Thailand is giving away free flights – here’s how to bag one 🇹🇭✈️

Pirates, listen up – Thailand is launching a new campaign that could bag you a free return flight within the country, just for booking an international ticket. Not bad, eh?

Here’s the deal: the Thai government is rolling out a scheme offering 200,000 free domestic return flights between September and November, to encourage travellers to head beyond the usual tourist spots like Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. The goal? Get visitors exploring the real Thailand – smaller towns, local communities and lesser-known gems that are often overlooked.

The scheme, called ‘Fly Thailand for Free’ (well, sort of), will give travellers who book international flights directly with airlines or authorised online travel agents up to 3,500 baht (about €88) to use on internal flights. That covers a return ticket with 20kg of checked luggage, and you’ll have access to flights with six airlines: Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai Vietjet.

The idea is to ease the pressure on crowded hotspots and give a boost to places that don’t usually get much tourist attention – which also means your euros will go towards supporting local guesthouses, restaurants and craftspeople.

Expect stunning mountain villages, peaceful islands, authentic food and ancient temples – a whole different side of Thailand you wouldn’t normally see on a whistle-stop itinerary.

How does it work?

• You’ll need to book your international flight once the campaign officially launches

• The offer will be open to travellers from any country

• You’ll apply for the free domestic flight afterwards – details still to come

• The plan still needs final approval from the Thai government, so hang tight for full info

🏴‍☠️ Pirate tip: This is a great excuse to go beyond the usual beach break. Think jungle adventures in the north, temple towns in the east, or a chilled-out trip to lesser-known islands in the south.

We’ll keep you posted as soon as the booking window opens!