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THAILAND plans to provide 200,000 free domestic flight tickets to foreign tourists. The promotion, titled “Buy International, Get Free Domestic Flights in Thailand,” aims to boost national tourism during the last three months of 2025.
According to the Bangkok Post, the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports predicts this subsidy will generate 8.8 billion baht (approximately IDR4.4 trillion) in revenue from a budget of 700 million baht (approximately IDR350 billion). However, the program still requires cabinet approval.
According to Tourism and Sports Ministe,r Sorawong Thienthong, foreign nationals with international flight tickets are eligible for one complimentary round-trip domestic flight, with a 20-kilogram baggage allowance included. The six participating airlines are Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet.
Requirements for Free Domestic Tickets
These tickets will be available to international tourists who book their international flights directly with the airlines or through online travel agents. The free tickets are expected to boost interest in visiting Thailand’s secondary destinations.
“This is an exclusive campaign for international tourists who haven’t booked their tickets yet,” Sorawong said. He added that the ministry will seek cabinet approval for the program next week.
Free Ticket Schedule
The initiative is scheduled to run from September to November and offers a government subsidy of 1,750 baht (approximately US$67) for a one-way ticket and 3,500 baht (approximately US$134) for a round-trip ticket per traveler.
Punlop Saejew, vice president of the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, said the campaign will help tourism to some extent, although there are already high influxes during the peak season. He said the campaign would be more effective if launched during the low season.
Mr. Punlop suggested that the government allocate funds to support domestic airfares, as they remain a barrier to travel due to their high cost.
Thailand’s tourism sector is having a rough year in 2025. As of August 17, the country had received 20.8 million international arrivals, which is a 7 percent decrease compared to last year. China remains the largest source market, with 2.9 million visitors.
Thailand’s move mirrors Japan’s earlier initiative. Previously, Japan Airlines launched a campaign offering free domestic flights to foreign tourists who booked round-trip international tickets through the airline. The campaign aimed to promote lesser-known regions and reduce overtourism in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. [sources/photo special]
