KUALA LUMPUR, 14 AUGUST 2025: The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) has designated Sabah as Malaysia’s Favourite Destination for the 57th MATTA Fair in September 2025.
The biannual MATTA Fair is scheduled from 5 to 7 September at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur.
Photo credit: MATTA press conference. From left to right: Phua Tai Neng, MATTA Secretary General, Borneo Amazing Journeys; Sheikh Awadh Bin Abdullah, MATTA Deputy President, Gotz Travel & Tours; Bobby Alex, Marketing Manager, Sabah Tourism Board.
Malaysia’s largest international travel fair returns and is pulling out all the stops through a record-breaking 2,040 booths, building on the success of its previous fair with 1,754 booths. With exhibitors from national and state tourism organisations, the fair promises a broader range of travel packages from various airlines, hotels, and licensed tour and travel agents.
As the fair’s spotlighted destination, Sabah remains a firm favourite among both domestic and international visitors. At the 56th edition of the MATTA Fair held in April 2025, Sabah recorded an impressive MYR4.5 million in sales, marking a 46% increase compared to the same period last year.
“Sabah’s rise as a top travel destination reflects the growing demand for authentic, immersive, and responsible tourism,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong. Its success is not just about sales figures, but about how Sabah has embraced sustainable and community-based tourism, giving visitors meaningful experiences while uplifting local communities. We are proud to recognise Sabah as Malaysia’s Favourite Destination at the MATTA Fair this September,” he added.
This recognition aligns with the MATTA Eco & Sustainable Tourism Initiative (MESTI), which champions cultural preservation, community empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Sabah’s participation will feature travel offerings aligned with responsible and sustainable tourism, allowing visitors to explore with purpose while contributing to the preservation of local heritage and traditions.
MATTA Fair offers free admission and is open from 1000 to 2100 from Friday to Sunday, 5 to 7 September.
Fair visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the complimentary shuttle services from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall to MITEC. For those driving, parking facilities are available at the south entrance basement in MITEC, MITI basement, and the MATRADE open parking.
SINGAPORE, 14 August 2025: Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), confirmed the launch of three new destinations — Chiang Rai in Thailand, and Okinawa and Tokyo (Haneda) in Japan — with flights commencing progressively between December 2025 and March 2026.
With the launch of these routes, Scoot will operate 111 weekly flights to Thailand and 45 weekly flights to Japan.
Photo credit: Scoot. Embraer E190-E2.
Phasing in new routes
Okinawa: Three weekly flights from 15 December 2025 using an A321neo. Chiang Rai: Five weekly flights from 1 January 2026 using the Embraer E190-E2 aircraft configured in a single economy class cabin with 112 seats. Tokyo (Haneda): Daily flights from 1 March 2026 using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Singapore – Okinawa
TR834 will depart Singapore (SIN) at 0215 and arrive in Okinawa (OKA) at 0820 on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. TR835 will depart Singapore (SIN) at 0920 and arrive in Okinawa (OKA) at 1345 on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday.
Singapore – Chiang Rai
TR670 will depart Singapore (SIN) at 0550 and arrive in Chiang Rai (CEI) at 0800 on Tuesday and Saturday. TR670 will depart Singapore at 1640 and arrive in Chiang Rai (CEI) at 1850 on Monday, Thursday and Friday.
Chiang Rai – Singapore
TR671 will depart Chiang Rai (CEI) at 0835 and arrive in Singapore (SIN) at 1255 on Tuesday and Saturday. TR671 will depart Chiang Rai (CEI) at 1925 and arrive in Singapore (SIN) at 2345 on Monday, Thursday and Friday.
Singapore -Tokyo Haneda
TR800 will depart Singapore (SIN) at 1730 and arrive in Haneda (HND) at 0100 plus a day. Daily flights. TR801 will depart Haneda (HND) at 0315 and arrive in Singapore (SIN) at 0830.
The new flights are open for booking with one-way economy class fares starting from SGD190 to Okinawa, SGD128 to Chiang Rai and SGD190 to Tokyo (Haneda), inclusive of taxes.
Scoot will also increase flights to support stronger demand for air travel during holiday periods. From August 2025, the airline will increase flight frequencies to cities including Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Thailand, Ipoh in Malaysia, Tokyo (Narita) (via Taipei) and Sapporo (Hokkaido) (via Taipei) in Japan, Jeju in Korea, Taipei in Taiwan and Vienna in Austria.
