THAI Receives Best Airline Awards from Leading World Magazines Thai Airways International Public Company Limited was ranked one of three top airlines in the Asia-Pacific in 2002 by Business Traveller Asia Pacific magazine under the category of “Best Asia-Pacific Airlines.”  THAI also received an award from Conde Naste Traveller: British Edition as one of three best airlines in the category of “International Long-Haul” in 2002.  In addition, THAI received the “Best Southeast Asian Airline” award in 2002 from Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) magazine and the “Best Intercontinental Airline of the Year” award in 2002 from Denmark’s  Danish Travel Awards. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, President of Thai Airways International, said that THAI was pleased to have been selected as one of the top airlines in the world, based on the results of surveys conducted by the world’s leading business, travel, and tourism-related magazines, such as Business Traveller Asia Pacific and Conde Naste Traveller: British Edition. Business Traveller Asia Pacific, one of the world’s leading business travel magazines, recently conducted a survey of 9,885 readers to rank business travelers’ preference of airlines.  Survey results were published in the October 2002 issue of Business Traveller Asia Pacific, with THAI being ranked as follows:   One of three “Best Asia-Pacific Airlines” in 2002.     - One of 10 “Best Airlines” worldwide in 2002.     - One of 10 “Best First Class” operators worldwide in 2002.     - One of five “Best Economy” classes in the world for the year 2002.     - One of five “Best Frequent Flyer Program” airline mileage accumulation       programs in the world in 2002. Conde Naste Traveller: British Edition, one of the world’s leading travel and tourism magazines that will grant “Readers’ Travel Awards” to travel-related businesses, conducted a survey of British readers ranking the best in travel-related services.  THAI was recognized by Conde Naste Traveller as one of three airlines providing the best “International Long-Haul” service in 2002. Travel Trade Gazette (TTG), a leading business travel magazine, recently conducted a survey of its readership, the results of which ranked THAI as the “Best Southeast Asian Airline” in 2002. THAI was also awarded the “Best Intercontinental Airline of the Year” award for the third consecutive year in the “Danish Travel Awards” ceremony for the year 2002.   Denmark’s Danish Travel Awards were selected through a survey conducted amongst 665 Danish travel agents, ranking a total of 66 participating airlines based on the categories of inflight service, ground service, and airline products. THAI received these best airline awards from the world’s leading travel and tourism magazines, based on surveys conducted ranking airlines on passenger satisfaction of the best in quality and standards of service.  THAI is pleased to accept these awards, a measure of passenger and consumer confidence, and vows to continue providing the very best in “Royal Orchid Service” to passengers for their continued satisfaction. Back to index...

THAI’s Chairman Thanong Bidaya Denies President’s Resignation   Thai Airways International Public Company Limited announced that the airline’s Chairman, Mr. Thanong Bidaya, denied press reports that Mr. Kanok Abhiradee had resigned from his position as THAI’s President, and also denied that THAI’s Board of Directors pressured Mr. Abhiradee to resign from his post. THAI’s Public Relations Office provided clarification that THAI Chairman, Mr. Bidaya, affirmed there has never been a motion proposed by the Chairman or Members of the Board to remove Mr. Kanok Abhiradee from his position as the airline’s President. Mr. Abhiradee’s performance assessment, conducted six months after having taken office as President of Thai Airways International, will be reviewed in accordance with the airline’s employment agreement contract.  The evaluation will be based on findings concluded by the Board-appointed Subcommittee on the President’s Performance Assessment, chaired by Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Somchainuk Engtrakul.  Results of the Subcommittee’s evaluation on the President’s performance will be presented to THAI’s Board at the airline’s upcoming Board of Directors’ Meeting next month. Back to index...

THAI Clarifies TG 251 Incident Routed Bangkok-Trang Thai Airways International’s Public Relations Office provided clarification regarding an incident involving flight TG 251 routed Bangkok-Trang, with damage to the airplane’s right wing on landing at the runway. THAI’s flight TG 251, registration number HS-TDE, utilized a Boeing 737-400 aircraft with 66 passengers and 7 cabin crew on board.  The flight departed Bangkok at 07.05 hours and arrived in Trang at 08.35 hours and encountered heavy fog upon landing in Trang, causing the right wing to be slightly damaged on the runway.  THAI’s flight landed safely, with no passengers and cabin crew injured.  THAI’s technical staff conducted a thorough check on the airplane and founded that the landing light on the right wing was damaged, with damage to the trailing edge flap and flap track on the right wing.  Aircraft repair was conducted by THAI’s technical staff at Trang Airport. THAI transferred 46 passengers set to travel on the return flight TG 252 to travel flight TG 234 at Hat Yai Airport instead, departing at 15.30 hours and arriving in Bangkok at 17.00 hours. Back to index...

