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THAI Announces Results of Board Meeting Bangkok, 26 October 2001 --- Thai Airways International Public Company Limited today held a Board of Directors' Meeting, chaired by Mr. Virabongsa Ramangkura, THAI's Chairman, with the following results: I. Appointment of THAI Sub-Committees The Board of Directors has approved the appointment of sub-committees to ensure efficiency in all areas of operations. The members are as follows: 1.1 Sub-committee to oversee the investment plan at Suvarnnabhumi Airport 1. Mr. Olarn Chaipravat - Chairman 2. Mr. Wissanu Krea-ngam - Committee member 3. ACM Terdsak Sujjaruk - Committee member 4. Mr. Viroj Nualkhair - Committee member 5. Mr. Borwornsak Uwanno - Committee member 6. Mr. Tasnai Sudasna - Committee member & Secretary 1.2 Sub-committee to oversee all THAI's donations either in cash or kind (ie. tickets, discounts or baggage allowance etc.) 1. Mr. Borwornsak Uwanno - Chairman 2. Mr. Wissanu Krea-ngam - Committee member 3. Pol. Gen. Sant Sarutanond - Committee member 4. Khunying Sasima Srivikorn - Committee member 5. Mr. Vichit Suraphongchai - Committee member 6. Mr. Tasnai Sudasna - Committee member & Secretary 1.3 Sub-committee to monitor the company's debt status 1. Mr. Vichit Suraphongchai - Chairman 2. Mr. Wissanu Krea-ngam - Committee member 3. Mr. Chai-anan Samudavanija - Committee member 4. Pol. Gen. Sant Sarutanond - Committee member 5. Mr. Chartsiri Sophonpanich - Committee member 6. Mr. Viroj Nualkhair - Committee member 7. Mr. Borwornsak Uwanno - Chairman 8. Mr. Kaweepan Raungpaka - Committee member & Secretary 1.3 Sub-committee to monitor all purchasing and leasing 1. Mr. Somchainuk Engtrakul - Chairman 2. Mr. Thanong Bidaya - Committee member 3. Mr. Wissanu Krea-ngam - Committee member 4. Khunying Sasima Srivikorn - Committee member 5. Mr. Vichit Suraphongchai - Committee member 6. Mr. Borwornsak Uwanno - Committee member 7. Mr. Suthep Suebsantiwongse - Committee member & Secretary 1.4 Financial Management Sub-committee 1. Mr. Chartsiri Sophonpanich - Chairman 2. Mr. Somchainuk Engtrakul - Committee member 3. Mr. Wissanu Krea-ngam - Committee member 4. Pol. Gen. Sant Sarutanond - Committee member 5. Mr. Viroj Nualkhair - Committee member 6. Mr. Borwornsak Uwanno - Committee member 7. Mr. Kaweepan Raungpaka - Committee member & Secretary The appointment of these sub-committees will be effective from today onwards. II. Benefits for the Board Members Following the Cabinet resolution on 28 August 2001 concerning benefit entitlements of State Enterprise Board members, THAI's Board of Directors has approved the benefits of the Board members as follows: - Members will receive only one meeting allowance per month, even if there is more than one meeting per month - Members will receive an annual bonus payment in accordance with the Cabinet resolution - For air travel both within Thailand and to international destinations to which THAI operates, the members are entitled to 10 return trips in Royal First Class. The air travel benefit is applicable only with THAI and only while the members are holding their position in the Board of Directors. - The Board of Directors has agreed to terminate all air travel benefits to former members of the Board, Executive Committee, their spouse and children III. The Annual Sharholders' Meeting No. 1/2544 The Board of Directors has approved the date of the Annual Shareholders' Meeting No. 1/2544 to be held on Thursday 20 December 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 on 3 December 2001, at 12:00 hours. IV. The Development and Progress of THAI's Business Unit Plan The Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Business Unit Executive Board, comprising 9 members of THAI Management as follows: 1. President - Chairman of the Business Unit Executive Board 2. Executive Vice President, Finance and Information - member 3. Executive Vice President, Human Resources & General Administration - member 4. Executive Vice President, Corporate Development & Support - member 5.-9. Managing Directors of the five Business Units The Board of Directors has approved the appointment of the management as follows: 1. Mr. Suthep Suebsantiwongse,
Executive Vice President, Customer Services as Executive Vice
President, Human Resource & General Administration. (Customer
Services Department has been sub-divided into business units in
the new plan) The Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Managing Directors of the Business Units as follows: 1. Mr. Kobchai Srivilas,
Executive Vice President Technical, as Managing Director,
Technical Services All the Managing Directors will be responsible for all functions under their supervision. The appointments willl take effect from 1 November 2001. |
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THAI Signs Contract With Sabre To Boost Customer
