THAI Celebrates 43rd Anniversary 30 April 2003, Mr. Kanok  Abhiradee, President of Thai Airways International, presided over a ceremony marking THAI’s 43rd Anniversary and presented certificates to newly appointed captains and commemorative souvenirs to THAI employees for 25 years of dedicated service, at THAI’s Head Office.   Certificates were presented to 23 new captains and commemorative souvenirs were presented to 290 THAI staff who have been with the company for 25 years.  THAI’s anniversary ceremony is held annually in recognition of employee efforts and dedication. Thai Airways International was established on 1 May 1960, and this year Mr. Thanong Bidaya, THAI’s Chairman, will preside over the religious ceremony on the occasion of the airline’s 43rd anniversary at THAI’s Head Office.  In addition, THAI’s representatives will also offer alms to monks at the Buddhist Monks’ Hospital in Bangkok. THAI has achieved 38 consecutive years of profitability and has a total of 81 aircraft in its fleet.  In 2002, THAI inaugurated flight operations to five new destinations, namely Xiamen (People’s Republic of China), Geneva (Switzerland), Chittagong (Bangladesh),  Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates).  THAI also implemented  Royal e-Service systems to increase efficiency of its products and services.  THAI introduced Royal e-Ticketing services and automatic kiosks for added passenger convenience in ticketing and reservations, offering passengers more options and flexibility in making travel arrangements. THAI will operate six main activities at Suvarnabhumi Airport namely Customer Service, Ground Support Equipment Service, Catering, Technical Service, Cargo and Mail Commercial and Operations Center, for a period  of 30 years starting from year 2005 when Suvarnabhumi Airport is officially operational.  THAI is expected to invest some Bt 13,000 million in these activities Mr. Thanong Bidaya, THAI's Chairman, will preside over the religious ceremony on the occasion of the airline's 43rd anniversary at THAI's Head Office and THAI's representatives will also offer alms to monks at the Buddhist Monks' Hospital in Bangkok. THAI has achieved 38 consecutive years of profitability and operates a fleet of 81 of most advanced aircraft, serving 72 destinations in 34 countries across four continents. In 2002, THAI launched services to five exciting new destinations include Xiamen (People's Republic of China), Geneva (Switzerland), Chittagong (Bangladesh), Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). THAI also expanded the scope of its Royal e-Service facilities to increase efficiency of its products and services. THAI introduced Royal e-Ticketing services and automatic kiosks for added passenger convenience in ticketing and reservations, offering passengers more options and flexibility in making travel arrangements. THAI will operate six main activities at Suvarnabhumi Airport namely Customer Service, Ground Support Equipment Service, Catering, Technical Service, Cargo and Mail Commercial and Operations Center, for a period of 30 years starting from year 2005 when Suvarnabhumi Airport is officially operational. THAI is budgeting a total of 13.7 billion baht for the investment. Back to index...

THAI Supports Bangkok-Held ASEAN Summit on SARS with Healthy Thai Foods Thai Airways International Public Company Limited joined in welcoming ASEAN leaders attending the ASEAN Summit on SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), held in Bangkok.  THAI has prepared healthy Thai foods to be served at the reception for summit participants on 29 April 2003, in order to promote and introduce Thai cuisine made with Thai herbs to become better known worldwide. As Thailand is hosting the ASEAN Summit on SARS, Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President, said that with concern for the well being and health of ASEAN leaders, THAI has prepared healthy Thai foods made with Thai herbs that are good for health.  These Thai foods will be served at a reception for those attending the ASEAN Summit on SARS, on 29 April 2003, at the Vites Samosorn, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at 19.30 hours.  The menu prepared by THAI consists of Peanut Bar with Black Sesame, Plaa Kung, and Larb Pla, made with the following Thai herbs that are beneficial to health:  lemongrass, kaffir lime, shallot, lime, mint, and chili. In addition, THAI will prepare Thai herbal drinks that are considered healthy beverages made from natural Thai herbs, those being:  Mixed Herbal Drink, Pandanus Leaves Juice, Lemongrass Juice, Roselle Juice, and Bael Juice. The Thai foods and Thai herbal drinks were prepared for those attending the ASEAN Summit on SARS, in order to introduce Thai cuisine to summit participants and to support the Thai Government’s policy to promote Thai foods, especially those made with Thai herbs, to become more widely known to an international audience. Back to index...

