THAI Announces Results of Board Meeting 28 February 2002, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited held a Board of Directors’ meeting, which was chaired by Mr. Virabongsa Ramangkura, THAI’s Chairman, with the following results: 1. Selection of THAI’s President The Board of Directors passed a resolution to select Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, President, Small Industry Finance Corporation, to the position of THAI’s President. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee was one of the three qualified applicants whose names were submitted to the Board of Directors by the Selection Committee, chaired by Mr. Srisook Chandrangsu, Transport and Communications Permanent Secretary. The selection process was conducted in accordance with the Standard Quality of Directors and State Enterprise Employees Act 2000 (Issue No. 4), Clause 8. During 24 January to 8 February 2002, THAI’s Selection Committee, announced recruitment of THAI’s President. Seven applicants were qualified for the position and were called for an interview on 14 February 2002. The Selection Committee concluded the selection process and submitted the results to the board for decision and approval. 2. The Management Code of Conduct The Board of Directors has appointed a working group to establish the company’s Code of Conduct for management, staff and shareholders. The Code of Conduct will act as a standard guideline for business performance to ensure growth and credibility of the company. 3. Management Power and Benefits for Managing Director Following the organizational restructuring of THAI, spinning off supporting business units from core airline business, each of the business units is required to report directly to their respective Managing Director. The Board of Directors has approved the following:      3.1 The status of Managing Directors of the supporting business units namely Cargo & Mail, Catering, Technical Services, Customer Services, and Ground Support Equipment Services is equivalent to that of a Vice President and is entitled to similar benefits from the company. The Managing Director of Technical Services who also holds the position of Executive Vice President is entitled to similar benefits from the company at the level of Executive Vice President. This takes effect from 1 December 2001.      3.2 The Business Units Executive Board (BEM) has the power to consider and approve any activities of the five business units similar to that exercised by the Executive Management Meeting (EMM) of the core business, effective as of 28 February 2002. 4. Contract with Kinnaree Magazine The Board of Directors acknowledged the proposed conditions to extend the contract and benefits submitted to THAI from Kinnaree Magazine and Magic Production Company as follows:      4.1 A three-year contract during the period 1 March 2002 to 28 February 2005. The March issue of Kinnaree magazine will be delivered to THAI on 15 March 2002      4.2 THAI holds full rights to off load the magazine in any month if THAI finds the articles inappropriate and not in accordance with the airline’s policy.      4.3 A six-month notice is required if either of the two parties decide to terminate the contract.      4.4 The Magic Production Company has agreed to offer THAI seven per cent of its monthly advertising charges or 100,000 Baht each month, whichever in greater. 5. Mutual Separation Program The Board of Directors has approved 430 employees who applied for the mutual separation program that has been introduced to regulate the size of the organization in order to boost company’s competitiveness. THAI has allocated a budget of approximately 800 million Baht for this program. 6. Amadeus Partner Agreement The Board of Directors has agreed to extend an Amadeus Partner Agreement between Thai Airways International and Amadeus Global Travel Distribution S.A. which is scheduled to expire on 1 March 2002, following the proposal made by the Working Group to Oversee the Contract-Signing Process with Amadeus, chaired by Mr. Wichit Suraphongchai. Thai Airways International has adopted the Amadeus system since 1992. Amadeus is a comprehensive CRS/GDS Computer Reservations Systems or Global Distribution System, supporting the airline’s operations, which covers major markets around the world and provides for the best interest for the company. Since its establishment, Amadeus has continued to develop and improve to accommodate the rapid growth of technology in today’s world. Airlines around the world have also adopted the system into their operations with the latest being British Airways and Qantas. The Amadeus system places special emphasis on customers, which serves airline strategies and is in the best interest of the company. Back to index...