In Southeast Asia, flights to Bangkok increased from 35 to 39 times weekly as of this month. Ipoh will see improved services from 17 to 21 times weekly from November 2025. Chiang Mai will also see a progressive increase in frequencies to 14 times weekly by December 2025, up from the current daily service.
In North Asia, services to Tokyo (Narita) (via Taipei) will progressively increase to 14 times weekly from October 2025, up from 12 weekly. Services to Sapporo (Hokkaido) (via Taipei) will also increase from four to seven weekly from December 2025.
Between Singapore and Taipei, flights will gradually increase from 23 to 25 times from October 2025 and from 25 to 28 times from December 2025. Additionally, flights to Jeju will increase from five to seven weekly from January 2026.
In Europe, frequencies to Vienna will increase from three to five weekly from March 2026.
Scoot Chief Executive Officer Leslie Thng commented: “We are thrilled to expand Scoot’s network in Asia with new routes to Chiang Rai, Okinawa and Tokyo (Haneda), offering our customers even more travel options. In addition, the upcoming increase in services to some cities will support stronger demand for air travel during the year-end and the new year holiday periods. We will continue to look for opportunities to connect our customers to new travel experiences and memorable journeys with Scoot.”
KUALA LUMPUR, 13 August 2025: Sarawak has once again made waves in Malaysia’s business events scene by returning to EventXpo 2025 with bigger goals and a more substantial presence, reaffirming its role as Malaysia’s capital of legacy-driven business events.
Building on the success of last year’s theme, Tribe Legacy Sarawak, Sarawak took the lead at this year’s expo with impactful initiatives under the Sarawak Pavilion, showcasing how business events can benefit not just the economy but also society and the environment.
Photo credit BESarawak. With its biggest delegation of 13 co-exhibitors, Sarawak proudly demonstrated a united belief in the legacy vision.
“Being Malaysia’s legacy capital of business events means driving impactful programmes and ensuring stakeholders have the tools, support, and opportunities needed to contribute to national progress,” said BESarawak CEO Amelia Roziman.
Sarawak’s participation at EventXpo served as a platform to spotlight initiatives that align with the country’s priorities, especially in social, economic, and environmental development.
This October, Sarawak will host LEGACY360, Malaysia’s first and only business event legacy forum. As one of three transformative initiatives, LEGACY360 will focus on five key legacy objectives: Advocate, Educate, Advance, Recognise, and Support.
Each of these objectives is matched with a dedicated initiative: the LEAP Summit to advocate for legacy thinking, LEGACY360 to educate industry stakeholders, and AI.LEGACY Intelligent Impact Management System to advance innovation in legacy creation, Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards (BILA) and the International Journal of Business Events and Legacies (IJBEL) to recognise impactful contributions, and a suite of incentives to support event planners fully committed to long-term impact.
“Advocacy at the policymaking level is crucial in legacy-building, which is why we’re hosting the LEAP Summit during LEGACY360,” Roziman added. “It will bring together government leaders and industry players from around the globe to explore how business events can be used to support social growth, economic progress, and environmental responsibility.”
Sarawak’s commitment to inclusive development was also reflected during EventXpo, when BESarawak signed a Memorandum of Collaboration with Borneo Business Connect to launch Kind Borneo — a community-focused expo taking place alongside LEGACY360 on 2–3 October in Kuching.
Kind Borneo is designed to bring together corporations, non-profits, and philanthropies to share ideas and collaborate on projects that promote kindness and positive social impact.
In another significant milestone, Sarawak introduced the I AM LEGACY movement to Peninsular Malaysia for the first time. The movement celebrates individual and united efforts in creating positive change through business events. This was demonstrated by Sarawak’s delegation of 13 co-exhibitors, representing a wide range of expertise from event planning and tourism to hospitality and venues:
Event Management
Absolute Cool Event (Event Management)
Place Borneo (Professional Conference Organiser)
Techno Expo (Exhibition Management)
Destination Management
Cat City Holidays
Greatown Travel
Hotels & Venues
Hilton Kuching
Pullman Kuching & Miri Waterfront
Imperial Hotel Miri
RH Hotel Sibu
Sheraton Kuching Hotel
Miri & Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa
The Waterfront Hotel Kuching
Borneo Convention Centre Kuching
“EventXpo was a success for Sarawak. The legacy vision received firm support from stakeholders, which shows that legacy-building is no longer a concept but a shared direction for the future. Collaboration is the key to value creation,” Roziman concluded.
