The Tourism and Sports Ministry and the private sector will meet with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Tuesday to ask for Bt20 billion for the tourism industry.
Minister Chumpol Silapaarcha said half of that would be used to help large operators, such as fivestar hotels, that suffered from the recent political unrest. The other half will help small and mediumsized enterprises.
A small additional budget will help individuals affected by the political turmoil.
Last week, economic ministers blocked a similar request. They also put on hold a request from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for Bt360 million to run immediate marketing and promotions.
However, they approved lending Bt1.5 billion to help individuals through the Government Saving Bank.
"The tourism sector needs help," Chumpol said.
Earlier, the TAT asked for Bt1.6 billion to conduct marketing activities and promotions over the next three or four months. That request was scaled back to Bt360 million and but has still not been given the goahead.
The TAT says JanuaryMay arrivals numbered 6.5 million, up 16 per cent year on year. Tourism revenue was Bt242 bil?lion, up 20.4 per cent.
Federation of Thai Tourism Associations spokesman Charoen Wangananont urged the government to aid tourism as soon as possible.
Thai Hotels Association president Prakit Chinamourphong said many employees were at risk of losing their jobs if the government did not offer some assistance in time.
He also asked the government to provide training courses for workers within the sector.