THAI Announces Board Meeting Results 28 October 2002, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited held a Board of Directors’ Meeting, chaired by Mr. Thanong Bidaya, THAI’s Chairman, with the following results: 1. Appointment of a Member to THAI’s Board of Directors THAI’s Board of Directors  approved the appointment of Air Chief Marshal Kongsak Vantana, Royal Thai Air Force Commander-in-Chief, who was selected as a Member of THAI’s Board of Directors following Mr. Wissanu Krea-ngam’s resignation due to his appointment as Deputy to the Prime Minister. 2. THAI’s Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting 2002 THAI’s Board of Directors approved the date for the next Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting 2002,on Friday, 20 December 2002 at 13.30 hours in the Auditorium at THAI’s Head Office, with the dateestablished to close the register and suspend the transfer of shares for the purpose of determining the right to attend the meeting as from 12.00 hours on 2 December 2002 until THAI’s Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting comes to an end. 3. Establishing Corporate Good Governance THAI’s Board of Directors agreed to the proposed processes and procedures leading toward theestablishment of corporate good governance.  The Committee on Good Governance proposed that the company conduct operations based on the processes and procedures set by the Ministry of Finance,complying with operational policy procedures set by the Stock Exchange of Thailand, in accordancewith modern standards.  The airline established 4 groups necessary for good governance, which are as follows:  THAI’s Board of Directors, Senior Management, Middle Management, and Staff.  It was also proposed that good governance should be applied in the following work processes:  (1)  Management systems that involve provision of customer services, (2)  Systems with regard to appointment of Management and staff, as well as reward systems, (3)  Systems concerning purchasing.  THAI has plans to publicize the company’s good governance program, to increase employee and public understanding, awareness, and understanding about good governance. In connection with the aforementioned work processes, THAI’s Board of Directors appointed the Remuneration Committee, committee members being as follows:  1.  Mr. Olarn Chaipravat    -  Chairman  2.  Mr.  Viroj Nualkhair   -   Committee Member  3.  Khunying Sasima Srivikorn   -  Committee Member 4. THAI Seeks New Aircraft THAI’s Board of Directors has approved the company’s plan to seek the purchase of 2 long-range aircraft Boeing B747-400, into its fleet, according to the aircraft acquisition plan previously approved by the Cabinet. Back to index...

THAI Adds More Flights Between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son For this winter flight schedule 2002/03, Thai Airways International Public Company will add more flight frequency on the route between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son from three to five daily flights daily, starting from 27 October. THAI will be operating five daily flights between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son on board TG 190/191, TG192/193, TG 194/195, TG 196/197 and TG 198/199, using Boeing 737-400 aircraft with capacity of 149 passenger seats and ATR 72 aircraft with capacity of 66 passenger seat. According to Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President, the demand of passengers on this route has increased and the move was to ensure passengers’ convenience, which also coincides with the government’s policy to develop Chiang Mai as the northern aviation hub. According to the plan, THAI will stand by airplanes at Chiang Mai. ATR 72 is suitable to fly on the route even during the turbulence which can reduce the problem of flight cancellations. However, THAI has also a policy to increase flight to Mae Hong Son again in Summer schedule 2003. For more information, passengers can contact THAI’s Reservation Office at Tel. 02-628-2000 and 02-280-0060 throughout 24 hours. Back to index...

