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Interim
dividend payment and setting the date for the 2003 Annual General Shareholders’
Meeting of Thai Airways International Public Company The Board of Thai Airways International has passed the resolution to amend the Company’s dividend policy from divided payment of not less than 25% of net profit, depending on economic conditions and the Company’s business structure, to dividend payment of not less than 25% of net profit before gain and loss on foreign currency exchange, depending on the investment plans, and the other necessity and appropriate in the future. The Board has passed the resolution to approve the interim dividend payment as follow: - The interim dividend payment from the
business operations of the Company for the half fiscal year 2002/03
will be Baht 1.00 per share and will be paid to shareholder on Friday,
November 28, 2003. Moreover, the Board has passed the resolution
to consider and approve the additional dividend payment from the business
operations of the Company for the fiscal year 2002/03 of not less than,
Baht 1.00 per share. The Board of Director will be fixed the closing
date for the company share registration for the right to receive the
dividend, the amount of the dividend payment, and the date paid for
dividend payment after the Board of Director approve the results of
the business operations on November 14, 2003 and to propose by the shareholders’
meeting in December 2003, at 13.30 hrs., THAI’s Head Office. |
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THAI Launches "Towards Asian Leadership" Campaign 31 October 2003 at the Head Office of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, THAI’s President Mr. Kanok Abhiradee presided over the launch of the airline’s public relations campaign "Towards Asian Leadership" with the introduction of the Giant Book. The event was attended by THAI's management and staff as well as media representatives, held with the aim of instilling pride among staff regarding the company’s success. THAI’s President, Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, confirmed that THAI is financially prepared, and has clear and focused management direction in order to achieve its aim of becoming one of the top three airlines in Asia. THAI has been constantly improving its efficiency and streamlining its operations. THAI has set the theme "Towards Asian Leadership" as a key phrase among its staff to rally support and cooperation to achieve its goal of becoming a leading Asian airline. Public relations strategies have already been implemented internally and externally to create awareness about the campaign "Towards Asian Leadership," which is linked to THAI’s next public share offering. The Giant Book, which
stands 2.10 meters in height, contains information about the airline
which is a source of pride since its inception to the present. The Giant
Book will be displayed in the main lobby of Building 1 as well as eight
of THAI’s offices at a total of 15 areas, and will serve as a novel
way to present information to staff and the public. |
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THAI Inaugurates Chiang Mai-Luang Prabang Flight for the Winter Programme Thai Airways International Public Company Limited announced plans to launch a new flight to Luang Prabang in Laos to meet the economic and tourism growth in northern Thailand. The new flight will be launched on 29 November 2003 for the winter programme THAI’s President, Mr. Kanok Abhiradee said that Chiang Mai has potential and readiness in the areas of air transport and tourism. Chiang Mai is also serve as the center of the region's trade, investment, medicine, education and tourism. Luang Prabang is the most important city located north of Laos, is a well-known tourist destination, with cultural and architectural wonders and other tourist attractions. Luang Prabang attracts a large number of Thai and overseas tourists as well as businessmen and investors. In order to meet the growing demand for air travel between the two cities, which resulted from the burgeoning economy in the northern region, THAI is offered to link both cities and enhance the potential of both cities. The flight from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang will be operated on the ATR 72 aircraft with three flights a week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. TG 688 departs Chiang Mai at 08:20hrs and arrives in Luang Prabang at 09:30hrs. TG 689 will depart Luang Prabang at 10:00hrs and arrives in Chiang Mai at 11:15hrs.The new flight will begin operating on 20 November 2003, and is expected to be well received by travellers within the region. Passengers can also check flight details at the THAI ticket office in Vientiane, Laos, tel: 02-628-2000. |
