Thailand may soon make your 2025 travel plans a whole lot more exciting. In a bold bid to tackle overtourism and spread visitors beyond the usual hotspots, the Thai government is planning a campaign that would give away 200,000 free domestic flights to international tourists later this year.
The scheme, called “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights,” is expected to run from August to December 2025 (with operations likely between September and November). Under the plan, international travelers flying into Thailand would be offered free domestic flight tickets to explore destinations beyond Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong confirmed this week that the proposal will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval, with funding to come via the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), as per reports.
The idea is simple: encourage visitors to venture into lesser-known gems like Isaan, Sukhothai, and Ayutthaya—regions brimming with culture, heritage, and natural beauty, but often overlooked. By doing so, the government hopes to relieve pressure on the country’s most popular tourist hubs while boosting local economies elsewhere.
If approved, the program will be supported by six national airlines and offer subsidized round-trip domestic tickets (normally priced at 1,750 baht one-way and 3,500 baht return), including a 20kg baggage allowance. Each traveler would receive two domestic tickets (or one-way if preferred).
Sukhothai, Thailand (Image: Canva)
For tourists, it means a chance to explore Thailand more deeply—beyond its beaches and nightlife. For the country, it’s about sustainable tourism and balanced growth. Authorities estimate the initiative could generate at least 8.8 billion baht (€200 million) in direct spending and a wider economic impact of more than 21 billion baht.
The timing is critical. Despite being one of the world’s most visited countries, Thailand has trimmed its 2025 international arrival forecast to 33 million (down from 39 million) amid weaker markets in China and Europe, along with global uncertainties. To counter this, the government has introduced several measures—from visa relaxations and waived entry fees to this new free-flight proposal.
But beyond numbers, the vision is clear: disperse tourism, protect fragile destinations, and ensure communities benefit from travel. Think UNESCO-listed temples in Sukhothai, fiery Isaan cuisine, or serene countryside stargazing—experiences that promise authenticity without the crowds.
If the Cabinet gives the green light, international travelers purchasing inbound tickets through Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, or via online travel agents (OTAs) could be flying free to these hidden gems by late 2025.
In short, Thailand is preparing not just to welcome tourists back—it wants to take them further than ever before.
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