Thailand Latest News

Thai Airways International (THAI) suffered a net loss of Bt21.314 billion in 2008 due to record increases in jet fuel price in the world market, the global economic slowdown and political turbulence in Thailand, according to a statement issued by the airline.

The revenue of the national carrier last year totaled Bt200.118 billion, up 1.6 per cent from 2007, according to the statement, while operating expenses totaled Bt206.78 billion, an increase of 10.8 per cent.

In addition, THAI suffered increased depreciation and the operating cost of a “Mutual Separation Plan” aimed at reducing personnel costs in the long-run and the weak Thai baht which caused the company to lose foreign currency value in exchange transactions amounting Bt4.471 billion, it said.

The airline had set reserved contingent liability funds for damages arising from potential violation of antitrust or competition law amounting to Bt4.29 billion. Also, the company recorded an impairment loss on pending sale of aircraft amounting Bt4.426 billion, the statement said.

Because of the negative factors, THAI suffered total net loss of Bt21.314 billion or Bt12.58 per share, compared to a net profit of Bt4.428 billion or Bt2.57 per share in 2007, it said.

As of December 31, 2008, THAI’s total assets stood at Bt259.534 billion, down Bt20.741 billion from a year ago., while its liabilities stood at Bt213.652 billion, an increase of Bt1.402 billion from end of 2007, it added. (TNA)

Continuing its efforts to expedite the revival of the Thai travel and tourism industry, the Royal Thai government has agreed to exempt the fee for tourist visa applications for a three month period, effective 5 March, 2009 to 4 June, 2009.

Thailand presently gives Visa on Arrival for citizens of 20 countries for a stay not exceeding 15 days. Citizens of another 42 countries are allowed a visa-free stay in Thailand not over 30 days. Those who wish to stay longer than those periods have to apply for visas at the Thai embassies or diplomatic missions abroad before their arrival in Thailand.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is personally spearheading efforts to revive the tourism industry and boost the country’s competitive position to offset the impact of the global financial crisis.

Mrs Phornsiri Manoharn, TAT Governor said “The support we are getting from the highest levels of the Royal Thai government is a clear indication that Thai travel and tourism is back to business with excellent deals and marketing support for our friends in the travel trade.

“Thailand is and continues to be a wonderful diverse tourism destination with great beaches, food, spas, hotels, nature, sports and smiles. We are welcome all visitors around the world.”

On 3 February, 2009, Thai Cabinet approved a visa exemption scheme for transit passengers through Suvarnabhumi International Airport who must wait long hours to catch a connecting flight. The waiver will allow transit passengers to temporarily leave the airport premises on a short visit or to shop at places near the airport without a visa.

Each year Thailand welcomed a thousand of transit passengers daily, many of whom must stay at the airport for up to eight hours.

In 2009, TAT is conservatively expecting 14 million visitor arrivals, with tourism revenue projected at 505 billion baht (US$14.46 billion).

The Thai cabinet has passed a draft law to protect all international airports in Thailand from intruders. The law will give full authority to the transport minister and the Airports of Thailand's security officials to disperse any trespassers.

The draft law carries a maximum penalty of just 10,000 baht and a minimum penalty of 500 baht. The closure of both of Bangkok's international airports in November and December last year has dealt a devastating blow to the country's reputation, its tourism sector and its export industry.

A committee responsible for restructuring the operations of cash-strapped national flag carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) has agreed to transfer all the airline’s domestic flights to Suvarnabhumi international airport effective March 29 in a bid to improve its network of operations and handling efficiency and reduce overall operating costs. The decision by the committee was reached Thursday when it considered the advantages which passengers would receive from integrating domestic flights and services from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport with its international operations at Suvarnabhumi airport.

THAI has said that moving all 23 domestic flights to Suvarnabhumi will enable it to better manage its flights and facilitate passengers wishing to travel throughout Thailand as well as making connections to international flights. The move will also help support the government’s policy on promoting national tourism and economic growth. In an attempt to provide better services to passengers at Suvarnabhumi, the airline will triple the number of check-in counters there from 12 at present to 36.

Besides that, THAI will also add e-check-in points, and expand its VIP lounge by nearly half again, from 650 square metres to 934 sqm, and also increase the number of ground staff. The committee’s meeting came one day after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva ordered the Ministry of Transport and THAI management to submit details of how THAI would gain from moving its domestic flights to Suvarnabhumi. Transport Minister Sopon Zarum has stood firm that THAI must move its fleet and services to Suvarnabhumi by March 29. Mr. Sopon said his ministry will report on the benefit derived from a one airport policy within two weeks but promised that the move will take place within the deadline.

