The Thai government is considering a special promotion to attract tourists, as the number of international visitors in 2025 is projected to drop to 33 million, far below the initial target of 39 million.
Under the plan, 200,000 international tourists who book international flights directly through airlines or travel agencies will receive a free round-trip domestic flight, including 20 kg of checked baggage. The program, called "Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights", is expected to run from September to November if approved by the cabinet.
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Thailand plans to offer free round-trip domestic flights to international tourists, aiming to attract visitors to lesser-known areas. Photo: Connieft hardenia |
Thailand plans to offer free round-trip domestic flights to international tourists, aiming to attract visitors to lesser-known areas. Photo: Connieft hardenia
Each ticket will be subsidized by the government up to 3,500 baht (108 USD). Six major airlines, including Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet, have agreed to participate. Authorities expect the program to generate about 8.8 billion baht (272 million USD) in revenue from an initial budget of 700 million baht (21.6 million USD).
This initiative aims to encourage tourists to explore destinations beyond Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai, focusing on lesser-known provinces rich in culture and natural beauty. The program applies to visitors entering by air and does not apply to tickets booked before the implementation date.
Thailand's tourism sector, a pillar of its economy, continues to face challenges after the pandemic. In 2019, the country welcomed nearly 40 million international visitors. To date, Thailand has recorded 20.8 million visitors, a 7% decrease compared to the same period last year.
Part of the reason stems from security concerns following violent incidents in Bangkok and border tensions with Cambodia. Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand's (TAT) "quality over quantity" strategy has yet to show significant results.
In addition to offering free flights, the government has also implemented other measures such as postponing entry fees, easing visa requirements for Chinese tourists, granting visas for remote workers, and even considering building casinos.
The free ticket program is considered the boldest measure, but tourists still need to wait for official cabinet approval before booking their holidays in Thailand.
Anh Minh (Euro News)
