Bangkok, 26 October 2025 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, welcomed the United Airlines inaugural flight from Los Angeles to Bangkok, marking the airline’s return to Thailand after more than 11 years and restoring connectivity between the two nations. Operated daily via Hong Kong, the route enhances travel convenience for North American travellers while reaffirming Bangkok’s position as a leading gateway to Asia and a major hub for long-haul travel. The stop in Hong Kong will also allow customers from United’s San Francisco to Hong Kong flights to connect seamlessly onwards to Bangkok. United’s Los Angeles and San Francisco hubs offer connections to more than 75 destinations throughout the Americas.
A special welcome ceremony took place at Suvarnabhumi Airport, where the aircraft was greeted with a traditional water salute. The event was graced by Mr. Robert F. Godec, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand; Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor; Mr. Marcel Fuchs, Managing Director International Sales, United Airlines; Mr. Sarun Benjanirat, Deputy Director General of Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), and Ms. Pranuengnuch Bamphensamai, Advisor 10, Airports of Thailand.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said, “The return of United Airlines marks a significant milestone in the long-standing friendship between Thailand and the United States. This new service not only strengthens bilateral tourism and economic ties but also responds to the growing interest among American travellers seeking meaningful experiences in Thailand.”
United Airlines’ daily service between Los Angeles (LAX) and Bangkok (BKK) operates with a Boeing 787–9 Dreamliner, offering 257 seats across Polaris Business Class, Premium Plus, and Economy. The inaugural flight UA 820 departed Los Angeles at 23.15 hrs on 24 October and arrived in Bangkok at 11.25 hrs on 26 October (via Hong Kong). The return flight UA 821 departs Bangkok daily at 16.55 hrs and arrives in Los Angeles at 20.25 hrs on the same day, providing smooth transit through Hong Kong.
The United Airlines inaugural flight to Thailand represents the first U.S. carrier to resume service to Bangkok since 2014, following the suspension of operations by both United Airlines and Delta Air Lines. This achievement highlights Thailand’s strong appeal as a preferred destination for international travellers and demonstrates the market’s confidence in the country’s tourism potential.
Ms. Thapanee, also said, “We are pleased to welcome United Airlines back to Thailand. This route enhances connectivity from the U.S. West Coast and complements the increasing arrivals from North America. It also reinforces Bangkok’s reputation as a leading tourism hub and gateway to diverse destinations across Thailand.”
The launch of the United Airlines service coincides with the continued growth of long-haul arrivals from North America, supported also by the existing non-stop Vancouver––Bangkok route operated by Air Canada. It also aligns with a renewed international spotlight on Bangkok, following major productions such as The White Lotus Season 3, which has further boosted global interest in Thai culture, lifestyle, and hospitality. Together, these connections reflect the rising demand for travel to Thailand and reaffirm the country’s position as a top global destination renowned for its warmth, creativity, and world-class experiences.
The United States remains one of Thailand’s most promising long-haul markets, distinguished by strong spending power and high-value travel demand. Between 1 January and 24 October 2025, Thailand welcomed 808,288 American visitors representing a 5 percent increase compared with the same period last year. This places the U.S. among the top ten source markets for Thailand. Arrivals are expected to continue rising through the final quarter, with projections indicating that the number of American visitors could reach 1.09 million by year-end, generating an estimated 62 billion Baht in tourism revenue.
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