THAI Offers “Unseen Thailand with THAI” Package Tours and 25% Discount on Domestic Air Fare at the Consumer & Youth Fair Thai Airways International Public Company Limited will offer “Unseen Thailand with THAI” package tours and special rate domestic air fare tickets at the Consumer & Youth Fair, scheduled to take place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center during 1-4 May 2003 between 10.00-20.00 hours. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President, said that during 1-4 May 2003 THAI will participate in the Consumer & Youth Fair, organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center to promote domestic Thai tourism. THAI will set up a THAI Booth at the Consumer & Youth Fair, where the airline will introduce two special offers to the traveling public:  a 25 percent discount on domestic air fare and promotion of “Unseen Thailand with THAI” – THAI’s Royal Orchid Holiday package that aim to boost tourism in 15 domestic destinations, namely Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Surat Thani, Trang, Nakorn Si Thammarat, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phitsanulok, Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, and Bangkok.  The  “Unseen Thailand with THAI” package tour includes a return ticket in Economy Class, 3 days and 2 nights of hotel accommodation including breakfast, transportation between airport and hotel, for THB 5,100 baht. (Purchase of the package tour must be made at the event, through cash payment only.) The Consumer & Youth Fair was organized in support of the Thai Government’s policy to promote tourism, which was affected by the SARS outbreak and the war in Iraq, and to encourage Thai people to travel by air domestically within Thailand. Back to index...

THAI Introduces Ossetra Caviar and Thai Cuisine in Royal First Class On the occasion of Thai Airways International’s 43rd anniversary on 1 May 2003, THAI announced the  introduction of Ossetra Caviar as well as traditional Thai delicacies to its Royal First Class.  THAI’s anniversary menu takes effect on 1 May 2003 and aims to reinforce the airline's position as Thailand's national flag carrier and as an airline industry  leader. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President, said that THAI’s corporate policy is to continue upgrading the quality of its services, placing special emphasis on the importance of providing the best in inflight service, since it is where the company’s employees are in most direct contact with passengers. THAI stresses the importance of quality inflight service, catering to the needs and demands of discerning passengers by offering select menus that are outstanding in quality and taste. Starting from 1 May 2003, the highest quality Ossetra Caviar from Russia will be offered to passengers on all intercontinental flights leaving Bangkok, for flights departing during the daytime until 20:00 hrs, replacing the caviar previously made available on board. Thai cuisine will also be specially prepared for the anniversary menu. Hors d'oeuvres will include Plaa Kung (spicy prawn salad)  and Yum Pla Tuptim (spicy fish salad), while the main course includes Tom Kha Kai (fragrant chicken soup in coconut milk), Pork Filet with Curry Sauce,and Stir-Fried Squash with Shrimp and Eggs, served with steamed jasmine rice on flights TG916 and TG917 between Bangkok and London. THAI’s anniversary menu is also in line with the Thai Government’s policy to promote the best of Thai culture and hospitality worldwide,especially under the "Taste of Thai" campaign, which emphasizes quality Thai cuisine made with natural Thai herbs and local agricultural products. Back to index...

THAI Implements Total Solution During Industry-wide Crisis Thai Airways International Public Company Limited announced that it is prepared to implement a total solution during the current airline industry crisis, involving decreased passenger loads due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the war in Iraq. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President, said that due to the SARS outbreak and the war in Iraq, the airline has experienced a decrease in the number of passengers flying THAI flights. THAI recently held a Senior Staff Meeting in order to seek a total solution for the airline during this industry-wide crisis, in addition to the airline’s cost-cutting measures that have already been implemented. As a result, THAI concluded its total solution to the SARS and Iraq War crises through  implementation of the following: 1. Cost Control – Defer the approval of expenses or investments, including placement of an employment freeze for positions without a pre-set budget and controlling ‘overtime’ work to be conducted within respective approved budgets. 2. Cost Reduction – Reduce expenses incurred in holding receptions, corporate gifts,  and nonessential souvenirs. Reduce support for activities deemed not beneficial to the company, such as advertisements and promotions, and staff duty travel. 3. Cost Cutting – Temporarily suspend or terminate projects that are not directly beneficial to the company, including the cancellation of employee attendance at  seminars or activities that are not of direct concern to the company. 4. Postponed Payments – Postponement in the approval process for new projects, postponement for new employment with the exception of hiring new pilots and cabin crew, deferring property investments that do not effect the company’s income and safety, and deferral in employing the services of corporate advisors. 5. Increase Necessary Costs to Increase Traffic – Publicize the company’s measures that have been implemented in response to SARS,ensuring passenger trust and safety. 6. Expense Adjustments – Use barter agreements together with or instead of cash  payments and to outsource employment for activities that do not affect the company’s services. 7. Work Process Adjustment  -  Reduce expenses incurred in flight operations, such as hotel accommodation for cabin crew,  using flexible crew schedules on light-load flights, and  implementing more utilization of e-procurement and e-source systems. Additional suggestions for cost-cutting measures were submitted during THAI’s Senior Staff Meeting, ideas that might be given further consideration in the nearby future. Back to index...

