Thailand Offers Free Domestic Flights to Boost Tourism

1 min read

Thailand is set to roll out a bold tourism campaign offering free domestic flights to international visitors as part of a push to spread travel beyond its most saturated destinations. Under the scheme, called “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights,” 200,000 travellers arriving by air between September and November 2025 will be eligible for round-trip domestic flights valued up to THB 3,500 (€80), including 20kg checked luggage. The government has allocated THB 700 million (US$20 million) to fund the programme.

The initiative aims to ease the burden on heavily visited hubs such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, redirecting travellers to heritage-rich but less explored regions like Sukhothai, Isaan, and Ayutthaya. Authorities estimate that this dispersal strategy could inject THB 8.8 billion (€200 million) into the wider economy while promoting cultural tourism and sustainable travel.

Six airlines—including Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia and Bangkok Airways are expected to participate once Cabinet approval is secured. To qualify, visitors must book their domestic flights after arrival, as the offer does not apply to pre-booked or overland travel.

For international explorers, this campaign represents more than a cost-saving perk. It signals Thailand’s strategic move to position itself as a destination for deeper, more authentic travel experiences. By incentivising journeys beyond the beaches, the country is reframing its monsoon season as a gateway to discovery, making luxury and cultural immersion more accessible to a global audience.

International Explorer