Thailand is launching an innovative initiative to boost its tourism sector by offering 200,000 international visitors complimentary domestic flight tickets. The program, themed "Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights," aims to encourage travelers to explore beyond popular destinations and discover the country's diverse beauty.
The initiative is scheduled to run for three months, from September to November 2025. It is backed by a budget of 700 million baht, with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports anticipating that the program will generate approximately 8.8 billion baht in revenue, and a broader economic impact of 21.8 billion baht. This plan is a collaboration between the ministry and six major airlines: Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Airways International, Thai Lion Air, and Thai VietJet.
International travelers who book direct flights to Thailand through participating airlines or online travel agents will be eligible to receive these free domestic tickets. Each ticket is subsidized, with 1,750 baht allocated for a one-way journey and 3,500 baht for a round trip. Participants will also receive a 20-kilogram allowance for checked baggage on their domestic flights.
This strategic move is designed to inspire foreign tourists to explore Thailand's less-visited regions, thereby providing a significant boost to the domestic tourism industry's recovery and growth. The proposal is currently awaiting cabinet approval. If approved, this program is projected to substantially increase the number of foreign tourists, aiding the government in its objective to welcome 40 million international visitors in 2025. This approach aims to enhance the visitor experience and foster a more balanced distribution of tourism benefits across the nation, encouraging exploration of UNESCO-designated cities and other key destinations.