“The authority isn’t worried about international arrivals, as the number of tourists from key markets continues to grow. But the current drought will hit the domestic economy, and that is why we need to push more tourism activities,” TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said on Wednesday.

TAT has created different travel themes for each month and will propose them to the government today.

Starting with May, a tourism campaign will be launched to encourage teenagers to travel during the school break. In June, local foods and seasonal fruits and farms will be promoted nationwide.

“One of events in June is ‘Thailand Selfie Day’, on June 1. Locals are invited to take photos of themselves and submit them to compete for prizes including Thailand’s best resorts, spas and restaurants,” he said.

The agency also aims to boost the number of Buddhist travellers in July as Buddhist Lent Day is that month. In the Mother’s Day month of August, a special campaign for female tourists called ‘Lady’s Month’ will be held.

“TAT will use Nong Mali, daughter of the late star Tridsadee ‘Por’ Sahawong, as tourism ambassador.”

TAT in September will encourage government officers in their final year of service to travel before their retirement.

Yuthasak said some other campaigns such as Thailand Grand Sales would be running during the rainy season as usual, which are expected to attract tourists from neighbouring countries as well as boost spending by locals.

In the meantime, TAT will ask Thais to avoid overseas trips during low season. It will promote a “Best of the World in Thailand” campaign to encourage locals to sample some of world’s best products and services right here in Thailand, such as the best hotels, best spas and best restaurants. The agency expects to spend Bt10 million to run its campaigns during the five-month period.

Yuthasak said TAT was still projecting revenue from domestic tourism at Bt850 billion to Bt900 billion. The events in the low season are expected to help increase Thai tourists’ average spending from Bt2,600 to Bt2,800 per head per day.