THAI Organizes Chiang Mai Tour for Press from Chittagong Mr. Pratin Cherdchaikul, THAI’s General Manager for Dhaka, Bangladesh, recently invited leading agents, cargo, import and export companies, and media from Chittagong, Bangladesh, to join THAI’s familiarization trip to visit key locations in Chiang Mai, including tourist attractions, a hospital, a healthcare center, a university, and manufacturers, during 3-6 October. The trip was held to promote business and tourism cooperation between Chittagong and Chiang Mai in response to the government’s policy to promote Chiang Mai as the future Northern Aviation Hub.  THAI will also introduce thrice-weekly flight operations on the route Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Chittagong on 11 December 2002. The party was warmly welcomed upon arrival in Chiang Mai by representatives from the government and private sectors, including the Chamber of Commerce, Tourist Association and TAT’s  regional office.  The 3-day program included visits to Chiang Mai Ram  Hospital, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Green Valley Golf Club and Spa, THAI Cargo, Ban Tawai woodcarving village, Thai Tatami Factory, Elephant Camp, Orchid Farm, and shopping at Kad Suan Kaew and Airport Plaza. THAI hosted a seminar at the end of the trip on 6 October,  which was chaired by Mr. Vasing Kittikul, THAI’s Vice President for  Sales and Distribution, at the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel, to allow participants to suggest future improvements and cooperation. Thailand and Bangladesh have long been in a trading association where Bangladesh exports a range of products to Thailand, including shrimp, fresh jute, fertilizers, naptha, frozen food and jute yarn & twine.  Thailand imports cereal, lime, chemical products, plastic, livestock, rubber, cotton, fabrics, glassware, and machinery, from Bangladesh. Other potential industrial sectors which may  boost this bilateral cooperation  include healthcare, garment, education,  leather products, leather and chemical tanning, tourism, natural gas, and food processing. The seminar proved a great success towards further promoting business and tourism cooperation between THAI, representatives from Chittagong, Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, Chiang Mai Tourism Association, Tourism Authority of Thailand (Northern region),   In addition, the seminar helped strengthen the relationship between Thailand and Bangladesh for future cooperation in other areas. Back to index...

THAI Signs Code Share Agreement with Phuket Airlines 21 October 2002, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited signed a code share agreement with Phuket Airlines for flight operations on four routes followed by a press conference, which was jointly chaired by Mr. Supote Kampeera, Director-General, the Department of Aviation, Mr. Vikrom Isiri, Phuket Airlines’s President, Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President, Mr. Kanin Phuvastien, Phuket Airlines’Senior Vice President, and Mr. Tasnai Sudasna, THAI’s Executive Vice President, Commercial. The agreement aims to further promote a closer cooperation among Thai domestic carriers. THAI and Phuket Airline code share agreement will take effect on 27 October 2002, the routes being: Bangkok-Ranong v.v. 10 weekly flights Ranong-Phuket v.v. 3 weekly flights Bangkok-Mandalay v.v. 4 weekly flights Chiang Mai-Bagan v.v. 7 weekly flights “This cooperation aims to develop and expand Thailand’s aviation as well as travel and tourism industry which will in turn promote economic growth. At the same time, it is even more convenient for passengers in terms of airline choices and flexibility. THAI will support Phuket Airlines in area of sales, bringing overseas visitors to Thailand from destinations where THAI operates, and then on to, for example, Ranong, Mandalay and Bagan, via Phuket Airlines,” said Kanok Abhiradee In addition, THAI and Phuket Airlines will jointly cooperate to provide ground service equipment supports and Royal Orchid Holidays tour programs for passengers to further strengthen Thailand’s travel industry. On 15 June this year, THAI signed a code share agreement with PB Air and Air Andaman. For more information and reservations, passengers may contact THAI’ s Reservation Office at Tel. 0-2628-2000 and 0-2280-0060 24 hours a day. Back to index...

THAI  Supports Ministry of Transport & Communications’ Measures Towards Resolving Shipping Problems in America Thai Airways International Public Company Limited announced that the airline was in support of measures proposed by the Ministry of Transport and Communications towards resolving problems experienced in cargo shipments that are sent to the United States of America.  These measures would be used towards coming to a resolution concerning  problems experienced at 42 ports of call in the U.S.A., which have been temporarily closed due to labor disputes. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President, stated that on 11 October 2002 the Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Mr. Pichate Sathirachaval requested that THAI come up with measures to alleviate problems presently experienced in shipping goods to the U.S.A.  Thai operators are currently experiencing problems at 42 ports of call in the U.S.A., which have been temporarily closed since October of last year due to labor disputes.  Closure of these ports have caused problems in the shipment of goods such as instant food products, clothing, and most importantly seasonal Christmas and New Year items which have been seriously affected.  The Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications issued a policy for THAI to assist in coordinating with the Thai National Shippers’ Council, which is under the Federation of Thai Industries, to study the nature of the problem and to establish a special working group as a means of facilitating  the concerns of affected exporters.  In addition, THAI has been asked to assist in finding an alternative solution to assist in transporting Thai products to the U.S.A., on schedule and with the least negative impact possible. In addition, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Mr. Pichate Sathirachaval will arrange a meeting of the special working group early next week, with work-related functions dealing with cargo shipments of various types, in order to work towards finding resolutions for Thai export operators. THAI will be the lead organization in seeking shipment solutions, in line with the policy put forth by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.  Furthermore, THAI’s Management will proceed with plans concerning the airline’s traffic plan, in line with the measures concerned. Back to index...

