Post by : Rameen Ariff

Thailand is preparing a new plan to make travel inside the country easier for foreign visitors. The government wants to give free domestic flight tickets to international tourists so they can explore more places beyond the popular big cities like Bangkok and Phuket.

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced the idea this week. He said the project will have a budget of THB 700 million and will be called “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights.”

The goal is simple: to attract at least 200,000 international tourists and encourage them to see smaller towns, UNESCO world heritage sites, and cultural spots across the country.

How the Free Flights Will Work

• The programme will run from August to December 2025, with travel available between September and November.

• Tourists who book standard international tickets to Thailand through airline websites or travel agents will get two free domestic flight tickets or a one-way option.

• Each ticket will also include a 20 kg luggage allowance.

• The government will subsidise the cost of each domestic ticket at 1,750 baht for one-way and 3,500 baht for round trips.

Six airlines will join the scheme:

1. Thai AirAsia

2. Bangkok Airways

3. Nok Air

4. Thai Airways International

5. Thai Lion Air

6. Thai VietJet

Expected Benefits

The Ministry of Tourism expects this project to:

• Bring at least THB 8.81 billion in direct revenue from tourist spending.

• Create a wider economic impact of THB 21.80 billion, as visitors spend money on hotels, food, shopping, and local travel.

• Support the government’s 2025 tourism campaign called “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year.”

This plan is inspired by Japan’s domestic flight promotion, which was used to encourage visitors to go beyond big cities and travel to regional areas.

Progress on Half-Price Travel Programme

Minister Sorawong also spoke about the “Half-Price Thailand Travel” programme for Thai citizens.

• He said that bookings in major cities are already full.

• About 54,075 slots are still open in smaller cities.

• These slots are expected to be fully booked by September.

The government may launch a second phase of this programme, focusing more on smaller destinations and using any leftover budget.

Why This Plan Matters

Tourism is one of the most important industries for Thailand. After years of challenges from the pandemic, the country is working hard to bring back travellers. By giving free domestic flights, Thailand is making sure that foreign visitors do not just stay in big cities but also visit smaller towns, heritage sites, and cultural destinations.

This will:

• Help small businesses in local communities.

• Reduce overcrowding in popular tourist spots.

• Give tourists a chance to see more of Thailand’s rich culture, food, and traditions.

If the Cabinet approves this plan, it could change the way tourists travel in Thailand. Free domestic flights will not only bring in more visitors but also spread tourism benefits to many regions of the country.

With this bold idea, Thailand is once again showing why it remains one of the world’s most creative and welcoming travel destinations.