EventXpo 2025 is organised by the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) and will feature over 90 companies, two state pavilions, and international exhibitors from Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, India, and Singapore, under the theme’ Business Events Build Nations’.
About Business Events Sarawak BESarawak was established in 2006 by the Sarawak Government as a non-profit destination marketing organisation to promote Sarawak for national and international business events. Support and services include, but are not limited to, bidding services, developing business events of interest, delegate marketing, financial support and developing incentive itineraries. BESarawak is a member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Union of International Associations (UIA), and Union des Foires Internationales (UFI) – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. Visit www.businesseventssarawak.com for more information.
About Business Events’ Legacy Impact Legacy Impact refers to the long-term, positive benefits that business events bring to sectors, communities, trade and investment, the environment, and governance. Sarawak is the first in Malaysia and one of the few in the world to focus on legacy Impact as a sustainable method of measuring the value of business events. The sector is listed as one of six in the Sarawak Government’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy to achieve economic prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability by 2030.
OSAKA, 13 August 2025: Following its launch in Kuala Lumpur, Serumpun Sarawak made its international debut in Osaka, Japan, with a four-day showcase of culture, cuisine, and creative leadership at Seaside Studio CASO.
Held from 5 to 8 August 2025 in conjunction with Sarawak Week at the Malaysia Pavilion, the programme brought the rainforest to the city through a compelling blend of Indigenous storytelling, culinary innovation, and cultural exchange.
Chef James Won explaining the details of each course, inspired by the flavours, philosophies, and culinary heritage of Sarawak’s 34 diverse Indigenous communities, at Serumpun Sarawak in Osaka.
Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP Sarawak) and the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), it marks the first overseas chapter of the Serumpun Sarawak movement. This cultural gastronomy initiative blends ancestral wisdom with modern storytelling and sensory innovation.
The event was attended by the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, YB Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak, YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the State Financial Secretary, Dato Sri Dr. Wan Lizozman bin Wan Omar and other dignitaries.
YB Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Premier of Sarawak, and YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, enjoying a seven-course degustation dinner curated by Chef James Won during the dinner reception at Seaside Studio CASO, Osaka.
“Serumpun Sarawak represented more than a cultural showcase — it was an affirmation of who we are as Sarawakians. By bringing our stories, our flavours, and our Indigenous wisdom to Japan, we are building bridges of understanding and appreciation that go beyond tourism. This is how we share Sarawak with the world: through genuine connections that celebrate diversity while deepening respect for our shared humanity,” said YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak.
At the heart of the programme was a seven-course degustation dinner curated by Chef James Won, each course inspired by the flavours, philosophies, and food knowledge of Sarawak’s 34 diverse indigenous communities. Using ingredients foraged from Sarawak’s forests and rooted in ancestral fermentation techniques, the culinary showcase was not just a meal — it was a narrative in motion. Courses were presented with evolving soundscapes, visuals, and contextual storytelling to immerse guests in the journey of Sarawak’s edible heritage.
“Serumpun Sarawak in Osaka was not just about Sarawakian cuisine; it was about reintroducing our culture to the world through meaningful exchange. It shows how our rainforest, our heritage, and our people can inspire a global journey that transcends borders. This is Sarawak’s soft power at its most authentic,” said STB CEO Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor.
The experience was further deepened by Prof Gerard Bodeker, who narrated the courses through the lens of traditional medicine, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of the rainforest ingredients.
A defining moment of the evening was the premiere of “Ilun Kuai”, the official anthem of Serumpun Sarawak, co-created and performed by Zee Avi, Adrian Jo Milang (The Tuyang Initiative), Raja Farouk, Yuswa Ansari, and the Atlas Collective, with original lyrics by Aren Lirai and Rose Belare.
As the Sunrise of Sarawak ritual unfolded, the music anchored guests in a powerful atmosphere of reflection and renewal, calling them to rise and reconnect with the values of rootedness, resilience, and reverence for nature.
