When exploring a new country, travel costs often eat into the budget, forcing travellers to limit the number of stops in their itinerary. But what if you could fly within the country for free? That dream may soon turn real for Indians heading to Thailand. The Southeast Asian nation has announced a new tourism scheme which, if approved, will let visitors from select countries explore domestic destinations at no extra cost.The Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand has proposed the “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights” campaign. Under it, international tourists from chosen countries will get a minimum of two free domestic flight tickets.Travellers booking through airline websites, multi-city options, fly-thru services, or online travel agents can avail the offer, as long as they have a standard international ticket to Thailand. A 20 kg baggage allowance is also included.Each ticket is capped at 1,750 baht (one-way) or 3,500 baht (round trip). The initiative will be rolled out in partnership with six major Thai airlines: Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Airways International, Thai Lion Air, and Thai VietJet.While the campaign hasn’t been officially launched, the ministry plans on seeking approval from the Cabinet for 700 million baht next week, as reported by The Nation Thailand. Tourism Authority of Thailand will be collaborating with six major Thai airlines for the campaign (Source: Pexels)Why is Thailand doing this?Thailand has always been big on promoting tourism across the globe. From lucrative travel offers to frequent roadshows, the country doesn’t shy away from wooing travelers.Particularly in India, the destination’s focus, for quite some time now, has been to change its image to a family destination, as opposed to its previous party destination persona—and has had some success.Story continues below this adWhile Thailand has seen a surge in tourist influx over the years, a major chunk of these tourists stick to popular destinations like Krabi or Phuket. The ministry has strategically chosen the months of September, October, and November for the campaign, when these destinations are relatively less tourist-friendly due to heavy monsoons.With these major hubs less appealing, tourists can turn to exploring less-popular destinations, which significantly increases the likelihood of an even distribution of tourism revenue in the country. The project aims to draw at least 200,000 international tourists and will be managed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).Thai destinations to avoid during this timeAs a coastal country, Thailand experiences quite a heavy monsoon, with rains interrupting the regular functioning of cities. While the rainfall patterns are not even throughout the mainland, the majority of its popular destinations face a heavier impact and are riskier to visit at this time. It is better to avoid these if you plan on visiting Thailand during the campaign and are not a fan of unpredictable weather.Central Region (Bangkok and surrounding areas): Heavy rainfalls can inadvertently lead to the cancellation of kayaking, earlier closures of markets, and flooded streets. While museums, cultural performances, and other indoor tourist attractions can be visited, if you are a first-time visitor, you may not be able to fully grasp the city’s vibe.Story continues below this adAndaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi): This destination is a tourist favorite because of its pristine beaches. However, during heavy monsoon, the sea turns unpredictable, making these areas highly unsafe. Usually, all water sports and ferries tend to be canceled around this time. There is also a risk of flash flooding.Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao): While this region is saved from the monsoon’s wrath during September and October, its proximity to the Southern Sea of China brings a difficult November with heavy downpour. Humidity levels are high, and all sorts of water sports are often cancelled. Chiang Rai is one of most beautiful temples in Thailand (Source: Pexels)What you can explore in Thailand at this timeWhile monsoons are heavy in Thailand, many of its lesser-explored destinations experience a milder impact—making the campaign launch at this time of year a smart strategic move to promote tourism. Here are some of the alternate places you can explore:Khao Sok National Park: This protected region is the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world. With gigantic limestone mountains, deep valleys, scintillating lakes, and enthralling caves, you can experience the marvel of nature at its best. The beauty of the park increases manyfold during monsoon, with lush greenery all around.Story continues below this adChiang Mai: This destination offers a blend of nature and artistic escapades. While the monsoon freshens up the forests and mystical waterfalls, the hundreds of Buddhist monasteries add a hint of culture. Don’t skip Chiang Mai when availing the campaign offer!Chiang Rai: If you have an appetite for cultural exploration, Chiang Rai is a must-visit. This artistic haven houses many ancient temples including the stunning White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten).Eastern Gulf Coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao): Despite its coastal geography, the eastern gulf experiences drier monsoons until October. You can explore the pristine beaches and lull into a traveler’s catharsis.Also Read | Got just 48 hours in Thailand like Ananya Panday? Here’s everything you must do thereActivities you can enjoy during this monsoon, other than water sportsVisit the enthralling museums and art galleries.Get a Thai Massage from the myriad of soothing options it offers.Experience the local palate with a cooking class.Trek amidst the lush green trails and pristine waterfalls of Northern Thailand.Watch a highly energetic Muay Thai Match and witness the marvel of this traditional craft.Visit aquariums like SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World and explore marine life.