Service October 2001, Bangkok ---Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has recently completed a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) strategy contract with Sabre Holding Corporation, to enhance overall customer satisfaction through strengthening customer-base information. THAI started the CRM project, which aimed to evaluate the product and customer service sectors of THAI in order to develop and implement a comprehensive and ongoing Customer Relationship Management plan. Mr. Vasing Kittikul, THAI's Vice President, Sales and Distribution, said, "THAI staff members have been working side-by-side with Sabre Consulting throughout the project, applying a highly practical approach to the job to achieve the desired end result. It is this teamwork that made the project a success." The Customer Relationship Management strategy will be implemented over the next three years. Sabre is the leading provider of technology, distribution and marketing services for the travel industry. The other key activities which were undertaken included evaluation of THAI products, customer service strategy, current methods of customer evaluation and campaign management and current customer contact points at pre-flight, airport, inflight, destination and post departure. THAI is also working with Sabre to develop a CRM blue print in areas of business model, processes, organization, and performance measures. |
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THAI Inaugurates
Flights into Mumbai, India Thai Airways International Public Company Limited will inaugurate a new destination in the Winter Schedule 2001/2002 on the route Bangkok-Mumbai, India, on 30 October 2001. Thai Airways International's main goal in operating to this new destination, Mumbai, is to serve business travellers from various countries who seek air transportation to and from Mumbai. Operating into Mumbai will prove to be advantageous for Thailand as well as India's economy, since India is currently experiencing a high rate of economic growth. India's growth rate, particularly in the area of information technology, is the reason why there is an increasing demand from business travellers worldwide. The city of Mumbai receives nearly half of a total 9 million passengers travelling from points around the world into India. THAI will operate on the route Bangkok-Mumbai v.v., utilizing Airbus 330 aircraft, capable of accommodating 317 passengers: with 50 passenger seats in business class and 267 passenger seats in economy class. THAI flights will operate 3 times per week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, with flights departing Bangkok at 19.35 hours and arriving in Mumbai on 22.30 hours, the return flight departing Mumbai at 23.50 hours and arriving in Bangkok at 05.30 hours the following day. Currently, THAI flies to two destinations in India, those being Delhi and Calcutta. THAI operates daily with 7 flights per week to Delhi and operates 3 flights per week to Calcutta, on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. With the additional destination of Mumbai, THAI will operate a total of 51 destinations and 33 countries worldwide in addition to Bangkok and Thailand. Mumbai (formerly called Bombay) is the capital of the state of Maharashtra, India, with a population of approximately 18 million people, covering an area of approximately 170 square miles. Mumbai is the oldest Indian shipping port, situated on the West Coast of India, and is considered the nation's commercial center in terms of investment, banking, and stock exchange. The state of Maharashtra gains earnings of more than USD 1,900 billion worth of capital investment per year. In addition, Mumbai serves as India's entertainment and cultural center, and is home to the largest film industry in India, known as the Hollywood of the East, or "Bollywood". |
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THAI Offers
Extra Special Tour Packages at Thailand Travel Mart 2001
Between 26 October – 4 November 2001, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited will be taking part in promoting the Thai tourism and travel industry at the upcoming Thailand Travel Mart 2001, at Arena Hall of the Impact Arena, Muangthong Thani, offering a range of special Eurng Luang package tour programs to various domestic destinations in Thailand including Chiang Mai and Phuket. Numerous products from THAI Shop will also be on sales. The Thailand Travel Mart 2001 is organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in responced to the national economic development plan to further promote Thailand as the world’s unique tourist destination as well as to celebrate the 220th Anniversary of Bangkok. Other privileges that passengers will receive, by adding only spending an extra THB 990, adding to the regular price, include the following:
Special Promotional Packages Phuket (Phuket Arcadia –
THB 9,640* ; Thavorn Palm Beach – THB
9,150* ) (3 days, 2 nights) Cruise along the Phang-nga
Bay. Lunch is included. These special offers are available only at Thailand Travel Mart 2001, during 26 October – 4 November 2001, from 12:00 – 20:00 hrs., and are valid until December 31, 2001. * Note: The promotion
prices are subject to change in the event ofdue to an increase of
regular airfare. However, the differenceamount of THB 990
for additionaland privileges will remain unchanged. |
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THAI Voted
Favorite Airline in Holiday Asia Website
