THAI Cargo Website Voted Among the Top Four Best Corporate Website in Asia The cargo website www.thaicargo.com of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited was recently named among the top four “Best Corporate Web Site” at the Media.Com Awards presentation in Hong Kong. The announcement was made at the Asia Website Contest organized by Hong Kong Media newspaper.
THAI website www.thaicargo.com, designed by J Walter Thomson (Thailand), was selected for its presentation and marketing impact as well as instigation of development within the Internet industry worldwide. The design focuses on accuracy, efficiency, fast and efficient cargo and freight services, which is well portrayed through the use of Thai boxing, making it more attractive and earning a worldwide recognition.
The www.thaicargo.com offers on-line information about THAI cargo services in response to the rising demand from customers and agents. The information is divided into 7 main categories: Information about THAI Cargo, Services, Office information, Schedule, Reservations, Tips & News, and Feedback. Through the use of this website, customers are able to track their cargo whereabouts.
THAIPAC is another service introduced by THAI cargo, included in the website, which has been especially designed for overseas visitors travelling out of Bangkok. There is also an express shipping service of goods and automobile within Thailand. Customers are able to contact THAI offices worldwide to find out about cargo and freight services, and worldwide postal service including telephone, facsimile, and e-mail.
THAI’s Technical Department has recently launched a new website www.thaitechnical.com, which received positive feedback and became increasingly popular among users in Thailand and overseas including the United Sates, Netherlands, and Australia. This website offers useful information such as aircraft maintenance services, maintenance service center and THAI’s fleet operating in every region around the world.
THAI Opens New Ticketing Office at Bangkok International Airport
February 23, 2001 at 08:00 hours : Mr. Vasing Kittikul, Vice President, Sales and Distribution, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, chaired the official opening ceremony of the new ticketing office for THAI Royal First Class and Royal Executive Class passengers as well as for the Gold Card members of THAI’s Royal Orchid Plus frequent flyer program, at the International Terminal, Building 1, 4th floor, Bangkok International Airport. Mr. Aran Apichari, THAI’s Director Area Thailand, was also present among the invited guests. Other participants included representatives from tourism-related business, other airlines and agents.
The new Ticketing Office began operations since 3 January 2001. The opening of the office is in accordance with THAI policy to strengthen services in all areas in order to maximize customer satisfaction starting from the first contact point with THAI until arriving at their final destination. These services include flight information, reservations, ticket sales, ground services, and in-flight services. The new Ticketing Office offers faster and more convenient services where customers may purchase both domestic and international air tickets on THAI as well as other airlines, make flight reservation, and obtain details on THAI’s Royal Orchid Plus frequent flyer program.
The new ticketing office opens from Monday – Friday (include public holidays) during 08:00-17:00 hours. For more details, please contact Tel: 535-6779, 535-5160 and 535-5107.
Currently, THAI operates six ticketing offices in Bangkok, at THAI’s Head Office (Vibhavadi Rangsit Road), on Silom Road, Larnluang Road, at Bangkok International Airport and at the Grand China Princess Hotel, and at Asia Hotel.
Underwater Wedding 2001 in Trang, Thailand
Listed in the Guinness Book World of Records as one of the most spectacular wedding ceremonies, Thailand Underwater Wedding has continued to attract public and media attention worldwide. This year it is better and bigger.
Thailand, 14 February 2001 Trang Chamber of Commerce, together with Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, jointly organized the fourth world-record Underwater Wedding 2001, in Trang Province, southern Thailand. A total of 36 couples worldwide were qualified for the event and over 100 participants, including representatives from organizations, local authorities and members of international press and media attended the event. The event has gained worldwide popularity and attracted so much media interest that it was recently awarded a place in the Guinness Book of World of Records and Gold PATA Award 2000.
