United Airlines has reopened its direct link between Los Angeles and Bangkok, marking the airline’s first flight on the LAX–BKK route in more than 11 years. The daily service operates on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner via Hong Kong, allowing passengers from the US West Coast to travel on a single aircraft to Thailand’s capital for the first time since 2014. The return of this long-haul route marks a milestone in trans-Pacific aviation.
‘We are pleased to welcome United Airlines back to Thailand,’ said Ms Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This route enhances connectivity from the US 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 timing couldn’t be more perfect. Thailand has seen a steady rise in long-haul arrivals as global travel patterns shift toward Asia. In 2024, the TAT reported more than 35 million international visitors, generating over B1.8 trillion in revenue. By late October 2025, arrivals from the United States have reached 808,288 travellers — up five per cent year-on-year – with American visitors ranking among the country’s highest-spending groups, spending an average of B80,000 per person, per trip.
For travellers, the restored service offers not only shorter journeys but also greater convenience and flexibility. United’s schedule connects smoothly with the airline’s domestic US network, opening the door for passengers from dozens of American cities to reach Bangkok with a single ticket and no aircraft change. TAT expects the new route will drive fresh interest in cultural, wellness and culinary travel, particularly among independent and repeat visitors.
For Bangkok itself, the return of this trans-Pacific link is more than a logistical win – it is a symbolic one. It reaffirms the capital’s role as a global gateway, connecting East and West.