THAI Reduces Flights Between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son   Thai Airways International announced a reduction of domestic flight frequency between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son from five to three daily flights, effective immediately   until 31 May 2003 due to low market and traffic demand during this period. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President said that THAI decided to reduce flight operations on the route between Chiang Mai (CNX) and Mae Hong Son (HGN) from five to three daily flights which are TG188/189, TG194/195, and TG198/199 utilising ATR 72 aircraft with capacity of 66-passenger seats and  B737-400 aircraft with capacity of 149-passenger seats. For more information please contact THAI’s 24- hour Reservation at Tel: 0-2628-2000 and 0-2280-0060. Back to index...

THAI Awards Frontline Staff for Outstanding Performance Thai Airways International Public Company Limited organised an award presentation ceremony to commend 51 frontline staff for their outstanding performance, following the internal campaign Customer Services Superstar Club that was initiated in 1998 to  promote staff morale. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President said, “We are fully aware of the intense  competition in today’s commercial airline business.  Therefore,“Touches of Thai” and Thai-way  services were developed to ensure maximum customer satisfaction, which is considered the heart of airline business.  THAI decided to launch the Customer Services Superstar Club campaign in 1998, in accordance  to the company’s policy to boost awareness and morale among frontline staff. For the 2001/02 fiscal year, the outstanding performances of 51 frontline staff were awarded: 16 employees from the Ground Customer Services Department and 35 employees from Inflight Customer Services Department.  Gold, silver, and bronze pins together with certificates were presented to ground services staff and cabin crew who are first, second, and third place at a total of 6 recipients.  Certificates were presented to remaining awardees, those being 13 ground services staff and 32 cabin crew.” Cabin crew staff who won  gold, silver, and bronze  pins were Miss Juraiphorn Jitkanta, Mr. Thanat Shodladd, and Mr. Sornpong Wangin. Ground Customer Services staff who won  gold, silver, and bronze pins were Miss Vimolrat Songcharoen, Miss Aphitchaya Srikacha, and Miss Doungporn Visetsaputi, respectively. The selection process was carried out by the Service Staff Motivation Committee, which was established to record and evaluate staff performance.  The committee members are representatives from Ground Customer Services Department, Inflight Customer Services Department, and Ground Equipment Supports Service units.  Staff performances are evaluated by using written feedback from passengers received in the form of letters or e-mail communications, with compliments divided into individual and team commendations.  Special consideration is also given to compliments for staff who provided services beyond their line of duty.  This year, THAI will gather letters of commendation made by passengers during July 2001 to June 2002. Back to index...

THAI Confirms that Italian Passenger Death was Non-SARS Related The Public Relations Office of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited clarified news reports concerning an Italian passenger who was on board flight TG 942 routed Bangkok – Rome, Italy, on 7 April 2003, that the passenger passed away due to heart failure and his death was not related to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).  THAI’s Station Manager in Italy, who assisted in coordination with the hospital in Italy where the passenger was hospitalized, received confirmation from the hospital  that the passenger’s death was due to heart failure and not SARS, contrary to local media reports. Back to index...