More Special Fares from THAI Between 15 February to 31 December 2002, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited offers added benefits for Thai passengers with cheaper airfares in response to the government’s policy to promote the Thailand travel industry, said Vasing Kittikul, THAI’s Vice President Sales. THAI economy class tickets are available for Thai nationals at special prices (excluding airport tax and insurance surcharge). This promotion is applicable to tickets bought between this period only with the following details: 1. THAI Special Group Fares are available at a 10 per cent discount during peak season (1 October 2002-14 May 2003) and a 15 per cent discount for low season travel (15 May-30 September 2002). THAI Special Group Fares are available only for Thai nationals, traveling together in a group of between 10-15 passengers. A group of 15 travelers is also entitled to one free economy-class ticket with seven-day validity. 2. THAI Special Domestic Family Fare 2002 is available at a 10 per cent discount from the normal fares for family travel of up to three members with the same surname on THAI’s economy class. The tickets are valid for three months. For instance, this special program offers a return THAI ticket on the route Bangkok-Chiang Mai at 3,910 Baht per person compared to the normal fare of 4,340 Baht. THAI Special Group Fare and THAI Special Domestic Family Fare 2002 programs offer a 50 per cent discount from the discounted adult fare for children age between 2-11 years. Tickets for an infant of less than two years old (not requiring a seat on board) will cost 10 per cent of discounted adult fare. 3. THAI Special Domestic Senior Citizen Fare 2002 offers up to 15 per cent discount to Thai citizens aged 60 or over with a three-month validity. For instance, the return ticket between Bangkok and Chiang Mai will cost only 3,690 Baht compared to the normal price of 4,340 Baht. 4. Special Domestic Thai Youth Midweek Fare 2002 offers up to 25 per cent discount for youths age between 12-24 years traveling on THAI’s economy class on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday only with a three-month validity. For instance, the return ticket between Bangkok and Chiang Mai will cost only 3,260 Baht compared to the normal price of 4,340 Baht. Recently, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has introduced special airfares for Thai nationals as well as residents of Thailand to boost extensive travel within Thailand until 31 December 2002. Details of the promotional programs are as follows: 1. THAI Special Domestic Around Thailand Fares 2002 for those who wish to purchase economy-class air ticket from now until 31 December 2002. (These fares are not applicable to tickets already purchased.) The ticket must include confirmed travel of between four to six destinations. The fares are calculated in relation to the distance traveled. These prices represent approximately 15 per cent discount* from the normal fare. 2. THAI Special Domestic Cross Country Fares 2002 offers up to 20 per cent discount on THAI’s economy class for those who wish to travel cross country to the North, South, and Northeast. This promotion is valid for a complete same-day journey from origin to final destination. 3. THAI Special Domestic Mid-Week Fares 2002 offers up to 10 per cent discount on THAI’s economy class for those who wish to travel to any domestic destinations on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays only. 4. THAI Special Domestic Night Fares 2002 offers up to 15 per cent discount on economy class for those traveling on THAI flights, TG124, TG127, TG144, TG145, TG225, TG216, and TG246. Other promotional airfare programs to boost tourism in Thailand have also been introduced by THAI including Discover Thailand Fares 2002 and Eurng Luang Travel Across Thailand Package Tour. The Discover Thailand Fares 2002 aims to serve all passengers who wish to travel to Thailand. Applicable between 1 November 2001 to 31 December 2002. This program enables passengers to purchase air tickets at a special price of USD149 to travel to any three domestic destinations to which THAI operates under a three-month validity. They may also continue the journey up to eight sectors at a price of USD49 per sector. The Eurng Luang Travel Across Thailand Package Tour offers special price and program to Thai travelers. The Royal Orchid Holidays Package allows foreign visitors to enjoy attractive ROH programs by selecting any two destinations to which THAI operates at a special price. Available until 31 March 2002, the program includes air ticket, tour programs, food and accommodation More information on the programme may be obtained from THAI’s Sales Offices worldwide. Back to index...