Through multi-sensory experiences, live performances, and curated conversations, Serumpun Sarawak bridged traditional and contemporary expressions of culture. More than a showcase, it served as a living archive of memory, resilience, and Indigenous identity, inviting audiences to experience Sarawak not as a destination but as a worldview.
The next chapter of Serumpun Sarawak will unfold in Mulu, home to Sarawak’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. This finale brings the journey full circle, returning to the forests, rivers, and communities that first inspired it.
To learn more about Serumpun Sarawak and upcoming chapters, visit serumpunsarawak.com and follow @serumpunsarawak and @sarawaktravel on Instagram for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes stories.
SINGAPORE, 13 August 2025: Shangri-La Singapore has confirmed the appointment of Yusuf Yaran as the hotel’s Resident Manager.
Shangri-La Singapore, the brand’s first hotel globally, features 792 rooms and suites across three distinctive wings, set amidst 15 acres of lush tropical gardens in the heart of Singapore.
Yusuf Yaran, Shangri-La Singapore Resident Manager.
Yaran joins the hotel after successfully leading Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu as Resident Manager. During his tenure, he oversaw the resort’s full operations,
A longstanding member of the Shangri-La team since 2006, Yaran has held a series of progressive leadership roles across the Group, including key postings in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Shanghai, Manila, and Singapore.
SINGAPORE, 13 August 2025: Club Med and PT Grahatama Kreasibaru (GKB) have signed a hotel management agreement (HMA) that sets the stage for the opening of Club Med Manado in North Sulawesi by 2028.
In a press statement, Club Med said it was poised to significantly strengthen its presence in Indonesia with the upcoming Club Med Manado, which will be the group’s third resort in the Indonesian archipelago.
The agreement for Club Med Manado was signed at Club Med Bali, Indonesia, in the presence of Gregory Lanter, Deputy CEO of Club Med, Sebastien Favre, Vice President Development Construction Project Southeast Asia and Pacific of Club Med, Harris Gozali, CEO of GKB, Patrick S Rendradjaja, Chief Development Officer of GKB and Karel Patipeilohy, Commissioner of GKB.
“This exciting new project underscores Club Med’s pioneering spirit and growth strategy within Southeast Asia. It follows the iconic Club Med Bali, established in 1984, and Club Med Bintan since 1997, further committing to offering even more diverse and premium holiday experiences in highly sought-after destinations.
“Reinforcing this long-term dedication to Indonesia, Club Med has also renewed the Land Use Development Agreement for Club Med Bali and planned renovations for Club Med Bintan. These strategic investments highlight Club Med’s commitment to showcasing more of Indonesia’s stunning destinations and continuously enhancing the guest experience.”
The agreement for Club Med Manado was signed in Club Med Bali, Indonesia, in the presence of Gregory Lanter, Deputy CEO of Club Med, Sebastien Favre, Vice President Development Construction Project Southeast Asia and Pacific of Club Med, Harris Gozali, CEO of GKB, Patrick S Rendradjaja, Chief Development Officer of GKB and Karel Patipeilohy, Commissioner of GKB.
The latest endeavour is located in Manado on the northern coast of Sulawesi Island in Indonesia, just a 70-minute drive from Sam Ratulangi International Airport. Manado is particularly known for its natural attractions and vibrant marine life. It’s a hub for eco-tourism, with Bunaken National Marine Park being a major draw for divers and snorkelers.
Club Med Manado will feature 250 rooms that offer breathtaking, direct views of the Molucca Sea and the majestic Mount Klabat, North Sulawesi’s highest peak. The project, along with existing operations, is projected to generate over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs for Indonesians across Club Med’s offices and resorts worldwide. This considerable investment is strategically designed to invigorate the local economy in Manado and provide a substantial, long-term boost to the job market within the destination.
BANGKOK, 13 August 2025: A robust flight expansion on key high-demand routes such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Denpasar delivered a healthy financial performance for Thai Airways International PCL during the second quarter of 2025.
Total revenue during Q2 closed with THB44,828 million, a 1.9% increase from THB43,981 million during Q2 2024.
Passengers carried in Q2 2025 reached 3.97 million, up 4.2 % year-on-year, with an average cabin factor rising to 77.0% from 73.2% during the same period last year. This improvement reflects the company’s ongoing route network optimisation and expanded codeshare partnerships.