Thai Airways International was ranked top on Holiday Asia's website www.holiday-asia.com Favorite Airline poll. At the First Anniversary celebration of the website www.holiday-asia.com in October 2001, Thai Airways International was the winner of its Favorite Airline poll, tallying a 42 per cent vote from visitors to the site, followed by Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Thailand has also made a clean sweep with top ranks for Bangkok as the city for business and Thailand as a favorite in the holiday destination and resorts category. The website www.holiday-asia.com draws over 150,000 hits per month. The bulk of these are from Asia, but a significant portion also comes from Europe and USA. The printed magazine, Holiday Asia Magazine was launched in October 1997 and has currently draws some 100,000 readers in key Asian cities. The readers take approximately 16 trips per year (half of which are business) and 40 per cent of the readers plan to visit Thailand at least once a year. |
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THAI Voted
Among Best Asia-Pacific Airlines by Business Traveller
Magazine
Thai Airways International was voted among the top three Best Asia-Pacific airlines and Best Economy Class, according to the Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Readers' Poll survey published in the October 2001 issue. THAI was also ranked among the top five for overall Best Airline, Best Business Class and Best Frequent Flyer Program. In addition, Bangkok was voted among the top five Best Business City in the World, while the Banyan Tree Phuket (Thailand) achieved second place in the Best Resort Hotel in Asia-Pacific category. The Business Traveller Asia-Pacific magazine has conducted this independently-planned survey which ended in July 2001 by distributing a total of 10,830 questionnaires to single subscribers only with copies of Business Traveller Asia-Pacific. The valid returned questionnaires represented 13 per cent of the response. According to the Business Traveller Magazine, 75 per cent of respondents to the poll took more than 10 flights over a 12-month period and almost 25 per cent notched up more than 40 flights. |
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THAI Introduces Package Tours to Attract Tourists Thai Airways International Public Company Limited is introducing Discover Thailand Fares 2002 and Eurng Luang Travel Across Thailand Package Tour in order to attract additional tourists and encourage them to spend more time in Thailand. This package tour includes visits to many tourist attractions in Thailand at special rates. Mr. Tasnai Sudasna na Ayudhaya, THAI's Executive Vice President, Commercial stated that tourism into Thailand has declined as a result of the crises in the United States. In order to encourage more tourists to visit Thailand, THAI will introduce tour packages to attract both Thai and foreign tourists. Discover Thailand Fares 2002 aims to attract foreign tourists by enabling them to purchase air tickets at special prices to at least three travel destinations. For example, travelling Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Phuket will only cost US$149, the ticket being valid from November 1, 2001 to December 31, 2002. More information on the programme may be obtained from THAI’s Sales Offices worldwide. Eurng Luang Travel Across Thailand Package Tour aims to introduce and familiarize Thais with various tourist sights in. This package tour allows passengers to choose at least two flight destinations for special prices. The package includes air tickets and various choices of land arrangements. Eurng Luang Travel Across Thailand Package Tour may be purchased from November 1, 2001 until March 31, 2002. More information on the programme may be obtained from THAI’s Sales Office throughout Thailand. It is anticipated that Discover Thailand Fares 2002 and Eurng Luang Travel Across Thailand Package Tour will aid in boosting tourism to Thailand by approximately 10 per cent attracting tourists from Europe, Australia and China. These two programmes will also encourage tourists to extend the length of their stay in Thailand, consequently increasing Thailand's income and restoring economic stability. |
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THAI
Announces Winter Program 2001/02 Thai Airways International Public Company Limited announced a new winter flight program, which will take effect from 28 October 2001 to 31 March 2002. Chengdu and Mumbai are the two new destinations added in this winter program. The adjustment of flight frequencies is as follows: INTERNATIONAL SERVICES EUROPE 2. Bangkok-Rome v.v. will be increased from six weekly flights to daily services. 3. Bangkok-Zurich v.v. will be increased from six flights weekly to daily flights. 4. Bangkok-Munich v.v. will be increased from three to four weekly flights. All flights will be daylight flights. 5. Bangkok-Copenhagen v.v. will be increased from five to six weekly flights (only during the period from 28 October-31 December 2001) AUTRALASIA 2. THAI will utilize Boeing 747-400 aircraft on the route Bangkok-Sydney-Auckland, replacing the Boeing 777-300 aircraft 3. THAI will increase flight frequency between Bangkok and Perth from five to six weekly flights. ASIA 2. On 30 October 2001, THAI will launch its three weekly flights on the route Bangkok-Mumbai (India) v.v. every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. 3. THAI will increase flight frequency on the route Bangkok-Osaka v.v. (afternoon flights) from four weekly flights to daily services 4. THAI will increase flight frequency on the route Bangkok-Guangzhou v.v. from four flights weekly to daily services. 5. THAI will increase flight frequency on the route Bangkok-Jakarta v.v. from three to five weekly flights 6. THAI will increase flight frequency on the route Bangkok-Hanoi v.v. from four weekly flights to daily services. DOMESTIC SERVICES 2. Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani v.v. will be increased from 14 to 21 weekly flights. 3. Bangkok-Khon Kaen v.v. will be increased from 21 to 28 weekly flights. 4. Bangkok-Krabi v.v. will be increased from 10 to 14 weekly flights. Other services remain unchanged. For reservation and flight information, please call THAI's office at Tel: 02-6282000, 24 hours a day |
