Several longtail boats are tied up along the shore at Maya Bay, located on Phi Phi Leh Island in Thailand’s Krabi Province. Travel Pulse
Thailand may soon give free domestic flights to foreign visitors. The proposal comes as the government looks for ways to boost tourism during the slower months. Officials want to encourage travellers to explore more of the country, not just the major hotspots.
Details of the proposal
The Tourism and Sports Ministry plans to offer 200,000 tourists a free round-trip domestic flight, including a baggage allowance of 20 kilograms. The program, called “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights,” is still waiting for cabinet approval.
If approved, the plan will run from September through November. The government has set aside 700 million baht (about $21.6 million) for the project. Since the average ticket costs around 3,500 baht ($108), the program could bring in as much as 8.8 billion baht (about $272 million) in extra tourism revenue.
Airlines on board
Six Thai airlines are expected to take part: Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet. Tourists could claim their free domestic tickets when booking international flights directly with airlines or through travel websites.
Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong called the campaign “an exclusive opportunity for visitors who have not yet booked flights.” He added that the goal is to cover destinations across Thailand, with a special focus on UNESCO-recognized cities, well-known tourist hubs, and cultural landmarks.
Mixed response from the hotel sector
Not everyone believes the plan will help all parts of the country equally. Rungroj Santadvanit, head of the Thai Hotels Association’s northeastern branch, said some regions may see little benefit because they are less popular with international travellers. He noted that provinces like Buri Ram and Ubon Ratchathani could gain more attention if marketed better.
He also suggested that the government combine the free flights with special promotions and local activities. For example, Buri Ram could be promoted as a sports tourism hub, while Ubon Ratchathani could highlight attractions along the Mekong River. Santadvanit stressed that safety remains key, especially with rising tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border.
Tourism targets
Thailand wants to return to its pre-pandemic visitor numbers. In 2024, the country welcomed 35 million tourists. The government now hopes to reach 40 million visitors in 2025. However, by mid-August this year, only 20.8 million people had visited, a drop of seven percent compared with last year. China remains Thailand’s largest source of tourists, with 2.9 million arrivals so far.
The flight program, if approved, may help the government close that gap and reach its ambitious targets.
