Bangkok: The Thai government is set to take strong action against operators who inflate room rates under the ‘Half-Half Thai Travel’ initiative. Surawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, announced plans to revoke the licenses of those found guilty of overcharging.

According to Thai News Agency, Surawong Thienthong provided updates on the progress of the ‘Thai Half-Half’ project. The current priority is to increase the number of registered entrepreneurs participating in the initiative. While around 1,500,000 individuals have registered to utilize the program’s benefits, only 70,000 entrepreneurs have completed registration and payment for reservations. Meetings with the private sector are underway to encourage more entrepreneurs to join the system.

Surawong confirmed that following a temporary halt due to a system issue, registration would resume within the next one to two days. Unlike the previous administration under General Prayut Chan-o-cha, the new registration system will not close after reaching 500,000 rights. Instead, registrations will remain open until rights are confirmed and exercised.

The registration process will continue through the Thai Half-Half website or the TAT website. Participants are required to verify their identity using the Thai ID application during booking and upon arrival at the destination. Normal rights usage protocols will apply.

Surawong emphasized that any entrepreneurs caught charging excessive accommodation rates will face severe penalties, including being banned from the program and having their business licenses revoked.