Is Now The Best Time To Visit Thailand? Read All About The Half-Half Travel Discount Scheme

From the night markets of Chiang Mai to the turquoise waters of Krabi, Thailand continues to charm Malaysian travellers with its mix of affordability, proximity and rich cultural experiences. Add to that the endless food choices, vibrant nightlife and friendly locals and it’s no surprise that Thailand consistently ranks as one of Malaysia’s top holiday destinations.

Now, with the launch of Thailand’s Half-Half Travel 2025 scheme, the appeal just got stronger. This government-backed initiative offers significant travel subsidies but does it apply to Malaysians and is it worth planning a trip around it? Here’s what you need to know.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions to help you make an informed decision:

1. What is the Half-Half Travel Thailand 2025?

Thailand’s Half-Half Travel project (Tiew Thai Khon La Krueng) is a government-led initiative aimed at boosting tourism by subsidising accommodation and activity costs for travellers. It’s part of a broader economic stimulus effort introduced in 2025.

Backed by a 1.75 billion baht budget (around 228 million Malaysian ringgit), it offers 500,000 entitlements covering up to five hotel stays—three in major cities and two in secondary destinations.

2. Who is eligible for the scheme?

The scheme is open to Thai nationals aged 18 and above who are registered on the ThaID app. While Malaysian travellers are not eligible to register directly, there are still ways to benefit, especially if you have Thai friends or family.

3. When does it start and end?

• Business registration: Was between 25–30 June 2025
• Public registration: Opened already on 1 July 2025 at 8am (Thai time)
• Travel period: 4 July to 31 October 2025

Early reports suggest only a fraction of the 500,000 available entitlements have been claimed so far, which means travellers still have time to act.

4. What do travellers get under the scheme?

Eligible Thai users can receive subsidies on up to five hotel bookings:

• Three bookings in major tourist cities
• Two bookings in secondary cities
• The government will subsidise 50% of the cost on weekdays and 40% on weekends or holidays, capped at 3,000 baht per night. 
• Additionally, each booking comes with a 500-baht coupon that can be used for food or attractions.

5. How does the booking process work?

Bookings must be made via the “Thai Khon La Khrueng” website or the “Amazing Thailand” mobile app. Payments are processed through PromptPay and vendors are reimbursed by the government within 14 business days.

6. Are there any issues travellers should know about?

Yes. Some hotels, including high-profile ones like Amari Hua Hin, have temporarily suspended bookings due to pricing mismatches and system errors. Technical issues during launch on July 1st also led to website crashes and delays in user verification, particularly through the ThaID app. To ease the process, authorities have allowed ThaID identity checks to be completed during hotel check-in instead of upfront.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the delays stemmed from a system bottleneck while the Amazing Thailand app can handle 600 sessions per second, the ThaID app could only manage 100. To address this, TAT modified the registration flow to bypass ThaID initially while still requiring verification at check-in. Additional issues such as OTP email delays and concerns over hotel price hikes were also acknowledged. Hotels can now only raise rates by up to 10% compared to last year and dynamic pricing is strictly prohibited to prevent misuse.

7. Is this Thailand travel subsidy for Malaysians?

While you can’t register directly, you can still benefit if you coordinate your trip with a Thai national. They can register, make bookings and include you as a guest. This allows you to enjoy the same discounted rates and perks indirectly.

8. Is it worth planning a trip around this?

Absolutely! Especially if you can travel on weekdays and work with a Thai companion to secure entitlements. Between accommodation savings and dining vouchers, the potential cost reduction is substantial. Plus, with lower tourist traffic during the July to October travel window, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Final thoughts and a checklist if you’re planning to go!

The ultimate checklist for Malaysian travellers:

• Find a Thai companion to register and book for you
• Aim for weekday stays to benefit from the higher 50% subsidy
• Use your 500‑THB e‑coupon at partner restaurants or attractions to boost your total savings
• Book early as entitlements are limited to 500,000 and may run out fast
• Avoid third‑party booking sites. Use only the official app or website to ensure subsidy eligibility

Thailand’s Half-Half Travel scheme is part stimulus, part opportunity for locals and savvy neighbouring travellers alike. If you’re planning a getaway that balances affordability with memorable experiences, this could be the perfect time to visit. Just be sure to act fast as once those 500,000 entitlements are gone, they’re gone.