Thailand is preparing a high-profile tourism stimulus that promises free domestic flights to international visitors, a targeted attempt to push travellers away from crowded hubs and into lesser-visited provinces. The scheme, tentatively called “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights,” would make 200,000 one- or two-way domestic tickets available to tourists who arrive by international air and book eligible journeys during the campaign window.
The proposal, pushed by the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), asks for a government budget of roughly THB700 million (about USD21.5 million) to subsidise fares—up to THB1,750 for a single leg and THB3,500 for a round trip—and includes an allowance for 20 kg checked baggage on each ticket. If approved, the initiative is slated to run from September through November 2025 and would involve six domestic carriers.
Thailand’s tourism rebound has lagged expectations in 2025: arrivals and revenue remain below pre-pandemic peaks, and authorities say the gap is widening between overstretched hotspots and quiet provinces. The plan aims to nudge roughly 200,000 inbound visitors to explore regions such as Chiang Mai, the northeastern Isan provinces, the Andaman coast and smaller islands—spreading spending, creating jobs and improving occupancy at regional hotels. Officials estimate the direct injection of ticket subsidies could unlock larger economic benefits for local businesses, transport and attractions.
The cost per free ticket is capped by the subsidy rather than the full fare; the government would pay the subsidy directly to participating airlines for qualifying bookings. That conservative design is meant to keep the scheme affordable while leveraging private carriers’ networks to route tourists beyond Bangkok. The TAT has discussed safeguards—for instance, restricting eligibility to tourists who arrive by international flights (not overland) and excluding Thai nationals. The plan also reportedly requires travellers to book international inbound tickets through participating airlines or authorised agents to claim the domestic leg.
If it goes ahead, the initiative would be operated with major local carriers on board—Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai Vietjet have been named as potential partners—and each free ticket is expected to include baggage allowance and other standard domestic perks. The TAT has framed the offer as a limited-time invitation to “explore beyond the obvious,” encouraging island, heritage and UNESCO city itineraries.
Critics and analysts have raised predictable caveats: giveaways can blur longer-term demand signals, and the scheme’s success depends on smooth administration, clear eligibility rules and ensuring regional infrastructure can handle influxes without environmental or social strain. There’s also political scrutiny over using public funds for subsidies that mainly benefit private airlines—though proponents argue the wider multiplier effects (lodging, F&B, attractions, transport) justify the outlay. The plan still needs final cabinet approval and detailed operational rules before bookings can open.
Cabinet approval and final budget sign-off (the proposal has been circulated for government consideration).
Exact start date, booking channels and the mechanism to claim a free domestic leg (whether it’s automatic with an international ticket or requires a separate redemption).
Any eligibility exclusions (e.g., arrivals by land/sea, Thai nationals, or blackout dates).
For international travellers eyeing Thailand later this year, the scheme—if approved as reported—could be the nudge they need to see Thailand beyond Bangkok’s temples and Phuket’s beaches, while giving regional economies a shot at the post-pandemic recovery that still hasn’t reached many corners of the kingdom.
Q1. What is the free flight scheme Thailand is planning?
Thailand proposes to offer 200,000 free domestic flight tickets (subsidised up to THB 1,750 one-way) to international arrivals from September to November 2025 to promote regional tourism beyond Bangkok.
Q2. Who is eligible for these free flights in Thailand?
Eligibility is expected to be limited to foreign visitors arriving by international flight. Thai nationals, arrivals by land/sea, or frequent flyers may be excluded, though final rules are still pending.
Q3. How will the free domestic flights scheme work?
Travellers may be able to redeem a free domestic leg automatically or via a redemption process after booking their international ticket. Airlines will receive the subsidy; participating carriers will operate eligible routes during the campaign.
Q4. Which airlines are likely to participate in this Thailand scheme?
Major Thai domestic carriers like Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai VietJet are expected to be partners for the free flight scheme, subject to regulatory approval.
Q5. What impact could this free flight initiative have on tourism in Thailand?
If implemented, the scheme could distribute tourist traffic more evenly, boost economic activity in peripheral provinces, reduce overcrowding in Bangkok/Phuket, and encourage discovery of lesser-known destinations.
