File photo for reference only

 

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is hopeful that LOT Polish Airlines will soon launch direct flights to Thailand, marking a significant return after more than a decade. This initiative aims to draw more Eastern European tourists to its vibrant destinations.

 

Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT's deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, highlighted Eastern Europe as a burgeoning market. Talks last week with LOT Polish Airlines' representative, Robert Ludera, have intensified hopes for direct flights from Warsaw to Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi, in addition to existing charter services.

 

Poland leads the charge among 12 Eastern European countries, with tourist numbers soaring 30% to 134,424 as of August. Overall, Thailand has welcomed 311,411 visitors from Eastern Europe, marking a 24% increase compared to last year. Notably, the Czech Republic contributed 42,925 visitors, while Romania added 32,567.

 

In 2024, LOT Polish Airlines briefly operated charter flights to key Thai destinations during the peak season. Building on this, TAT forecasts 800,000 arrivals from Eastern Europe this year, a 17% increase, spurred by a 6% rise in forward bookings from all European markets during high season.

 

According to Jana Haslarova from TAT's Prague office, Thailand is a popular exotic destination for Czech and Polish tourists. It caters to diverse segments, including families, honeymooners, and young travellers seeking unique local experiences. The visa-free scheme has further boosted the market, alongside growing interest in retirement visas.

 

Despite high airfares, Romania and the Balkan region remain enthusiastic about Thailand's offerings. Bogdan Gligor, TAT's marketing representative for these areas, notes that 50% of tourists are repeat visitors. Currently, many Eastern Europeans travel via connecting flights from the Middle East or Turkey.

 

Efforts are underway to secure more direct flights, with airlines like Air Serbia and HiSky Airlines exploring potential routes. Gligor emphasises the demand for new experiences beyond Bangkok and Phuket, such as exploring Chiang Mai or using Thailand as a gateway to other Southeast Asian spots.

 

Moreover, visa-free entry for 93 markets is seen as a strategic draw for repeat visitors. While China offers a similar scheme, its appeal to Eastern Europeans hasn't matched Thailand's pull. Other regional destinations vying for this tourist segment include Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Maldives.

 

With these initiatives, the TAT is keen to cement Thailand's status as a preferred destination for Eastern European travellers, capitalising on the growing interest and increasing connections.

 

For Polish and other Eastern European tourists, this could mean more convenient travel, bringing Thailand's rich culture and scenic landscapes closer than ever.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-18

 

I try to skip articles about things that might happen, but this is of interest because I've become more intrigued by Eastern Europe lately. Had a great trip to Poland last fall flying Turkish Air (which I like) through Istanbul. I'd like to check out more of Poland and countries south and direct flights would be even better. 

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Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country in Central Europe.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poland

The TAT held discussions last week with Robert Ludera, director of the Network Bureau and a representative of LOT Polish Airlines, about opening direct flights from Warsaw to Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi, in addition to chartered flights.

 

 

"held discussions...about opening direct flights from Warsaw to Bangkok"

 

No current direct, non-stop flights. Many one-stop options via Istanbul, Dubai etc.

 

If this were a hot market, surely TG would be servicing it?

 

 

@bamnutsak They’re are charter flights to/from Krabi, the issue is lack of available capacity at Warsaw Chopin Airport which has no room to expand and thanks to NIMBYs has to close at 10PM.

 

Other large airport - Krakow - is also running way above design capacity.

New central airport won’t open before 2032 so I’ll be surprised to see additional flights to Thailand before that date.

Poland is a great place for holiday. Been a few times and back again in November. People are lovely ,food excellent and very safe and never come across any scams. Sadly it’s one of the places that have taken over from my trips to Thailand . Doubt I’ll ever be back to the Kingdom . 

Cool. Please replace the Russian hordes with Polish visitors.