Thailand Offers Free Domestic Flights to Boost Indian Tourism

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Thailand is offering free domestic flight tickets to Indian travellers, in a renewed push to increase footfall from one of its most promising inbound markets. The scheme, announced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), applies to tourists arriving on Thai Airways and Thai Smile Airways between now and September 30. Each traveller is entitled to one free domestic flight. (indianexpress.com)

The move follows a steady rise in Indian tourist interest after Thailand waived visa requirements for Indian citizens until November 2024. The country has seen over 950,000 Indian arrivals in 2024 so far, with a clear intent to cross the 1.6 million mark by year-end. India ranks among Thailand’s top five inbound markets, driven by both leisure and wedding tourism. (indianexpress.com)

Eligible passengers can fly for free to destinations like Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, and Samui—allowing a deeper exploration of the country beyond Bangkok. This incentive could also help disperse tourist traffic across less saturated zones, supporting local economies and easing congestion at primary hotspots.

“India continues to be a key focus market for Thailand,” said a TAT official. “This campaign not only encourages travel but also showcases our commitment to creating seamless, value-driven experiences for Indian tourists.” (indianexpress.com)

As regional travel heats up, Thailand’s offer reflects a broader trend among Southeast Asian nations to woo Indian travellers with tailored perks, reduced paperwork, and extended incentives.