THAILAND’S Ministry of Tourism and Sports plans to seek 1.5 billion baht (US$50.62 million) in funds during today’s Cabinet meeting to revive tourism in areas affected by floods.

The recent floods affected 47 Thai provinces, with many parts of 17 provinces still under floodwaters, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s flood watch.

MoTS permanent-secretary Sombat Kuruphan said damages caused by the floods were estimated at about 20-30 billion baht.

Kuruphan said the proposed budget would comprise 960 million baht for tourism promotion, focusing especially on domestic travellers, and 540 million baht for product rehabilitation and support.

“The requested amount is sound when compared to the overall tourism receipt of about one trillion baht a year,” he said.

The ministry will also seek the Cabinet’s approval on stimulus measures including the extension of tourist visa fee exemptions introduced last year, as well as encourage local government agencies and state enterprises to hold meetings, seminars and trainings in areas affected by the floods.