Thailand to Extend Travel Subsidies As Outbreak Halts Bookings

Thailand plans to extend its domestic travel subsidy program next year as a new outbreak of coronavirus cases hits people’s holiday travel plans, dealing a fresh blow to the tourism-dependent economy.

The Thai government, which had until recently managed to keep the spread of the virus under control, has been battling a new outbreak that started after a seafood vendor tested positive for Covid-19 on Dec. 17. The pathogen has since spread from a coastal province to 48 of Thailand’s 77 provinces, prompting stricter social restrictions including the closure of entertainment and sports venues. Samut Sakhon province, the origin of the outbreak, is on lockdown until Jan. 3.

…