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THAI Wins Awards for Best International Airline from Denmark and Third Most Popular Airline from Time Magazine Thai Airways International Public Company Limited recently won the award for Best International Airline from the Denmark Tourism Authority for the fourth consecutive year. Readers of Time Asia Magazine also voted the airline the third most popular airline. THAI’s President Mr. Kanok Abhiradee said that THAI was once again awarded Best International Airline from the Denmark Tourism Authority for the fourth consecutive year. The decision was based on a survey conducted by the Denmark Research Institute, sent to executives and travel agents in Denmark, Danish tourists, as well as the general public. Passengers surveyed by Time magazine Asia edition also voted THAI as second runner up in the Preferred Airline Category. Time Asia is widely read among executives, members of the travel industry, hotels, and travel industry in Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Thailand. Based in Singapore, the magazine has a readership of about 1,947,840. The award ceremony with Time Asia will take place on Tuesday, 28 October 2003 at the Carlston Annex Hotel, Singapore. Time magazine is a weekly news and business magazine that is widely read in the US, Canada, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, the South Pacific and Asia, with a worldwide readership of approximately 31.6 million. THAI has previously won the following
awards: |
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29 October 2003, 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. THAI’s Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting 2003 THAI’s Board of Directors approved the date for the next Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting 2003, on Tuesday, 23 December 2003 at 13.30 hours in the Auditorium at THAI’s Head Office, with the date established 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 4 December 2003 until THAI’s Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting comes to an end. 2. Progress on THAI’s Investment Project in Suvarnabhumi Airport THAI’s Board of Directors has approved to enter into a mechanical and electrical system contract at THAI’s investment project in Suvarnabhumi Airport, as proposed by the project committee as follows. For the Aircraft Maintenance Center, Powerline Engineering Public Company Limited was selected as the contractor for mechanical and electrical systems at THB 597,000,000 baht. For Catering Services and for Cargo and Mail Commercial, EMC Public Company Limited was selected as the contractor for mechanical electrical systems at THB 830,000,000 baht and THB 507,000,000 baht, respectively. For Ground Support Equipment Services, Secgo-Pesco Consortium, consisting of Secgo Company Limited and Process Engineering Service Company Limited,was selected as the contractor for mechanical and electrical systems at THB 309,000,000 baht. For the Operations Center, GEC-Wenco Consortium, consisting of G.E.C. Engineering Company Limited and Waltzen Enterprise Company Limited, was selected as the contractor for mechanical and electrical systems at THB 236,000,000 baht. Work on mechanical and electrical systems for these business units will begin on Tuesday, 4 November 2003 in order for construction to be complete by 31 December 2004. Contracting of mechanical and electrical system companies for THAI’s investment project at Suvarnabhumi Airport has gone through THAI’s selection process and purchasing regulation for year 2003. 3. Developing Inflight Products for Airbus A340 Aircraft THAI’s Board of Directors approved for the company to purchase inflight products to facilitate passenger comfort, to be equipped on board 3 of the airline’s Airbus A340-500 aircraft and 5 of the airline’s Airbus A340-600 aircraft, with First Class and Business Class seats from B/E Aerospace, with Super Economy Class and Economy Class seats from Koito. The inflight entertainment system on THAI’s Airbus A340 aircraft will operate using on-demand system with an entertainment index with a capability of up to 200 programs, from Matsushita; with the galley from Britax Sell. The inflight products to be equipped on board THAI’s Airbus A340 aircraft were designed with modern features to enhance future market competition and productivity. The airline’s Airbus A340 aircraft will enter THAI’s fleet beginning approximately in March 2005 and will be utilized on intercontinental flights to Europe and the United States of America. The 3 Airbus A340-500 aircraft will have 3 classes of travel: Business Class with 60 seats, Super Economy with 49 seats, and Economy Class with 114 seats, at a total capacity of 223 seats. The 5 Airbus A340-600 aircraft will have 3 classes of travel: First Class with 8 seats, Business Class with 60 seats, and Economy Class with 202 seats, at a total capacity of 270 seats. |
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THAI Introduces Direct Service Taipei-Hong Kong-Chiang Mai-Bangkok 28 October 2003 at Chiang Mai International Airport, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, by Mr. Chaiwat Chanapai, Vice President Western Sales and Distribution Department, inaugurated its direct service on the route Taipei-Hong Kong-Chiang Mai-Bangkok. The new route has been introduced in accordance with the government’s policy to turn Chiang Mai into the future northern aviation hub of Thailand. The event was presided over by Mr. Suwat Tantipat, Governor of Chiang Mai together with representatives of functions under the government and private sectors in the Northern Region. To mark this special occasion, THAI invited THAI’s travel agents and media from Taiwan and Hong Kong to join the first flight and visit the city of Chiang Mai during 28-31 October 2003. The new flight from Taipei-Hong Kong-Chiang Mai-Bangkok will be operated three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays utilizing Airbus 330-300 aicraft. with capacity of 42 seats in business class and 263 seats in economy class. It is expected to be well received by travellers in the region. Mr. Chaiwat said that in accordance with the government’s policy to turn Chiang Mai into the future northern aviation hub of Thailand ,THAI, as the flag carrier, is confident that this policy is not beyond our reach. The town’s potential and readiness to accommodate the growing trade, tourism, export, agriculture,education, medical and health care services is fully recognised. THAI is proud to act as a medium, bringing Chiang Mai to the world and be at the helm of closer cooperation between public and private business operators in order to achieve our common goal. Mr. Suwat Tantipat said that Chiang Mai is a suitable location for becoming the aviation hub of northern Thailand providing effective transportation network linked via land and air as well as having international airport for connecting the provinces in the north, northeast, and major cities in neighbouring countries. As the government’s policy is to promote international relations and commercial goods in sub-regional area to support trade efforts and air links, Chiang Mai can serve as the perfect northern aviation hub of Thailand. Mr. Tantipat further said that he was confident that THAI’s direct services between Taipei, Hong Kong, and Chiang Mai would create more commercial, tourism industry, and cultural exchange between people of all parties. THAI also plans to expand new routes from Chiang Mai to other cities in the region such as Singapore, China, Myanmar, Chittagong in Bangladesh, India,Taiwan, Bagan, Yangon, Chiang Rung, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Mandalay, and Guilin. THAI launched the Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Chittagong route on 12 December 2002, and in this year’s winter schedule, THAI will launch flight operations between Chiang Mai-Luang Prabang , Tokyo-Chiang Mai-Bangkok,Taipei-Hong Kong-Chiang Mai-Bangkok, and Chiang Mai-Yangon. |
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THAI Launches Direct Service Tokyo - Chiang Mai in October Chiang Mai, 26 October 2003, 14.55 hours
-- Mr. Suwat Tantipat, Governor of Chiang Mai , presided over a welcome
ceremony to celebrate Thai Airways International’s inaugural flight
between Narita and Chiang Mai at Chiang Mai International Airport. To
mark this special occasion, THAI invited the Thai Ambassador to Tokyo,
Mr. Kasit Piromya, THAI’s travel agents, as well as Japanese media
to join the first flight and visit the city of Chiang Mai during 26-29
October 2003. THAI aims to promote Chiang Mai is potential to accommodate
of trade, export, tourism, agriculture, education, as well as medical
and health care services. THAI will also play a major role in Chiang
Mai’s market expansion and encourage local public and private sectors
to engage in business Mr. Suwat Tantipat said that Chiang Mai
is suitable as the aviation hub of northern Mr. Chaiwat Chanapai, THAI’s Vice
President Western Sales and Distribution Department added that THAI
began operating thrice weekly services as of 26 THAI also plans to expand its services between Chiang Mai and other countries in the region, such as Singapore, China, Myanmar, Chittagong in Bangladesh,India, Taiwan, Pukarm, Yanggon, Chiang Ruang, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Mandalay, and Chengdu. For this winter scheduled, THAI will also launches flight’s operation between Chiang Mai – Luang Prabang, Taipei-Hong Kong-Chiang Mai-Bangkok, and Chiang Mai-Yangon |
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THAI Joins LOT Polish Airlines Launch Event into Star Alliance Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, President of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, together with members of the CEB and AMB of Star Alliance member airlines, recently attended the launch event of LOT Polish Airline as Star Alliance’s 15th member in Warsaw, Poland. The joining of LOT Polish Airlines will further extend Star Alliance’s worldwide network, particularly into Eastern Europe. Star Alliance networks spans 680 airports
in 127 countries. Its fleet of over 2000 aircraft makes almost 11,000
daily departures. This year Star Alliance airlines |
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THAI Adds Special Flights During APEC Period Thai Airways International will add special flights and change to larger aircraft types on flight operations to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi and Had Yai, in order to cater for the increased demand of passengers during the APEC period. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President,
said that this is in response to the Thai Government’s announcement
of the closure between 17-24 October 2003 of Bangkok – Chiang Mai v.v. Bangkok – Krabi v.v. Bangkok – Phuket v.v. Bangkok – Had Yai v.v. For more information, passengers may
contact THAI’s 24-hour reservation center at tel. 0-2628-2000 and
0-2280-0060. |
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THAI Rewards Royal e-Service Passengers Thai Airways International Public Company Limited is offering special rewards for passengers using the airline's new Royal e-Service, effective until 31 March 2004. This electronic service comprises Royal e-Booking, Royal e-Ticket and Royal e-Check In, and allows passengers to choose their flights, date and time of travel, make reservations, conduct payment transactions, issue tickets, as well as check in by themselves for greater convenience. Mr. Suthep Suebsantiwongse, THAI's Executive
Vice President for Commercial, said that since its launch, the comprehensive
Royal e-Service has proved very popular among passengers because it
allows them greater flexibility and convenience, as well as saves time.