The project aimed to further promote eco-tourism and the Thai tourism industry. Located in southern Thailand, Trang offers a truly spectacular natural beauty, embracing numerous aquatic plants and animals as well as marine habitats including coral reefs. The project supports the government policy to
promote unique Thai culture and tradition among overseas visitors.Only couples holding international divers licenses were qualified for the program. The wedding ceremony was performed in traditional Thai style with each couple receiving a holy water blessing from the Governor of Trang before making their marriage vow underwater. The wedding took place at Koh Kradan. The location has been specifically selected for the ceremony to ensure that no damage was caused to the fragile marine habitats. THAI Royal Orchid Holidays in-house tour program has been especially designed to accommodate the couples and participants taking part in this event.
Thailand Underwater Wedding helps generate revenue for Thailand and at the same time expand the knowledge of Thai culture and tradition at international level. The couples were able to get first-hand experience of Thai customs. Trang Chamber of Commerce and Thai Airways International as well as the authorities concerned have worked closely to ensure that the three-day program ran smoothly and the couples and all participants returned to their homelands with pleasant memories of Thailand.
More information on Underwater Wedding 2001 is available through THAI's website www.thaiairways.com
THAI Announces 1st Quarter Operating Results for Fiscal Year 2000/2001
Bangkok, 15 February 2001 : Thai Airways International Public Company Limited reported its operating results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2000/2001 (October – December 2000). THAI’s operating profit was 1,760 million baht compared to 4,423 million baht the same period last year.
The company’s total revenue was 32,624 million baht, which included the operating revenue of 32,260 million baht, increased by 4,390 million baht or 15.7 percent of the same period last year and other revenue of 364 million baht. Total revenue increased by 4,026 million baht or 14.1
percent compared to the same period last year.
Operating profit was 1,760 million baht, a decrease of 2,663 million baht or 60.2 percent compared to the same period last year. The main reason was due to high fuel cost in the world market, resulting the company’s fuel and oil cost was higher by 3,166 million baht compared to the same period last year.
Foreign exchange loss, mainly from foreign loan adjustment, was amounted to 1,506 million baht when compared to the gain of last year at 6,849 million baht, resulting in the difference of 8,355 million baht when compared to the same last year’s period.
The two mentioned causes was effect the company net income to show as deficit per share of 1.23 baht compare with earnings per share of 5.47 baht the same period last year.
THAI Holds Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting No.1/2001
Bangkok, 13 February 2001, 13:30 hrs : Thai Airways International Public Company Limited held its Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting No.1/2001 today, which was chaired by Mr. Srisook Chandrangsu, THAI’s Chairman, and held at the airline’s Head Office on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. Participants included members of THAI’s Board of Directors, the airline management, and shareholders, to discuss aircraft acquisition following the long-term plan 2000/1-2004/5.
Mr. Srisook Chandrangsu, THAI’s Chairman, announced that, “A total of 275 shareholders and proxies, amounting to 1,316,251,686 total shares participated in the Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting. THAI seeks to acquire two long-range aircraft according to the State Enterprise Plan of 2000/1-2004/5, the aircraft being valued at USD 322.7 million dollars or THB 12,263 million baht at the exchange rate of THB 38 baht per USD 1 dollar, which is worth an excess of 50% of the airline’ s registered shares. Therefore, THAI has complied with company regulations that obligations over 50% of the registered shares or other foreign currency of the same value must receive approval from shareholders attending the Shareholders’ Meeting with a vote of more than three out of four of the total shares.
Therefore, it was agreed at the Shareholders’ Meeting that the airline would incur obligations for the acquisition of two long-range aircraft according to the State Enterprise Plan of 2000/1-2004/5.
THAI sought aircraft acquisition in accordance to the airline’s long-term plan that would enable THAI to modernize, increase efficiency, and increase flight frequency on some routes flown by its fleet. This will help decrease investment capital and increase competitive capability. In addition, aircraft acquisition plans will aid THAI’s marketing plans to strategically expand the airline’s intercontinental, a highly competitive market. Moreover, these acquisition plans serve as a step forward in making the airline one of the ten best airlines in the world and one of three best airlines in Asia emphasizing customer service excellence. In addition, the airline will have increased financial stability, retain market share, and achieve airline goals.
