Thailand plans to provide free domestic flights to 200,000 international visitors from September to November to stimulate tourism across the country, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced.
The initiative, titled “Buy International, Fly Thailand Free,” aims to promote travel to lesser-known destinations beyond major tourist hubs. The ministry will seek a THB 700 million (approximately USD 21.5 million) budget from the central reserve fund to cover domestic airfares, allocating THB 1,750 (about USD 54) per one-way flight or THB 3,500 (around USD 107) for a round-trip ticket per traveler, covering a total of 400,000 seats.
Six domestic airlines—Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and VietJet Thailand—will participate. Free domestic tickets will be offered to tourists booking international flights directly with airlines or through online travel agents.
Eligible visitors purchasing standard international airfare to Thailand will receive a round-trip domestic flight with a 20 kg baggage allowance, usable for a single domestic journey based on individual travel itineraries.
The program spans all provinces, emphasizing UNESCO World Heritage sites, key tourist cities, and appealing secondary destinations to distribute tourism benefits more evenly.
Pending cabinet approval, the ministry projects the initiative will generate over THB 8.8 billion (approximately USD 270 million) in tourism revenue from the THB 700 million investment.
In the first half of 2025, Thailand welcomed over 16.8 million international visitors, ranking third among Asian destinations.
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