Thailand is set to roll out a tourism-first initiative in 2025 that will give international travelers the chance to explore the country more affordably and extensively. The government is preparing to launch the “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights” program, a campaign that provides free domestic flight tickets to foreign tourists purchasing international tickets to Thailand.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sorawong Thienthong, is designed to attract more visitors while encouraging them to discover destinations beyond the usual tourist hubs of Bangkok and Phuket. A budget of 700 million baht has been proposed for the scheme, which aims to draw at least 200,000 international tourists and contribute an estimated THB 21.80 billion to the economy.
How the Thailand Free Domestic Flights Program Will Work
International tourists who book regular flight tickets to Thailand through airline websites, multi-city routes, fly-thru services, or online travel agencies will be eligible for this scheme. Once approved, here’s what travelers can expect:
- Two complimentary domestic flight tickets per person – one for departure and one for return.
- Tickets valued at 1,750 baht (one-way) or 3,500 baht (round trip) will be fully subsidized.
- 20 kg baggage allowance included per ticket.
- Applicable on flights to UNESCO World Heritage sites, well-known cultural landmarks, and regional destinations across Thailand.
- The program will operate from August to December 2025, with travel dates valid between September and November.
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The scheme will be implemented in partnership with six major airlines:
- Thai Airways International
- Thai AirAsia
- Bangkok Airways
- Nok Air
- Thai Lion Air
- Thai VietJet
This government-subsidized program ensures travelers can explore Thailand’s diversity, from cultural cities and highland regions to lesser-known coastal escapes, without the added expense of domestic flights.
Tourism Goals and Government’s Vision
The Thailand free domestic flights program is more than just a cost-saving offer for visitors, it’s a strategic move to redistribute tourism beyond crowded destinations. The government’s key goals include:
- Reaching 40 million international arrivals in 2025, matching pre-pandemic numbers.
- Recovering from the current 7% decline in tourist arrivals, which stands at 20.8 million visitors so far this year.
- Attracting more travelers during the off-peak season.
- Showcasing UNESCO-designated cities and cultural hubs, alongside hidden regional treasures.
China remains Thailand’s largest source of visitors, with 2.9 million arrivals recorded this year, but the government is also targeting markets like India, Europe, and ASEAN nations. By providing Thailand free domestic flights, the ministry hopes to increase spending per visitor and balance tourism flow across the country.
Projected Economic Impact
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports estimates that the scheme could generate at least THB 8.81 billion in direct spending by visitors, and a wider economic impact of around THB 21.80 billion. The free domestic flights will not only reduce travel costs but also encourage tourists to spend more on accommodation, local experiences, food, and shopping in regional destinations.
This initiative aligns with the government’s “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign, which aims to create immersive and holistic travel experiences. By expanding beyond popular urban centers, Thailand hopes to revitalize smaller cities and cultural hubs while boosting overall tourism revenue.
Inspiration from Japan’s Model
The Thailand free domestic flights program is modeled after a similar initiative in Japan, where Japan Airlines offered international visitors free domestic flights to explore regional areas. The Thai government sees this as a proven strategy to encourage travelers to explore beyond capital cities and spread the tourism benefits nationwide.
Other Tourism Initiatives in Thailand
Alongside this international campaign, Thailand is also running programs for its domestic market. The “Half-Price Thailand Travel” initiative has seen high demand, with bookings in major cities already full. As of now, 54,075 slots remain in smaller towns, which the government expects will be filled by September.
Depending on the success of both domestic and international initiatives, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), may launch additional phases focusing even more on lesser-known destinations.
Domestic Airports in Thailand
| Domestic Airport | City/Region Served | Key Places Accessible by Flights | Notes |
| Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) | Chiang Mai | Northern Thailand attractions, nearby Chiang Rai | Popular for northern region travel |
| Phuket Airport (HKT) | Phuket | Phuket Island, popular beach destinations | Major tourist hub |
| Don Mueang Airport (DMK) | Bangkok | Domestic low-cost carrier hub, flights to major tourist destinations | Handles most domestic low-cost flights |
| Udon Thani Airport (UTH) | Udon Thani | Northeastern Thailand | Commercial and military use |
| Krabi Airport (KBV) | Krabi | Krabi province, beach destinations | Popular for southern resorts |
| Samui Airport (USM) | Koh Samui | Koh Samui island, gateway to Koh Pha Ngan by boat | Privately owned, exclusively served by Bangkok Airways |
| Sukhothai Airport (THS) | Sukhothai | Historical sites of Sukhothai | Mainly served by Bangkok Airways |
| Lampang Airport (LPT) | Lampang | Cultural northern province | Smaller domestic airport |
| Trat Airport (TDX) | Trat | Eastern Thailand, access to Koh Chang island | Served by Bangkok Airways |
| Hat Yai Airport (HDY) | Hat Yai | Southern Thailand | Major domestic and some international flights |
| U-Tapao Airport (UTP) | Pattaya/Rayong | Pattaya, Eastern Thailand tourist areas | Semi-international airport |
| Nakhon Si Thammarat (NST) | Nakhon Si Thammarat | Southern Thailand | Smaller domestic airport |
| Surat Thani Airport (URT) | Surat Thani | Gateway to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao | Used by tourists heading to islands |
| Khon Kaen Airport (KKC) | Khon Kaen | Northeastern Thailand | Domestic hub |
| Ubon Ratchathani Airport | Ubon Ratchathani | Northeastern Thailand | Semi-international |
| Phitsanulok Airport (PHS) | Phitsanulok | Northern Thailand | Smaller domestic airport |
| Mae Hong Son Airport (HGN) | Mae Hong Son | Northern mountainous region | Remote destination |
| Roi Et Airport (ROI) | Roi Et | Northeastern Thailand | Small domestic airport |
| Sakon Nakhon Airport (SNO) | Sakon Nakhon | Northeastern Thailand | Small domestic airport |
| Trang Airport (TST) | Trang | Southern Thailand | Small domestic airport |
| Ranong Airport (UNN) | Ranong | Southern coastal region | Small domestic airport |
| Phrae Airport (PRH) | Phrae | Northern Thailand | Small domestic airport |
Final Thoughts
The upcoming Thailand free domestic flights program marks an exciting shift in the country’s tourism strategy. By giving international tourists the opportunity to travel further within Thailand at no extra cost, the government is not only addressing short-term dips in arrivals but also laying the foundation for sustainable tourism growth.
For travelers from India and other markets, this initiative means two free domestic flights, easy access to diverse destinations, and a chance to experience Thailand’s cultural richness beyond its world-famous beaches and cities. If approved by the Cabinet, this program will run from August to December 2025, promising a more affordable and enriching way to discover Thailand.
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