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Thailand Introduces Exclusive Free Domestic Flights to Encourage International Tourists to Uncover Its Hidden, Undiscovered Regions
Published on
August 28, 2025
Thailand is set to introduce an exciting new initiative aimed at encouraging international visitors to explore the country’s less-traveled regions.
Thailand is set to introduce an exciting new initiative aimed at encouraging international visitors to explore the country’s less-traveled regions. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has proposed a budget of 700 million baht to offer free domestic flights to foreign tourists.
Diversifying the Tourism Experience Across Thailand
The primary goal of this initiative is to direct international visitors to destinations beyond Thailand’s well-known cities, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. To address this, the government is eager to highlight regional destinations like Isaan, Sukhothai, and Ayutthaya. These areas are rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty, and history, yet they often miss out on international tourist attention. By promoting these lesser-known spots, the government aims to ease congestion in popular cities and foster tourism growth in regional areas.
How the Program Works: Free Flights for Tourists
Tourists who book international flights to Thailand through these airlines will be eligible to receive two free domestic flight tickets (or one-way tickets, if preferred). The free tickets will cover flights priced at 1,750 baht for one-way trips or 3,500 baht for round trips, with a 20 kg baggage allowance included. These free tickets will encourage tourists to explore regions outside the main tourist hubs.
By offering free domestic flights, this initiative provides an excellent opportunity for international visitors to experience the diverse regions of Thailand without the additional costs typically associated with domestic travel. It’s an opportunity to explore the country’s cultural and natural gems, from ancient ruins to unique regional cuisines, all while contributing to a more balanced tourism landscape.
Drawing Inspiration from Japan’s Successful Program
The idea for this initiative draws inspiration from a similar program in Japan, which successfully redirected tourist traffic from urban centers to regional destinations. Japan’s program has proven effective in dispersing tourism throughout the country, benefiting local economies and reducing the strain on major tourist destinations. Thailand aims to replicate this success by promoting regional tourism, thereby ensuring a more balanced distribution of visitors and supporting the government’s broader tourism strategy for 2025.
Positive Economic Impact and Local Benefits
The Ministry of Tourism projects that it could generate direct visitor spending of at least 8.81 billion baht, with a total economic impact reaching approximately 21.8 billion baht. This will not only support local businesses in the tourism sector but will also provide much-needed economic relief to communities in under-visited regions. By spreading the economic benefits of tourism more evenly, the initiative aims to support sustainable and inclusive growth, helping to improve the livelihoods of people living in regional and rural areas.
Complementing Other Domestic Tourism Initiatives
In addition to the free domestic flight program, the Ministry of Tourism is also promoting the “Half-Price Thailand Travel” program, which has proven to be popular with domestic tourists. While travel spots in major cities have been fully booked, there are still around 54,000 spots remaining for secondary cities, which are expected to be filled by September. The success of this program suggests that there is a strong demand for regional travel, and the government plans to expand such initiatives in the future to further promote off-the-beaten-path destinations across the country.
Addressing Challenges in Thailand’s Tourism Sector
Thailand’s tourism sector has faced challenges in 2025, with international arrivals forecast to drop from 39 million to 33 million due to reduced demand from key markets such as China and Europe. To address these challenges, the government has introduced a variety of measures, including visa relaxations and waived entry fees. The free domestic flight initiative is a fresh effort to draw international visitors and encourage them to explore beyond the traditional tourist areas.
A Unique Opportunity to Discover Thailand’s Hidden Treasures
If approved by the Cabinet, international visitors will soon be able to enjoy free domestic flights, opening the door to a wealth of experiences that extend beyond the usual tourist hotspots. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Sukhothai and Ayutthaya to the peaceful landscapes of Isaan, the program offers tourists a chance to immerse themselves in Thailand’s rich cultural and historical offerings. This initiative invites travelers to go beyond the typical beaches and nightlife, offering a deeper, more authentic exploration of the country’s heritage and traditions.
A Sustainable and Balanced Approach to Tourism
This new program represents a strategic effort to create a more balanced and sustainable tourism model in Thailand. By encouraging visitors to explore regional destinations, the Thai government aims to ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are more evenly distributed across the country. This initiative promotes not only the beauty and heritage of Thailand’s lesser-known regions but also the importance of responsible tourism, supporting local communities and ensuring that Thailand’s tourism sector remains vibrant and inclusive for years to come.
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