Operating expenses amounted to THB34,648 million, a 9% decrease from Q2 2024, primarily due to lower average jet fuel prices, despite the airline experiencing higher fuel consumption as flights increased.
Other contributing factors included lower maintenance costs and other operational efficiencies.
THAI reported an operating profit before finance costs of THB10,180 million, an increase of 71.8% from THB5,925 million in Q2 2024, with an EBIT margin of 22.7%.
THAI and its subsidiaries’ financial costs, recognised by THAI Financial Reporting Standard 9 (TFRS9), were THB3,392 million, a decrease of THB1,404 million from the same period last year.
One-time gain items net amounted to THB5,347 million, primarily driven by accounting adjustments related to the transition from lease to ownership of four Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. As a result, the company reported a net profit of THB12,134 million in Q2 2025, up from THB314 million a year earlier. EBITDA stood at THB13,408 million.
As of 30 June 2025, THAI operated 78 aircraft. For the first half of 2025, THAI achieved revenue of THB96,452 million, an increase of 7.2% compared to the same period last year.
Average aircraft utilisation was 13.6 hours per day. Available seat kilometres (ASK) rose to 35,281 million, up 15.2%, and revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) increased by 18.3% to 28,297 million.
The average cabin factor improved to 80.2% from 78.1%, and the total number of passengers reached 8.30 million, an increase of 0.62 million or 8.1%.
Operating expenses totalled THB71,863 million, a 1.5% reduction year-on-year. Operating profit before finance costs was THB24,589 million, with finance costs under TFRS 9 totalling THB6,873 million. Net one-time items contributed income of THB4,259 million. This led to a net profit of THB21,973 million, up 702.5% from THB2,738 million in the same period last year. EBITDA stood at THB30,887 million.
As of 30 June 2025, THAI’s assets stood at THB297,691 million, increasing by THB5,183 million from 31 December 2024. Total liabilities stood at THB230,134 million, a decrease of THB16,785 million from 31 December 2024. Shareholders’ equity reached THB67,557 million, increasing by THB21,968 million from 31 December 2024.
Cash equivalents and other current financial assets as of 30 June 2025 totalled THB120,010 million, representing an increase of THB5,021 million from 31 December 2024.
On 4 August 2025, THAI officially re-listed and resumed trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, marking a significant milestone following the company’s successful business rehabilitation.
During the first four trading days post-relisting, THAI shares recorded an average daily trading value of approximately THB4,400 million. As of 7 August 2025, the stock closed at THB13.40 per share, reflecting an increase of 27.6% from the opening price of THB10.50 on 4 August.
SINGAPORE, 13 August 2025: Air Arabia, a Middle East and North African low-cost carrier operator, confirmed this week it will launch two new direct routes connecting Ras Al Khaimah to Yekaterinburg and Kazan in Russia.
The new flights will commence in October, further expanding the airline’s growing network from its Ras Al Khaimah hub.
Starting 27 October 2025, Air Arabia will operate a single weekly flight to Yekaterinburg’s Koltsovo International Airport every Monday. Meanwhile, the non-stop service to Kazan International Airport will begin on 31 October 2025, with a weekly flight every Friday.
“We are happy to introduce our new non-stop services from Ras Al Khaimah to Yekaterinburg and Kazan, further expanding our growing network from the Ras Al Khaimah hub,” said Air Arabia Group Chief Executive Officer, Adel Al Ali.
“Russia remains a key market for us, and these additions reflect our commitment to offering more travel options while supporting the continued growth of tourism and trade between the UAE and Russia”.
The launch of the new routes to Yekaterinburg and Kazan marks Air Arabia’s continued expansion from its Ras Al Khaimah hub, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to offering affordable and convenient connectivity to Russia. With existing direct flights to Moscow, the addition of these two cities further strengthens Air Arabia’s footprint in the Russian market. It enhances travel options for both leisure and business travellers.
In addition to the new routes, Yekaterinburg is also served with non-stop flights from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. At the same time, Kazan is accessible from Sharjah, offering passengers across the UAE multiple gateways to Russia through Air Arabia’s network.
