Thailand Considers Reviving Free Domestic Flight Incentive to Boost Tourism
Authorities review a proposal offering complimentary internal flights to foreign visitors as part of broader efforts to strengthen travel demand and spread tourism nationwide.
Thailand is revisiting a proposal to offer free domestic flights to international visitors, a policy aimed at strengthening the tourism sector and encouraging travelers to explore destinations across the country.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand is preparing to present a renewed version of the initiative to the government.
The plan, known as the “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights” campaign, would allow foreign tourists who purchase an international flight to Thailand to receive complimentary domestic return tickets within the country.
Officials say the measure is being reconsidered as part of a broader strategy to safeguard Thailand’s tourism industry amid global travel uncertainties, including rising aviation costs and geopolitical tensions that could influence long-haul travel demand.
Tourism authorities are closely monitoring airline operations, fuel prices, seat capacity and traveler sentiment to anticipate potential shifts in visitor numbers.
Earlier versions of the proposal outlined a programme covering up to two hundred thousand foreign visitors, supported by a government budget of roughly seven hundred million baht.
The subsidy would cover domestic flights valued at around three thousand five hundred baht for a return journey, encouraging tourists to visit multiple regions during their stay.
Six airlines — including Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai Vietjet — are expected to participate if the scheme proceeds.
The initiative would allow visitors arriving by air to claim one complimentary domestic round-trip ticket with standard baggage allowances.
Authorities believe the programme could generate substantial economic returns by encouraging spending in accommodation, restaurants and local services across the country.
Estimates suggest that the policy could produce billions of baht in tourism revenue while helping distribute visitor flows beyond major hubs such as Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai.
Tourism remains a central pillar of Thailand’s economy, supporting millions of jobs and contributing significantly to national income.
The government has pursued multiple initiatives in recent years to strengthen the sector, promote regional destinations and ensure that tourism benefits reach communities throughout all provinces.
If approved, the revived free-flight proposal would form part of a wider effort to maintain Thailand’s strong position as one of the world’s most attractive travel destinations while ensuring that economic benefits from tourism continue to expand nationwide.