TAT campaign to encourage local travel

Called Fly Drive, it is the second consecutive year for the campaign, following the first run in the northern region last year. The new promotion runs throughout the country.

Wansadet Thavaornsuk, deputy governor for domestic marketing at the TAT, said the promotion started this month and would finish at the end of September.

"The promotion offers new choices for travel, combining land and air travel, and it is expected to increase domestic travel during the low season," said Wansadet.

The TAT is working with car rental companies such as Thai International Rent a Car, World Class Rent a Car, SMT Rent a Car, North Wheel Rent a Car and Mali Thai Group.

The authority is also working with airlines Thai AirAsia, Nok Air and Bangkok Airways to offer one-price packages.

The five routes most recommended for travel with Thai AirAsia are Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, Phuket and Krabi, priced at Bt8,200 for two people. This includes air fare, two nights' accommodation and rental car. 

Bangkok Airways and Nok Air are offering flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui and Udon Thani, starting at Bt20,000 for two. The price includes fare, airport tax, two nights' accommodation with meals and a rental car.

Travellers are required to deposit Bt20,000 and present their driving licence prior to getting the car.

The TAT has also introduced a driving guidebook for key destinations during this low season, covering Kanchanaburi, Khao Yai National Park, Hua Hin/Cha-am, the Eastern coast and provinces around Bangkok.