THAI Smile Launches Bangkok-Mandalay Inaugural Flight

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), through its THAI Smile business unit, operated its first roundtrip flight from Bangkok to Mandalay on 31 March 2031.

M.L. Bhudhisarn Varavarn , THAI Director of Area Thailand, Indochina, and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, said that starting today THAI Smile will begin operating roundtrip flights from Bangkok to Mandalay five flights per week. Flights to and from Mandalay expand THAI’s regional market, serving an increased number of Thai and international passengers requiring travel to and from Myanmar as well as passengers who enjoy modern and good quality service based on THAI standards at affordable prices and to expand to serve other regional markets.

THAI Smile’s inaugural flight TG781 from Bangkok took off at 07.25 hours on 31 March 2013 and arrived in Mandalay at 08.50 hours (local time). On board the special inaugural flight on the Airbus A320-200 aircraft was Mr. Paothong Thongchua, an expert in art, culture, and history, who led a special group of visitors as part of the THAI Royal Orchid Holidays Tour to Mandalay.

THAI organized a warm welcome upon arrival in Mandalay , which was attended by representatives from the aviation and tourism sectors in Mandalay , the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The return flight to Bangkok was TG782, departed at 09.30 hours (local time) on 31 March 2013 from Mandalay and arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 11.55 hours.

During this period, THAI Smile is also introducing four other international destinations: Bangkok to Ahmedabad, India with two flights per week, Phuket to New Dehli, India with two flights per week, Phuket to Mumbai, India with two flights per week, and Phuket to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with four flights per week, which will be launched on 31 March 2013, 2 April 2013, 3 April 2013, and 4 April 2013, respectively. Currently, THAI Smile operates roundtrip flights to seven destinations in Thailand and overseas: Macau, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, Phuket, Krabi, Udon Thani, and Ubon Ratchathani.

THAI Smile operates flights in two classes of service on its brand new Airbus A320-200 aircraft: “Smile Plus” Business Class and “Smile” Economy Class. Passengers traveling in “Smile Plus” are entitled to a baggage allowance of 30 kilograms, experience more privacy, comfort, and convenience than in Economy Class, and have access to the passenger lounge. In-flight meal service and refreshments and baggage allowance in all classes of service are offered with no additional cost, and passengers may accrue Royal Orchid Plus frequent flyer mileage on their travel on THAI Smile.