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THAI Organizes Annual Finance and Accounting Seminar 2001
Bangkok, 12 February 2001 --- Mr. Bhisit Kuslasayanon, President of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, Chaired the official opening of the two-day annual Finance and Accounting Seminar 2001 (FACTS’2001), which is scheduled for 12-13 February 2001. The participants are 450 THAI finance and accounting officers from Bangkok and overseas offices worldwide.
The objective of the meeting is to provide the most up-to-date information on the company policy and operations of various departments within the airline, including Finance and Information, Technical, Customer Services and Commercial. The meeting also enables all participants to exchange ideas and information in order to develop more effective operations in the future.
Representatives from THAI’s Management will conduct briefings on overall operations concerning their departments. These include
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Mr. Amnuay Chanya, Executive Vice President Finance and Information,
Mr. Chusak Bhachaiyudh, Executive Vice President Technical,
Mr. Tasnai Sudasna na Ayudhaya, Executive Vice President Commercial, and
Mr. Suthep Suebsantiwongse, Executive Vice President Customer Services,
Dr. Somchet Tinnapong, Managing Director of the New Bangkok International Airport (Suvarnabhumi Airport), has been invited as a guest speaker to give a briefing on the development and operational guidelines of Suvarnbhumi Airport.
THAI Clarifies the Delay of TG Flights
The Public Relations Office of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited provided the following clarification about changes in THAI’s flight operations on both domestic and international flight departures and arrivals on February 2, 2001 due to poor climate caused by thick fog that spread over the Bangkok International Airport area. Visibility of approximately 50-100 meters made it difficult for THAI’s flights to take off and land at the airport. Temporary changes to THAI’s flight schedule were as follows:
International Routes (Arrival)
1. Flight TG 961, on the route Stockholm-Bangkok, arrival at Bangkok International Airport at 06:35 am., had been diverted to Chiang Mai Airport.
2. Flight TG 931, on the route Paris-Bangkok, arrival at Bangkok International Airport at 06:30 am., had been diverted to Chiang Mai Airport.
3. Flight TG 994, on the route Sydney-Bangkok, arrival at Bangkok International Airport at 06:40 am., had been diverted to Chiang Mai Airport.
4. Flight TG 911, on the route London-Bangkok, arrival at Bangkok International Airport at 06:10 am., had been diverted to U-Tapao Airport.
5. Flight TG 925, on the route Munich-Bangkok, arrival at Bangkok International Airport at 07:15 am., had been diverted to U- Tapao Airport.
6. Flight TG 943, on the route Madrid-Bangkok, arrival at Bangkok International Airport at 07:05 am., has been diverted to Phuket Airport.
Domestic Routes (Arrival)
1. Flight TG 049, on the route Khon Kaen-Bangkok, arrival at Bangkok International Airport at 07:30 am., had been diverted to Khon Kaen Airport.
2. Flight TG 165, on the route Phitsanulok-Bangkok, arrival at Bangkok International Airport at 07:20 am., had been diverted to Phitsanulok Airport.
3. Flight TG 238, on the route Hat Yai-Bangkok, arrival at Bangkok International Airport at 07:35 am., had been diverted to Phitsanulok Airport.
As of 09:00 am onwards, departing flights returned to Bangkok International Airport due to better visibility. For further information, passengers may contact tel. 535-2846-7.
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“Amazing E-Sarn” and “Open Doors to Suvarnabhumi Civilization” New Package Tours by THAI
During 15 January – 31 July, 2001, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited and travel agents have introduced the Amazing E-Sarn and Open Doors to Suvarnabhumi Civilization tour programs to promote tourism of northeastern Thailand and Indochina as well as generate income for the local people.
Mr. Aran Apichari, THAI’s Director Area Thailand, said, “A combination of unspoiled natural resources, ancient architectures, unique culture and heritage, has made northeastern Thailand an attractive location to explore. Its well-planned infrastructure, facilities and amenities including hotels, restaurants, communications and tourist services enable E-Sarn to effectively accommodate both business and leisure visits. I am certain that the Amazing E-Sarn package tour will help promote tourism of the area and make E-Sarn a much talk about destination at international level. Tourists can enjoy visits to many exciting locations while helping to expand local income and businesses,”.
