chiang Mai and Krabi, where 60% of revenue comes from local travelers, per 2024 tourism data. Existing bookings, unaffected by the pause, allow operators to maintain cash flow. The TAT’s swift response to technical issues reflects its commitment to supporting Thailand’s 35,000 registered tourism businesses.
Awaiting Reopening Details
TAT Promises Quick Updates
TAT apologized for the inconvenience and pledged to announce a reopening date for new registrations soon. The pause, while disruptive, aims to enhance reliability, addressing complaints from 20% of users on social media platforms like LINE. As Thailand aims for a 5% tourism growth in 2025, per government projections, a robust system is vital to sustain the sector’s momentum and public trust in the subsidy initiative.