Directly from Ras Al Khaimah, Air Arabia serves a growing network of 10 international destinations, including Cairo, Jeddah, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Calicut, Moscow, Tashkent, as well as the newly added Yekaterinburg and Kazan.
Bookings are open for the direct flights to Yekaterinburg and Kazan on Air Arabia’s website, as well as through the airline’s call centre or authorised travel agencies.
MUMBAI, 13 August 2025: Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its group company, SOTC Travel, are expanding the scope of their spiritual tourism portfolios across pilgrimage destinations in India and the subcontinent, catering to both group and customised tours.
Traditionally, Indian spiritual pilgrimages have often been perceived as challenging and uncomfortable, marked by long journeys, limited connectivity and infrastructure.
Recognising these challenges, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have designed tours by introducing aerial ‘darshans’ (viewings), guided tours and VIP access for auspicious darshans.
Rooted in the philosophy that ‘India is a Pilgrimage’, the tours have been designed to cater to the spiritual aspirations of a broad spectrum of travellers — from GenS (seniors) who value time-honoured traditions, multi-generational families to millennials and GenZ travellers seeking spirituality as a path to mindfulness, wellness and cultural discovery — seamlessly blending sacred journeys with unique local experiences.
“Spiritual tourism is no longer limited to a season or festival — it has become a year-round experience,” said Thomas Cook (India) Limited President and Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa, Rajeev Kale. India’s vast spiritual landscape offers travellers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with its deep-rooted spiritual ethos, while also immersing themselves in the country’s rich heritage and culture. This initiative strengthens our domestic and spiritual travel segment, offering travellers a meaningful way to connect with the soul of India.”
Key highlights
A curated portfolio of 11 iconic pilgrimage sites across India’s vast geography, covering temples, shrines and sacred rivers across India and the Indian subcontinent.
Certified local tour experts who offer deep insights into the history and cultural significance of each site, while facilitating seamless access and VIP/escorted darshans at key pilgrimage locations.
Special aartis (offering of light), pujas (messages) and spiritual rituals conducted with accompanying pandits (scholars) for a personalised spiritual experience.
Pure Vegetarian/Jain meal options to align with travellers’ religious and dietary preferences.
Premium aerial darshans (via helicopters) at select pilgrimage sites for faster, more comfortable access to remote & high-altitude spiritual circuits.
Top group tour pilgrimage circuits
Char Dham Yatra (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath) — The Himalayan spiritual circuit of great reverence via aerial darshans.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra — A sacred journey to the abode of Lord Shiva via aerial darshans.
Kashi Prayagraj Ayodhya Bodh Gaya Yatra — Sacred sites along the river Ganga, steeped in mythology and history, rites and rituals.
Dwarka Somnath Yatra — Gujarat’s twin pilgrimages celebrating Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva.
Tirupati to Trivandrum — South India’s iconic temple circuits for spiritual fulfilment.
Haridwar Rishikesh Yatra — Spiritual wellness on the banks of the Ganges
Ujjain Omkareshwar to Bhimashankar Grishneshwar Yatra — sacred Shiva circuits in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh to Maharashtra
Kashi to Kathmandu to Muktinath to Janakpur — Bharat Nepāl Mahayātrā covering spiritual landmarks across both nations.
Puri Jagannath Yatra — is a cornerstone of India’s Char Dham circuit and a key spiritual landmark in Odisha.
Ramayan Yatras — covering India, Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Short Getaways — Vaishno Devi, Amritsar, Shirdi, Rishikesh, Mathura, and Velankanni.
SOTC Travel Limited President and Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SD Nandakumar said: “We are witnessing strong demand for our Darshans portfolio, with destinations like Char Dham and Kailash Mansarovar ranking among the most sought-after pilgrimage sites. There is also significant interest in Ayodhya, Dwarka, Vaishno Devi, Tirupati, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Ujjain.”
BANGKOK, 10 August 2025: Four years after navigating one of the most turbulent chapters in its history, Thai Airways International PCL is back trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand — and back on a path to profit.
The national carrier officially resumed trading on 4 August with the opening price reaching THB10.50 per share, representing a 134.4% increase from the capital increase offering price of THB4.48 per share, with a market capitalisation of nearly THB300 billion.*
It suggests an unwavering focus on profitability and premium business travel. THAI is no longer in survival mode. It’s in ascent.