On a regional level, THAI is determined to make Thailand the center of Suvarnabhumi region. Geographically, Thailand encompasses numerous tourist attractions as well as offers a perfect gateway for travelers to continue their journeys to other European destinations, top class hotels and facilities of international standard. During the past years, Thailand has also shown a remarkable improvement in terms of transportation, Information Technology and communications, where visitors are guaranteed maximum convenience and comfort at affordable price. “This is when THAI decided to launch the Open Doors to Suvarnabhumi Civilization package to further promote Thailand as a gateway into Indochina. At the same time, the package will boost tourism within Thailand and make Suvarnabhumi a well-known location among both Thai and foreign visitors,” added Mr. Apichari.
Please contact local travel agents for more information on THAI’s “Amazing E-Sarn” and “Open Doors to Suvarnabhumi” package tour programs.
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THAI Provides Information on Passenger Inflight Healthcare
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has prepared information for passengers on health care measures that may be taken while traveling inflight on long distance flights.
THAI has taken initiatives to prepare passenger health information in order to ensure that those traveling on board THAI flights experience a comfortable travel experience and take care of personal healthcare while on long flights. Therefore, THAI has prepared an inflight video presentation concerning inflight exercises, which will be shown on board THAI flights on long haul routes. Information on passenger healthcare and wellness while inflight will be featured in the airline’s inflight magazines “Sawasdee” and “Kinnaree” as of the April 2001 issue onwards. An informational brochure is being prepared about passenger healthcare while traveling inflight, to be distributed to passengers purchasing air tickets on long haul sectors. THAI has also prepared to launch information on passenger healthcare and wellness on the airline’s website, on www.thaiairways.com, in addition to informing THAI passengers using the airline’s online flight reservation system via the Internet.
As well, THAI is also in the process of disseminating information to the airline’s employees concerning precautionary measures that may be taken by engaging in inflight exercises when flying long haul flights. The airline is producing a video presentation for cabin crew to study how to provide care for passengers; this includes information about how to assist in passenger exercises while traveling inflight. This is part of THAI’s initiatives to ensure that employees receive current information that will assist in their provision of inflight passenger services.
In the formulation of measures enacted for passenger health and wellness, THAI has taken full consideration and placed the highest priority on passenger safety, comfort, and convenience.
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Silk Souvenirs On-Board THAI International Flights Throughout 2001
Throughout year 2001, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited is proud to introduce special on-board souvenirs for THAI passengers traveling on all intercontinental routes. The souvenirs include Thai Silk and products from SUPPORT Foundation under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand.
Mr. Bhisit Kuslasayanon, THAI’s President, said, “Starting from February, THAI passengers traveling on all intercontinental routes will receive on-board souvenirs produced by Her Majesty’s SUPPORT Foundation from Thai silk and cotton. This is part of THAI's policy to help promote and support Thai products, and especially Thai Silk, that are made and created by Thai people. Passengers will find them both beautiful and useful, while gaining satisfaction from the knowledge that they are also helping create job opportunities and additional earnings for people living in rural areas.
The suit hangers and bags made from silk and cotton will be given to Royal First and Royal Executive Class passengers traveling on board THAI flights ex-Bangkok bound for destinations of over 4-hour flight duration in Europe and the United States as well as to Australia, China and Japan .
THAI is also considering additional products from the SUPPORT Foundation as gifts for passengers traveling on intercontinental routes during the coming year.
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Bangkok, 17 January 2001 --- Thai Airways International's Provincial Station Services Department (Chiang Mai) and G.S.E. Maintenance Services Department were awarded ISO 9002 certification from RW Tuv Institution Germany. Mr. Bhisit Kuslasayanon, THAI's President, and Mr. Charnchai Surassanant, THAI's Vice President Ground Customer Services were present on behalf of THAI to receive the certificate. The National Science Development and Technology Institution of Thailand acted as advisor of ISO auditing process.
"It is our priority to maximize customer satisfaction, human resource development, and create awareness of effective service among staff. THAI has also continued to adopt and apply appropriate technology to further develop service according to THAI's quality systems," said Mr. Bhisit Kuslasayanon.
