Phuket airport included in Thailand’s planned free stopover tour pilot

Thailand plans to include Phuket airport in a pilot programme offering free short tours to international transit passengers with layovers of about six to eight hours from early 2027.

The scheme will also operate at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Krabi airports. The Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand will develop itineraries based on passengers’ available transit time.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the Transport Ministry had signed a memorandum of understanding with six organisations to connect the country’s aviation and transport systems with tourism and service businesses.

The proposed tours will focus on culture, Thai food, health and wellness. Possible cultural and historical visits include the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Ancient City in Samut Prakan. Food packages will showcase Thai cuisine and street food, while wellness options could include spa treatments and traditional Thai massage.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said Suvarnabhumi currently handles about 1.3 million transit passengers a year. The agency aims to attract around 10% of that group to the programme, initially using free tours as an incentive.

Phiphat said the initiative supports the government’s goal of developing Thailand as an aviation hub for passenger transfers and air cargo. He said the short visits could introduce travellers to Thailand and encourage them to return for longer holidays.