THAI Holds Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting 2/2002 11 October 2002, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited held an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting 2/2002, which was chaired by THAI’s Chairman Mr. Thanong Bidaya.  Members of THAI’s Board of Directors, THAI’s President Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s Executive Vice President for Finance and Accounting Mr. Kaweepan Raungpaka, and THAI’s Management as well as THAI shareholders were present at the meeting.  The following issues were discussed: 1. Acquisition Plan for 2 Long-Range Aircraft & 1 Medium-Range Aircraft Pursuant to THAI’s Corporate Plan 2000/01 – 2004/05 THAI’s Board of Directors granted approval for the airline to incur liabilities and/or obligations in acquiring 2 long-range aircraft and 1 medium-range aircraft based on THAI’s Corporate Plan 2000/01 - 2004/05, as approved by the Cabinet on 17 October 2000. THAI’s need to acquire additional aircraft resulted from capacity shortage, especially on  European routes having experienced increased passenger traffic.  Due to the increase in number of passengers,THAI experienced a cabin factor of over 80% on major routes.  As capacity is on the rise, it is necessary for THAI to expand its regional service due to high demand in passenger travel.  Since THAI has experienced regular demand, revenue, and profit on regional routes, capacity increase is necessary.  During fiscal year 2002/03, THAI adjusted its aircraft utilization for increased efficiency at a production growth rate of approximately 6 percent, alleviating capacity shortage and supporting future growth. It was stated that if THAI fails to acquire new aircraft during fiscal year 2003/04, low production and growth rate will place the airline in a risky situation due to aircraft shortage.  This would result in passengers switching to services offered by other airlines and capacity shortage causing THAI to gradually lose its market share.  As leadtime for delivery will take approximately 18 months, THAI will need to acquire the new aircraft in time to enter the fleet and be utilized for fiscal year 2003/04. THAI shareholders who attended the shareholders’ meeting, including those who attended in person and appointment of proxy, amounted to a total of  1,307,567,961 shares. Back to index...

THAI Expands Route Network to Six New Destinations 11 October 2002,  Thai Airways International held a press conference to introduce six new destinations: 1.  Xiamen in the People's Republic of China 2.  Abu Dhabi in the UAE 3.  Bahrain 4.  Geneva in Switzerland 5.  Chittagong in Bangladesh 6.  Johannesburg in South Africa THAI will launch its flight operations to Xiamen, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Geneva, and Chittagong from 27 October onwards which is at the start of the Winter Program 2002/03.  THAI's flight operations to Johannesburg will be under a joint service agreement with South African Airways, on the route between Bangkok and Johannesburg which will start in year 2003 during the Summer Flight Schedule. An evening reception was held under the theme, "Going More Global" to mark this special occasion. There were some 800 guests attending the event, including Ambassadors of the six countries, representatives from travel and tourism related functions, members of THAI Management, agents, and media. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI's President, said, "THAI will begin flight operations to Xiamen, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Chittagong, and Geneva from 27 October.  Our operations to Johannesburg in South Africa will be in the form of joint service with South African Airways, starting in the Summer Program 2003.  This move is part of THAI's network expansion plan to cover key destinations around the world.  We (THAI) have studies their marketing, travel and tourism potential and it showed that by operating to these destinations, THAI is able to cater for the different travel demand among passengers.  It is also expected that THAI will be able to generate revenue according to the target." THAI will launch its flight operations on the following routes: Bangkok-Xiamen v.v. -  Three weekly flight operations, starting on 29 Oct 02, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday,utilizing Airbus A300-600 aircraft. Bangkok-Athens-Geneva v.v. -  Three weekly flight operations, starting on 28 Oct 02, every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday,utilizing Boeing B777-300 aircraft. Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Chittagong v.v. -  Three weekly flight operations, starting on 11 Dec 02, every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday,utilizing Boeing B737-400 aircraft. Bangkok-Abu Dhabi-Bahrain v.v. -  Three weekly flight operations, starting on 30 Nov 02, every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday,utilizing Airbus A300-600 aircraft. Bangkok-Johannesburg v.v. -  Joint service operations with South African Airways, starting on 1 Apr 03 (Summer Schedule). THAI will operate flights to Johannesburg under a joint service agreement with South African Airways utilizing SAA's aircraft between Bangkok and Johannesburg. THAI will be operating to a total of 72 international destinations worldwide, including the six new destinations. For more details, please contact THAI's 24-hour reservation service at Tel: 02-628-2000 or ticket agents worldwide. Back to index...

