Thailand is planning to give free domestic flights to 200,000 foreign travellers in a bid to boost tourism across the country.
The Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong will submit plans to the Thai cabinet next week, requesting a budget of 700 million Thai baht for the flights.
In a statement, he said: “The Government will support domestic flight tickets priced at 1,750 Thai baht [£39.50] per one-way trip, or 3,500 Thai baht [£79.79] for round trips.
“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 ‘Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flight’ scheme will be available for travel from September to November this year, with flights availale on six airlines: Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Airways International (THAI), Thai Lion Air and Thai VietJet.
It will apply to international visitors who’ve purchased a standard ticket into Thailand with an online travel agent (OTA), according to Thai media.
Visitors who’ve booked flights through one of the airlines’ websites, directly with Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways with multi-city options, or via fly-through/check-through services from Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air and Thai Airways International will also be able to apply for the free domestic flights.
Travellers will be entitled to two tickets (one for departure and one for return), or a one-way ticket, depending on travel plans. Holidymakers will also get 20kg of luggage.
Details of how to apply for the free domestic airfares have not yet been released.
A UK spokesperson for the Tourism Authority of Thailand said they were unable to provide further details about the campaign, including whether free flights will be allocated to travellers booking via UK travel agents, since it has not yet been granted government approval.
