THAI ready to use U-Tapao

 ACM Narongsak Sangapong, acting president of THAI, said that if the situation in at the two facilities is prolonged, THAI would shift flights to U-Tapao International Airport which is the most convenient to passengers.

 He said that THAI has sent a team of officers to U-Tapao in Rayong, 190km east of Bangkok, to prepare for the operations both in refilling and ticketing.

 THAI estimated that initial damage will be Bt500 million a day, but Narongsak said damage would escalate as the airline has to moved some equipment to U-Tapao. Some crew are also stranded overseas and require more expenses. 

 As of 6pm today, THAI has cancelled 176 domestic and international flights: 86 domestic and 90 international.

 He said earlier that THAI is waiting for the Cabinet's resolution. Once the airports are reopened, THAI is ready to resume operations right away. But if the airports remain closed, it will go to U-Tapao.

 Today morning, THAI flied TG795 flight, from Los Angeles, to U-Tapao instead of Suvarnabhumi. It carried 126 passengers who were taken to the headoffice. Transit passengers were checked into Sofitel Centara.