The airline have confirmed that, from September 2018, it will no longer operate flights between Koh Samui and Bangkok. Thai Airways confirmed it will discontinue the service following the signing of a codeshare agreement with Bangkok Airways last year. The airline is able to ticket its European or Asian passengers through to Samui on any of the daily Bangkok Airways flights at agreed fares that are competitive for TG to resell.
Thai Airways has been operating twice daily return flights from Bangkok to Samui International Airport since 2008, after negotiating a contract with the owners of the airport: Bangkok Airways. Thai Airways’ absence on the Bangkok – Samui route is expected to lead to a monopoly for Bangkok Airways, potentially leading to more expensive fares for travellers.
Koh Samui International is renowned as Thailand’s first privately owned airport, although it has attracted controversy and criticism from hoteliers on the island, who claim Bangkok Airways have been obstructive to competitors, ultimately capping the number of tourists to the island. The Thai government attempted to build a second airport on the island but found land appropriation costs too restrictive. The move did result in Thai Airways winning landing rights for the two daily flights which are now set to be scrapped.
Thai Airways will officially discontinue its TG281 service departing Bangkok at 7.45am, and TG287 departing Bangkok at 3.30pm on 2nd September 2018.
