From May 1 2015, Thai AirAsiaX is starting direct daily flights between Bangkok and Sapporo.
Part of the AirAsia Group, the region's largest long-haul budget airline, TAAX has also recently increased its flights between Bangkok and Tokyo to twice daily, and now also has daily flights to Kansai International Airport.
JNTO statistics showed a 45% increase in visitors to Japan from Thailand between 2013 and 2014, and with more affordable seats now becoming available, that trend looks set to continue.