Thailand is preparing to roll out a new initiative aimed at encouraging international visitors to explore more of the country beyond its most popular gateways. The government has announced plans to provide free domestic flight tickets to foreign tourists arriving by air, in an effort to spread tourism benefits across diverse regions and bolster the local economy. The campaign, officials say, is designed not only to attract more arrivals but also to encourage travelers to discover destinations outside the traditional hubs of Bangkok and Phuket.

The program, titled “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights,” is scheduled to run from September to November 2025. It will apply exclusively to travelers arriving in Thailand by international flights, with land and sea arrivals excluded. Several airlines are expected to participate, including Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet, ensuring a broad network of domestic routes for eligible tourists.

In terms of scale, the government has allocated a significant budget to the campaign. A total of 200,000 free domestic flight tickets will be made available, with subsidies covering up to 1,750 baht for a one-way ticket and 3,500 baht for a round-trip. The initiative is backed by 700 million baht in government funding, with officials projecting a potential return of approximately 8.8 billion baht in tourism revenue. According to Tourism Ministry figures, Thailand’s 2025 forecast for international arrivals has been revised to 33 million, down from an earlier projection of 39 million. The country has already recorded 20.8 million visitors so far this year, reflecting a 7 percent decline compared with the same period in 2024.

Free Flights to Boost Tourism

Strategically, the initiative is part of a broader effort to diversify tourism flows. By offering free domestic flights, the government hopes to motivate visitors to travel to lesser-visited areas such as Chiang Mai, Krabi, Sukhothai, and Ayutthaya. This push aims to alleviate congestion in heavily frequented destinations, while simultaneously generating income for communities in secondary cities and cultural hubs. The plan also aligns with Thailand’s longer-term tourism development strategy, which emphasizes recovery, sustainability, and economic distribution.

The mechanics of the program are designed to be straightforward. Only travelers with newly booked international flight tickets will be eligible, excluding those who had already purchased flights prior to the campaign’s launch. Each qualifying visitor will receive one free round-trip domestic ticket, which will also include baggage allowance. Redemption will be processed through participating airlines and booking agents, making the program accessible to a wide range of travelers.

For tourists, the scheme offers an opportunity to broaden itineraries without incurring additional flight costs. Visitors can now consider pairing a city stay in Bangkok with a cultural trip to Ayutthaya, or combining a beach holiday with a northern excursion to Chiang Mai. Luxury accommodation providers are also expected to benefit, with increased demand anticipated for premium options such as prestigious villa rentals in Koh Samui and other locations as travelers look for more diverse and personalized experiences across the country.

Authorities have described the free flights plan as a proactive step toward revitalizing tourism and stimulating economic activity during the off-peak travel season. While the program is still awaiting final cabinet approval, it is expected to begin in September, positioning Thailand as one of the few countries in the region offering such incentives to foreign travelers.

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