THAI domestic fares to rise 13pc

PHUKET: Thai Airways International (THAI) is to raise fares for all domestic flights by about 13% on April 20. The one-way airfare for the Phuket-Bangkok service will be raised by 13.5% from 2,000 baht to 2,270 Baht for economy class, and by 10.8% from 2,770 baht to 3,070 baht for business class. The hike was originally approved by THAI’s Board last year and was supposed to take effect on April 13, 1999, but a general outcry against introducing the rises during an economic recession led to THAI postponing the changes. One-way flights between Phuket and Haad Yai will rise from 780 to 880 baht (business class from 1,580 to 1,680 baht); between Phuket and Trang from 435 to 490 baht (1,235 to 1,290 baht); and between Phuket and Narathiwat from 990 to 1,125 baht (1,790 tp 1,925 baht). Angel Airlines, meanwhile offers one-way flights between Phuket and Bangkok, economy class only, at 1,800 baht.