THAI Introduces Royal Orchid Holidays Special Honeymoon Package The Royal Orchid Holidays in-house tour program of Thai Airways International has introduced a special Honeymoon Package Tour starting now until 31 March 2004. Mr. Tasnai Sudasna, THAI’s Executive Vice President for Commercial, said THAI’s Royal Orchid Holidays has introduced a special Honeymoon Package Tour for both Thai and overseas passengers to domestic and international destinations, such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Lanta Island, London, Bintan Island, Bali, Sydney and Melbourne. Each of the destinations offers peaceful and unique natural surroundings, ideal for newly weds or  “second honeymooners”. A choice of accommodation includes Regent Resort Chiang Mai, Banyan Tree Phuket, Pakasai Resort Ao-Nang Krabi, Sri Lanta Lanta Island,Bali Hyatt Bali, Banyan Tree Bintang, Marriott Marble Arch London, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney and Grand Hyatt Melbourne. Other special services included in the package for domestic destinations are transfer between airport and hotel, welcome drink upon hotel arrival, romantic candle lit dinner, a bottle of wine, honeymoon cake, bed decoration, breakfast-in-bed on the first morning, and special welcome flowers and chocolate in the room. For other international destinations, special services vary from cities to cities. In addition, Royal Orchid Plus members may earn up to 500 bonus miles extra for domestic packages and 1,000 bonus miles extra for international packages of any featured Special Honeymoon Package through THAI’s on-line reservation at www.thaiairways.com/roh, which is valid for departures from Bangkok only between 18 April – 30 September 2003. Royal Orchid Holidays also offers a range of programs for THAI passengers to choose from according to their preference to over 100 destinations in 28 countries. For more information and reservations, please contact THAI’s offices worldwide or at tel. 0-2288-7152-3 and 0-2628-2456-7 or Royal Orchid Holidays / Euarng Luang sales representatives. Back to index...

Measures to Increase Profitability and Decrease Costs, Increasing Passenger Traffic Crises, Following the US-Iraq War and SARS 1. Adjustments to flight schedule in 5 countries, those being China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, and Taiwan, including change of aircraft type from large aircraft to a smaller aircraft type based on passenger loads. 2. Cancel and combine flights to save costs, based on decreased passenger bookings. 3. Support the Thai Government’s policy to support domestic tourism in Thailand, in conjunction with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), with a package tour to 15 domestic destination at THB 5,200 baht, including return ticket, hotel accommodation for 2 nights including breakfast and including airport-hotel transfer. 4. Support tourism from international countries by coordinating with TAT, by inviting travel writers, media, and tourism companies, including conference and meeting managers to travel domestically in Thailand. 5. Arrange a Road Show with TAT in promising markets, involving tourism-related associations such as hotels, travel and tour operators, to support tourism and address current issues to tour and travel-related companies. 6. Cooperate in seminars in support of tourism with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in overseas markets, with the “Smile Plus” campaign and advertisement and “Unseen Thailand with THAI” package tours in international markets, especially promising markets that have not been effected such as Japan, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Back to index...

THAI Reduces Flights During Summer Schedule Thai Airways International Public Company Limited adjusted its summer schedule and changed aircraft types used on certain flights, in order to meet passenger traffic demand  between 17 April and 30 June 2003, details as follows: 1.  Flight Reduction  -  Between 17 April and 30 June 2003 - Bangkok – Hong Kong v.v. Decrease from 42 flights to 28 flights per week - Bangkok – Kaohsiung v.v.  Decrease from 7 flights to 4 flights per week - Bangkok – Pusan v.v. Decrease from 3 flights to 2 flights per week - Bangkok – Singapore v.v. Decrease from 49 flights to 46 flights per week (from 17-30 April 2003) and to 39 flights per week (from 1 May -30 June 2003) - Bangkok – Narita – Los Angeles v.v. Decrease from 7 flights to 3 flights per week - Adjust flight operations between Bangkok – Dubai v.v. To operate Bangkok – Dubai – Abu Dhabi and decrease from 7 flights to 4 flights per week 2.   Flight Suspension  -  With Immediate Effect to 30 June 2003 - Bangkok – Osaka – Los Angeles v.v. From 21 April to 30 June 2003 - Bangkok – Dubai – Kuwait v.v. From 17-30 April 2003 - Bangkok – Abu Dhabi – Bahrain – Bangkok From 17-30 April 2003 - Bangkok – Hong Kong – Taipei v.v. From now until 30 June 2003 3. Change of Aircraft Types  -  to Meet Passenger Demand on the Following Routes - Bangkok – Hanoi v.v. - Bangkok – Vientiane v.v. - Bangkok – Phnom Penh v.v. - Bangkok – Taipei – Seoul v.v. - Bangkok – Guangzhou v.v. For more information, please contact THAI’s Sales Office at Tel. 0-2628-2000 and 0-2280-0060, 24 hours or the nearest local THAI Office. Back to index...

