THAI Announces First Nonstop Flight From New York to Bangkok; Fastest Service to Southeast Asia Starts May 1.

NEW YORK -- Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) has marked its 45th anniversary with the announcement of a new nonstop route from New York's John F. Kennedy Airport to Bangkok, Thailand. Using its new Airbus A340-500, THAI will provide the fastest flight from New York to Southeast Asia. The 17-hour, 8,711 mile, over-the-pole flight begins on May 1, 2005.

Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI's President, said that the new route was being launched as part of THAI's new strategy to cover all destinations with high earning potential. It is also supportive of the Government's policy to boost trade and investment between Thailand and the USA, Mr. Kanok noted.

In addition, Mr. Kanok said: "Our new flight will link two of the most dynamic cities in the world -- New York and Bangkok -- and two cities that share a common interests in fashion and design, in entertainment and films and in food and good living and will serve the growing demand of both leisure and business travel from the east coast of the US to Asia."

THAI currently serves the USA with three weekly flights from Bangkok to Los Angeles and with the new non-stop, Mr. Kanok said, "Travelers on both US coasts can enjoy traditional THAI service and hospitality on our flights and when they visit our Kingdom."

The New York-Bangkok TG791 departs New York 12:00 p.m. and arrives in Bangkok at 4:10 p.m. the following day; the return flight, TG790 departs Bangkok at 00:40 am and arrives in New York at 06:35 am the same day. The flights operate six days a week excluding Monday.

The nonstop New York-Bangkok flight, operating from JFK's new Terminal 4, allows passengers to connect easily in the US as well as within Asia making Bangkok the ideal gateway for them. "As a founding member of Star Alliance," Mr. Kanok said, "THAI has coordinated its schedules with our member airlines to ensure that passengers have minimal connect times wherever their final destination might be."

With the new Airbus A340-500, passengers will experience the most modern aircraft technology, providing greater comfort and in-flight amenities in 60 newly designed Royal Silk class seats, 42 Premium Economy class seats and 113 Economy class seats for a total of 215 seats.

To celebrate the new destination, THAI is offering special bonus mileage points for Royal Orchid Plus members. ROP members who fly THAI flights on the route New York-Bangkok v.v. in Royal Silk class will receive 150% mileage points and those flying Premium Economy class will receive 125% mileage points. This promotion is valid through 31 July 2005. In addition, ROP members who redeem mileage points for air tickets routed Bangkok -- New York v.v. issued now until 15 August 2005 will also receive a 25% discount.

Special promotional fares will also be offered, starting from $862 roundtrip from May 1-June 9, 2005.

For the whole year of 2005, THAI is also offering international travelers the opportunity to explore more of Thailand with a special pass to fly to three cities within Thailand for only US$169. The three coupons are valid in economy class to any of THAI's domestic gateways during a period of three months. The airline flies to 13 destinations from Bangkok including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and Phitsanulok in the north, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani in the northeast and Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Phuket and Surat Thani in the south.

For further information on flight schedules and ticket reservations, please contact THAI's Sales Offices, a travel agent, or the carrier's website at http://www.thaiair.com.