Could we be getting cheaper prices ?

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=comm&id=news/avd/2010/10/22/18.xml&headline=Thai%20Airways%20Plans%20To%20Start%20Short-Haul%20Carrier

Sounds more like they're leaning towards the 'Samui Taxi fare model':

It also increased short-haul air fares in April, which led to a significant drop in passenger numbers, but an increase in short-haul revenue, he adds.

dont think so somehow

BANGKOK, Aug 2 -- National flag carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) and Singapore's budget carrier Tiger Airways on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a new low-cost airlines 'Thai Tiger Airways'.

http://thailand-business-news.com/travel/19439-thai-airways-and-tiger-airways-launch-new-budget-carrier

Phuket Air ?

http://www.phuketairlines.com/

They have probably noticed the shift away from Thai after their last round of price increases just made them totally uncompetitive.

But surely they need to consolidate their operations; with the Nokair shareholding,the upcoming Thai Tiger plus the new short haul carrier how will all survive, especially as it will no doubt continue be run by politicians and not aviation experts.

Sounds messy to me.

Sounds messy to me.

Agreed. A bit like running around on the deck of the Titanic; messy and pretty futile.

As for the "we ... getting cheaper prices" ..... I cannot see that happening. Not here on Samui. We all know who controls our airport and landing fees and prices. Thai have 2 daily flights into USM. Do we really think they will be allowed to operate more - especially cheap-o ones?