Thailand launches free domestic flights to boost tourism

Thailand is introducing a campaign to reverse declining visitor numbers, offering 200,000 free domestic flights to international travellers over the next three months. The initiative – ‘Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights’ – aims to disperse tourists beyond major hubs like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

The move follows a 6% drop in arrivals during the first seven months of 2025. So far, 20.8 million international visitors have travelled to Thailand this year, prompting officials to revise the annual target to 33 million – down from the original 39 million. Pre-pandemic, the country welcomed nearly 40 million visitors, making tourism a cornerstone of its economy.

Under the scheme, travellers booking tickets to Thailand through airline websites, partner carriers, or online travel agents will receive two complimentary domestic flights – either a round trip or one-way – with a 20kg baggage allowance. Ticket subsidies will be capped at Bt1,750 (US$49) per leg or Bt3,500 ($98) for a round trip. The programme, pending cabinet approval, could launch in late August, with flights redeemable between September and November ahead of peak season.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will partner with six carriers: Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai VietJet. Officials expect the initiative to generate at least Bt8.8 billion ($270 million) in direct tourism spending, with an estimated wider economic impact of Bt21.8 billion ($670 million).

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said the campaign was designed to encourage the exploration of lesser-known destinations, including UNESCO heritage sites and emerging cultural areas. “We want visitors to see more than just the big cities,” he said.

Similar strategies have been adopted in other markets – notably Japan – to distribute visitor flows and strengthen tourism recovery post-pandemic. For Thailand, the scheme represents a renewed effort to revive a tourism-dependent economy amid global uncertainty and shifting travel trends.

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) recently reported a sharp rise in travel insurance claims from Australians visiting Thailand.