THAI has extended the implementation of ISO standard to the Provincial Station Services Department (Chiang Mai) and G.S.E. Maintenance Services Department.
The Provincial Station Services Department began to implement the ISO9000 program in February 2000, where Chiang Mai was the first station selected for the program. The Chiang Mai station officially entered the ISO 9002 program on 4 August 2000, and was awarded ISO 9002 certification from RW Tuv Institution during the last auditing process, which took place during 18-19 December 2000.
The G.S.E. Services Department began to implement the ISO9002 program towards the end of December 1999, and officially entered the ISO 9002 program on 20 April 2000. The department was awarded ISO 9002 certification from RW Tuv Institution on 16 November 2000.
Other departments of Thai Airways International, which have been awarded ISO9002 certification included Catering, Technical, Ground Services, and Cargo. THAI's Flight Operations Department and General Administration Department have been awarded ISO9001 certification, and Head Office was awarded ISO14001 certification.
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THAI Announcement After Board of Directors’ Meeting
11 January 2001, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited held a Board of Directors’ Meeting, chaired by Mr. Srisook Chandrangsu, THAI’s Chairman, with the following results:
1. Appointment of the Audit Committee
The Board of Directors approved the appointment of the Audit Committee as follows:
1.1 Mr. Poonsap Piya-anant was appointed Chairman of the Audit Committee
1.2 Mr. Sansern Wongcha-um was appointed a Director of the Committee
1.3 Mr. Wissanu Krea-ngam was appointed a Director of the Committee
1.4 Professor Doctor Kesari Narongdej was appointed an Advisor of the Committee2. Appointment of Independent Directors
The Board of Directors approved the appointment of the independent directors as follows:
2.1 Mr. Sumet Tantivejkul
2.2 Mr. Poonsap Piya-anant3. Purchasing of Aircraft
The Board of Directors discussed and considered the purchase of THAI’s aircraft following the long-term plan 2000/1-2004/5 as follows:
In accordance with THAI’s state enterprise plan, the airline sought to purchase two Boeing 747-400 aircraft, numbers 15 and 16. Boeing proposed aircraft procurement estimates to THAI in July 2000 (base year), the equivalent of USD 142.7 million dollars. On delivery in May 2001 and June 2001, the cost of the aircraft will be equivalent to USD 155.1 and 155.6 million dollars, respectively.
The airline received an estimate from AVITAS and AVMARK on the price of Boeing 747-400 aircraft, including estimates for Typical BFE (Buyer Furnished Equipment) and Typical SCN (Special Change Notice) for the year 2000, being the equivalent of USD 146 and 148 million dollars. When the aircraft are delivered in May 2001, they would cost equivalent of USD 148.9 and 150.9 million dollars.
A special working group has been appointed by the Board to consider the price of the aircraft, according to the THAI’s long-term plan. The working group is comprised of the following persons:
3.1 Mr. Wisudhi Srisuphan - Chairman Comptroller-General of the Comptroller General’s Department
3.2 Mr. Suranant Wongwityakamjorn, Deputy Secretary-General, Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board
3.3 Mr. Teerasak Suwanayos THAI’s Honorary Advisor
3.4 Mr. Sittipong Thanitayawong THAI’s Senior Vice President for Corporate Planning and Government RelationsThe committee helped provide necessary information to assist in aircraft price negotiation with Boeing. The result of negotiation with Boeing was that the committee was able to propose aircraft procurement pricing that was lower than that estimated by AVITAS and AVMARK and less than the estimate that had been proposed to the Board of Directors.
Therefore, THAI’s Board of Directors approved the airline’s plans to purchase the two Boeing 747-4000 aircraft according to the negotiated purchase price, which will be proposed at the next Shareholders Meeting.