Royal Orchid Holidays Meets Agents to Promote Northern Thailand On Friday, (4 October 2002), Mr. Tasnai Sudasna, Executive Vice President Commercial, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, chaired a press conference to announce results of the five-day Worldwide Wholesaler/ Agent seminar, which was organised by the Royal Orchid Holidays (ROH) Department.  The seminar was attended by 50 agents from 13 countries worldwide, including Denmark, Germany, Japan, Kuwait, Norway, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, UK, Oman, Sweden, UAE and USA. According to Tasnai Sudasna, the seminar was held in support of the government’s policy to promote Chiang Mai as future northern aviation hub. Royal Orchid Holidays has regularly organized a meeting among alternate groups of agents to keep them up-to-date with their products and services and in line with THAI’s strategic plan. Royal Orchid Holidays today has over 600 tour packages, covering 107 destinations in 28 countries around the world. “Promotion of Thailand travel and tourism industry has always been an important part of THAI’s policy, which works in accordance with the government’s policy to further promote Thailand as the gateway to Indochina, while strengthening its position as the aviation hub of this region,” said Tasnai. Chiang Mai offers good connecting point to other neighboring countries and it is the government policy to develop Chiang Mai as the northern hub of Thailand.  THAI currently operates twice weekly flights between Chiang Mai and Kunming, using a 260-seater Airbus 300-600 aircraft.  In December this year, THAI plans to inaugurate its three weekly flights on the route Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Chittagong, using a 149-seater Boeing 737-400 aircraft. THAI is also conducting a feasibility study to expand its route network from Chiang Mai to other international destinations including Culcutta, Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Chiang Rung, Chengdu, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Hanoi. Royal Orchid Holidays has continued to initiate and introduce tour programs to meet customer’s requirements as well as enhance their benefits and conveniences. Royal Orchid Holidays has recently introduced a range of attractive programs and services, including Spa Package, Thai Cooking class, Honeymoon package in Thailand, Australia, UK, Bintan  and Bali, Internet reservation, accommodation upgrade for First and Business Class passengers, Family Golf 2002 Package, and special accommodation package which includes light cooking facility. For this winter program 2002/03 starting this 27 October, THAI will introduce six new destinations - Xiamen, Abhu Dabi, Bahrain, Chittagong, Geneva, and Johannesburg, with exciting Royal Orchid Holidays programs to be introduced.   Back to index...

