Both the public and private sectors have been urged to prepare plans to cope with an influx of tourists over the next two months.
More tourists are expected to enter the country after the government approved the waiver for visa-on-arrival fees for citizens of 21 countries and launched Amazing Thailand Grand Sales Passport Privileges.
The sales campaign started on Nov 15 and will run until Jan 15.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry said the two-month exemption for visa-on-arrival fees started on Nov 15 and will run through Jan 13, replacing the previously announced dates of Dec 1 to Jan 31.
Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat said the number of foreign tourists who applied for the visa fee waiver increased by 1,000 to 6,000 on Thursday, the first day of the scheme.
Mr Weerasak said he has asked the Immigration Bureau to improve visa procedures at all entry points, especially main airports, to reduce congestion.
Airports of Thailand Plc, the operator of six international airports, including Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, was instructed to improve facilities and prepare for an influx of tourists. Special immigration lanes for Chinese tourists at Suvarnabhumi airport will be improved.
The ministry has ordered hotels and travel companies to tighten safety and security.
Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said the authority and 36 alliances unveiled Amazing Thailand Grand Sales Passport Privileges yesterday with the aim of attracting international tourists and boosting spending.
Partners, mainly shopping malls, spas and shops, are offering tourists discounts of up to 50% upon presenting their passports.
"The TAT expects the offer to generate tourism income of 20 billion baht during the two-month campaign," Mr Yuthasak said.
The TAT remains confident that foreign tourists will generate 2 trillion baht in income this year.
Many retailers and specialty shops have joined the campaign, including Central Group, the Emporium, Iconsiam, Platinum Pratunam and Naraya.
The operators will offer discounts at their stores and affiliates.