Thailand’s Tourism & Sports Ministry has proposed giving 200,000 free domestic round-trip flights to international visitors to spread tourism beyond the big hubs. Budget: THB 700m via TAT. Target travel window: September–November 2025 (campaign window August–December). Status: Awaiting Cabinet approval — not live yet. Six Thai airlines are lined up to participate.

What’s being proposed?

Thailand’s Tourism & Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong will seek Cabinet approval for a THB 700 million program called “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights.” The goal is to push visitors from Bangkok/Phuket/Chiang Mai into secondary destinations and UNESCO cities. The ministry estimates 200,000 eligible tourists, with a projected direct revenue impact of ~THB 8.8 billion.

Planned timeline

• Campaign window: August–December 2025
• Travel period for free tickets: September–November 2025
  (Exact launch date depends on Cabinet approval.)

How the free flights would work (draft rules)

Who qualifies: Foreign air arrivals (tourists who fly into Thailand). Local residents are not eligible.

What you get: Up to THB 1,750 per one-way or THB 3,500 per round-trip domestic itinerary, effectively making many domestic tickets free. 20 kg checked baggage included.

Airlines expected to participate: Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet.

Redemption path (indicative): Free domestic segments would be added when booking your international ticket (via airline websites, partner “fly-thru/check-thru” services, or approved OTAs). Exact mechanics will be published after approval.

Important: Several outlets state you may need to book your international flight after the scheme launches to qualify. If you’ve already booked, you might not be eligible. Wait for official terms before purchasing if you want to use the offer.

Example itineraries the scheme is meant to encourage

• Bangkok (BKK) ⇄ Ubon Ratchathani (UBP) — temples, Mekong scenery
• Phuket (HKT) ⇄ Trang (TST) — quiet Andaman islands
• Bangkok (BKK) ⇄ Sukhothai (THS) — UNESCO ruins
  (Actual eligible routes will depend on participating airlines once confirmed.)

What’s still pending?

• Cabinet approval of the budget and final terms
• Exact redemption flow (airlines vs. OTAs, booking windows, blackout dates)
• Precise eligibility wording (e.g., nationality, visa type, proof of inbound flight, whether multi-city counts in all cases)
  Keep expectations flexible until the official launch announcement.

Likely FAQs

Is it live yet?
No. It’s a proposal awaiting Cabinet sign-off. Launch date will be announced after approval.

When can I travel using the free domestic flights?
If approved, travel is expected to be September–November 2025 (low season).

Do I have to be a foreign tourist?
Yes. The scheme targets international visitors arriving by air. Locals are not eligible.

Which airlines are included?
Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet (as currently proposed).

How many flights do I get?
Two domestic tickets per traveller (typically out-and-back within Thailand) or you can use them as one-way segments.

What’s the value cap?
Up to THB 1,750 per one-way / THB 3,500 per round-trip, plus a 20 kg baggage allowance.

Can I use it if I already booked my international flight?
Unclear. Some reports suggest new bookings only after launch; wait for official T&Cs.

Source: nationthailand / Bangkok Post / The Independent / The Economic Times