Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, warmly welcomes the successful launch of United Airlines' inaugural Los Angeles-Bangkok service. This marks United's return to the Thai market after eleven years, restoring vital air links between the two countries. The route, with a daily stop in Hong Kong, not only provides a more convenient travel option for North American travelers, but also further solidifies Bangkok's position as a major Asian hub and gateway for long-haul travel. Passengers on United's San Francisco-Hong Kong route can also seamlessly connect to Bangkok via Hong Kong. Notably, United's hubs in Los Angeles and San Francisco offer flights to over 75 destinations in the Americas.
A special welcome ceremony was held at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, with a traditional water-sprinkling ceremony welcoming the inaugural aircraft. The ceremony was attended by guests including U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert F. Godeck, Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Tapani Kiapkhebour, United Airlines General Manager of International Sales Marcel Fuchs, Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand Deputy Governor Salen Banjanira, and Airports of Thailand Advisor Pranukh Banpounsamai.
Governor Tapani Kiapkhebour said, "United Airlines' return to the United States is a significant milestone in the long-standing friendship between Thailand and the United States. This new route not only strengthens tourism and economic ties between our two countries, but also meets the growing demand of American travelers seeking deeper experiences in Thailand."
United Airlines' daily round-trip flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Bangkok (BKK) are operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, offering 257 seats in Polaris Business Class, Premium Business Class, and Economy Class. The inaugural flight, UA 820, departed Los Angeles at 11:15 PM on October 24 and arrived in Bangkok at 11:25 AM on October 26, via Hong Kong. The return flight, UA 821, departs Bangkok daily at 4:55 PM and arrives in Los Angeles at 8:25 PM the same day, also conveniently connecting passengers via Hong Kong.
United Airlines' return to Bangkok makes it the first US airline to resume service since United and Delta Air Lines suspended the route in 2014. This move demonstrates Thailand's strong appeal as a top destination for international travelers and the market's confidence in the future of Thai tourism.
Director Thapanee added, "We warmly welcome United Airlines back to Thailand. This route enhances connectivity between Thailand and the US West Coast and further promotes the growth of North American visitors. It also reinforces Bangkok's position as a major tourism hub and gateway to the rest of Thailand."
The launch of the United Airlines route comes at a time of continued growth in long-haul travel from North America, supported by Air Canada's existing nonstop Vancouver-Bangkok service. Furthermore, with the third season of the hit drama "White Lotus" filming in Thailand, Bangkok has once again been thrust into the international spotlight, further raising global awareness of Thai culture, lifestyle, and hospitality. These factors have combined to drive increased demand for tourism to Thailand and reaffirmed the country's position as a top global tourist destination, acclaimed for its warm hospitality, innovative culture, and world-class experiences.
The United States remains one of Thailand's most promising long-haul markets, with strong spending power and high-value travel demand. From January 1 to October 24, 2025, Thailand welcomed 808,288 American tourists, a 5% year-on-year increase, placing the United States among Thailand's top ten source markets. The number of American tourists is expected to continue to grow in the final quarter of this year, reaching 1.09 million for the full year, generating tourism revenue estimated at 62 billion baht.
