Thailand is preparing to launch a major tourism incentive that will provide free domestic round-trip flights to up to 200,000 international visitors, encouraging travelers to explore destinations beyond the country’s traditional tourism hotspots.

The initiative, themed “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights,” has been proposed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports as part of a nationwide effort to distribute tourism revenue more evenly across the country.

Pending cabinet approval, the government plans to allocate 700 million baht from the central budget to fund the three-month campaign, which is expected to generate approximately 8.8 billion baht in tourism revenue.

Under the proposed program, eligible foreign travelers who purchase international flights to Thailand will receive one complimentary domestic round-trip flight, including 20 kilograms of checked baggage, on participating airlines.

The six participating carriers are:

• Thai Airways
• Thai AirAsia
• Bangkok Airways
• Nok Air
• Thai Lion Air
• Thai Vietjet

The free domestic tickets will be available to travelers booking international flights directly through participating airlines or authorized online travel agencies.

According to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, the campaign is designed exclusively for foreign visitors who have not yet booked their flights and aims to encourage travel to Thailand’s secondary cities and emerging tourism destinations.

If approved, the program will run from September through November, with the government subsidizing up to 1,750 baht per one-way domestic ticket, or 3,500 baht per round trip for each eligible visitor.

The initiative follows a similar tourism strategy introduced by Japan earlier this year, where international visitors were offered complimentary domestic flight options to encourage regional travel.

Tourism industry representatives have generally welcomed the proposal while noting that its overall impact could vary by region.

Punlop Saejew, Vice President of the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, said the campaign should provide a positive boost to tourism, although northern Thailand already experiences strong visitor numbers during the high season. He suggested the program could have delivered even greater economic benefits if implemented during the traditional low season.

Punlop also encouraged the government to continue addressing the relatively high cost of domestic air travel, which remains a barrier for both international and domestic travelers.

Meanwhile, Rungroj Santadvanit, President of the Lower Northeastern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association, noted that provinces in northeastern Thailand may benefit less from the initiative, as they currently receive fewer international visitors despite having domestic flight connections through Bangkok.

He emphasized that destination-specific marketing would be essential to maximize the campaign’s success. For example:

• Buri Ram could continue strengthening its reputation as Thailand’s sports tourism hub through international sporting events and marathons.
• Ubon Ratchathani could promote its Mekong River attractions and cultural tourism.
• Northern Thailand could target nature and outdoor travelers from Australia and New Zealand.
• Southern destinations could further appeal to beach travelers from Scandinavia and other European markets.

Industry leaders also stressed that effective tourism promotion must be supported by clear communication regarding visitor safety.

Authorities were encouraged to provide transparent updates on safe travel areas, particularly amid ongoing tensions along parts of the Thailand-Cambodia border, ensuring international travelers remain confident in planning their trips.

As of August 17, Thailand had welcomed 20.8 million international visitors in 2025, representing a 7% decrease compared to the same period last year. China remained Thailand’s largest source market, contributing approximately 2.9 million visitors.

If approved, the free domestic flight initiative would become one of Thailand’s most significant tourism incentives in recent years, supporting regional economies while encouraging visitors to experience a broader range of destinations across the Kingdom.