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THAI
Holds “The Wonders of 3 Cultures, Supporting Chiang Mai as Aviation
Hub 28 November 2003 at the Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Center in Chiang Mai, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited launched "The Wonders of 3 Cultures" festival to promote the northern city and to introduce aviation links with neighboring countries in support of the government policy to promote Chiang Mai as the aviation hub in the northern region. The event was jointly presided over by THAI’s Executive Vice President for Commercial Mr.Suthep Suebsantiwongse, Ambassador of Laos to Thailand H.E. Mr. Hiem Phommachanh, and Chiang Mai Member of Parliament Mrs. Yaovabha Wongsawat.The festival will continue until 30 November 2003. "The Wonders of 3 Cultures" festival is being organized jointly by THAI, Chiang Mai provincial authorities, Boonrawd Brewery Co. Ltd., AIS Co. Ltd., as well as other representatives from both public and private sectors, with the aim of enhancing the image of Chiang Mai as the center of tourism and aviation in northern Thailand. In the near future, Chiang Mai will offer aviation links to cities in neighboring countries such as Singapore, Chittagong in Bangladesh, Hong Kong,Taiwan, Pagan, Yangon, and Mandalay in Myanmar, Jinghong and Guilin in China, Luang Prabang, and Hanoi. The festival offers several interesting educational and entertainment activities. During the day, a series of exhibitions, academic programs, and seminars will be held at the Central Airport Plaza, and in the evening enjoy shopping at the OTOP Trade Fair and a light and sound extravaganza at the Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Center. The seminars feature well-known speakers such as Paothong Thongchua who will talk about “Textiles from Three Countries,” Dr. Sorachak Kasemsuwan who will discuss “History and Culture of Laos and Myanmar Through the Eyes of the International Media,” and Chalermchai Kositpipat and Niwat Kongpien who will speak about “Art Objects from Three Countries.” Evening events take on another aspect of color and culture of the three kingdoms of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, with a light and sound presentation and a cultural show, a martial arts demonstration, a fashion show comprising traditional costumes and contemporary clothes, as well as classical dance and music. THAI will also inaugurate its new route Chiang Mai-Luang Prabang on 29 November 2003, with three weekly flights; and the new Chiang Mai-Yangon flight on 30 November 2003 with four weekly flights utilizing ATR 72 aircraft. The festival is a joint effort between
the public and private sectors, with THAI serving as the central point
in successfully coordinating a display of Chiang Mai’s potential
as regional aviation hub in northern Thailand to the world. |
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| THAI
Celebrates 30th Anniversary, Bangkok – Frankfurt Connection
Frankfurt, November 27th, 2003. Thai Airways International Public Company Limited held a gala reception to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its Bangkok- Frankfurt connection at the Sheraton Airport Hotel in Frankfurt, Germany. Exactly three decades ago, on November 27, 1973, THAI’s first aircraft approached Germany from Bangkok and departed Frankfurt to Thailand the following day. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, Thai Airways International’s President said, “ I am very proud of the vision of THAI’s Management thirty years ago in selecting Frankfurt as the first direct Bangkok – Europe flight, positioning it at the heart of our European operations.” THAI was the first airline to fly non-stop service from Europe to Southeast Asia. During its first year, THAI offered one weekly flight to Frankfurt, utilizing DC-8-62 aircraft. In 1974, THAI increased its flight frequency to two flights per week and the following year up to three. In 1997, THAI was among the founding members of Star Alliance together with Lufthansa, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, United Airlines and Air Canada. THAI is proud to continually serve the European market, strengthened by 30 years of serving passengers on flights routed from Europe to Southeast Asia. Tourists from Germany arriving in Thailand are the second largest group of international passengers originating from the European market, with more than 400,000 THAI passengers traveling to and from Germany in 2002/03. Currently, THAI operates to 73 cities in 34 countries covering four continents with a fleet of 83 aircraft. Annually, about 20 million passengers fly with THAI.During its winter schedule 2003/2004, THAI offers 16 weekly non-stop flights between Germany and Bangkok. |
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THAI
Announces Code Share Flights Bangkok ' Kaohsiung v.v. with China Airlines
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited announced that it will enter into code share agreement with China Airlines on the route Bangkok ' Kaohsiung, Taiwan v.v., as of 1 December 2003 onwards. Mr. Suthep Suebsantiwongse, THAI's Executive Vice President for Commercial, said that THAI has entered into code share agreement with China Airlines on the route Bangkok Kaohsiung v.v. to increase passenger convenience and offer increased travel options for passengers flying THAI?s Royal Orchid Service. Through its code share agreement with China Airlines, THAI is able to offer passengers in Taiwan travelling on this code share sector 10 flights per week, 3 flights operated by Thai Airways International and 7 flights operated by China Airlines, the code share flights beginning as of 1 December 2003 onwards. In addition, THAI's Royal Orchid Plus Gold Card members will be provided with extra baggage allowance and lounge access when travelling on THAI's code share flights. At present, THAI operates 28 weekly flights on the route Bangkok'Taipei v.v. and 3 weekly flights on the route Bangkok 'Kaohsiung v.v. Passengers may obtain more information
and make reservations by contacting THAI?s Reservation Office at Tel.
