Speech by
Mr. Siriphong Mangkalee
THAI Director, ASEAN Department
IT&CMA Press Conference
Lotus Suite 11, Centara Grand Convention Center
Tuesday, 24 September 2019
Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my pleasure to welcome all distinguished delegates and guests attending this year's IT&CMA to Thailand. Thailand has been selected as the venue for IT&CMA for 18 consecutive years and Thai Airways International is proud to be a key supporter of this special gathering that brings global decision-makers and business leaders to Thailand.
This year, THAI marks its 59th Anniversary of operations as the national carrier of the Kingdom of Thailand and a state enterprise under the Ministry of Transport, operating domestic and international flights to and from its home base in Bangkok. THAI's air transport business, or core business, is dedicated to serving passengers traveling to and from Thailand, as well as customers using THAI's cargo and mail services. The Company's business units provide cargo handling services, ground customer services, ground equipment services, and catering services, while other related businesses include aircraft maintenance services, dispatch services, onboard duty-free sales, souvenir sales, flight simulation training services, and its subsidiaries' operations.
As the national flag carrier representing Thailand, THAI prides itself with service provision with "Touches of Thai" from ground services to inflight services and that extra touch of special menus tailored to seasonal celebrations. In cooperation between THAI and Menya Itto Ramen Bangkok, Japanese Ramen is being served in Royal First Class and Royal Silk Class on flights from Bangkok to destinations in Japan, from August to October 2019.
Furthermore, THAI cooperated with Lebua Hotels and Resorts and launched the Chef Endorsement Menu that was prepared by Michelin Star Chef from Chef's Table Restaurant at Lebua Hotels and Resorts. Classic French menus were served to Royal First Class passengers who traveled from Bangkok-London and Royal Silk Class passengers who fly THAI flights from Bangkok-London, Bangkok-Frankfurt, Bangkok-Munich, Bangkok-Paris, and Bangkok-Zurich from July to August 2019.
On 29 October 2019, THAI will launch new roundtrip flights from Bangkok-Sendai, operating three flights per week, utilizing Boeing 777-200 aircraft with 30 seats in Royal Silk Class and 279 seats in Economy Class. Sendai is blessed with perfect scenery and warm climate. It is known as "the City of Trees" and is beautiful year-round. One of Japan's historical cities, Sendai is located in the center of Tohoku region, 300 kilometers Northeast from Tokyo on Honshu Island. Sendai will become THAI's seventh destination in Japan.
THAI recently unveiled its Boeing 777-300 aircraft, royally bestowed the name "Lahan Sai," that was painted in Suphannahong Royal Barge aircraft livery, commemorating the Royal Coronation Ceremony 2019. THAI's Boeing 777-300 aircraft, royally bestowed the name "Lahan Sai," is equipped with a total of 364 seats, 34 seats in Royal Silk Class and 330 seats in Economy Class. This aircraft will serve roundtrip flights from Bangkok-Seoul, Taipei, Beijing, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Sapporo to promote Thai culture worldwide through the Suphannahong Royal Barge aircraft livery. Passengers may enjoy traveling on this aircraft, which symbolizes the importance of art and culture as well as historical significance for Thailand and Thai nationals.
THAI Smile, a subsidiary of THAI, will become a Star Alliance Connecting Partner by the end of this year, which will strengthen regional gaps in the airline network.
Currently, THAI Smile serves 11 destinations in Thailand and 20 destinations in Cambodia, China, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and India, which will make travel even more convenient for passengers within the region.
THAI and THAI Smile hope that passengers traveling to and from Thailand will enjoy this added benefit that will make seamless travel and connectivity even more enjoyable than before.
On behalf of THAI, I hope that this year's IT&CMA meeting will be fruitful and productive, with many successful outcomes and cooperations. Thank you and sawasdee krub. |