THAI Introduces “Unseen Thailand with THAI”  Thai Airways International Public Company Limited introduced “Unseen Thailand with THAI,” a Royal Orchid Holiday package focusing on boosting tourism in 15 domestic destinations.  The package includes a return ticket in economy class, 3 days and 2 nights of hotel accommodation including breakfast, transportation between airport and hotel, for THB 5,200 baht starting from 18 April to 30 September 2003.  The “Unseen Thailand with THAI” package aims to promote domestic tourism in Thailand and to encourage Thai people to travel within the country.  Mr. Tasnai Sudasna, THAI’s Executive Vice President, Commercial, said that THAI has introduced “Unseen Thailand with THAI” in support of  the Government’s policy to promote domestic tourism and to encourage Thai people to travel domestically within Thailand.  THAI is pleased to introduce the “Unseen Thailand with THAI” package, which includes a return ticket in economy class, 3 days and 2 nights of hotel accommodation including breakfast, transportation between airport and hotel, for THB 5,200 baht per person (This rate is valid for travel conducted Monday to Thursday.  For travel conducted on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, THAI will place an additional fee of THB 1,000 per passenger).  Passengers may choose to begin their journey from Bangkok or from THAI’s 15 domestic destinations namely Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Surat Thani, Trang, Nakorn Si Thammarat, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phitsanulok, Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, UbonRatchathani, into Bangkok.  For more information on “Unseen Thailand with THAI” packages, please contact THAI’s Travel Agents, THAI’s Sales Office at Tel. 0-2628-2000, 0-2288-7152-3, or THAI’s regional offices from 18 April to 30 September 2003. Back to index...

Special Treats from THAI During Songkran Holidays During 13-15 April 2003, Thai Airways International will arrange Water Blessing Ceremony  to promote Thai Cultural Preservation among  THAI passengers in celebration of  the Songkran Festival at Bangkok International  Airport and domestic airports.  A special menu will be served on board all THAI international and domestic flights departing from Bangkok during 13-15 April 2003.  Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President, said that on this special occasion, THAI’s Customer Service would like to extend  a warm  wishes to all THAI passengers during this special by arranging a Water Blessing Ceremony to THAI’s First Class and Business Class passengers at THAI’s Royal Orchid Lounges  in both international and domestic terminals. Traditional Thai flower garlands will be given to all THAI First Class passengers, and a wide variety of Thai desserts namely Thong Yip, Thong Ek, Thong Yod, and Luk Chup special prepared by THAI Catering  will also be served.  For Business Class Passengers,  special Thai desserts in flower shapes (Kanom Sumpanni)and Thai flowers will be presented.  At domestic airports, a Glong Yao (Long Drum) performance, hand garlands, as well as special Thai desserts have been prepared to welcome arriving passengers on the first flight on 13th April. THAI’s Inflight Service and Catering Service will  serve  special menus namely  Larb Pla Kapong, Thai Herb Chicken with Thai Jasmine Rice, Buab Pad Khai, and Rainbow Jelly on board THAI flights departing from Bangkok, which aims to introduce healthy Thai cuisine among Thai and international passengers as well as to promote Thai agricultural products. Back to index...

THAI Launches Aircraft Fuel Purchasing via E-Auction 03 April 2003,  M.R. Supadis Diskul,  Executive Vice President Corporate Development and Support of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, chaired an  open bidcontract for electronic Aviation fuel purchasing (e-Auction) at THAI’s Head Office.  Director of Information Technology and Communications Bureau, Office of Permanent Secretary of Transport Ministry, Director of Regional Audit Office No. 7 (Office of the Auditor General of Thailand), THAI’s Aviation Fuel Purchasing Committee,  THAI’s Executive Management, THAI’s Operational Management , Audit Department were invited as  guests of honour. Following  the government’s policy to promote Chiang Mai as the Northern Aviation Hub,  THAI  plans to extend flight operations  from Chiang Mai to other parts of Europe, Southern China, and Indochina in the future.  The Airports of Thailand (AOT) has therefore granted  permission to the Bangkok Aviation Fuel Service Public Company Limited (BAFS) to provide  aviation fuel service at Chiang Mai International Airport together with the PTT Public Company Limited in order to  promote higher  competition in aviation fuel services to comply with  good governance policy,maximising operational effectiveness for the  highest benefit of  the company. Some 130,000 gallons of fuel are needed monthly to service  THAI aircraft  at Chiang Mai International Airport.  The contract will be effective for a period of one year  starting from 1 May 2003 to 30 April 2004.  PTT Public Company Limited , Chevron Texaco, ExxonMobil, and Shell were  invited to join the e-Auction  which was conducted via Pantavanij Limited, a hosted e-procurement electronic service provider.  During the bidding process, the prices were offered and displayed on  the computer screen, which was connected between THAI, Pantavanij and these  companies. The Electronic Aviation Fuel Purchasing (e-Auction) will help save around  1,000,000 baht compared to the previous open bidding process. Back to index...