ACM Narongsak Sangapong, said that THAI will shift 23 domestic flights back from Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok’s former main airport, to Suvarnabhumi Airport on 29 March 2009, making a total of approximately 45 domestic round flights operated to/from Suvarnabhumi Airport, as follows:

Northern route
• Suvarnabhumi – Chiang Mai v.v. 10 flights/daily
• Suvarnabhumi – Chiang Rai v.v. 3 flights/daily
• Suvarnabhumi – Phitsanulok v.v. 2 flights/daily

Northeastern route
• Suvarnabhumi – Khon Kaen v.v. 3 flights/daily
• Suvarnabhumi – Udon Thani 3 flights/daily
• Suvarnabhumi – Ubol Ratchathani 3 flights/daily

Southern route
• Suvarnabhumi – Phuket v.v 10 flights/daily
• Suvarnabhumi – Krabi v.v. 3 flights/daily
• Suvarnabhumi – Surat Thani 2 flights/daily
• Suvarnabhumi – Hat Yai v.v. 4 flights/daily
• Suvarnabhumi – Samui v.v. 2 flights/daily

The last five flights, which are scheduled to arrive at Don Mueang Airport on 28 March 2009, will be adjusted to land at Suvarnabhumi Airport per following details:

                   Flight                        Details                                  Depart         Arrive
                 TG 1236           Hat Yai – Suvarnabhumi                     18.45 hrs      20.15 hrs
                 TG 1274           Surat Thani - Suvarnabhumi                19.00 hrs      20.10 hrs
                 TG 1141           Chiang Rai – Suvarnabhumi                20.20 hrs      21.35 hrs
                 TG 1015           Udon Thani – Suvarnabhumi                20.35 hrs     21.35 hrs
                 TG 1165           Phitsanulok – Suvarnabhumi               21.50 hrs     22.35 hrs

 

• The last flight arriving at Don Mueang Airport on 28 March 2009 is TG1047, Khon Kaen – Don Mueang, depart Khon Kaen at 19.45 hrs, arrive Don Mueang Airport at 20.40 hrs.

• The last flight departing Don Mueang Airport on 28 March 2009 is TG 1124, Don Mueang – Chiang Mai, depart from Don Mueang Airport at 22.15 hrs, arrive at Chiang Mai at 23.25 hrs.

• The first flight departing from Suvarnabhumi Airport on 29 March 2009 is TG 020, Suvarnabhumi – Ubol Ratchathani, depart Suvarnabhumi at 06.00 hrs, arrive at Ubol Ratchathani at 07.05 hrs.

• The first flight arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport on 29 March 2009 is TG 123, Chiang Mai – Suvarnabhumi, depart Chiang Mai at 07.00 hrs and arrive at Suvarnabhumi at 08.10 hrs.

With more flights to be operated to/from Suvarnabhumi Airport, THAI has prepared better and additional facilities and services for passengers’ convenience. In addition, THAI is introducing boarding pass printing at home via internet, 24 extra check in counters, expanding its domestic lounge area and employing new, ground communications PDA device to enhance service at Suvarnabhumi Airport..

THAI anticipates that an average of 3500-4500 extra passengers a day will be processed at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the vast majority of them expected to be customers who would have previously used Don Mueang Airport.

According to ACM Narongsak Sangapong, THAI’s Acting President, THAI was also using the move back under one roof as an opportunity to increase services across a range of areas.

The move under one roof concept is a major strategy of Star Alliance, of which THAI is a founding member. It is ideal for Suvarnabhumi Airport because it is a single terminal. It means we can further consolidate our passengers services, increase traffic flow and efficiency and improve transit times,” ACM Narongsak Sangapong said.

Mr. Lek Klinvibul, THAI’s Managing Director, Ground Customer Services Department, said that 12 domestic check- in counters will be added and another 12 will meet both domestic and international traffic demands. Thirteen self- service kiosks are already at check-in. THAI is also working with the Airports Authority of Thailand [AOT] to introduce Common Use Self-Service [CUSS] kiosks which can be used by passengers of many airlines. These CUSS kiosks will be placed throughout the airport to help alleviate congestion and improve passenger flows.

For passengers’ convenience, THAI advises all passengers to spare maximum time for check-in as THAI’s check-in counters will be closed 30 minutes prior to flight departure and passengers are required to arrive at the boarding gate 10 minutes before flight departure.

THAI is planning to encourage passengers on domestic flights, particularly local Thai people, to use the kiosks and also to become familiar with a new online service, Internet Home Print Boarding pass. Internet Home Print Boarding Pass was introduced by THAI on in February this year for domestic e-ticket passengers only. It enables passengers to print out their own boarding passes from home. THAI tentatively plans to introduce Internet Home Print Boarding Pass for international flights in May.

Mr.Lek commented: “We are certain that the Internet Home print Boarding Pass concept will contribute to a smoother facilitation for passengers, particularly those with only hand luggage, as they will not need to check-in but instead can go straight to immigration and the gate. We see this as a great improvement and would encourage e-ticket holders to take advantage of it.”

The domestic lounge on Concourse A, already a large size, will be extended by 284 sq. metres. It will be decorated as an interior garden lounge, serving a wide range of drinks and snacks.

To further improve communication and efficiency, THAI’s ground-handling staff will now be using Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs], which provide data and voice communication among frontline staff. The 40 PDAs are on a GPRS satellite system and will greatly increase communications for different features such as check-in, load control, reservations, frequent flyer profiles, baggage tracing and flight information.

Check-in information

From Sunday, 29 March, 2009 the check in counters at Suvarnabhumi Airport for THAI will be:
• Door 1 Row A International Royal First and Royal Silk Class

• Door 1 Row B Domestic Royal Silk and International/Domestic check in for ROP/Star Alliance Gold Card Member

• Door 2 Row C Domestic Economy Class and International/Domestic Group Check-in on both

• Door 3 Row H/J International Economy Class