0-2628-2000 and 0-2280-0060 24 hours a day or make reservations on THAI?s
website www.thaiairways.com. |
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THAI
Promotes Chiang Mai to Welcome Pandas, Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui Thai Airways International, as one of the main sponsors for the Panda Research and Exhibition Project in Thailand, together with the Zoological Park Organization, announced the Love Panda, Love Chiang Mai campaign in order to promote tourism in Chiang Mai during 1 December 2003 - 29 February2004. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI's President, said the Love Panda, Love Chiang Mai campaign aims to encourage tourists to travel to Chiang Mai in order to visit the two pandas, Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui, the Friendship Ambassadors between China and Thailand, delivered to Chiang Mai Zoo by THAI in October. The campaign includes promotional tour packages to Chiang Mai, with the following details: 1. Euarng Luang Loves Panda promotion
2. Thai Youth Loves Panda promotion
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THAI Announces Financial Results for Fiscal Year 2002/03 Thai Airways International Public Company Limited announced its financial results for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2003, reporting a net profit of 12,453 million baht. Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President, said that THAI earned total revenues of 134,536 million baht in the year ended September 30, 2003 and realized a net profit of 12,453 million baht, an increase of 2,271 million baht, or 22.3 percent over the prior fiscal year. This translated into earnings per share of 8.90 baht for the year ended September 30,2003 compared to 7.27 baht in the prior year. Although the company was affected by the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the Iraq War, the revenues from the sale of goods and the rendering of services of the company increased from last year by 5,521 million baht or 4.3 percent. Moreover, the company recorded the net gained on foreign currency exchange of 4,160 million baht due to the strengthened Thai baht. The company’s selling and administrative expenses increased 6,495 million baht or 5.9 percent from 110,327 million baht last year to 116,822 million baht due to the increase in fuel price. |
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THAI to Hold “the Wonders of 3 Cultures” Festival 10 November 2003, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited led by Mr. Suthep Suebsantiwongse, Executive Vice President Commercial,together with Mr. Suwat Tantipat, Governor of Chiang Mai, Mr. Krisanan Ngamphati, Executive Director Marketing of Advanced Info Service (AIS), and Mr.Rangsrit Laksitanon, Boonrod Bewery Advertising and Public Relations Director, held a joint press conference to launch the “Wonders of 3 Cultures” festival, at THAI’s Head Office, on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road. The festival will take place in Chiang Mai during 28-30 November 2003, to highlight the culture and tradition of the 3 kingdoms - Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. The event is held as part of the government’s policy to promote Chiang Mai as the future northern aviation hub of Thailand. With its readiness in terms of hotel accommodation, tourist attractions, facilities, trade and investment, THAI is confident that Chiang Mai can be developed to become a fully-fledged aviation hub of the future. . The town is also rich in art, culture and tradition as well as historical sites making Chiang Mai a prominent location of this region. Mr. Suebsantiwongse said that THAI also plans to expand air link between Chiang Mai and major cities in the neighboring countries such as Singapore, China, Myanmar, Chittagong in Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Bugan, Chiang Rung, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Mandalay, and Guilin. On 12th December last year,THAI launched flight operations on the route Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Chittagong and for 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. The “Wonders of 3 Cultures” event will showcase the very best traditions of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar to mark the launch of new air links between Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang and Yangon. Visitors will have a chance to enjoy authentic regional music and dance, material arts, display of exotic fabrics and costumes,ethic fashion shows, OTOP shopping for traditional Thai goods, cultural seminars, and many more fabulous events. Visitors can also join seminar sessions
on the topics of “Protecting Culture Heritage in the Land of One
Million Elephants” and “Chiang Mai : A Cultural Crossroad
and Cosmic Centre”, and enjoy the puppet show from 3 countries,
