The Transport Ministry has urged Thai Airways International (THAI) to increase domestic services and launch new international routes to secondary airports across Thailand, in a move aimed at boosting tourism and regional economic activity.

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The proposal was discussed during a recent meeting between Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit and THAI executives, according to Deputy Government Spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana. The government wants the national carrier to make greater use of regional airports and help channel more foreign visitors to destinations beyond Thailand’s main tourism hubs.

THAI currently operates domestic services to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Hat Yai, Krabi and Phuket.

Under the proposal, the airline would increase flights to Krabi and Ubon Thani, while also adding Nakhon Si Thammarat to its domestic network. Officials believe stronger air connectivity will support tourism growth and stimulate local economies in provincial destinations.

The government has also encouraged THAI to open new international routes linking Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong with regional airports including Krabi, Surat Thani and Hua Hin. The plan aligns with government policy to strengthen direct connections between major overseas markets and secondary Thai destinations.

The initiative forms part of wider efforts to maximise the use of local airports across the country. Smaller airports are managed by the Department of Airports under the Transport Ministry, while 10 larger international airports are operated by Airports of Thailand Plc.

While THAI is no longer a state enterprise, the Finance Ministry remains its largest shareholder, holding a 38.90% stake in the airline. This gives the government an ongoing interest in the carrier’s role in supporting national transport and tourism objectives.

The proposal has been presented as a way to expand travel options for international visitors, reduce reliance on major gateway airports and encourage more balanced tourism development across the country.

Bangkokpost reported that attention will focus on whether THAI proceeds with the recommended route expansions and how quickly new services can be introduced. Any future announcements are expected to provide further details on destinations, flight frequencies and implementation timelines.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 1 June 2026

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Maybe Thai Airways could grow more if they were less expensive. I was searching for a flight and Thai Airways is more expensive than Singapore airlines... Cheaper would increase grow...

Although Thai Airways is a “publicly listed” company on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the state is still the major shareholder, holding 38.9%.

So, the government urging it to expand services to secondary airports and new international routes seems to be more about propping up underused infrastructure than it does about looking after shareholders.

Surely, privately owned airline companies would avoid this like the plague. But it seems yet again, that Thai is being afflicted with the same government medelling that almost grounded it permanently a few years ago.

The irony is that the government subsequently spent years “restructuring” THAI to be more commercially disciplined, and now it wants it to behave like a state enterprise again.

No wonder its share price is languishing at ฿6.70!

I think the gov is pushing an underlying agenda - stop the bleeding exodus of tourism going to Vietnam. I hear the news and sometimes the gov talks up “reform regulation”, what has that anywhere lately? I think what we’ve seen happening with the economy here will continue that downward spiral. Maybe Gov should hire a foreign consulting firm, and see what they could learn and how to effect change. I know of a big country and the gov uses consulting firms. Hey, even better, maybe Elon can help with a Thai DOGE. On different but related, I like Thai Air Int, always gives 23kg checked, plus a roll aboard on our flights KK/BK. Freebie onboard sandwhich.

Edited June 1Jun 1 by NedR69

I used to use Khon Kaen airport as a bus used to pass my house to KK and it was then a 10 minute taxi. The hourly service was replaced with a van after covid - no thanks - and I detest the new KK airport, expanded when the old one was perfectly adequate (now, I wonder who got the contracts and who they knew....).

So I changed to Roi Et, which used to have something like 10 flights a day with Thai to BKK and Nok Air and Air Asia to DMK. Since they largely rebuilt that airport too (why? see above) it is down to three flights a day with AA. Now, if they decide to also pull out.... But I suppose as they have a monopoly they'll keep the service going.

Now there's talk of a new airport at Kalasin - actually, in Yang Talat 20kms away. Can't see that happening, with Roi Et so close, and with so few flights.