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THAI Announces
Results of Board Meeting
Bangkok, 9 October 2001 -- Thai Airways International Public Company today held a Board of Directors’ Meeting, chaired by Mr. Virabongsa Ramangkura, THAI’s Chairman of Board of Directors, with the following results: 1. Appointment of Acting President As Mr. Somchainuk Engtrakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Acting President of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has resigned from his position as the airline’s Acting President, THAI’s Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Mr. Virabongsa Ramangkura, THAI’s Chairman, to the post of Acting President, effective as of 9 October 2001. The selection process for the appointment of a new President will proceed accordingly. 2. Appointment of THAI’s Long Term Plan Committee THAI’s Board of Directors has approved appointment of the airline’s Long Term Plan Committee, to be chaired by Mr. Thanong Bidaya, THAI’s Board Member, in order to proceed with the airline’s long term planning. 3. Appointment of Special Committee to Establish Business Units THAI’s Board of Directors has approved plans to set up a special committee to establish business units, in accordance with the action plan, the committee to be chaired by Mr. Srisook Chantrangsu, THAI’s 1st Vice Chairman. 4. Appointment of the Audit Committee Following THAI’s Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting 3/2001 on 5 October 2001, it was concluded that a new Audit Committee should be appointed. THAI’s Board of Directors has approved the appointment of the Audit Committee for the year 2001 as follows: 1. Mr. Olarn
Chaipravat , Committee Member 5. Appointment of Chairman of Employee Relations Committee THAI’s Board of Directors appointed Mr. Somchainuk Engtrakul as Chairman of THAI’s Employee Relations Committee and appointed M.R. Supadis Diskul, THAI’s Vice President for Special Projects and Acting Executive Vice President for Human Resources and General Administration, as a Management representative on the Employee Relations Committee, replacing Mr. Prajak Jamrusmechoti, THAI’s Executive Vice President for Special Projects. 6. Management Appointments The Board of Directors has approved the appointment of THAI’s Management, as follows: 1. Mr. Kobchai Srivilas,
THAI’s Vice President for Line and Light Maintenance and Acting
Executive Vice President for Technical, to the position of
Executive Vice President for Technical and Acting Vice President
for Line and Light Maintenance. Appointments will be effective as of 9 October 2001 onwards. 7. Progress on Mutual Separation Program THAI’s Board of Directors has approved to proceed with implementation of a mutual separation program, with immediate effect, in order to cushion the results of the terrorist attack on America that have affected the financial situation throughout the world as well as the tourism and airline industry. With the Board’s approval of the establishment of a mutual separation program, the processes and procedures necessary in order for implementation will be drawn up, in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Finance, conducted in the airline’s best interest. 8. Opening of THAI’s Town Office in Mumbai, India THAI’s Board of Directors has approved the opening of THAI’s town office in Mumbai, India, with the inaugural flight to Mumbai to take place on 30 October 2001, on the route Bangkok-Mumbai-Bangkok, operating 3 flights per week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, utilizing Airbus A330-300 aircraft. |
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THAI Suspends
Flights to Pakistan Bangkok, 8 October 2001 --- Following the air strikes in Afghanistan on 7 October, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has today announced suspension of THAI flights to Pakistan. Mr. Somchainuk Engtrakul, THAI's Acting President, said 8 October that THAI had called a top Management meeting to establish measures following the attacks. The results are as follows: 1. THAI temporarily suspended flights between Bangkok-Lahore from 8 October onwards. The 196 passengers who are scheduled to fly from Bangkok to Lahore and 120 from Lahore to Bangkok on THAI flights will be transferred to Pakistan Airlines. 2. THAI will suspend flights operated on the route Bangkok-Karachi operating its last flight to Karachi on 9 October on the route Bangkok-Karachi-Bangkok in order to transport passengers and assist in evacuation of Thai people from Pakistan. In addition, THAI has adjusted its flights to Muscat, from operations on the route Bangkok-Karachi-Muscat to fly Bangkok-Muscat-Bangkok instead, in order to transport remaining passengers on 9 and 11 October 2001. After these dates, THAI will temporarily suspend flights on these routes. 3. THAI has already re-routed its
flight operations to mid and northern Europe, avoiding
Afghanistan's air space by flying over China-Kazakhstan-Russia.
