The Thai Transport Ministry has ordered the resumption of direct flights between Thailand and the United States, aiming to boost economic, trade, investment, and tourism ties. This move follows the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) recent upgrade of Thailand’s aviation status to Category 1.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is actively negotiating with U.S. agencies and airlines, including United Airlines, to establish direct flights from Bangkok to Los Angeles.
Suriya highlighted that this initiative aligns with Thailand’s ambition to become a regional aviation hub. The government’s strict safety and regulatory measures led to the FAA’s Category 1 rating, enabling the expansion of international flight routes.
CAAT is engaged in discussions with U.S. counterparts, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and FAA, to facilitate these new services. The authority is also exploring routes to major U.S. airports like Salt Lake City International and Boston Logan International.
Furthermore, Thailand is preparing for an upcoming safety audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) scheduled for late August, ensuring compliance with global aviation safety standards under the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP CMA).
This development marks a significant step in strengthening Thailand-U.S. aviation links, promising enhanced connectivity and economic growth between the two nations.