From crisis to comeback
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a near-fatal blow to Thai Airways, forcing it into bankruptcy protection with over USD11 billion in debt. Years of financial mismanagement, bloated costs, and political interference compounded the crisis. The airline filed for rehabilitation in May 2021 under court supervision — a move some called its final lifeline.
But that rehabilitation has proven transformative. Between 2020 and 2023, the airline slashed debt, sold non-core assets, exited unprofitable routes, and restructured labour and fleet operations. By early 2024, Thai Airways had returned to the black.
Profit/Loss Summary (2020–2025)
• 2020: Loss of THB141 billion
• 2021: Loss of THB55 billion
• 2022: Loss reduced to THB12 billion
• 2023: Net profit of THB12.5 billion
• 2024: Net profit of THB18.7 billion
• 2025 Forecast: Net profit expected to exceed THB21 billion with a 25% net margin
Ten consecutive profitable quarters — including typically weak Q2 and Q3 — support this optimism. Bookings for H2 2025 remain strong, bolstered by business travellers from Europe, Australia, and regional hubs, despite regional tourism dips.
Fleet: From bloated to balanced
Before bankruptcy, Thai Airways operated a vast, inefficient fleet of 103 aircraft, including multiple aircraft types—ranging from the Airbus A340-600 to the Boeing 747-400—that incurred heavy maintenance costs.
Post-rehabilitation (2025)
The fleet has been streamlined to 67 aircraft, including:
• Airbus A350-900 (new flagship for long-haul) photo
• Boeing 777-300ER
• Airbus A320 (regional and short-haul)
• Decommissioned: 747s, A340s, and older 777s
In late 2023, Thai Airways placed a landmark order for 45 Boeing aircraft (mostly 787 Dreamliners), with options for 35 more. Deliveries begin in 2028 — well after current US-Thailand trade talks — discrediting rumours of political influence. Chairman Lawaron Sangsanit reaffirmed that fleet decisions are “commercial, not political”.
THAI CEO Chai Eamsiri added his assurances to the narrative, saying further acquisitions will be guided by route demand, fuel efficiency, and long-term returns.
Investor confidence improves
On 4 August 2025, Thai Airways resumed trading on the SET. Within 48 hours, its share price had tripled, climbing from THB4.48 to THB13.80. The rally, analysts said, reflects genuine investor confidence rooted in operational turnaround, lean cost structure, and renewed brand equity.
“This is not a bubble,” Chai noted. “We’ve built a business model that’s profitable year-round, not just in high season.”
Strategic shift: Profit over politics
Unlike its pre-2020 incarnation, the reborn Thai Airways is decisively profit-driven. The company has pivoted away from reliance on low-yield leisure traffic and now prioritises high-value business routes to Europe, Australia, and regional capitals.
Resumption of daily flights to Cambodia despite ongoing regional tensions illustrates this resolve. “Our operations are based on business logic, not fear,” said Chai. “We are resilient and agile.”
Should net profit surpass the 25% threshold in 2025, THAI will consider issuing dividends, marking a significant milestone for shareholders and government stakeholders.
SWOT Analysis: The new THAI
Strengths
• Strong profitability and cash flow
• Strong brand recognition
• Lean, modern fleet under renewal
• Focus on premium markets
Weaknesses
• Limited aircraft availability until 2028
• Still rebuilding international alliances
• Smaller fleet restricts network growth
0pportunities
• Expansion into high-yield business routes
• New code-sharing and alliance partnerships
• Regional premium tourism markets
Threats
• Geopolitical instability
• Fuel price volatility
• Delays in aircraft delivery
Thai Airways International now stands as a symbol of resilience. No longer weighed down by debt or outdated equipment, it has rebuilt itself as a competitive global carrier—proudly independent of political meddling, and with investors, regulators and passengers once again on board. “Discipline and data, not deals and diplomacy, will drive our future,” said Chairman Lawaron.
*THAI announcement 4 August 2025.
About the author Andrew J Wood is a British-born, Bangkok-based travel journalist and editor with over 40 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. A former hotel general manager, he has worked with renowned brands including the Royal Cliff Hotels Group and Shangri-La Hotels. He is currently A&P Media CEO. A long-time resident of Thailand since 1991, he is also a past President of Skål International Bangkok, Thailand and Skål Asia.
