Thailand to Boost Tourism by Offering Free Domestic Flights to 200,000 Tourists
Thailand to Boost Tourism by Offering Free Domestic Flights to 200,000 Tourists
Thailand is gearing up to launch an exciting new initiative aimed at encouraging international visitors to explore the country’s lesser-known destinations. The Tourism and Sports Ministry, led by Minister Sorawong Thienthong, has proposed a budget of 700 million baht to subsidize free domestic flights for foreign tourists arriving in Thailand. This program, if approved by the Cabinet, will run from August to December 2025, with travel dates set between September and November.
The main goal of this initiative is to draw at least 200,000 international travelers to discover destinations beyond Thailand’s well-trodden cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. By doing so, the government hopes to ease overcrowding in these popular areas while boosting tourism in regional and cultural hotspots such as Isaan, Sukhothai, and Ayutthaya. These places are rich in heritage, culture, and natural beauty but often miss out on the tourist spotlight.
To bring this plan to life, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will partner with six major airlines — Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Airways International, Thai Lion Air, and Thai VietJet. Tourists booking international flights into Thailand through airline websites, multi-city options, or online travel agents will be eligible to receive two complimentary domestic flight tickets (or a one-way ticket if preferred). These free tickets will cover flights priced at 1,750 baht one-way or 3,500 baht for round trips and include a generous 20 kg baggage allowance.
Minister Sorawong highlighted that this scheme is inspired by Japan’s successful domestic flight promotion, designed to redirect tourist traffic from crowded urban centers to regional destinations. With this program, Thailand aims to create a more balanced tourism landscape and support the government’s 2025 campaign, dubbed the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year.”
Economic projections are promising. The Tourism Ministry anticipates direct visitor spending of at least 8.81 billion baht, with a total economic impact reaching nearly 21.8 billion baht. This not only boosts local businesses but also helps sustain communities in less frequented areas, promoting responsible and inclusive tourism growth.
In addition to this, the Ministry shared updates on the “Half-Price Thailand Travel” program, which is targeted at domestic tourists. Bookings in major cities have already been fully snapped up, while approximately 54,000 spots remain for travel in secondary cities—expected to fill by September. The ministry is planning to evaluate the success of this initiative and explore the possibility of a second phase, focusing even more on regional destinations.
Thailand’s tourism sector has faced challenges this year, with international arrivals forecast lowered from 39 million to 33 million due to weaker demand from key markets like China and Europe. In response, the government has rolled out several supportive measures, including visa relaxations and waived entry fees. The free domestic flight scheme now represents a fresh effort to attract visitors and encourage them to see the country’s hidden treasures.
If the Cabinet approves the proposal, travelers who book their inbound flights through participating airlines or online travel agents will soon be able to enjoy the chance to fly free within Thailand—turning their trip into a deeper, richer experience that goes beyond beaches and nightlife. From UNESCO-listed ruins and unique regional cuisine to peaceful rural retreats, Thailand is inviting tourists to see a side of the country that many have yet to discover.
