Thailand Launches Game-Changing Program Offering Two Hundred Thousand Free Domestic Flights For International Visitors Know If You Qualify

Published on October 9, 2025

Thailand is launching a bold initiative to revive its tourism sector by offering 200,000 free domestic flights to international visitors. The program is designed not only to attract more travellers from abroad but also to encourage them to explore destinations beyond the usual hotspots like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. By making lesser-known cities more accessible, the initiative aims to distribute tourism benefits across the country, boost local economies, and strengthen Thailand’s position as a diverse and vibrant travel destination.

Thailand is preparing to make a bold push to reinvigorate its tourism industry with a landmark initiative offering 200,000 free domestic flights to international visitors. Dubbed the “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights” program, this plan is designed to encourage travellers to explore the country beyond its well-known hotspots and bring a fresh wave of economic activity to regions that have remained under the radar. Although the proposal is still awaiting official cabinet approval, it has already generated significant anticipation among tourism stakeholders and travel enthusiasts alike.

The scheme primarily aims to stimulate domestic travel for international visitors who book flights to Thailand. Once launched, travellers will have the opportunity to claim one-way domestic tickets on selected routes and airlines, allowing them to discover cities and destinations that typically receive fewer visitors. By facilitating access to lesser-known regions, the program intends to diversify tourist flows and reduce the concentration of travellers in popular destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

Tourism has historically been a cornerstone of Thailand’s economy, but recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic has been slower than anticipated. In the first half of 2025, international arrivals reached approximately 20.8 million, a figure significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels. Initial expectations for the year projected 39 million visitors, but these forecasts have since been revised to around 33 million. The free flight initiative is seen as a strategic measure to bridge this gap, encouraging more international arrivals while providing an economic boost to local businesses in underexplored areas.

The program is expected to operate with a budget of 700 million baht (approximately INR 1.91 billion), with projected tourism revenue generated by the initiative reaching around 8.8 billion baht. By offering these incentives, the government hopes to encourage international travellers to extend their stay and explore destinations that are typically overlooked, spreading the benefits of tourism more evenly across the country.

Eligibility Criteria

The program is designed exclusively for international tourists and comes with specific eligibility requirements:

• Nationality: Only visitors arriving from overseas are eligible.
• Mode of entry: Participants must arrive in Thailand via an international flight.
• Booking window: The offer applies to new international flight bookings made after the official launch of the program.
• Participating airlines: The scheme will be applicable on selected domestic routes operated by airlines including Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai VietJet.

How the Program Might Operate

Although the precise operational details are yet to be finalized, available information suggests a simple mechanism:

1. A traveller books an international flight to Thailand after the scheme is launched.
2. During or after the booking process, the traveller claims the free domestic flight credit.
3. The domestic ticket can be booked on one of the participating airlines, with a subsidy covering up to 1,750 baht for a one-way flight or 3,500 baht for a round trip, including 20 kilograms of baggage.
4. With a cap of 200,000 tickets, travellers are advised to act quickly once the program is live to secure their domestic flight credits.

Potential Challenges

While the initiative has the potential to reshape the tourism landscape, several challenges remain:

• Implementation complexity: Coordinating subsidies across multiple airlines and integrating the offer into booking platforms could be challenging.
• Early booking concerns: Policies could lead to dissatisfaction among travellers who booked flights before the program announcement.
• Dependence on government approval: The success of the scheme hinges entirely on cabinet approval, and any delay or modification could affect rollout plans.

Implications for Travellers

For international visitors, the program could significantly reduce travel costs while opening up opportunities to explore Thailand beyond its traditional tourist hubs. This could make destinations such as Sukhothai, Lampang, and Nan more accessible, encouraging travellers to experience authentic local culture, heritage, and natural beauty without the financial barrier of domestic flights.

Lesser-Known Destinations to Explore

While Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai dominate the tourism spotlight, Thailand offers numerous hidden gems for visitors seeking authentic experiences:

• Sukhothai: Once the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam, Sukhothai is famed for its UNESCO-listed historical park. Visitors can explore ancient temples, sculptures, and remnants of the early Thai civilization.
• Lampang: Known for its horse-drawn carriages and traditional Lanna architecture, Lampang provides an immersive glimpse into northern Thai culture, away from crowded tourist circuits.
• Nakhon Phanom: Located along the Mekong River, Nakhon Phanom showcases riverfront beauty, French colonial architecture, and insights into old Lao culture. Boat trips and local markets enhance the experience.
• Trat: Often overlooked, Trat is a charming coastal town featuring colorful markets and access to pristine islands, offering a serene escape from busier tourist centers.
• Nan: Set amid northern Thailand’s mountains, Nan is rich in cultural heritage and historical temples. Its natural landscapes make it ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts seeking tranquility.

The initiative, once approved and implemented, could transform Thailand’s tourism sector by encouraging international visitors to venture off the beaten path. Beyond the immediate financial benefits, it has the potential to promote regional development, sustain local economies, and foster a more diverse travel experience for visitors.

While travellers will need to wait for the official rollout and final guidelines, this program has the potential to become one of Thailand’s most innovative tourism strategies in recent years. Keeping an eye on official announcements and tourism platforms will ensure that visitors are ready to take full advantage of the opportunity once it becomes available.