THAI Announces Results from Board of Directors' Meeting 29 May 2002, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited held a Board of Directors’ Meeting, which was chaired by Mr. Srisook Chandrangsu,  THAI’s Vice Chairman with the following results: 1. Appointment of THAI’s Director The Board of Directors approved the appointment of THAI’s President, Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, as a Director and Secretary to the Board of Directors with immediate effect. 2. Purchase of Airbus A300-600 aircraft THAI’s Board of Directors approved the purchase of Airbus A300-600 aircraft (no.6, registeration HS-TAF, MSN 398) at the end of the current lease contract in December 2002, in accordance with provision of the contract. THAI is required to inform the leasing company by 18 June. The purchase is beneficial to THAI as there is still a demand for this type of aircraft  in THAI’s fleet and the cost of re-purchase of the aircraft is much lower than the estimated market price. 3. Selection of Bank for Payment of Boeing 747-400 Aircraft THAI’s Board of Directors agreed to appoint the Standard Chartered Bank to seek long-term Asset Based Financing supported by US Eximbank for payment of two Boeing 747-400 aircraft number 15 and 16 in Japanese Yen equivalent to USD 262.6 million on condition that THAI receives government approval. 4. Special Offer for Disabled Persons and Their Caregiver The Board of Directors approved a 50 percent discount on normal economy class fare for disabled passengers of Thai nationality and 25 percent discount for their accompanying caregiver.  They are required to show ID certifying their disability plus a letter from a doctor or appointed authority certifying their need for an accompanying caregiver. One caregiver is allowed per disabled passenger, both of whom must travel together only on domestic routes to which THAI operates. 5. Establish Project Coordination Function at Suvarnnabhumi Airport The Board of Directors approved the appointment of a project coordination function for THAI’s projects at the new Bangkok Airport (Suvarnnabhumi Airport), which will be under the supervision of an Executive Vice President and is required to report directly to the President. THAI’s Management has proposed the setting up of this special function to concerned government units.  Selection procedures are required for the appointment of an Executive Vice President to supervise this function. 6. Hiring a consultant to adjust salary structure linked to work performance indicator The Board of Directors agreed to hire a consultant to adjust the salary structure that has been in place for seven years.  In addition, there are more positions available at THAI due to recent structural changes, creating the airline into supporting business units.  Due to rapid technological development, THAI needs more highly paid specialists in various fields.  It is therefore necessary for THAI to adjust its salary structure in order to develop higher business capability according to strategic plans, while boosting staff morale. 7. Passenger Services Equipment The Board of Directors approved the purchase of passenger services equipment including ramp buses, unit and meal carts and passenger steps in order to increase ground/ramp and inflight services efficiency. Back to index...

THAI Voted Outstanding Brand Performance By Reader' s Digest Thai Airways International Public Company Limited was recently voted winner of the Outstanding Brand Performance Platinum Award 2002 by readers of Reader’s Digest for third consecutive year.   The award was given to THAI in recognition of its outstanding service standard, being selected by passengers as their choice of carrier. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President, said THAI has won the Outstanding Brand Performance Platinum Award for third consecutive year since year 2000.  This is considered the highest consumer ranking survey and reflects airline credibility and acceptance among consumer groups. The award also measures the airline’s brand performance and success in the Southeast Asian market. Reader’s Digest magazine offers a wide range of news and information, serving different interests, which include entertainment and technology development.  The magazine has the highest number of unit sales and subscribers worldwide, most of whom are middle to senior executive level.  Reader’s Digest is being sold in 60 countries around the world with headquarters located in New York, USA. The magazine comes in 48 different designs and translated into 19 languages.  In Asia, Reader’s Digest is available in Chinese, Thai and English languages and sold in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Philippines, Malaysia and Taiwan. Back to index...

THAI Announces 2nd QTR and Six Months' Results Thai Airways International Public Company Limited today announced a net operating profit of 4,724 million baht in its second quarter report (Jan-Mar’02). Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President, said that during the second quarter period (Jan-Mar’02) THAI achieved operating revenue of 32,875 million baht and operating profit of 6,627 million baht, a increase of 1,370 million baht or 26.06 per cent, compared to the same period last year. The net profit was reported at 4,724 million baht, an increase of 3,934 million baht or 498.61 per cent, compared to the same period last year. Earnings per share reached 3.37 baht, which is a increase of 2.81 baht, compared to 0.56 baht of last year. As for the six months' operations from October 2001 to March 2002, THAI announced a total operating revenue of 63,120 million baht, a decrease of 2,037 million baht or 3.13 per cent, compared to the same period last year. THAI achieved 5,774 million baht net profit, an increase of 6,709 million baht or 717.43 per cent, compared to the same period last year. This is equivalent to 4.12 baht net profit per share compared to the net loss per share of 0.67 baht in the same period last year. Back to index...

