Thai airways free flight promotion scaled back

[george]

Thai Airways International (THAI) says it can afford to offer customers only one free round-trip between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, rather than throwing open all domestic routes for one day as earlier planned.

Its president proposed free flights on all routes to promote flagging sales, but the airline now says it can't afford it.

Deputy Transport Minister Pichet Sathirachawal said THAI would choose 400 people for the promotion.

Ticket agents would get 50 seats and the rest would go to members of THAI's Royal Orchid Plus mileage project, underprivileged people, social contributors, students and the airline's shareholders.

Earlier THAI president Kanok Abhiradee said free domestic flights would be available on all routes.

However, according to a THAI source, managers met last Tuesday and decided that would be too expensive, as the domestic service costs as much as 40-50 million baht a day.

The Chiang Mai-Bangkok trips would cost THAI about 300,000-400,000 baht.

Criteria for choosing the lucky travellers will be decided today and put to the executive committee next Tuesday.

About 200 passengers will fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and the same number will take the return trip.

The flights will be offered on a weekday when traffic volumes are half that of weekends.

--Bangkok Post 2003-05-16

[Rinrada]

FYI

THAILAND £355. AUSTRALIA £ 499. NEW ZEALAND £550

Thai Airways have just released two seat sales for companions.

Firstly Bangkok  for just £355 . Chaing Mai, Chaing Rai, Phuket, and Krabi for £375.

Bali and Manila are both at £435....................

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Prices shown do not included taxes fees and charges. Please note that 2 Pax must travel together at all times. Log in to www.paylesstravel.co.uk now or call our reservations team on 0870 747 9012 for further information. Fares for sale until 30 June 2003.

payless | travel

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Tel: 0870 747 9012

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