With many countries still struggling to recover from tourism slumps, Thailand is turning heads with an eye-catching new plan that has travellers talking – free domestic flights for international visitors. That’s right, the ‘Land of Smiles’ wants tourists to explore its beauty without stressing about airfare, hoping this sweet deal will encourage them to venture beyond the usual hotspots. But, as always, there’s a twist – here’s the scoop.
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The Deal In A Nutshell: Who, What, When, Where
The Tourism Ministry’s latest move? A scheme dubbed ‘Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights,’ offering 200,000 free domestic round-trip tickets to international tourists flying into Thailand between September and November 2025.
So, how do you get in on this sweet deal? Simple – book your international flight (only once the scheme goes into effect; unfortunately, tickets booked earlier don’t count) directly through airlines or travel agencies, and you’ll be eligible for a free domestic ticket worth up to THB฿3,500 (around USD$100) per round trip. The offer also includes a 20kg checked baggage allowance.
And it’s not just one carrier running the show – six major airlines are participating: Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai VietJet. This means easier access to the north, the islands, and even lesser-known gems in Isaan, with more convenience and freedom to explore.
Thailand Tourism Woes
Tourism in Thailand has hit a bit of a rough patch – a snag that can be chalked up to several factors, including the Thai-Cambodia border conflict, leadership controversies, and global economic challenges. With arrivals trending downward compared to last year, and tough competition from neighbouring countries, this crown jewel of Southeast Asia has already been forced to lower its visitor target for 2025.
The hope? That this ambitious flight giveaway will give tourism (especially domestic travel) a much-needed kickstart. Most importantly, it’s designed to spread visitors more evenly – not just crowds filling the streets of Bangkok or beaches in Phuket, but more love (and spending) flowing across the entire country. The Thai Tourism Ministry is banking on this move to boost local economies beyond the usual travel hubs and keep the magic of Thai tourism alive everywhere.
Locals Left Out? Criticism Brewing At Home
Now, here’s where it gets tricky. This proposed programme is only for international tourists. Thai residents? Sorry, no freebies for you. With rising living costs and travel expenses hitting hard, many locals feel left out – and they’re not shy about saying so.
From everyday conversations to social media, there’s a growing chorus of concern about fairness. Some see it as a slap in the face when the perks are reserved for foreigners, especially during tough economic times. On top of that, confusion and frustration are already swirling around eligibility rules and last-minute changes – and that’s before the scheme has even been officially approved.
Thailand’s free-flight plan is daring, catchy, and definitely headline-worthy. With THB฿700 million set aside in hopes of generating THB฿8.8 billion in revenue, whether the campaign will be a tourism lifesaver or just a flash in the pan remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure: all eyes will be on the Land of Smiles as this one takes off.
Born in Korea and raised in Hong Kong, Min Ji has combined her degree in anthropology and creative writing with her passion for going on unsolicited tangents as an editor at Friday Club. In between watching an endless amount of movies, she enjoys trying new cocktails and pastas while occasionally snapping a few pictures.
