THAI to hike domestic fares by 15pc

PHUKET: Fares for domestic flights on Thai Airways (THAI) will be hiked by 15% with effect from November 15, Viset Sontichai, THAI’s District Sales Manager for Upper Southern Thailand, announced today. The newspaper Thai Rath reported that the rise was because THAI’s domestic services, with the exception of those between Phuket, Bangkok and Chiang Mai, were unprofitable. The news agency AFP reported today that THAI expects to post a net loss of 160 million baht this year. After the hike, a one-way ticket between Phuket and Bangkok will cost 2,625 baht for economy class, and 3,425 baht for business class. Flights between Phuket and Haad Yai will cost 1,180 baht for economy, and 1,980 baht for business class, while tickets between Phuket and Trang will cost 790 baht economy and 1,590 for business class. Tickets for flights between Phuket and Narathiwat will cost 1,605 baht for economy, and 2,405 for business class. Tickets that have already been bought at the current price for flights on or after November 15 remain valid. Flights booked as part of a THAI “Erng Luang” package are exempt from the price rise.