August 21, 2025 | 10:09 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thailand plans to provide 200,000 free domestic flight tickets to foreign tourists. The "Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights" promotion aims to boost national tourism during the last three months of 2025.
As reported by the Bangkok Post, the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports estimates that this subsidy will generate revenue of 8.8 billion baht (approximately Rp4.4 trillion) from a budget of 700 million baht (approximately Rp350 billion). However, this scheme still requires cabinet approval.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong stated that foreign nationals holding international flight tickets are entitled to one free round-trip domestic flight ticket, including 20 kilograms of baggage. Six participating airlines are Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet.
Terms for Receiving Free Domestic Tickets
These free tickets will be available to foreign tourists who book their international flights directly through airlines or online travel agents. The free tickets are expected to boost tourist interest in visiting Thailand's secondary destinations.
"This is an exclusive campaign for foreign tourists who haven't booked their tickets yet," said Sorawong. He added that the ministry will seek cabinet approval for the program next week.
Free Ticket Schedule
Scheduled to run from September to November, the initiative offers a government subsidy of 1,750 baht (approximately US$67) per one-way ticket, or 3,500 baht (approximately US$1.75) for a round-trip ticket, per tourist.
Punlop Saejew, Vice President of the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, said the campaign will help tourism to some extent, although influxes are already high during the peak season. He said the campaign would be more effective if launched during the low season.
Mr. Punlop suggested the government allocate funds to support domestic airfares, which remain a barrier for tourists due to their high cost.
Thai tourism is facing a less than stellar year in 2025. As of August 17, Thailand had welcomed 20.8 million international arrivals this year, a 7 percent decrease compared to the previous year. China remains the largest source market with 2.9 million visitors.
Thailand's move mirrors Japan's earlier move. Japan Airlines previously launched a campaign offering free domestic flights to international tourists who booked round-trip international tickets through the airline, with the aim of promoting lesser-known regions and reducing overtourism in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.
Editor's Choice: Bangkok: Gen Z's Top Destination Choice
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
10 Best Countries to Visit in October: Great Deals and Fewer Crowds
16 jam lalu
From Japan's golden autumn to Morocco's sunny shores, discover the best countries to visit in October for breathtaking landscapes, culture, and more.
Indonesian Pacu Jalur Festival Seeing Spike in Tourist Visits This Year
17 jam lalu
The head of Astindo Riau stated that the number of Pacu Jalur visitors this year is estimated to reach twice the amount from the previous years.
Yogyakarta Eyeing Growth in Chinese Tourist Arrivals for 2025
22 jam lalu
Foreign arrivals in Yogyakarta, based on Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data, have dropped 23.78 percent from January to May 2025.
A Guide to Dieng Culture Festival 2025: Getting There, What to See
1 hari lalu
The Dieng Culture Festival (DCF) will take place on August 23-24, 2025, in Dieng Kulon Village, Central Java.
How to Get to Pink Beach: A Tourist Guide to Visit Indonesia's 'Most Beautiful' Spot
1 hari lalu
Located in the Komodo National Park, NTT, Pink Beach presents a stretch of captivating pink sandy shores.
Scottish Tourist Caught Stealing Stones from Pompeii, Faces Hefty Fine
1 hari lalu
The tourist claimed to have not known that taking stones from Pompeii was an illegal act
Indonesia's QRIS Transactions in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand Reach Rp1.66tn
3 hari lalu
Total QRIS transactions in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand reached Rp1.66 trillion by June 2025.
Bangkok: Gen Z's Top Destination Choice
3 hari lalu
In addition to Bangkok, there are several other cities that are the choices of Gen Z
Pelita Air Offers Rp808,000 Flight Ticket Discount on Indonesia's 80th Independence Day
4 hari lalu
PELITA Air offers up to Rp808,000 discount for the purchase of round-trip domestic and international flight tickets through the 'Merdeka SurPRICE' promo, which is valid on the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, 17 August 2025.
Bali's Travel Deals and Events for Indonesia's Independence Day Celebrations
4 hari lalu
Several of Bali's popular tourist spots are offering special promotions and events for travelers celebrating Indonesia's Independence Day.