THAI Announces Summer Schedule 2002 Thai Airways International Public Limited Company announces its Summer Schedule for 2002 starting March 31, 2002 including the launch of two new flight destinations to Pusan, the Republic of Korea and Kuwait in order to support the continuing growth of the airline industry in Asia and the Middle East. Mr. Tasnai Sudasna, THAI’s Executive Vice President, Commercial, stated that following the commercial conference in December 2001, the company plans to increase its income by turning crisis into opportunity. As a result, expansion plans have been made to increase THAI’s flight operations to support the recovery of the airline industry in Asia by encouraging overseas visitors to visit Thailand this Summer. This plan also supports the Thai government’s policy for THAI to help boost tourism for the country. The Summer Schedule 2002, starting March 31, 2002 is as follows: New Routes Bangkok – Pusan v.v.               2 flights per week Bangkok – Dubai – Kuwait v.v 3 flights per week with 7 flights per week to Dubai Bangkok – Brisbane – Auckland v.v. 3 flights per week starting June 1, 2002 in addition to the 7 flights per week to Auckland via Sydney   Additional International Routes Flights to Los Angeles: Increased to 7 flights per week from the reduction to  3 flights due to the increased demand of passengers traveling to the United States following the September 11 events. In addition to the recovery of the Japanese market and the World Cup Football to be held in Japan between May – June 2002, with the following details: Bangkok – Narita – Los Angeles v.v.  4 flights per week Bangkok – Osaka – Los Angeles v.v.  3 flights per week Australasia - Flights to Perth Increased to 5 flights per week from 4 flights, with the following details: Bangkok – Perth v.v.  2 flights per week Bangkok – Phuket – Perth v.v.  3 flights per week - Flights to Melbourne All flights to be direct Bangkok Melbourne return flights, 4 flights per week starting June 1 – October 26, 2002. Asia Bangkok – Narita – Phuket – Bangkok      6 flights per week from 3 flights starting April 18, 2002 Bangkok – Nagoya v.v.                              4 flights per week from 3 flights Bangkok – Shanghai v.v.                          14 flights per week from 10 flights Bangkok – Jakarta v.v.                              5 flights per week from 3 flights Bangkok – Denpasar v.v.                          12 flights per week from 7 flights (Between July 1 – September 30, 2002) Bangkok – Colombo v.v.                         3 flights per week from 2 flights Bangkok – Karachi v.v.                           4 flights per week from 3 flights Flights to other destinations remain unchanged. For more information, please contact the 24 hour reservation service tel. 0-2628-2000. Back to index...

AIR CANADA AND THAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL EXTEND NETWORK BETWEEN THAILAND AND CANADA February 13, 2002 – Air Canada and Thai Airways International (THAI) today announced an expansion of their networks between Thailand and Canada.  Effective for travel beginning March 1, 2002, the two Star Alliance partners are expanding services on a codeshare basis between Bangkok, Montr?al and Toronto – Air Canada’s main hub.  The routings via London Heathrow represent among the fastest travel times between Bangkok and eastern Canada. “The introduction of codeshare services offered jointly by THAI and Air Canada will serve to boost the Thailand-Canada travel market. Moreover, customers will benefit from direct access to both carriers’ extensive networks and convenient connecting flights – whether at Air Canada’s main hub in Toronto serving all of North America, or THAI’s main hub in Bangkok serving all of Southeast Asia,” said Mary Jordan, Air Canada’s Senior Vice President, International & British Columbia. “Together with our Star Alliance partner, we offer customers the convenience of through check-in, and reciprocal Royal Orchid Plus and Aeroplan benefits, including lounge access and mileage accumulation that qualifies toward top tier status,” said Tasnai Sudasna, THAI’s Executive Vice President, Commercial,  “We look forward to pursuing further opportunities to expand services, including those over the Pacific, with Air Canada in the future.” Montr?al-based Air Canada provides scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo to more than 150 destinations on five continents.  Canada's flag carrier is the 10th largest commercial airline in the world and serves more than 30 million customers annually with a fleet consisting of more than 300 aircraft.  Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance providing the world's most comprehensive air transportation network. Thai Airways International is one of Asia’s leading airlines, operating out of Bangkok, the aviation hub of Southeast Asia, to 78 key destinations in 35 countries around the world with the young and modern fleet of 81 aircraft.  As a founding member of Star Alliance, THAI is able to fly passengers to over 800 destinations around the world.   Bangkok-London      London-Toronto      Toronto-London       London-Bangkok AC9551/TG910    AC869/TG5800 (*)   AC3862/TG5801         AC9552/TG911 Dep0030 Arr0620   Dep0900 Arr1215 Dep2140 Arr0950 (+) Dep1150 Arr0625 (+) Bangkok-London   London-Montreal  Montreal-London  London-Bangkok AC9551/TG910 AC865/TG5802  AC864/TG5803 AC9552/TG911 Dep0030 Arr0620  Dep1320 Arr1550    Dep1940 Arr0705 (+) Dep1150 Arr0625 (+) (+) = next day (*) Daily except Mondays and Wednesdays when TG916 BGK-LHR connects to AC859/TG5800 that departs LHR at 2100 and arrives in Toronto at 2359.   THAI contacts:…        Vantanee Sundarasingha,  Manager in charge, International Public Relations Division (66-2545-2662) ,public.relations@thaiairways.co.th Air Canada Contacts: John Reber, Corporate Communications (1-514) 422-5676  John.Reber@aircanada.ca Mario Rosario, Air Canada Singapore (665) 256-7364 Mario.Rosario@aircanada.ca  Chatri Na Patalung, Airlines Agency Ltd. (66) 2 253 0263   Internet: www.aircanada.ca Back to index...

