Published on
January 11, 2026
Belarus and Thailand have strengthened their travel ties with the launch of Belavia’s inaugural direct flights from Minsk to Pattaya and Phuket, marking a significant boost in long-haul connectivity between Europe and Southeast Asia. This new route expansion enhances travel options for Belarusian nationals, who now have direct access to Thailand without the need for connecting flights through Russia or Dubai. With these new services, Thailand is poised to attract more European visitors, particularly from Belarus, where the market for long-stay, wellness, and adventure tourism is growing rapidly.
Belarus and Thailand have significantly boosted their tourism and travel connectivity with the recent launch of direct flights by Belavia Belarusian Airlines from Minsk to Pattaya and Phuket. These new routes mark a major expansion for Thailand’s tourism industry, enabling more European visitors, particularly from Belarus, to explore the country’s rich cultural and natural attractions with ease.
A New Era of Connectivity
The inaugural flight from Minsk to Pattaya, which took off on 9 January 2026, touched down at U-Tapao Rayong–Pattaya International Airport at 12:00 hours. This momentous occasion was celebrated with a warm welcome ceremony attended by notable figures, including H.E. Mr. Uladzimir Baravikou, the Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to Thailand, and Ms. Suladda Sarutilavan, Director of the TAT Europe Region. Representatives from both the public and private sectors of Thailand’s tourism industry were also present to greet the passengers of the inaugural flight.
This launch marks a significant step in expanding the travel routes between Belarus and Thailand, a move that forms part of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) broader strategy to increase long-haul connectivity with high-value European markets. The new flights, combined with an already existing growing demand for travel to Thailand, aim to enhance the tourism flow from Eastern Europe to Southeast Asia, attracting more visitors to the country.
Belavia’s Role in Expanding European Travel Access
Belavia, the national carrier of Belarus, has been pivotal in connecting Belarusian travelers to destinations worldwide. Founded in 1996, the airline operates over 50 routes, primarily serving Eastern Europe and Russia. Belavia’s new direct flights to Pattaya and Phuket are a significant step in expanding its reach into Asia. Previously, tourists from Belarus had to connect via other major cities like Moscow or Dubai before reaching Thailand. Now, the introduction of direct flights provides a more seamless travel experience, cutting down on travel time and offering Belarusian travelers a more convenient route to one of Asia’s most sought-after destinations.
New Flights Boost Belarusian Tourism to Thailand
The new Minsk-Pattaya and Minsk-Phuket routes represent an exciting opportunity for both Belarusian tourists and the Thai tourism industry. The TAT reported that Belarusian arrivals to Thailand reached 32,179 in 2025, a remarkable 56.48% increase compared to the previous year. The growing demand for direct flights further reflects this upward trend, with Belarus becoming an increasingly important source market for Thailand’s tourism sector.
Tourists from Belarus are known for their preference for long stays, with many choosing to remain in Thailand for an average of 10 days. This trend is highly beneficial for the local economy, as long-stay visitors typically engage in more activities, use more services, and spend more money during their trips. Belarusian visitors are particularly attracted to all-inclusive stays, wellness tourism, and a range of adventure and sports activities, all of which are readily available across Thailand’s diverse regions.
Expanding the Market: From Charter Flights to Scheduled Services
The inaugural flights from Minsk to Pattaya and Phuket are currently operating as charter services, but the plan is to introduce scheduled services during the summer months. This move is part of Belavia’s strategy to expand its footprint in Asia, particularly in markets with strong potential for growth like Belarus. The airline is using a 281-seat Airbus A320-200 to operate the route, ensuring ample capacity for the increasing number of Belarusian tourists eager to experience Thailand.
For the Thai tourism industry, this expansion is a golden opportunity. By enhancing connectivity with a nation like Belarus, which is showing strong tourism growth, Thailand hopes to attract an even larger share of European travelers looking for new, diverse destinations. Both the public and private sectors in Thailand have embraced this initiative, recognizing the potential for growth in the Eastern European market.
Belarusian Tourists’ Preferences: Wellness and Adventure Tourism
Belarusian visitors are emerging as a key demographic for Thailand’s tourism sector, particularly for long stays and specialized travel experiences. With an affinity for wellness tourism, many Belarusian tourists travel to Thailand for its renowned spas, healing resorts, and yoga retreats. Thailand’s abundance of wellness and spa offerings, which are not only luxurious but also affordable, makes it a highly attractive destination for this market.
In addition to wellness, Belarusian tourists are drawn to soft adventure activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring Thailand’s natural landscapes, including its beautiful beaches, mountains, and jungles. The country’s diverse offerings in adventure tourism make it a prime location for travelers seeking both relaxation and active pursuits. Many Belarusian tourists also take part in cultural experiences, such as visiting historic temples, participating in traditional Thai cooking classes, and exploring Thailand’s vibrant festivals.
Economic Impact of Belarusian Tourism to Thailand
The introduction of new direct flights between Belarus and Thailand is expected to have a significant economic impact on the local Thai economy. The TAT’s promotion of Belarus as an emerging market aligns with broader efforts to diversify Thailand’s tourism sector by attracting travelers from high-value, emerging markets. This influx of tourists will likely contribute not only to direct tourism revenues but also to a wider economic boost through increased demand for accommodations, transportation, dining, and other services.
Belarusian tourists’ long stays also help extend the average length of stay for international visitors to Thailand. While many international tourists visit for short-term trips, long-stay travelers contribute more significantly to local businesses and the broader hospitality sector. This trend is aligned with the TAT’s goals to extend tourism’s economic benefits beyond high-season peaks, creating more sustained growth for the industry.
Future Prospects: A Growing Belarusian Market
Looking forward, the outlook for Belarusian tourism to Thailand remains bright. The TAT is keen to continue developing strategic partnerships with airlines like Belavia to further enhance travel links between Belarus and Thailand. The success of these direct flights is expected to inspire further investments in air travel and tourism infrastructure between the two countries.
As the demand for travel from Belarus to Thailand continues to grow, there is also potential for further expansion in other regional markets within Eastern Europe. The TAT plans to build on its successful campaigns in key markets such as Russia, Ukraine, and Poland, leveraging Belavia’s new routes to draw more tourists from these countries as well. By strengthening its relationship with Belarus, Thailand is positioning itself as a top destination for European tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure.
The introduction of direct flights from Minsk to Pattaya and Phuket is a milestone in the growing relationship between Belarus and Thailand. These new routes represent a significant step forward in expanding long-haul travel connectivity, with the potential to attract a new wave of tourists from Belarus and other Eastern European countries. With an increasing demand for wellness, adventure, and cultural tourism, Belarusian visitors are well-suited to contribute to Thailand’s booming tourism sector, which continues to see strong growth in the post-pandemic era. As the travel industry adapts to new trends and markets, the future looks promising for further collaboration and growth between Belarus and Thailand.
Belarus and Thailand have bolstered travel connections with Belavia’s launch of direct flights from Minsk to Pattaya and Phuket, providing easier access for European tourists to explore Thailand’s vibrant destinations. This move strengthens long-haul travel options, supporting the growth of Belarusian tourism to Thailand.
This expansion in travel options and the increase in Belarusian arrivals are just the beginning of a long-term trend that could redefine Thailand’s place in the European tourism market.