THAI to Complete Loan Repayment on Three Aircraft to Reduce Interest Charges Thai Airways International Public Company Limited announced that it would complete the repayment of aircraft loans for three aircraft namely A300-600, A310-200 and Boeing B737-400 prior to the due dates of the loan agreements.  This is expected to help THAI save up to 115 million Baht on interest payments. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President, said that THAI’s Board of Directors has granted approval to complete a payment of the aircraft loan for Airbus A310-200 aircraft, prior to its due date.  The payment will be completed on 25 March 2005 and help save interest expenses of 78 million Baht.  The Ministry of Finance has already been informed of the action.  As a result of the company’s strong cash flow position, THAI will use part of it for payment of the Airbus A310-200 aircraft. The early repayment of aircraft loans for the A300-600 aircraft, which is due on 10 March 2003 and Boeing 737-400 aircraft on 18 June 2003, may be made subject to an approval of the Ministry of Finance to issue European Commercial Paper (ECP).  This may then be extended to THAI, relieving its debt burden and helping the airline save approximately 37 million Baht in interest. Back to index...

THAI Launches New Destination : Kuwait Kuwait City (May 14, 2002), Thai Airways International Public Company Limited held a press conference and ceremony to officially announce its flight inauguration on the route Bangkok-Dubai-Kuwait, aiming to serve both business and leisure travelers between Thailand and the Middle East. Presiding over the inauguration ceremony were H.E. Mr. Saksit Srisorn, Thai Ambassador to Kuwait, Mr. Tasnai Sudasna, THAI’s Executive Vice President, Commercial, and Mr. Mongkholmal Prabhavat, THAI’s Director for Region Coordination Western Region Department, covering Indochina, Myanmar, South Asia and the Middle East. Representatives from THAI’s Management, agents and members of the press were also present. Mr. Tasnai Sudasna, THAI’s Executive Vice President Commercial, said, “THAI began flight operations to Kuwait on 31st March this year at the start of our 2002 summer schedule. During the past years, Kuwait has gained increasing popularity among travelers as a fast-developing regional tourist market. Due to rapid economic development of the Middle East region, Kuwait has become an important market, offering THAI customers a new travel and tourism dimension.” THAI launched its very first flight on the route Bangkok-Dubai-Kuwait on 3 November 1977. The flight operation was temporarily suspended on 31 March 1985. Starting from 31 March 2002, THAI currently operates thrice weekly flights between Bangkok and Kuwait every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, utilizing A330-300 aircraft, capable of accommodating 305 passengers, with 42 in Royal Executive Class and 263 in Economy Class. THAI also operates flights to Dubai and Muscat in the Middle East. Kuwait became THAI’s 54th destination. THAI’s flight TG519 departs from Bangkok at 12:30 hours and arrives in Dubai at 16:00 hours (local time). The flight departs from Dubai at 17:10 hours and arrives in Kuwait at 17:50 hours (local time). The return flight, TG520, departs from Kuwait at 19:10 hours and arrives in Dubai at 21:40 hours. The flight then departs from Dubai at 22:45 and arrives in Bangkok at 08:10 hours the following day. In celebration of this special occasion, Thai Airways International also organised a Thai Food Festival to promote Thai cuisine among local guests between 14-21 May, at Le Meridien Kuwait Hotel. Visitors from the Middle East can also enjoy a free physical check-up as part of a promotional joint package between THAI’s Royal Orchid Holidays and Thai private hospitals. For more information, please contact THAI’s sale offices. The State of Kuwait is the third largest tourist market in the Middle East. The country is situated northwest of the Arabian Gulf. It covers the area of approximately 17,800 square kilometers with a population of approximately 2.3 million. The GDP was reported at USD 3.2 billion with GDP per head of USD 16.7 billion. Due to its rich oil reserves, Kuwait attracts many overseas laborers each year. Back to index...