To show the airline's appreciation to passengers for using this new
e-service, THAI is offering special rewards as follows: |
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THAI Offers Royal Orchid Plus Electronic Award Tickets Thai Airways International Public Company Limited is offering a new service to Royal Orchid Plus members with the new Royal Orchid Plus electronic award ticket. This new service provides greater convenience and efficiency during travel since it eliminates holding paper award tickets. This offer is available until 31 October 2003. Mr. Suthep Suebsantiwongse, THAI’s Executive Vice President for Commercial, said that the airline is marking the 10th anniversary of its Royal Orchid Plus frequent flyer programme with the new Royal Orchid Plus electronic award ticket. ROP members can exchange their mileage points for electronic award tickets on domestic flights. They can travel without having to hold any paper tickets, providing greater convenience and preventing the possibility of losing or forgetting tickets. Passengers may call THAI’s reservation office at 0-2628-2000, 24 hours a day, or call any THAI reservation office around the country to indicate your requirements. In addition, during this introductory
period, from today until 31 October 2003, ROP members can exchange mileage
points at a special discount rate on all domestic flights as follows:
For further information, check THAI’s
website at www.thaiairways.com/rop. |
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THAI's Support for APEC 2003 APEC 2003 (18-21 October 2003) Thai Airways International Public Company Limited is proud to be a major sponsor of the 11th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). THAI's support covers the following areas:
2. Public Relations 3. Transport for the working committee
and delegates APEC CEO Summit
APEC CEO Summit: A meeting of private sector leaders held in conjunction to APEC 2003. THAI's support for the APEC CEO Summit
covers the following areas: Meals Service Service Staff
Menu for Gala
Dinner THAI's Support
for APEC Investment Mart THEME: INVEST WITH CONFIDENCE BENEFIT FROM DIVERSITY Aim: To emphasise the country's economic
potential Period: 16-21 October 2003, at Impact Muang Thong Thani, Hall 5-6 THAI'S EXHIBITION DETAILS: |
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THAI Wins Danish Travel Award 2003 Thai Airways International Public Company Limited was voted the Best International Airline of the Year 2003 at the Annual Danish Travel Award Ceremony,recently held in Copenhagen. The award was based on results of a survey based on polled responses from travel agents, Danish travellers and the general public. This year is the fourth continuous year that THAI has won this prestigious award . |
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World Health Organization Praises THAI for Effective Measures to Handle SARS Crisis Thai Airways International Public Company Limited recently received a letter from the World Health Organization (WHO) commending THAI for the responsible steps taken in protecting passenger safety from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and reducing opportunity for the virus responsible for SARS to spread around the world. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President,
said “We (THAI) are fortunate to have made a quick recovery from
SARS compared to other Asian carriers, in June our cabin factor was
over 60 per cent and even reached 90 per cent on some routes including
Bangkok-London and Bangkok-Los Angeles. Our Crisis Management Center
has been in operation from the very early stage of SARS outbreak until
today. THAI and the Ministry of Health worked closely together to introduce
and implement measures to control the situation, making our travelers
and crew feel confident to fly with THAI to Thailand. Safety of our
passengers and crew is THAI’s prime concern and we have made every
possible effort to get the message across that Thailand is a zero-SARS
transmission country, this is extremely crucial.” |
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THAI to Support “Bangkok: the Fashion Haven” Campaign Thai Airways International Public Company
Limited, in conjunction with the Ministry of Industry and the Office
for the Promotion of Small and Medium Size Enterprises, has launched
a “Bangkok: the Fashion Haven” campaign to promote Bangkok
as the regional fashion centre. On this occasion, THAI’s cabin
attendants will take to the catwalk to model outfits and products from
the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) project. The campaign will be launched
on 15 October 2003 at Bangkok International Airport, on THAI’s
flights between Bangkok and Phuket, and at Phuket International Airport.
