International travelers soon to receive complimentary domestic air travel within Thailand
Thailand is set to launch an exciting new tourism initiative, titled "Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights," from September to November 2025. This government-backed program aims to boost the country's tourism sector and encourage visitors to explore lesser-known destinations.
The program is exclusive to international tourists who book an international flight into Thailand. Arrivals by land or sea are not eligible. Participating airlines and authorized online travel agents will offer 200,000 free domestic flight tickets, each including a 20kg baggage allowance.
The initiative aims to alleviate the pressure of overtourism on popular destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, and encourage visitors to explore lesser-known regions and cultural heritage sites like Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. The program targets the traditionally slower tourism season, often referred to as the monsoon or low season, to help boost visitor numbers.
The Thai government has allocated a budget of 700 million baht (approx INR 1,90,37,79,500) for this program. The subsidy for one-way tickets is up to 1,750 baht (approx INR 4,760) and 3,500 baht (approx INR 9,521) for round-trip tickets, expected to cover the full cost of most domestic flights.
The program will be carried out in partnership with six major Thai carriers: Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet. The process for redeeming the free ticket will be announced on the airlines' websites.
It's important to note that the promotion is for new bookings only, so travellers who have already purchased their international flight to Thailand will not qualify. The program is pending final cabinet approval but is a key component of the government's tourism strategy and is expected to move forward.
While not directly related to Thailand's tourism program, it's worth mentioning that the world's first outdoor Bamboo Grove has been established in Singapore's airport, offering a unique and tranquil experience for travellers.
In conclusion, Thailand's "Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights" program offers a fantastic opportunity for international tourists to explore the beauty and rich cultural heritage of lesser-known destinations in Thailand. With the program's attractive incentives and the country's warm hospitality, it's an exciting time to plan a trip to Thailand.
