BANGKOK — In a bold move to revitalize its tourism sector, Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry has announced a plan to provide 200,000 free domestic flight tickets to international visitors over a three-month period. The initiative, themed “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights,” aims to distribute tourist traffic beyond major hubs to secondary destinations nationwide.

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Pending cabinet approval next week, the 700-million-baht scheme will offer foreign arrivals one complimentary round-trip ticket—including 20 kilograms of baggage allowance—on six participating airlines: Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet. The program is modeled after a similar successful campaign in Japan earlier this year.

Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong emphasized that the offer applies only to tourists who haven’t yet booked international flights. The government will subsidize each one-way ticket with 1,750 baht, or 3,500 baht for round trips, with the program scheduled to run from September to November.

Industry responses have been mixed. While Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce Vice-President Punlop Saejew welcomed the initiative, he noted it would be more impactful during low season and urged ongoing support for affordable domestic air travel.

#Thailand to Offer 200,000 Free Domestic Flights for Tourists in 2025

Thailand is preparing to launch a major tourism campaign offering 200,000 free domestic flights to international tourists between September and November 2025
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Rungroj Santadvanit, representing northeastern hotels, stressed that flights alone aren’t enough. “Provinces like Buri Ram and Ubon Ratchathani need targeted marketing—sports tourism or Mekong River experiences—to attract international guests,” he said, also highlighting safety concerns amid border tensions with Cambodia.

Thailand has welcomed 20.8 million foreign tourists this year as of August 17, a 7% drop from 2024. China remains the top source market with 2.9 million arrivals. The ministry projects the free-flight campaign will generate 8.8 billion baht in revenue, significantly outweighing its costs.

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If approved, this will be Thailand’s most ambitious tourism incentive since the pandemic, aiming to strengthen recovery while showcasing the country’s diverse regional attractions.

-Thailand News (TN)