Thai Airways takes a smile: Reinstates nine cool-season routes for domestic delight

[webfact]

Thai Airways International reinstated nine domestic routes for the cool season, previously provided by its former affiliate, Thai Smile Airways. The services, which will run until March 30, utilise the Airbus A320 planes from the airline’s former subsidiary, Thai Smile.

 

The re-established routes offer daily flights from Bangkok to nine destinations – Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Narathiwat, Phuket, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani. Phuket is set to have 56 services each week, while Chiang Mai will have 35 and Khon Kaen 28.

 

Chai Eamsiri, CEO of Thai Airways, revealed that the airline is utilising 20 Airbus A320 planes as well as pilots and flight attendants from Thai Smile Airways. He also noted that Thai Smile’s operating licence is due to expire in January, reported Bangkok Post.

The routes include:

1. Round-trip route Bangkok-Chiang Mai operates daily, 35 flights per week.

2. Round-trip route Bangkok-Phuket every day, 56 flights per week (starting flight December 1, 2023).

3. Round-trip route Bangkok-Udon Thani every day, 21 flights per week (starting flight December 1, 2023).

 

Photo of Alex Morgan

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-11-29

 

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[JoePai]

And after March 30th ?

[khunjeff]

They haven't "reestablished" or "reinstated" anything. These are the exact same flights that have already been operating, using the exact same planes that have been flying those routes, except now the flight number will begin with TG instead of WE. Big whoop.

 

They made the same kind of ridiculous announcement in Hanoi a few weeks ago, holding a grand press conference to announce that they were "resuming" service to Vietnam - by which they meant changing the flight numbers on the exact same flights that had already been operating daily since Covid. Misleading the public isn't a good first step towards regaining trust after bankruptcy.

[KhunBENQ]

10 hours ago, JoePai said:

And after March 30th ?

Paintjob and some last registration matters?

"Thai Airways"

And all planes will be in a single pool.

Don't expect A350 to Khon Kaen

 

Checked some prices for KKC to BKK in January and looks like the worst expectations will be met with rising prices. Also the "senior" rebate (>60) seems gone.

Can you expect services in time?

Thai Smile has become terribly unreliable with the schedule.

Often the only airline from Khon Kaen that is delayed.

Edited November 29, 2023 by KhunBENQ

[KhunBENQ]

Important if you look for a (domestic) flight with Thai/Thaismile.

Until Dec 16 Thaismile booking is still fully operational even for flights after this date.

Don't rely on searching Thai Airways website, as flights may not yet show up there.

(checked this and saw the usual four flights BKK-KKC while Thai Air says "not found")

Confusing result of the reintegration of Thaismile.

 

 

Edited December 1, 2023 by KhunBENQ