Confusion over Mae Hong Son flight suspension

MAE HONG SON: -- The decision by Thai Airways to temporarily suspend its flights between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son became mired in further confusion today when the director of Mae Hong Son Airport denied all knowledge of plans to allow an alternative airline to take over the route for the 20-day period.

Mr. Suthep Khemthong said that Thai Airways had not informed him of any plans to use another airline when its single aircraft is taken off the route for maintenance from 7-26 December.

However, Mr. Suthep said that he had been in touch constantly with the Department of Aviation Transport over the issue, which local businesses say will devastate the province’s tourism industry over the December high season.

-- TNA 2004-10-18

Interesting that THAI wouldn't have performed this maintenance during low season on the Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son route. Makes one wonder whether there isn't some ulterior motive at play. I have read in the past that THAI would love to lose the CNX-HGN route as it's a money-loser for them but there is some (unspecified) political reason as to why they have retained it after giving up all of the other domestic sinkholes.