In a bid to revive flagging tourism numbers and spread economic benefits beyond its well-known hotspots, the Thai government is preparing to roll out an ambitious scheme that will offer free domestic flight tickets to foreign tourists visiting the country. The plan, which is awaiting Cabinet approval, is expected to begin in September 2025 and run through November 2025, covering roughly 200,000 international travelers.
Missing Tourism Targets
Thailand has traditionally been one of the world’s top tourist destinations, but this year it is struggling to meet expectations. The government initially projected 39 million tourist arrivals in 2025, but that target has since been revised down to 33 million.
Industry experts attribute the shortfall partly to growing competition from Vietnam and Malaysia, both of which have attracted increasing numbers of travelers with aggressive promotions and improved infrastructure.
Overtourism vs. Untapped Cities
While world-famous destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai continue to grapple with overtourism, other historically and culturally rich regions like Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, and Aisin remain under-visited. Officials hope the new initiative will encourage international tourists to explore these lesser-known cities, helping to distribute tourism revenue more evenly across the country.
How the Scheme Works
Under the proposed plan, any foreign tourist who books an international flight to Thailand will be eligible for free domestic tickets to selected Thai cities. Key features include:
- Eligibility: Tourists arriving via Thai Airways and other partner airlines notified by the government.
- Subsidy Structure: A cap of approximately ฿4,500–฿5,000 (₹10,000) per person is expected, covering round-trip domestic travel.
- Implementation: Airlines will directly offer the discount to passengers and later claim reimbursement from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
- Timing: The program will be in effect during Thailand’s off-season, from September to November 2025, to maximize impact in regions with lower footfall.
Driving Balanced Tourism
Tourism officials stress that the program is not merely about boosting numbers but about balancing the flow of visitors. By steering tourists towards less crowded areas, the government aims to preserve popular destinations from overuse while ensuring that underdeveloped cities also benefit from tourism revenue.
Lessons for Neighbors
The move reflects a broader regional trend where countries are competing fiercely for tourism dollars. Vietnam has surged as a backpacker and family destination, while Malaysia has seen strong growth due to budget travel deals.
For India, observers note, such a model could serve as inspiration. Offering similar incentives for under-penetrated regions like the North East, Ladakh, and the Andaman Islands could help channel tourism revenue more evenly across the country and strengthen local economies.
If approved, Thailand’s “Free Domestic Ticket” scheme may well become a case study in how governments can use targeted subsidies to balance overtourism with sustainable economic growth.
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