Thailand is rolling out a bold initiative to lure international visitors with free domestic flights, backed by a budget of 700 million baht. The Tourism and Sports Ministry hopes the campaign will bring an additional 200,000 travellers to Thailand’s less-visited regions, spreading tourism beyond Bangkok and Phuket.
The programme, known as “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights,” is set to run from August to December 2025, pending Cabinet approval. Six major airlines, including Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai VietJet, are partnering with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to offer two free domestic flights for qualifying foreign tourists—one for departure and one for return. Each flight comes with a 20kg baggage allowance, with one-way trips also available.
Under the scheme, foreign travellers who purchase an international ticket into Thailand via airline websites, direct bookings, or approved online travel agents automatically qualify for the free flights. The initiative encourages visitors to explore UNESCO-listed cities, cultural hubs, and secondary destinations across the country.
Economic Boost and Tourist Dispersion
Officials project that the campaign could generate around 8.81 billion baht in direct revenue, with a total economic impact of approximately 21.8 billion baht. Inspired by Japan’s previous successful free-flight campaigns, the plan is designed to reduce congestion in popular tourist areas while promoting spending in smaller towns.
The campaign coincides with Thailand’s “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025,” which aims to strengthen the country’s recovery as a top global travel destination. The government is also promoting its Half-Price Thailand Travel scheme, with most bookings in major cities fully taken up and over 54,000 remaining slots in secondary locations expected to sell out by September.
Future Phases and Regional Benefits
Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong suggested a second phase may be introduced, focusing on less-visited areas to ensure all regions benefit from tourism. “It’s not just about numbers; it’s about equitable distribution of tourism revenue across Thailand,” he said.
This initiative highlights Thailand’s strategic push to attract more international visitors while easing pressure on overcrowded hotspots. By combining free domestic flights with carefully selected destinations, the country hopes to give travellers an enriching experience while boosting the local economy.
For Singaporean travellers planning a Thailand trip, this could present a unique opportunity to explore beyond the usual tourist routes, from hidden cultural gems to scenic provincial towns, without worrying about domestic travel costs.