Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways signed a Memorandum of Understanding this week in the area of network coordination and commercial cooperation.The agreement impacts domestic markets such as Koh Samui, a destination that THAI does not operate and aims for cooperation with Bangkok Airways. Other markets in China include Sipsongpanna, Xian, Guilin, Zhengzhou, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen, that are operated by Bangkok Airways and are not operated by THAI.

Mr. Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth, Bangkok Airways’ President, said that Bangkok Airways and THAI will continually cooperate on coordinating this agreement, as currently there is increased competition in the airline industry worldwide. Cooperation between the two carriers will help strengthen both THAI and Bangkok Airways’ operations, increasing ability to compete in the airline business worldwide and further solidifying Thailand’s position as the future aviation hub for the region.

Koh Samui is one of the leading, most popular destinations for island travel in Thailand. Furthermore, the Chinese market has high potential due to consistent growth. The most recent figures from the Tourism Authority of Thailand conclude that 711,000 Chinese tourists arrived in Thailand in 2005, which is an increase of 12% when compared to figures from 2004.
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