Thailand has unveiled an exciting initiative that gives international visitors the chance to explore its hidden corners at no extra cost. As part of a major tourism push, the government has announced that 200,000 free domestic return flights will be offered to tourists arriving from key countries such as India, the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and Japan. The scheme is designed to spread tourism across the country and encourage travellers to experience regions beyond Bangkok, Phuket, and other popular hotspots.
The idea is simple. Tourists who book a long-haul international flight to Thailand will receive two complimentary domestic flight segments with one of six participating Thai airlines. The offer will be available between September and November, allowing visitors to travel deeper into the country during the shoulder season when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.
The campaign, titled “Buy International, Fly Domestic Free,” aims to ease the pressure on Thailand’s busiest destinations while showcasing the cultural diversity, natural beauty, and traditions of lesser-known regions. Travellers could find themselves exploring a serene mountain town in the north, an untouched island in the Andaman Sea, or a historic city in the northeast. By expanding tourism beyond the usual hubs, the programme also ensures that local communities in emerging destinations benefit from the industry’s growth.
Participating airlines include Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet. Eligible travellers will be able to claim a free return or one-way domestic flight with a luggage allowance of up to 20 kilograms. The offer is limited to those who have not already booked their internal travel within Thailand.
The strategy draws inspiration from similar campaigns in Japan and reflects Thailand’s long-term vision of balancing tourism growth with sustainability. With international arrivals continuing to rise, the government hopes this initiative will provide travellers with a richer and more meaningful experience while ensuring the country’s emerging destinations receive greater visibility.
For Indian travellers, the programme is particularly attractive as Thailand currently allows visa-free stays of up to 60 days for tourism or business purposes. This makes it easier to plan extended trips that combine popular sites with unexplored gems. From temples and heritage towns to beaches and rainforests, the opportunities to discover new sides of Thailand are endless.
This campaign offers a rare chance to turn an international holiday into a journey of discovery across multiple regions, all without paying extra for domestic travel.
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