THAI Announces 1st Quarter Results for Fiscal Year 2001/2002 Thai Airways International Public Company Limited reported its operating results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2001/2002 (October – December 2001).  THAI achieved a net profit from operations of 1,050 million baht. According to Mr. Kaweepan Ruangpaka, THAI’s Executive Vice President, Finance and Accounting Department, THAI achieved an operating revenue of 30,245 million baht.  The operating profit was reported at 906 million baht, a decrease of 889 million baht or equivalent to 49.52 percent compared to the same period last year. THAI’s net profit was reported at 1,050 million baht, an increase of 2,775 million baht or 160.85 percent compared to the same period last year.  The earnings per share was 0.75 baht, compared to a net loss per share of 1.23 baht in the same period last year. During the first quarter, Thai baht currency became stronger coupled with a reduction in the world’s oil price, there was a reduction in the airline’s oil and fuel expenses. The impact of the 11th September attacks on the USA caused a reduction of 2,084 million baht in operating revenue.

THAI Announces Short List of Candidates for Position of President Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has announced a short list of candidates who have applied for the position of President. THAI’s Selection Committee recently announced the names of those individuals who have passed the initial selection process as qualified applicants, those being as follows: 1. Flg. Off. Chinawut Naressaenee 2. Sqn. Ldr. Udomchai Nandamanop 3. Mr. Sopon Watcharasint 4. Mr. Nopadol Suanprasert 5. Mr. Suthep Suebsantiwongse 6. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee 7. Prof. Dr. Thamnoon Soparatana Interviews with these qualified applicants will be conducted as of 14 February 2002 onwards. Back to index...

THAI Introduces Self-Service Kiosks at Major Airports In Thailand Starting from February 2002, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited will be installing automated self-service kiosks at domestic airports throughout Thailand namely Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, and Phitsanulok.  This automated service or Royal e-Service has been introduced as part of THAI's marketing tools being introduced to allow greater air-travel flexibility and speedy check-in procedures for passengers flying with THAI. THAI Royal e-Service provides passenger with two main functions - buying tickets and self check-in at one time or self check-in only. The instructions are easily followed and available in both Thai and English languages. This automated kiosk offers a speedy service of buying tickets as well as check in for passenger who does not have a ticket and wish to travel within 5 hours.  They can simply swipe their credit cards to select available destinations, flights, seats and price. At the end of the process, passengers are required to reconfirm their reservation and ticket purchase. The data will be processed and forwarded for bank approval prior to check in.  When the transaction is approved, a receipt and boarding pass will be issued. In case of incomplete data input, the kiosk will automatically cancel the transaction and notify passengers to contact staff at the check-in counter. Passengers who already made reservations and bought the tickets can perform the self check-in at kiosk. To make self-identification, the passenger has to swipe credit card or THAI's Royal Orchid Plus frequent flyer program card. The correspondent check-in will be displayed on screen for the passenger to confirm the recorded details. Then a seat selection can be done and the passenger will receive the boarding pass when all data are confirmed. For the first time, the Self Service System enables THAI to offer its passengers a 'One Stop Service' for flight reservation, ticket purchase and check-in. Royal e-Service further promotes THAI service standards at an international level to ensure a smooth journey for all our passengers, including members of Star Alliance and partner frequent flyer programs. Back to index...

THAI Clarifies the Extension of Debt Repayment to Finance Ministry 7 February 2002, the Public Relations Office of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited clarified recent news reports alleging that the airline’s lack of liquidity resulted in the extension of debt repayment period to the Ministry of Finance. In year 2000, Thai Airways International took the delivery of two Boeing 747-400 aircraft, number 15 and 16, which joined the fleet in May and June of that year. The deliveries were in accordance with the company’s long-term plan 2000/01-2004/05 wherein the Ministry of Finance would consider the long-term financing for the purchasing of these aircraft. On 4 April 2000, in a letter to THAI, the Ministry of Finance recommended the airline to make payment for these aircraft through lease financing with the US Eximbank as the guarantor. The approval of such long-term lease financing required a considerable amount of time, and therefore the financing arrangements were not complete in time for delivery of these aircraft. The Ministry of Finance has therefore made a temporary short-term loan in the form of Euro Commercial Paper or ECP of USD 300 million for THAI to pay for these aircraft. THAI is to seek a long-term financing to repay the ministry within the initial period of three months with the option to renew up to one year. In a normal circumstance, US Eximbank will allow approximately six months to approve a long-term loan. However, the September 11th attacks on the US have had a direct affect on the operations of US Eximbank as well as the whole commercial aviation sector, resulting in delay of the approval. Thai Airways International expected to complete a long term financing in November 2002. In these circumstances, Thai Airways International will not be able to acquire the long-term financing for the two Boeings in time to repay the ECP loans to the Ministry of Finance, and therefore it is necessary for THAI to rollover the repayment of ECP until the long-term financing is in place. Back to index...

