Kazakhstan Launches Shymkent-Bangkok Direct Flights

SCAT Airlines inaugurated direct flights between Shymkent and Bangkok, marking a milestone in Kazakhstan-Thailand air connectivity.

The ceremony in Bangkok was attended by Ambassador Margulan Baimukhan, SCAT Airlines’ Commercial Director Nikolay Buryakov, Thai officials, aviation authorities, and business representatives, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Ambassador Baimukhan noted the launch coincided with Kazakhstan’s Independence Day, symbolizing the strengthening of tourism, business, and cultural ties. The new twice-weekly route increases total direct flights between the two countries to 23 per week.

Photo credit; mfa.gov.kz

The route expands air services geography, facilitates logistics and investment cooperation, and reinforces Kazakhstan as a regional transport hub. SCAT Airlines plans to increase flights to Bangkok from two to four per week by the end of 2026.

SCAT Airlines, operating for 28 years with a 36-aircraft fleet, recently launched new routes to Budapest, Munich, Prague, and Tbilisi in 2025, with additional international destinations planned for 2026.

Thai officials highlighted the route’s role in boosting mutual tourism and cultural exchange. Over 170,000 Kazakh citizens visited Thailand in 2024, with further growth expected in 2025, aided by the visa-free regime.