This will increase flight time between 50-60 minutes. THAI
also flies over India-Saudi Arabia to destinations in southern
Europe adding another 30 minutes to the flight time. |
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THAI Holds
Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting to Appoint New Board
Bangkok, 5 October 2001 --- Thai
Airways International Public Company Limited today held the 3rd
2001 Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting, chaired by Prof. Dr.
Chai-anan Samudavanija, THAI’s Acting Chairman and Mr.
Somchainuk Engtrakul, THAI’s Acting Vice Chairman and The shareholders approved the appointment of the following: 1. Dr. Virabongsa Ramangkura,
Chairman The appointment of THAI’s new Board of Directors is effective as of today onwards. Attending THAI’s 3rd 2001 Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting were a total of 342 shareholders, representing a total of 1,306,725,836 million shares. |
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THAI
Announces Stringent Safety Measures for Passenger and Baggage
Inspection
Bangkok, 4 October 2001 --- Thai Airways International Public Company Limited today announced more stringent measures for passenger, baggage and carry-on baggage inspection on THAI international flights prior to boarding flights bound for Los Angeles, London, Lahore, Karachi, Muscat and Colombo and are effective from 4 October onwards. Mr. Suthep Suebsantiwongse, THAI's Executive Vice President, Customer Services, said that the measures have been implemented to ensure maximum safety of all passengers traveling with THAI. All passenger checked baggage and carry-on baggage en route to Los Angeles, London, Lahore, Karachi, Muscat and Colombo will be inspected prior to check in at row number 4, Bangkok International Airport and again at the boarding gate before boarding. The additional inspection is applicable to passengers traveling on the following flights:
THAI would like to apologize for
any inconvenience that may be experienced by passengers and
request passengers' cooperation in arriving at the airport three
hours prior to flight departure. For reservations and information,
please contact Tel: 02-628-2000, 24 |
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THAI Changes Flight Routes to Europe Bangkok, 3 October 2001 --- Thai Airways International Public Company Limited announced that the airline has re-routed its flight path to Europe to avoid flying over Afganistan. THAI has also arranged alternative routes in case of war in the Middle East to ensure maximum safety of all passengers. Mr. Tasnai Sudasna na Ayudhaya, THAI’s Executive Vice President, Commercial, said that from 26th September THAI has re-routed flight operations into Europe as follows:
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THAI Announces
Measures and Commercial Strategy to Combat Effects on
Aviation Industry
Bangkok, 3 October 2001 --- Mr. Somchainuk Engtrakul, Acting President, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, today held a press conference to announce measures in response to the effects on aviation industry worldwide following the terrorist attacks in the U.S. Mr. Tasnai Sudasna na Ayudhaya, THAI's Executive Vice President, Commercial, together with Mr. Vasing Kittikul, THAI's Vice President, Sales and Distribution, also conducted a briefing on THAI's commercial strategies and operations. Mr. Somchainuk Engtrakul said that following the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on 11th September, THAI's Management met to discuss possible actions, which may be taken in response to the effects, with the following results: 1. Effects between 11-30 September THAI cancelled three of its flights to Los Angeles. As a result, THAI experienced a reduction of 218 million Baht in total revenue from transportation in September 2001. 2. Effects on the operations during the first six months (October 2001-March 2002) of the new fiscal year 2001/02 Reduction in passengers traffic on the following routes: European route - 3 per cent 3. Re-routing of flights The re-routing of THAI flights to European destinations to avoid flying over Afganistan has resulted in an overall annual increase in fuel expenses, aircraft maintenance and navigation services. In addition, there is also an increase in the annual aircraft insurance, resulting in an increase of 1.2 per cent overall annual expenditure. THAI now operates into middle and northern Europe using the route Bangkok-China-Kazakhstan-Russia. The measures established by THAI in response to the effects are as follows: 1. Special Security Arrangement
2. Economic measures
3. Re-routing of flights
Mr. Tasnai Sudasna na Ayudhaya, THAI's Executive Vice President, and Mr. Vasing Kittikul, THAI's Vice President, Sales and Distribution, have announced commercial strategies during the next six months as follows: 1. Cost cutting programs
2. Incentive travel programs
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