Phuket to Seattle (HKT–SEA) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Thai passport holders need a B1/B2 visa to enter the United States. Thailand is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, so ESTA is not available. Apply online by completing the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov, then schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Bangkok. The B1/B2 visa fee is $185 plus a $250 visa integrity fee (total $435 as of 2026). Bring your DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter, passport photos, and supporting documents to the interview. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.

Supporting documents that strengthen your application include proof of employment or business in Thailand, bank statements, property ownership, family ties in Thailand, and a clear travel itinerary with hotel bookings. The consular officer decides on the spot. If approved, the visa is typically a 10-year multiple-entry B1/B2, allowing stays of up to 6 months per visit. Visa pickup or delivery takes 3 to 5 working days after the interview. Interview wait times at the Bangkok embassy vary from 1 to 4 weeks depending on the season.

Direct flights from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to New York JFK run about 17 hours on Thai Airways (with one stop). No nonstop BKK to US flights exist as of early 2026, but one-stop options through Tokyo, Seoul, or Taipei take 18 to 22 hours. The US dollar trades at roughly 35 THB per $1. CBP at the US port of entry takes fingerprints, a photo, and asks about your trip purpose. Global Entry ($120 for 5 years) provides expedited CBP processing with kiosks instead of officer queues, available to Thai nationals.

Link Light Rail from the airport station (inside the terminal) to downtown Seattle takes 38 minutes ($3.50). No transfers needed; trains run 5am to 1am daily.Taxis and ride-shares to downtown cost $35–55. For Bellevue and Eastside destinations (across Lake Washington), ride-share is faster than Link. Car rentals are in the consolidated rental facility; take the free shuttle from baggage claim. Sound Transit buses serve Tacoma, Renton, and Federal Way.

Marine west coast climate. Winters are mild but persistently grey and rainy (3–9°C). Snow is rare at sea level but can occur December through February, causing significant disruptions when it does. The airport sits between Seattle and Tacoma in an area that receives more fog and low cloud than downtown Seattle.

Summers are famously pleasant (18–25°C) with low humidity and mostly clear skies, one of the best flying climates in the US from June through September. The wettest months are November through January.