[oz_mark]

THAI Australian changes in 2008

THAI Airways has unveiled operational change to its Australian network which takes place from 30MAR08.

Bangkok - Sydney/Bangkok - Brisbane
Removal of the 747-400 service, replaced by 777-300 and 777-200ER.

777-300 operates TG991*/995/996/992*
777-200ER operates TG993/994

*TG991/992 continues to operate Bangkok - Sydney - Brisbane - Bangkok routing

Bangkok - Melbourne
TG981/982, currently operates 5 weekly (x24), will increase to Daily from 30MAR08. This brings number of frequencies to 14 weekly

Bangkok - Perth
TG997/998 will be operated by A330-300 instead of 777-300 from 30MAR08
TG985/986 will be operated by A330-300 instead of 777-300 from 16JUL08

So no more F on Thai from Australia (not sure when they started flying 777's to PER, I thought they were still using A330's)

[Travel Guru]

Thats a pity given their F product is quite good given the reasonable fare price.

TG

[toottifruitti]

We were booked to go to BNE-BKK in May, flighing in F. Stumbled across the changes on the net. Rang Thai who are in a real flap over this trying to get all F class into J. They were most helpful and efficent. We now have new booking and price. We would have loved the experience of F class on Thai as we had been told it was the best. We have only flown with Thai on short hops before and found their service excellant. Also rang a local TA and she said all aircraft leaving OZ soon through to Asia will only have Bus and Econ. No more Fclass. What a pity. She did add we could fly F class with BA. This was declined!

[Neil Appleby]

The spoken of changes using the 777s on Aussie routes seem to have taken place.
In December 2006 these new planes were used on the MEL-BKK, but sadly, not always. Just completed a BKK-MEL-BKK route flying 777-300ER both ways.

OK the economy seats are not business class standard but they offer superb comfort. With Thai's legendary service, flying economy on the 777-300ER has never been so good.

Haven't flown Singapore ever, but so far Thai's service blows away the following: BA (not hard to do) Qantas (ditto) Cathay, Emirates (slipped badly of late) Dragon (very good, but not quite Thai standards).

If only Emirates would increase staffing levels they may match Thai, but at present their staff labours under great stress.