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THAI Completes Book-Building Process on THB 10 Billion 5 and 7 Year Debentures Thai Airways International Public company
Limited successfully completed the book-building process for both tranches
of its THB 10 billion 5 and 7 year Senior Amid a highly volatile market, an overwhelming response from the situational investors brought both tranches to be more than 1,5 times over-subscribed.Coupons are fixed at 3.00% for 5-year bonds and 3.7% for 7-year bonds, which are equivalent to credit spreads of 95 bps over government bond benchmarks.During the past few months, the offering is the first issue which successfully closed book at coupon rate lower than top range. The company has set aside a portion 0f 7-year debenture for retail investors to subscribe during 1-7 October 2003. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President said that we are pleased with the success of our inaugural THB bond offering and would like to express our appreciation for all investors who support our offerings. The proceeds from the issuance of debentures will be used for working capital and bisiness expansion. Joint Lead Underwriters and Joint Book Runners (Alphabetical Order) – Barclays Capital Securities (Thailand), and Kasikorn Bank added that “we are able to draw large demands in the difficult market environment and current volatilities. This attributes to strong interests from broadest groups of investors. The coupons reflect investors’ confidence in company and ‘AA-’ rating assigned by TRIS.” The ‘AA-’ ratings reflect THAI’s
strength in air transportation business, its capability to consistently
deliver high profit margin, and strong support from the government as
national carrier. |
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THAI Assists in Delivery of Pandas The Zoological Park Organization and Thai Airways International Public Company Limited will be flying a group of 50 officials and media representatives to China in order to receive delivery of two pandas. THAI’s President, Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, together with Mr. Montree Navikapol, Chairman of the Zoological Park Organization, and Gen. Lertrat Ratanavanich,Vice Chairman, The Zoological Park Organization and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Marketing and Benefits, the Panda Research and Exhibition Project in Thailand, recently presided over a press conference held at THAI’s Head Office, to announced preparations to receive two pandas from China. Mr. Navikapol said that the two pandas, Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui, are considered Friendship Ambassadors between China and Thailand. The panda project is one of many events marking the 6th cycle birthday of Her Majesty the Queen on 12 August 2004. The welcoming committee will be flying to China, courtesy of THAI, on 10 October 2003, and will be arriving at Chiang Mai International Airport on 12 October 2003. According to Gen. Ratanavanich, the welcoming ceremony for the pandas is being organised with the support of the Television of Thailand Channel 11 of the Public Relations Department, which will provide live broadcast nationwide. A procession will be waiting to take the pandas from the airport to Chiang Mai Zoo where a special enclosure, complete with bamboo shoots and dedicated personnel, has been prepared for the pandas' 10-year stay in Thailand. A number of private organizations have contributed donations to the project fund, and further funds will be raised through the sale of panda souvenir items at the five zoos belonging to the Organization, on the Zoological Park's website, at major department stores and airports throughout the country. In addition to providing transport for the welcome committee, THAI will also be carrying a supply of bamboo shoots from China through the entire duration of the project. Mr. Abhiradee said that the panda project will help boost tourism, especially to the northern city of Chiang Mai, which the government has planned to upgrade as a regional aviation hub in the near future. The panda project will successfully enhance Chiang Mai's profile among both local and international tourists. THAI's support for the project includes the transport of the two pandas from Chengdu, China, which is on THAI's routenet, to Chiang Mai. The pandas will leave Chengdu on 12 October 2003 on flight TG 619 and arrive in Chiang Mai at 17:25hrs. To accommodate the pandas, THAI has adjusted the temperature in the holding area approximately 15-20 degrees Celsius, and installed two passenger seats for the Chinese veterinarian and the cargo staff to provide close attention and care to the pandas for the flight's duration. THAI is also providing air tickets for
related personnel worth 1 million baht per year for the duration of
the project. Until the bamboo saplings are fully grown,THAI will also
be transporting 1,600 kgs. of bamboo per month for their food. A special
tour programme will also be introduced as part of Euerng Luang Tours
and Royal Orchid Holidays to encourage people to visit Chiang Mai and
see the pandas. |
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