BANGKOK– Thailand is preparing to give away free domestic flights to international visitors landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and other gateways, in a move to boost tourism across the country.
The program will involve six airlines, including Thai Airways (TG) and Thai AirAsia (FD), with up to 200,000 free round-trip domestic tickets available.
The Ministry of Tourism has proposed the initiative under the campaign “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights,” offering visitors a chance to explore destinations beyond Bangkok (BKK), Phuket (HKT), and Chiang Mai (CNX). The plan still awaits cabinet approval, but officials expect strong backing given tourism’s role in the economy.
Suvarnabhumi International Airport; Photo- Roger Price; Wikimedia CommonsThailand Free Domestic Flights
Tourism contributes about 12% of Thailand’s GDP, but the sector has been under pressure in 2025. Visitor arrivals have dipped due to political unrest, safety concerns, and regional conflicts.
To counter this, the government plans to invest $22 million (700 million baht) into free domestic return tickets. Based on an average airfare of $110 (3,500 baht), the funding could cover 200,000 tickets for eligible foreign arrivals.
Officials project the campaign will generate up to $245 million (8.8 billion baht) in new tourism revenue—more than ten times the initial investment.
The offer will be open only to foreign tourists arriving by air who have booked their international flights with participating airlines or travel agents. It will not apply to international segments, only domestic travel within Thailand.
Six airlines are expected to participate:
- Thai Airways (TG)
- Thai AirAsia (FD)
- Nok Air (DD)
- Bangkok Airways (PG)
- Thai Lion Air (SL)
- Thai Vietjet (VZ)
Thai AirAsia, which holds about 40% of Thailand’s domestic market, is likely to benefit most from the program. The airline operates a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft and serves a wide range of provincial airports.
With six carriers each holding a significant share of domestic flights, competition is high, and the incentive could spread demand more evenly across routes.
Photo: AirAsiaChallenges Facing Thai Tourism
Despite strong infrastructure and global recognition as a tourist hub, Thailand faces several hurdles:
- Decline in Chinese tourism: Chinese visitors once accounted for nearly a third of arrivals. A series of incidents, including safety concerns and scams, has discouraged travel. The kidnapping of Chinese actor Wang Xing in January 2025 heightened fears and sparked mass cancellations.
- Border conflict: The May 2025 clash with Cambodia led to a complete closure of the Thai-Cambodia border, discouraging regional travel.
- Political instability: Suspension of the Thai prime minister and violence in Bangkok have drawn international headlines.
- Economic pressure: A stronger baht, higher airfare, and rising local costs have made Thailand less affordable compared to competitors such as Malaysia (KUL) and Vietnam (HAN, SGN).
The Bank of Thailand has already lowered its forecast for 2025 arrivals to 33 million, down from 39 million earlier in the year—a 16% drop compared to targets.
Thailand Krabi Island | Photo: SkyscannerExpanding Tourism Beyond Major Hubs
Industry leaders, such as the Thai Hotels Association, support the free domestic flights plan but stress that benefits should reach all provinces, not just the main tourist cities.
Buri Ram (BFV) could position itself as a sports tourism hub, while Ubon Ratchathani (UBP) could promote attractions along the Mekong River.
The Ministry of Tourism has also indicated that the program will highlight Thailand’s lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including:
- Historic City of Ayutthaya – ancient temples and trade-era ruins
- Historic Town of Sukhothai – birthplace of Thai art and script
- Ban Chiang Archaeological Site – Bronze Age culture dating back 5,000 years
- Ancient Town of Si Thep – monuments reflecting Dvaravati culture
- Thungyai–Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries – a vast forest ecosystem with tigers and elephants
- Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex – home to hornbills and Siamese crocodiles
- Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex – Thailand’s largest national park system
By directing tourists to these destinations, the government hopes to spread economic benefits while easing overcrowding in Bangkok (BKK), Phuket (HKT), and Chiang Mai (CNX).
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