THAI Implements Strict Measures on SARS Situation THAI's staff from the Technical Services Department  spray disinfecting chemicals on all flights returning and  departing to/from countries considered affected areas.    THAI's staff from the Technical Services Department clean and change air filters on aircraft that have returned from countries considered affected areas. THAI have arranged for medical doctors and nurses to be present on-board THAI's aircraft during flights to/from countries considered affected areas, in order to observe passengers and guard against the spread of the SARS virus. Back to index...

THAI Clarifies that Cabin Crew Member Did Not Have SARS The Public Relations Office of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited clarified that, contrary to recent local media reports, no THAI cabin crew member has been infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). THAI further clarified that the THAI cabin crew member, referred to in local media reports, has received medical treatment and did not have Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).  The cabin crew member had the common cold, which affected the respiratory system, and was admitted in hospital for a period of time.  Currently, the cabin crew member is recovering at home, having been discharged from hospital on 2 April 2003. Back to index...

THAI Seeks Public Health Personnel to Screen Passengers, to Guard Against Spread of SARS Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, President of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, announced that THAI has introduced and implemented two more measures, in an effort to guard against the further spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), as follows: 1. THAI’s Station Manager in countries considered to be affected areas will proceed with coordination of the following:     1.1 Coordinate with public health ministries or the disease control department in countries that are SARS affected areas and arrange for public health personnel to assist THAI staff in screening passengers for SARS related symptoms, in order to accurately determine whether the concerned passenger will be allowed to board THAI’s aircraft.     1.2 Coordinate with the government function under the public health ministry or the disease control department of each respective country with a SARS outbreak, requesting the function concerned to issue an announcement to passengers planning flight departure from that country to carry a current health certificate ensuring they are fit to travel, before flying THAI flights – with immediate effect. 2. THAI’s Crisis Management and Operations Center (CMOC) has been requested to coordinate with medical institutes to arrange for public health personnel to be on board some of THAI’s flights, with no overnight stays, in order to screen passenger health.  This additional preventive measure will be implemented in an effort to guard against the further spread of SARS. THAI will provide further information on additional measures which will be  implemented by the airline, in accordance to the situation at hand. Back to index...

THAI Adjusts and Changes Flight Schedule Thai Airways International Public Company Limited announced that it has made adjustments and changes to its flight schedule, due to low passenger demand, effective 2 April 2003 onwards. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President, said that THAI has adjusted and changed its flight schedule to 4 destinations due to low passenger demand, whereby flights will be operated to those areas without overnight stays and conduct a quick turn back to Bangkok, effective 2 April 2003 onwards.  The destinations concerned are as follows: Bangkok – Singapore v.v. -     Flight TG 401 departing Bangkok at 03.40 hours, arriving in Singapore at 07.00 hours.   Flight TG 402 departing Singapore at 08.20 hours, arrive in Bangkok at 09.35 hours. Bangkok – Phuket – Singapore v.v. -   Flight TG 405 departing Bangkok at 16.00 hours, arriving in Phuket at 17.20 hours, and departing Phuket at 18.35 hours, arriving in Singapore at 21.20 hours.   Flight TG 406 departing Singapore at 22.30 hours, ariving in Phuket at 23.15 hours,    and departing  Phuket at 00.10 hours, arriving in Bangkok at 01.35 hours. Bangkok – Hong Kong v.v. -  Flight TG 602 departing Bangkok at 03.00 hours,arriving in Hong Kong at 06.45 hours.  Flight TG 603 departing Hong Kong at 08.00 hours, arriving in Bangkok at 09.40 hours. Bangkok – Taipei v.v.  -  Flight TG 636 departing Bangkok at 01.20 hours, arriving in Taipei at 06.00 hours.  Flight TG 637 departing Taipei at 09.05 hours, arriving in Bangkok at 11.45 hours. Bangkok – Kaohsiung v.v. - Flight TG 652 departing Bangkok at 09.00 hours, arriving in Kaohsiung at 13.30 hours. Flight TG 653 departing Kaohsiung at 14.30 hours, arriving in Bangkok at 16.45 hours. Further more, passengers may inquire about THAI’s flight schedule by calling Tel. 0-2628-2000 and 0-2280-0060, 24 hours a day. Back to index...