British holidaymakers could soon explore Thailand's hidden gems without paying extra for domestic flights under a new government scheme awaiting cabinet approval.
The proposed initiative would hand tourists complimentary round-trip flights worth £80 when they book international tickets to Thailand. These free domestic flights come with 20kg baggage allowance and would be available through six major Thai carriers.
Tourists could soon get free domestic flights in Thailand
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The scheme, dubbed "Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights," is set to launch from September through November if ministers give it the green light. It's designed to encourage visitors to venture beyond Bangkok and discover more of what Thailand offers.
Travellers can claim their complimentary flights when purchasing international tickets either directly from airlines or through online booking platforms. The participating carriers include Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai Vietjet.
The process appears straightforward for British tourists planning their Thailand adventure. Once they've secured their international arrival ticket, they'll be eligible to add a domestic flight at no extra cost.
This opens up fantastic opportunities for UK visitors to reach destinations that might otherwise seem too expensive or complicated to access. Instead of staying put in Bangkok or Phuket, tourists can easily hop to lesser-known provinces and experience authentic Thai culture.
Tourism and sports minister, Sorawong Thienthong, told The Nation of ambitious plans for the programme, aiming to draw at least 200,000 international visitors during the three-month period.
He said: "The initiative aims to attract at least 200,000 foreign tourists, covering destinations across Thailand, with a particular focus on UNESCO-designated cities, popular tourist spots and key destinations nationwide."
The minister also clarified that "this is an exclusive campaign for foreign visitors who haven't yet booked a ticket," so it is worth noting advance bookings won't qualify for the offer.
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The scheme would focus on flights to key tourist attractions
| GETTYThe scheme specifically targets Thailand's UNESCO World Heritage sites and established tourist hotspots, spreading visitor numbers more evenly across the country rather than concentrating them in traditional destinations.
Thailand faces significant challenges in reaching its tourism recovery goals, with visitor numbers falling short of expectations this year.
The country welcomed 35 million foreign tourists in 2024 but hopes to boost that figure to 40 million in 2025. However, current data shows only 20.8 million international visitors have arrived by mid-August, representing a seven per cent drop compared to the same period last year.
Chinese tourists remain Thailand's biggest market, accounting for 2.9 million arrivals. The declining numbers have prompted officials to launch creative initiatives like the free domestic flight scheme to revive the industry and distribute tourists more widely throughout the kingdom.