THAI Increases Flights for Chinese New Year Thai Airways International Public Company Limited will increase its flight operations on special international routes such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. The extra flights are added to meet the increase in demand from air travelers who wish to visit Thailand during the Chinese New Year Festival, and help increase the country's income. Mr. Tasnai Sudasna, THAI's Executive Vice President, Commercial said that THAI will increase its international flights on some routes in order to satisfy the high number of passengers travelling to and from Thailand during the Chinese New Year Festival. THAI will increase flights on the following routes: 1. Bangkok - Kuala Lumpur, return: additional 2 flights on February 14 and 18, 2002. 2. Bangkok - Singapore, return: additional 2 flights on February 11 and 14, 2002. 3. Bangkok - Shanghai, return: additional 6 flights on February 9, 10, 12, 16, 17 and 18, 2002. 4. Bangkok - Beijing, return: additional 6 flights on February 11, 12, 13, 17, 18 and 19, 2002. 5. Bangkok - Hong Kong, return: additional 2 flights on February 13 and 17, 2002. There are large numbers of travelers who wish to visit Thailand during the Chinese New Year Festival. THAI has increased its flight operations on some routes in order to satisfy the increase in demand of air-travelers during this time of the year. These additional operations will add to the company's income as well as boost Thailand's overall economic stability. For further information on additional flights, please contact tel. 66-2-628-2000. Back to index...

THAI Reschedules Domestic Flights in Line with Open Sky Policy Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has announced a rescheduling of its domestic flight operations in support of Air Andaman’s operations on domestic feeder routes, according to the government’s Open Sky policy. Starting from 4 February 2002, THAI will reschedule its domestic flight timetable and frequency to and from six domestic destinations, also being operated by Air Andaman, namely Narathiwat, Buriram, Nakhon Ratchasrima, Mae Hong Son, Phrae and Nan, said Mr. Tasnai Sudasna, THAI’s Executive Vice President, Commercial. The adjustments are tabulated as follows: Narathiwat Commencing on 4 February 2002 Route Airline Previous weekly flight operations Adjustment (weekly operations) Bangkok-Phuket-Narathiwat v.v. Thai Airways International 7 2 Bangkok-Narathiwat v.v. Air Andaman - 7 Buriram Commencing on 4 February 2002 Route Airline Previous weekly flight operations Adjustment (weekly operations) Bangkok-Buriram v.v. Thai Airways International 7 1 Bangkok-Buriram v.v. Air Andaman - 7 Nakhon Ratchasrima Commencing on 7 February 2002 Route Airline Previous weekly flight operations Adjustment (weekly operations) Bangkok- Nakhon Ratchasrima v.v. Thai Airways International 14 2 Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasrima v.v. Air Andaman - 14 Mae Hong Son Commencing on 7 February 2002 Route Airline Previous weekly flight operations Adjustment (weekly operations) Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son v.v Thai Airways International 21 21 Bangkok-Mae Hong Son v.v. Air Andaman - 7 Phrae and Nan Commencing on 7 February 2002 Route Airline Previous weekly flight operations Adjustment (weekly operations) Bangkok-Phrae-Nan v.v. Thai Airways International 3 1 Chiang Mai-Nan-Phrae-Phitsanulok v.v. Thai Airways International 4 Cancelled Chiang Mai-Nan-Phitsanulok v.v. Thai Airways International - 2 Chiang Mai-Phitsanulok v.v. Thai Airways International - 2 Bangkok-Phrae-Nan-Bangkok Air Andaman - 7 The rescheduling of flight operations will benefit passengers in areas of faster and more convenient travel arrangements. With cooperation of both airlines, there are more flights available for passengers to accommodate a larger number of passengers. Passengers may make reservations for both THAI and Air Andaman flights at Tel: 0-2628-2000 or 0-2280-0060, 24 hours a day. Earlier, similar cooperation has been established between THAI and PB Air in adjusting flight operations, timetable and frequency in accordance with passengers’ demand and to achieve the highest overall benefit for the country. Back to index...