Picture: Naew Na

 

The chief of the budget airline Nok Air - in which Thai Airways owns the fourth largest stake - told Naew Na that the Bangkok to Betong route had lost 40 million baht in the first three months of operation.

 

Wuthiphoom Julangkoon said the service was in the red. 

 

Though cargo operations had been up to scratch passenger numbers had not. 

 

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Operating costs are high because the journey takes 1 hour and 45 minutes and prices are not cost effective. 

 

That combined with the current high cost of fuel has put the route in jeopardy meaning that in the future it may have to be scrapped. 

 

This at a time when Nok Air were hoping to expand rather than limit its services. 

 

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But but but.... 

So they can't add in a second or even third destination on the flight! Bangkok, hua hin, phuket and Betong, or would the pilots get to stress at having to do several landing? plus the poor little plane, might be stressed to breaking point?

 

Well, home work not done - or just to please Prayut for a maiden flight some time ago? Have a look at the map and you'll see that there ARE alternatives without flying into Betong. Just wondering who signed off the work sheet for the construction of this airport. 
Betong is 160+ kms away from Narathiwat or 140 kms away from (Malaysian) Penang ........