4. Short-term Financing for Advance Payment of Two Boeing 747-400 Aircraft
THAI’s Board of Directors approved in principle for the airline to seek short-term financing in the amount of USD 128.0 million dollars (approximately THB 5,500 million baht) for advance payment to Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, for two Boeing 747-400 aircraft, number 15 and 16, by acquiring a short-term loan from the Ministry of Finance in the form of European Commercial Paper (ECP), or a lease rotating fund from the Government Savings Bank or Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited or THAI’s Employees’ Savings and Credit Co-ops Limited, as a temporary source of finance until long term financing has been obtained.
5. Shareholders’ Meeting 1/2001
THAI’s Board has approved the date of the next Shareholder Meeting 1/2001, to be held on Tuesday, 13 February 2001, at 13.30 hours, in the Auditorium at THAI’s Headquarters. The register for transfer of shares, necessary in order to qualify for attendance at the Shareholders’ Meeting, will be closed as of Thursday, 25 January 2001 at 12.00 hours. The register will reopen after the Shareholders’ Meeting 1/2001 concludes, the agenda for which includes aircraft purchase according to the state enterprise plan of 2000/1-2004/5.
6. The Appointment of THAI Management
The Board of Directors approves THAI Management Appointments, as follows:
6.1 Mr. Prajak Jamrusmechoti, Executive Vice President, Commercial, was appointed Executive Vice President, Human Resources & General Administration
6.2 Mr. Tasnai Sudasna na Ayudhaya, Executive Vice President, Human Resources & General Administration, was appointed Executive Vice President, Commercial
6.3 Mr. Suthep Suebsantiwongse, Vice President, Revenue Planning and Management, was appointed Executive Vice President, Customer Services
6.4 Sqn. Ldr. Pradith Vudhivate, Vice President, Aviation Personnel Development, was appointed Executive Vice President, Operations
6.5 Sqn. Ldr. Chamlong Poompuang, Vice President, Flight Operations, was appointed Vice President, Aviation Personnel Development
6.6 Sqn. Ldr. Udomchai Nandamanop, Deputy Vice President, Flight Operations, was appointed, Vice President, Flight Operations
6.7 Mr. Charnchai Singtoroj, Vice President, Sales and Distribution, was appointed Vice President, Revenue Planning and Management
6.8 Mr. Vasing Kittikul, Director, Commercial Promotion, and acting Director, Product Development, was appointed Vice President, Sales and DistributionThe appointments aim to increase the experience and skills of THAI’s management team, enabling them to effectively manage the airline at an international standard, as well as to replace former management members who retired at the end of September 2000. The appointments will be effective as of 15 January 2001.
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THAI Wins Top Four ASEANTA AWARDS 2001
The Commercial Department of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has recently been awarded the top four ASEAN AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 2001, by ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA).
As part of the Commercial Department’s policy for year 2001 to further promote the image of the organization and advertising plan, the Commercial Department had submitted past works and achievements to compete at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) under advertising and public relations category. Out of eight main categories, THAI won four top awards as follows:
1. “BEST ASEAN CULTURAL PRESERVATION EFFORT” was awarded to the promotional materials printed with THAI’s painted aircraft – Suphannahong, and Narai Song Suban, THAI’s Envoy for Tourism.
2. “BEST ASEAN POSTER” was awarded to THAI’s promotional posters featuring Cambodia, Indonesia and Trang Province of Thailand
3. “BEST NEW TOURISM ATTRACTION IN THE ASEAN REGION” was awarded to THAI’s Underwater Wedding Project organized in Trang Province, south of Thailand.
4. “BEST AIRLINES PROGRAM INTO ASEAN” was awarded to THAI’s Royal Orchid Holidays Program 2000/2001
ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) is comprised of 23 organizations from ASEAN countries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand. There are four member organizations from Thailand, which are Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) and Thai Hotel Association (THA). The ASEAN TOURISM FORUM (ATF) and the ASEAN AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE are held annually to promote ASEAN tourism.
ASEAN TOURISM ASSOCIATION has announced that in year 2001, the forum and award presentation ceremony will be organized on 13th January 2001, at Brunei Darussalam’s International Convention Centre, in Brunei Darussalam.
In 1990, THAI’s Royal Orchid Holidays Program won the BEST AIRLINES PROGRAM into ASEAN.
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