After a lukewarm 2024 with only 20.8 million visitors by August (down 7% from the previous year), Thailand is pulling out all the stops. The government is preparing a massive tourism campaign that could revolutionize travel in the kingdom: distributing 200,000 free domestic flight tickets to international travelers between September and November 2025.
The “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights” program works simply: any tourist purchasing an international ticket to Thailand through participating airlines or online agencies will automatically receive a round-trip domestic flight with 20 kilograms of baggage allowance. It’s a world first in terms of scale, though Japan tested a similar program earlier this year to ease congestion in Tokyo and Kyoto.
The 40 Million Target Finally Within Reach
Thailand is pursuing a long-delayed dream: breaking through the symbolic barrier of 40 million annual visitors. This milestone should have been reached in 2020 without the pandemic, when the country came close with 39.92 million in 2019. For 2025, dubbed “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year,” authorities are betting on this ticket distribution to generate an additional 8.8 billion baht in revenue.
Minister Sorawong Thienthong is defending a 700 million baht budget to fund the operation, with a government subsidy of 3,500 baht per round-trip ticket on domestic routes. Six national carriers are participating: Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet. The program excludes travelers who have already booked their tickets – only new reservations are eligible.
“Hidden Gems” Replace Overcrowded Destinations
Rather than concentrating crowds in Bangkok, Phuket, or Koh Samui, authorities are directing travelers to 18 priority provinces: Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Sukhothai, Phrae, Lampang, Satun, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Loei, Nakhon Phanom, Chanthaburi, Trat, Prachinburi, and Sa Kaeo. These “Hidden Gems” are already experiencing a boom: Lampang doubled its international arrivals in early 2024.
Among these treasures, Koh Kradan in Trang province has just been crowned the world’s most beautiful beach for 2025. With no roads or permanent residents, the island remains a well-kept secret. The same phenomenon applies to Khanom in Nakhon Si Thammarat, where pink dolphins attract photographers, or Chiang Dao in the north, with its illuminated caves and hot springs just an hour from Chiang Mai.
Authorities are counting on this program to attract travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, India, and Japan – markets identified as priorities to reach the historic goal of 40 million visitors.
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.
