The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed Belavia Belarusian Airlines’ inaugural direct flight from Minsk to Pattaya (U-Tapao Rayong–Pattaya International Airport) on Friday, 9th January at 12.00 Hrs.
It is part of a two-route expansion from Belarus to Pattaya and Phuket that increases long-haul connectivity to Thailand under the TAT’s airline focus strategy that extends the country’s reach into new high-value European markets.
The welcome ceremony was attended by Belarusian ambassador to Thailand Uladzimir Baravikou and TAT regional director for Europe Suladda Sarutilavan, together with Thailand’s private and public-sector tourism partners in extending a warm reception to the airline and its passengers.
Expanding the kingdom’s network
Sarutilavan remarked that the launch of Belavia’s direct dual service grows the kingdom’s long-haul network and promotes TAT’s airline focus strategy by creating new access from a high-potential European market with growing travel demand.
She added that direct connectivity to key beach resorts in Thailand is essential to maintain the kingdom's global competitiveness and ensure it remains a preferred leisure destination for quality long-stay travellers.
Likewise, TAT reports that tourist arrivals from Belarus to Thailand totalled 32,179 individuals as of end-2025, an increase of 56.48 percent from the total recorded in 2024.
Interestingly, Belarusian visitors are considered emerging long-stay travellers, with an average stay of ten days.
The market is dominated by established tour operators with strong preferences for all-inclusive stays, wellness tourism, sports and soft adventure activities.
More to visit in Asia
At the same time, Belavia’s new routes expand travel options for Belarusian nationals to Asia, introducing an important addition for the national carrier which currently operates long-haul flights to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Previously tourists from Belarus had to travel to Thailand via connecting flights from Minsk to Russia or Dubai.
The airline is launching the new Minsk-Pattaya and Minsk-Phuket direct routes using a 281-seat Airbus 230-200, initially operating the new service to Thailand as charter flights, with plans to add scheduled services for the summer.
