Picture courtesy of Norse Atlantic | via Wikipedia

 

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced a major boost in its tourism efforts with Norse Atlantic Airways introducing five new European routes to Bangkok and Phuket. With these additions, TAT aims to attract a larger number of European visitors as the tourism high season approaches toward the end of this year.

 

These new routes are part of TAT’s airline-focused tourism promotion plan, targeting increased flights to Thailand. The Deputy Governor of TAT for Europe, America, the Middle East, and Africa, Chiravadee Khunsub, explained that the goal is to meet the growing demand from European tourists. From October to December, Norse Atlantic Airways launched key routes: Stockholm-Bangkok, London Gatwick-Bangkok, and Manchester-Bangkok.

 

Norse Atlantic Airways marks a milestone by being the first airline to operate the Manchester-Bangkok route, with flights available weekly. Additionally, direct flights from Stockholm to Phuket and Oslo to Phuket have begun, each carrying up to 338 passengers weekly. This expansion highlights Thailand’s standing as a top destination for European, particularly Scandinavian, tourists.

 

The impact of these flights is already visible with an increase in Scandinavian visitors. Thailand has seen a rise, with 185,580 Swedish and 104,618 Norwegian travellers this year. Popular destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai continue to draw visitors, largely thanks to favourable weather, delicious local cuisine, and the warm hospitality of Thai people.

 

As TAT continues to focus on this strategy, the anticipated growth in tourism from Europe could significantly benefit the local economy. The new routes set the stage for a promising peak season, potentially drawing even more tourists in the coming months, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Norse Atlantic Airways introduces five new routes to Thailand.
• Significant increases in Swedish and Norwegian tourists were recorded.
• Thailand strengthens its appeal as a top European travel destination.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-12-11

 

 

 

The more the merrier 

guessing the air tickets went up quite a bit when russian air space is off limits now

12 hours 15 mins non stop from Manchester to Phuket according to Google.

If the prices are right that could be a winter winner.

From March to September places like Turkey and Spain probably offer better outcomes with much shorter flights and decent on ground value.

(I see the flights from Oslo and Stckholm contain the adjective "direct" and not "non-stop". )

15 minutes ago, Spilornis said:

12 hours 15 mins non stop from Manchester to Phuket according to Google.

If the prices are right that could be a winter winner.

From March to September places like Turkey and Spain probably offer better outcomes with much shorter flights and decent on ground value.

(I see the flights from Oslo and Stckholm contain the adjective "direct" and not "non-stop". )

 

Good info.  Thanks!  That was my question...  Direct or non-stop?  And if direct, where and how long is the layover?

 

Not that it matters to me personally.  Just curious...

12 hours ago, impulse said:

Direct or non-stop?

 

They are both non-stop.

 

From October 18th 2026, Virgin Atlantic will fly direct, non-stop from London Heathrow to Phuket 3 times per week on a 787-9. This will bring about 1,000 people per week. Have to wonder if this will take passengers off other routes. Still a positive for numbers I guess. Have been following this since bookings opened as wanting to get a couple of Upper Class tickets - unfortunately they want 200,000 to 350,000 miles per seat + £600 taxes ONE-WAY right now. Still better to fly Thai via Bangkok or another carrier via middle east at those redemption rates.

  

My daughter is flying in with them on a Dreamliner from LGW on Sunday.  Slightly stripped back options available, i.e. no checked bag, single meal etc to reduce cost if you want but if you upgrade to their premium economy the cost is on par with EVA and Thai.  Should provide good competition though so maybe the latter will drop their prices? 

Hope she got enough cash in her Purse otherwise she will be refused entry.

Right on, the Benidorm Boys are coming to town to do a bit of PR work for their homeland.  Mainland Europeans are too busy learning to speak Russian (and Arabic) to bother with trips to Thailand.