THAI Signs Agreement for Sales of Duty Free Goods On Board To Ensure Good Procurement Governance 2 October 2002, Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, President, Thai Airways International Plc. (THAI), and Mr. Itsushi Kamiyama, Managing Director, Traveler Corporation, signed an agreement for sales of duty free goods on board THAI flights, ensuring good procurement governance, and supporting the government’s “One Tambon, One Product” Project policy among overseas travelers. The ceremony was followed by a press conference at THAI’s Head Office on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President, said THAI’s committee has made their selection of companies with expertise for sales of duty free goods on board based on their operation proposal using criteria,weight and financial proposal and benefits of THAI and its passengers as main factors for the decision making. The selection process began with media and company, as well as internal web-site, announcement at 17 Thai Embassies where the main operators are based, e-mail to associations of duty free operators and other 22 companies, and advertising in both local and international newspapers. There were seven companies which expressed their interest and forward the Term of Reference (TOR). The Traveler Corporation Co. Ltd. gained the highest recognition and was selected as the operator for the sales of duty free on board THAI’s flight.  In addition, the company proposed to include products from THAI Shop, the “One Tambon, One Product” Project and Royal Projects in the list of on-board duty free products. Products from THAI Shop will be included in the Inflight Duty Free list while those from the “One Tambon, One Product” Project will be added to the list of Home Delivery Sales.  To further enhance customers’ convenience, THAI will also offer home delivery sales other duty free products, supporting the government’s policy to boost the economy in distributing income to various communities in Thailand. Traveler Corporation is a Japanese-owned company, which is listed in the Jasdar Tokyo Stock Exchange for more than 12 years. The company is well recognized for its expertise in the sales of brand name products and souvenirs to countries worldwide, including more than 4,000 traveling and duty free products.  Products from Traveler Corporation are made available at airports and for home delivery in 55 cities throughout Japan. The company also serves more than 10 commercial airlines for home delivery services with an estimate of one million customers annually. Back to index...

THAI Expands International Network Winter Program 2002/03 During new winter program 2002/03, starting 27 October 2002, Thai Airways International plans to operate to five new destinations namely Xiamen in the People's Republic of China, Geneva in Switzerland, Chittagong in Bangladesh, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, as well as to increase flight frequencies on international routes. According to Kanok Abhiradee, THAI's President, THAI plans to operate to five new destinations on the routes Bangkok-Xiamen v.v., Bangkok-Athens-Geneva v.v., Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Chittagong v.v and Bangkok-Bahrain-Abu Dhabi-Bangkok as only a small number of airlines currently serve these destinations. "These destinations offer a range of tourist attractions. I am also proud to say that Thai Airways International managed to emerge from the aviation crisis relatively unscathed and is ready to expand its network to cover more destinations," said Mr. Abhiradee. THAI also plans to add more flight frequencies on the routes between Bangkok and London, Frankfurt, Melbourne, Busan, Chengdu, Hanoi, Beijing and Tokyo in order to cater for the rising demand of passengers on these routes. New Destinations 1. Bangkok-Xiamen v.v. 3 flights weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 2. Bangkok-Athens-Geneva v.v. 3 flights weekly on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays 3. Bangkok-Bahrain-Abu Dhabi-Bangkok 3 flights weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays 4. Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Chittagong v.v. 3 flights weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays New Code Share Destination 1. Bangkok - Johannesburg v.v. 3 flights weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays Increased Flight Frequencies (international routes) Bangkok-London v.v. from 10 to 11 flights weekly Bangkok-Frankfurt v.v. from 10 to 11 flights weekly Bangkok-Melbourne v.v. from 4 to 5 flights weekly Bangkok-Busan v.v. from 2 to 3 flights weekly Bangkok-Chengdu v.v. from 3 to 4 flights weekly Bangkok-Hanoi v.v. from 7 to 14 flights weekly Bangkok-Beijing v.v. from 7 to 10 flights weekly Bangkok-Tokyo-Phuket-Bangkok from 6 to 7 flights weekly For more information, please contact the 24 hours reservations service tel. 0-2628-2000, or THAI offices worldwide. Back to index...

THAI Signs MOU with Airports of Thailand Plc. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, President, Thai Airways International Plc. (THAI), and Air Chief Marshal Terdsak Sujjarak, Managing Director, Airports of Thailand Plc. (AOT), recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the operations of Thai Airways International at Suvarnabhumi the New Bangkok International Airport followed by a press conference at THAI’s Head Office on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. The MOU will allow THAI to 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 Bt 13,735 million in these activities. The Airports  of Thailand Plc. holds the rights to airport operations according to the Ministry regulations issue no. 11 (1994) of the Airports Authority of Thailand Act 1979. “The MOU will give a mutual benefit for both THAI and AOT since THAI already operates these activities at the Bangkok International Airport (Don Muang), which need to be transferred to Suvarnbhumi Airport to encourage smooth business continuity,” said Kanok Abhiradee. A committee has been appointed to oversee and manage THAI’s investment at the new airport in order to promote Suvarnabhumi as the aviation hub of the region, which in turn supports the government’s strategy of strengthening Thailand’s position in the area of tourism and international trade. Back to index...