Thailand’s Free Domestic Flights Campaign: What Tourists Need to Know

 

Thailand is planning a bold new tourism campaign aimed at encouraging foreign visitors to travel beyond the country’s most popular cities like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

The Tourism and Sports Ministry has proposed the initiative “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights”, which—if approved—will give away 200,000 free round-trip domestic tickets to international tourists between September and November 2025.

📺 I’ve covered this update in detail in my latest video—check it out here 

How the Free Flights Campaign Works

The concept is straightforward:

• Book an international flight to Thailand and receive a free round-trip domestic flight.

• Only new bookings made during the campaign period are eligible.

• The offer is exclusive to non-Thai citizens.

What’s Included:

• One round-trip domestic ticket (20kg baggage allowance).

• Flights operated by six participating airlines:

  • Thai Airways

  • Thai AirAsia

  • Bangkok Airways

  • Nok Air

  • Thai Lion Air

  • Thai Vietjet

The government will subsidize 3,500 baht per round trip (or 1,750 baht for a one-way ticket).

Why Thailand Is Offering Free Flights

• Budget: 700 million baht allocated for the campaign.

• Revenue Goal: 8.8 billion baht in expected tourism income.

• Purpose: Motivate tourists to explore smaller towns and lesser-known destinations rather than sticking to the usual hotspots.

Officials admit the campaign was inspired by Japan’s successful free domestic flights initiative earlier this year.

Weak Points and Concerns

While the campaign sounds attractive, there are several loopholes:

1. Short Campaign Period

• Runs only from Sept–Nov 2025, missing the true low season (May–Aug).

• Visitors outside this timeframe won’t benefit.

2. Excludes Existing Bookings

• Travelers who booked before the announcement get nothing.

• This may upset repeat visitors and early planners.

3. Cabinet Approval Pending

• The program is not officially guaranteed yet.

• Some tourists may delay booking out of uncertainty.

4. Limited Ticket Supply

• 200,000 tickets may run out quickly, as millions of tourists visit Thailand in just a few months.

5. Airline & Route Restrictions

• Only six airlines are included.

• Routes may be limited to popular cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket instead of smaller towns.

6. Hidden Costs Possible

• Free tickets usually don’t cover airport taxes or surcharges.

• Oversized luggage, sports gear, or instruments may incur extra fees.

7. First-Come, First-Served Confusion

• No clear system announced yet.

• Will tourists claim free tickets during booking, at the airport, or via a special website?

• Lack of clarity could lead to chaos or unfair access.

8. No Benefit for Land Travelers

• Only those arriving by air qualify.

• Visitors entering from Laos, Cambodia, or Malaysia by land are excluded.  

9. Timing Issues

• Sept–Nov overlaps with Thailand’s high season, when demand is already strong.

• Instead of attracting new tourists, the campaign might just replace full-paying customers.

  Here are my final thoughts: Thailand’s free flight campaign has the potential to attract more visitors and spread tourism to lesser-known regions. However, without careful planning, transparent distribution, and wider inclusivity, the program could face challenges and leave many travelers disappointed. For a deeper look into the pros, cons, and hidden catches, make sure to watch my full video here