which will be held at Central Airport Plaza at Northern Village. The
evening arrangements include Chiang Mai traditional market, Multi media
show with water screen, fountain and laser show as well as cultural
performances on Wealth of Nation, display of material Arts , and show
of Exotic Fabrics and Costumes, at the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural
Centre. The “Wonders of 3 Cultures” festival has been well-received and supported by the government and private sectors. THAI is proud to be a part in the effort to bring 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 of developing Chiang Mai into the northern aviation hub of Thailand. |
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Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, in conjunction with American Express (Thailand) Co Ltd, is introducing a reward program for THAI's Royal Orchid Plus members and Amex Membership Reward members. Under this program, Amex cardholders can transfer their Membership Reward points into the ROP mileage card for faster mileage accumulation. During the introductory period from today until 15 December 2003, members will receive a 20% bonus on top of the normal mileage points, for example, 1,500 points on the Amex Membership Reward card can be transferred to the ROP card for 1,000 miles, plus a bonus of 200 miles. They will also be exempt from paying the traditional 1,000 baht registration fee. For further information, please contact the Amex membership section at 02-273-5544, 02-273-3555, 02-273-5588. |
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Mrs. Sunathee Isvarphornchai, Thai Airways International’s Vice President for Corporate Communication Relations, recently accepted the TTG Honours 2003 award from Mr. Sontaya Kunplome , Minister of Tourism and Sports, with Mr. Darren Ng , TTG Media’s Managing Director, in attendance, at Sofitel Central Plaza Bangkok, SFX Cinema 6. THAI received the TTG Honours 2003 Award for creativity in its airline promotional campaign “Luck is in the Air” to boost passenger travel and confidence following the SARS crisis. |
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THAI to Float shares on 20-21 November Thai Airways International Public Company Limited and MOF announced a public offering of 385 million shares to investors with the aim to add value to the stock market and enhance the airline’s image as the country’s national carrier, with the share price to be announced on 19 November. The airline is confident that it will be able to attract investors as a result of its experience and reputation as well as its record of 43 consecutive years of profit. THAI’s President, Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, said that the Ministry of Finance, the Board of Directors and the six underlines concluded their proposal for the flotation of THAI’s shares. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the offering of a total of 385 million shares of Thai Airways,comprising 100 existing shares held by the Ministry of Finance as well as 285 million new shares. Proceeds generated by the sales will be used as working capital for the Suvarnabhumi Airport investment project, for upgrading inflight services ranging from passenger seats to other amenities. For investors who wish to make large lot subscriptions, the Ministry of Finance as former shareholder, has reserved an additional 57.75 million shares. After the share flotation, THAI will remain a state enterprise, with the government holding more than 50% of the shares. THAI is sixth largest Asian airline is terms of passenger traffic, according to IATA. The next step in the public offering is to hold a road show for both local and foreign investors. The road show for local investors will begin on 3 November 2003 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, on 4 November in Nakhon Ratchasima, on 5 November in Khon Kaen, on 6 November in Hat Yai, and on 7 November in Chiang Mai. On the international front, a team of THAI executives and underwriters will meet investors in Singapore, Hong Kong, New York, Boston, the United Kingdom. The share price will be set on 19 November, and subscriptions will take place on 20-21 November at every branch of Bangkok Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, and Thanachart Bank around the country. According to Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, the airline is currently in strong condition and recognized by the global airline industry. THAI has been able to steer itself through various crises and it believes its strength stems from being a national airline. Thailand is now a hub for international travellers coming to the region, and Bangkok has great potential for becoming a regional air transport center. As a member of the Star Alliance, THAI is in a good position to offer convenient services within the Asian region. |
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