THAI Voted World’s Best for Freddie Awards Thai Airways International’s Royal Orchid Plus was voted winner at the 14th Annual Freddie Awards in three key categories. The annual Freddie Awards is the Oscar event for the frequent flyer and frequent traveler programs. This year, over 221,000 program members voted on their choice of excellence in 9 categories, the winner taking home the Freddie, and acknowledgement by savvy frequent flyers that they are the best on the international stage. Best Customer Service is one of the most coveted of the Freddies, as customer expectations are continually on the rise for non-stop service delivery. For the third year in a row, a first in the history of the Freddie Awards, Royal Orchid Plus took home the Freddie for Best Customer Service. Mr. Tasnai Sudasna, THAI’s Executive Vice President, Commercial, stated that “at THAI we are extremely pleased with our best showing ever at the 14th Annual Freddie Awards. This award in particular, reaffirms THAI’s commitment to customer service excellence, not only by Royal Orchid Plus, but by all THAI staff who contribute greatly in delivering the rewards and recognition of frequent flyers.” The range of availability of rewards is viewed by frequent flyers as the ultimate return for customer loyalty. For the second year running, Royal Orchid Plus was voted as providing the world’s Best Award Redemption. Awards include air travel with THAI and Star Alliance airlines to over 700 destinations around the world, hotel stays with hotel partners throughout the Asia Pacific region, and special Experience Awards to compliment a frequent traveler’s lifestyle. For frequent travelers, the Internet provides indispensable and fast information no matter where you are. Through vision and technology, the Royal Orchid Plus website at www.thaiairways.com/rop captured the international Freddie for Best Website. In the cyber world where the future is now, this award will inspire continuing innovations in efficiency, interactivity and ease of use. The Freddie Awards, are named after Sir Freddie Laker, who in the 1970s revolutionized the travel and airline industries with pioneering marketing ideas and low cost air service. Sir Freddie remains active today as an airline owner and a travel innovator. The annual Freddie Awards are a vote of excellence and achievement for frequent traveler programs by those most important judges, the customers. Of the nine Freddie Award categories, Star Alliance airlines were voted best in the world in seven, with THAI’s Royal Orchid Plus capturing 3 Freddies and SAS EuroBonus taking home 4 Freddie Awards. Back to index...

Virabongsa Ramangkura Resigns as THAI’s Chairman 2 May 2002, Mr. Virabongsa Ramangkura officially resigned from his post as Chairman of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited. His resignation takes effect today. Back to index...

Kanok Abhiradee’s Policy and Vision as the New President of THAI 2 May 2002, Mr. Kanok Abhiradee officially assumed the position of President of Thai Airways International following a hand-over ceremony from Mr. Kobchai Srivilas, THAI’s former Acting President and also Managing Director for Technical Services. The airline’s Board of Directors and Management were also present. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s new President, said at a press conference, “THAI is a large organization with some 25,000 employees worldwide.  As a new leader, I would need cooperation from employees, the Board of Directors and Management in order to manage the airline successfully.  I believe in good teamwork and know that one person cannot work alone.  I am certain that I can work together with all levels of staff and am open for opinions and suggestions to establish effective company policy.  I believe in the skills and expertise of THAI’s Board of Directors and Management in managing the airline.  They know the strengths and weaknesses as well as ways in which we can tackle  obstacles, so that THAI can compete effectively in the commercial airline industry.  THAI has a lot of hidden strength and potential  which I intend to put to use for the maximum benefit of the company. Through the pro-active approach for strategic management, I am certain that THAI can firmly position itself in today’s airline industry.  We must think and act fast.   Thai Airways International has often been used as an example for comparison, showing that the airline’s high-standards and quality services are embedded in the public’s perception.  We must maintain such quality in order to position THAI among the world’s leading carriers.” Back to index...

Star Alliance 5th anniversary offer: Fly 5 airlines and earn up to 55,555 bonus miles Star Alliance, the airline network for Earth, will be offering its customers a fitting birthday present as the global airline grouping celebrates its fifth anniversary in May. Customers belonging to a Star Alliance airline loyalty program will earn up to 55,555 bonus miles by flying five different Star Alliance carriers over a given time period. We feel it is appropriate to say thank you to our loyal customers who have supported Star Alliance for the past five years, said Louise McKenven, Vice President, Marketing of the alliance. The anniversary mileage bonus easily qualifies for an award ticket in any Star Alliance airline loyalty program. The fifth anniversary offer is not, however, exclusive for customers who already are members of a Star Alliance carrier’s frequent flyer program. Anyone wishing to participate needs only join a Star Alliance airline loyalty program of his or her choice. The promotion period for the Star Alliance fifth anniversary offer may vary with each airline’s frequent flyer program. However, several of the carriers plan to run it for 55 days from May 14 – the day Star Alliance was founded five years ago - until July 7. The exact terms and conditions will be communicated by each member airline through newsletters, web sites and inflight magazines. Star Alliance is the first truly global airline alliance, and is consistently being rated as the world’s most successful undertaking of its kind. The Star Alliance route network currently serves some 730 airports in 124 countries with 11,000 daily flights. This corresponds to a Star Alliance aircraft taking off or landing somewhere in the world every four seconds. The Star Alliance member airlines are Air Canada, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways – ANA, Austrian Airlines, bmi british midland, Lauda Air, Lufthansa German Airlines, Mexicana Airlines, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways International, Tyrolean Airways, United Airlines and VARIG Brazilian Airlines. Back to index...