Thailand Proposes Free Domestic Flights for 200,000 International Tourists
BANGKOK — Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports is preparing to launch its most ambitious tourism incentive yet: free domestic flights for 200,000 international travellers arriving by air. The proposal, announced by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, is pending cabinet approval and expected to run from September through November 2025.
The “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights” campaign aims to spread tourism beyond Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, boosting spending in lesser-visited destinations.
The Subsidy and Scale of the Program
The government plans to underwrite the initiative through a subsidy of 1,750 baht ($49) per one-way ticket or 3,500 baht ($98) per round-trip ticket for each eligible tourist. This covers not only airfare but also a 20-kilogram baggage allowance, ensuring ease of travel across Thailand.
The total outlay, estimated at THB 700 million (approximately USD 20 million), is projected to generate as much as THB 8.8 billion (approximately USD 246 million) in additional tourism revenue, according to ministry forecasts.
The program is open exclusively to foreign visitors arriving by air, with those entering by land or sea, along with domestic travellers, excluded from eligibility.
Ministerial Vision and Tourism Strategy
Mr. Sorawong said the government’s intent is clear: to relieve pressure on overburdened tourist hubs and direct spending into regions that rarely benefit from international arrivals. “We want visitors to experience the culture, cuisine, and communities that often sit outside the travel spotlight,” he told reporters this week.
The announcement follows recent steps to maintain Thailand’s position as a top travel destination while addressing overcrowding, revenue distribution, and sustainability.
Awaiting Cabinet Approval
Although welcomed by airlines and hoteliers, the program remains subject to cabinet approval, expected in the coming weeks. Our experts note the September–November travel window may present challenges in timing, but the initiative could reshape visitor itineraries across the kingdom if implemented successfully.
✈️ Traveller’s Guide: How the Free Flights Program Works
Who Qualifies?
- International travellers arriving by air in Thailand between September and November 2025.
- Must hold a valid international ticket into the country.
- Domestic travellers and arrivals by land or sea are not eligible.
What’s Covered?
- One round-trip domestic ticket (valued up to 3,500 baht / USD 98)
- OR two one-way domestic tickets (valued at 1,750 baht / USD 49 each).
- Each ticket includes 20kg of checked baggage.
Participating Airlines
- Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet.
Where Can You Go?
- Beyond Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai — the initiative is designed to spread tourism to secondary destinations such as Khon Kaen, Trang, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Chiang Rai.
How to Claim?
- Redemption details will be announced after cabinet approval.
- Likely distributed through official airline booking channels and possibly tied to proof of international arrival.
Afari Travels & Tours Insight
International visitors to Thailand this fall could see free domestic flights make multi-city travel easier and more affordable.
Afari Travels & Tours will monitor for updates once the cabinet makes a decision.
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