PM Abhisit Backs Move To Launch Thai Tiger Airways

[webfact]

PM Backs Move to Launch Thai Tiger Airways

The prime minister has voiced support for the plan to launch the new low-cost airline, Thai Tiger Airways.

Meanwhile, he says politicians and government officials will need to step back from their involvement in Thai Airways in order to propel the national airline forward.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, along with his entourage including Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij and Transport Minister Sophon Sarum, met with top executives of Thai Airways or THAI, to receive a briefing on the airline's financial performance for the year-to-date.

Meanwhile, the issue at the center of media attention was the joint investment plan between Thai Airways and Singapore's Tiger Airways, to launch a new, Bangkok-based low-cost carrier in the name of Thai Tiger Airways.

The premier said the government supports the move, since the market for budget airlines has witnessed remarkable growth recently.

As with Thai Airways, he stated that the company will need to attract more outside professionals and distance itself from political interference, in order to improve efficiency in its management and to address ongoing problems.

Transport Minister Sophon argued that he did not intend to interfere in Thai Airways' affairs, having made his remarks about the Thai Tiger Airways deal. He added it is his duty to oversee agencies under the ministry's supervision.

Sophon went on to say that he has not seen the details about the establishment of Thai Tiger Airways. He stated that he will support the launch of the new airline if the service is seen to benefit the public and the nation.

Meanwhile, THAI President Piyasvasti Amranand refused to comment on the issue related to Thai Tiger Airways, only saying that he has clarified everything about the deal to the prime minister.

Instead, he revealed that Thai Airways has recorded more than 70 billion baht in profit so far this year, thanks to effective cost-cutting measures and the cancellation of pay raises and bonus payments.

Piyasvasti noted that he aims to make Thai Airways the seventh 5-star airline in the world during his tenure as president.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-03

[asiawatcher]

" Meanwhile, THAI President Piyasvasti Amranand refused to comment on the issue related to Thai Tiger Airways, ...

Instead, he revealed that Thai Airways has recorded more than 70 billion baht in profit so far this year, thanks to effective cost-cutting measures and the cancellation of pay raises and bonus payments.

Piyasvasti noted that he aims to make Thai Airways the seventh 5-star airline in the world during his tenure as president."

There ya go - says it all! Where do they get these figures but more importantly how much tax do they pay (get away with)?

[Thailand]

Hard to see the many fingers in Thai Airways rushing to pull out their interests,too much money involved.

"Instead, he revealed that Thai Airways has recorded more than 70 billion baht in profit so far this year, thanks to effective cost-cutting measures and the cancellation of pay raises and bonus payments."

[tomyummer]

Geez, I wonder how much the government, er...sorry, COUNTRY would be in the black if they cut out 'bonuses' and tea money?! That's a figure I'd LOVE to see!

[LindsayBKK]

Tiger & Thai Airways is an accident waiting to happen. Tiger Airways has one, if not the worst reputation of all Low Cost carriers.

Here is just one

Check them out for yourself in google, just type in "Tiger airways complaints".

I flew once and would never again.

This maybe the only time I disagree with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. Sorry PM.

[thaimelody]

I am either really slow or just a little stupid but doesn't Thai already have a 39% in a budjet carrier? Why another one?

[sirchai]

I am either really slow or just a little stupid but doesn't Thai already have a 39% in a budjet carrier? Why another one?

Both.

[sirchai]

Geez, I wonder how much the government, er...sorry, COUNTRY would be in the black if they cut out 'bonuses' and tea money?! That's a figure I'd LOVE to see!

There's no tea money in Siam. What are you talking about?