Thailand to Offer Free Domestic Flights: A Boost for Tourism and Travelers

Bangkok, September 2025 – Thailand has announced a bold new plan to give away 200,000 free domestic flight tickets to international visitors, aiming to spread tourism beyond its most famous destinations and stimulate local economies.

The campaign, titled “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights,” is expected to launch later this year, pending cabinet approval. With an estimated budget of THB 700 million (around USD 20 million), the government hopes this move will drive billions back into the country’s tourism sector.

How the Offer Works

• Tourists booking international flights to Thailand via participating airline websites or travel portals between August and December 2025 will be eligible.
• Each traveler may receive either a one-way ticket worth THB 1,750 or a round-trip worth THB 3,500, including a 20 kg baggage allowance.
• The free domestic journeys can be redeemed for travel between September and November 2025.

Airlines on Board

The scheme has support from Thailand’s major carriers, including:

• Thai Airways International
• Thai AirAsia
• Bangkok Airways
• Thai Lion Air
• Nok Air
• Thai VietJet

These flights will allow visitors to move beyond hotspots like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai and explore hidden gems—cultural towns, eco-tourism hubs, and lesser-known provinces that often miss out on tourist revenue.

Why It Matters

Tourism accounts for nearly 20% of Thailand’s GDP, yet the industry has struggled to regain its pre-pandemic numbers. In 2019, the country welcomed almost 40 million foreign travelers. This year’s forecast is closer to 33 million, sparking fresh strategies to lure more visitors.

Officials predict that the campaign could generate THB 8.8 billion in direct revenue and as much as THB 21.8 billion once the wider economic effects are included.

A Push for Regional Growth

Beyond boosting arrivals, the initiative aligns with Thailand’s “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign. The goal: encourage travelers to spend more time and money in smaller towns, heritage zones, and nature reserves, helping balance economic growth across the country.

The Bigger Picture

If successful, the free flights campaign could set a precedent for other Asian nations looking to revitalize tourism. For travelers, it’s an opportunity to experience more of Thailand’s diversity—from bustling cities to serene islands without stretching their budgets.