Thai Airways International Public Company Limited today announced it will start commercial flights, for the first time, to the popular southern resort island of Samui.

THAI’s Boeing 737-400 aircraft, capable of carrying 149 passengers (12 on Royal Silk Class / 137 on Economy Class) will start the twice daily service on 15 February, 2008. The schedule will be:
 
Flight  Destination      Time of Depart  Time of Arrive 

TG285   Bangkok – Samui  0745            0855           

TG286   Samui - Bangkok  0935            1045           

TG287   Bangkok – Samui  1600            1700           

TG288   Samui - Bangkok  1730            1900

According to Mr. Pandit Chanapai, THAI’s Executive Vice President, Commercial Department, said the new route supports the Thai government’s policy to promote inbound and domestic tourism, particularly to the southern and outer island resorts. THAI expects up to 70 percent of passengers into Samui on its flights to be from overseas. It fits with our policy of “First Flight, Full Flight, Every Flight.

“This is a breakthrough for THAI. Samui is a premier destination. We aim to make the route very competitive by marketing it to tourists from major European cities currently served by THAI connecting through Suvanarbhumi Airport. In addition, THAI’s policy is to expand its network and connections in order to provide seamless travel and convenience for its passengers,” Mr Chanapai said.

Special Royal Orchid Holidays [ROH] packages, including a wide range of packages and products, will be offered to travelers. These include selection of twenty hotels in Samui and two hotels in Pha Ngan plus 11 optional tours to the popular Ang Thong Marine National Park
and Koh Tao.

In addition, THAI will offer a special promotional fare of 2,450 baht per flight on Economy class and 3,600 baht per flight on Business class (fares excluding airport tax and other surcharges) for passengers traveling between Bangkok and Samui during 15 February – 31 March 2008. For further details and information, passengers may contact THAI’s 24-hour Call Center at tel. 0 2356-1111.

Samui has, until now, been the exclusive airline destination of Bangkok Airways, which owns the airport on the island. 

Samui is one of Thailand’s top travel destinations, known for its water sports, adventure activities, shopping and food.

The other southern destinations serviced by THAI are Hat Yai, Phuket, Surat Thani and Krabi. The Samui route brings to 12 the number of THAI domestic routes. It services 64 international destinations (including Bangkok) in 35 countries worldwide.

About THAI’s destinations: Thai Airways International currently flights to 11 domestic destinations, three in the north, three in the northeast and four in the south. THAI flies to 64 international destinations, 12 in Europe, one in North America, 46 in Asia/pacific and three in the Middle East, a total of 35 countries.