The campaign that’s taking off
The initiative titled “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights” will allow tourists flying into Thailand to claim a free one-way or round-trip domestic ticket. Each flight will be subsidised by the government up to THB1,750 for a one-way trip or THB3,500 for a return journey, including a 20-kilogram baggage allowance. The scheme, estimated at around THB700 million, will partner with six major Thai carriers including Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet.
Why Thailand is giving away flights
While Thailand’s international arrivals have increased in 2025, they still fall short of pre-pandemic levels. Authorities have noticed that most travellers restrict their trips to Bangkok, Phuket, or Pattaya, leaving other scenic provinces like Chiang Mai, Isan, Krabi, and the Andaman coast underexplored. This new plan aims to change that pattern by encouraging tourists to discover the cultural, historical, and natural beauty of lesser-visited regions.
Officials believe the campaign could directly generate income for local businesses, hotels, and transport services while creating jobs in smaller cities. By distributing tourism flow more evenly, the initiative is also expected to reduce the environmental pressure on major destinations.
How it works
Once approved by the Thai cabinet, international tourists arriving by air will be eligible to claim a free domestic leg when booking through participating airlines or authorised travel partners. The government will pay the subsidy directly to the airlines, ensuring a smooth and transparent process. To prevent misuse, Thai nationals and travellers entering by land or sea will be excluded from the offer.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has positioned this as a limited-time invitation to “explore beyond the obvious,” encouraging visitors to experience hidden gems and regional heritage trails across the kingdom.
What travellers can expect
Each ticket under this plan will come with standard benefits like checked baggage and flexible travel dates. The campaign could turn cities like Chiang Rai, Trang, and Phitsanulok into new tourist favourites, offering unique cultural, culinary, and natural attractions.
However, some experts have raised questions about how effectively the program will be implemented. Managing 200,000 tickets across multiple airlines requires seamless coordination and clear communication with travellers. Despite these logistical challenges, optimism remains high that the move will ignite fresh interest in Thai tourism and extend stays across multiple regions.
Thailand’s big tourism revival
This is not just a free flight offer — it’s a part of Thailand’s larger strategy to rejuvenate its tourism economy. By using government support to make domestic travel easier, Thailand is betting on long-term benefits such as better connectivity, diversified travel experiences, and stronger local economies.
For travellers planning their next trip to Thailand, this could be the perfect opportunity to see more than Bangkok’s skyline or Phuket’s beaches — and discover the rich traditions, landscapes, and hospitality hidden across the kingdom’s corners.
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