Thai AirAsia

If you dream of the white sandy beaches of the Andaman Sea or the ancient temples of the north, but wish to save your budget for experiences rather than spending it on travel, Thai AirAsia will be your ideal companion. Recognisable by the bright red livery of its aircraft, this airline has truly revolutionised the skies of the region, making air travel accessible to almost every traveller. As the Thai subsidiary of the renowned AirAsia Group, the company combines high international safety standards with sincere local hospitality and an extensive route network.

History and Mission
The company was founded in 2003 as a joint venture between Malaysia's AirAsia and Thai investors, commencing commercial flights in February 2004. From the very beginning, Thai AirAsia has adhered to the slogan "Now Everyone Can Fly", offering competitive fares without hidden charges. This has allowed millions of tourists and residents to forego long journeys on buses and trains in favour of quick flights.

Flight Geography
The airline is based at Don Mueang International Airport. The route network covers virtually all of Thailand and a significant part of Southeast Asia. The most popular domestic destinations are the cultural capital of the north, Chiang Mai, the famous island of Phuket, and the picturesque province of Krabi. Flights are also frequently operated to cities such as Hat Yai, Surat Thani, and Chiang Rai. Among international routes, flights to neighbouring countries are in high demand: for example, to Singapore, the Vietnamese cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as to Hong Kong.

Fleet and Safety
The Thai AirAsia fleet is unified and consists exclusively of narrow-body aircraft from the Airbus A320 family (including A320ceo, A320neo, and A321neo models). Using a single aircraft type allows the airline to maintain the highest standards of technical maintenance and efficiently train crews. The average age of the fleet remains comparatively low, ensuring reliability and comfort during the flight. Special attention is paid to punctuality and adherence to international safety protocols.

Achievements and Service
As part of the AirAsia Group, the Thai carrier has repeatedly contributed to winning the prestigious Skytrax award for "World's Best Low-Cost Airline". Passengers are offered a wide range of additional services: from selecting seats with extra legroom (Hot Seats) to pre-ordering hot meals from the famous Santan onboard menu, which is renowned for its Halal-friendly Asian flavours.

How to Contact the Airline

Connecting with Thai AirAsia representatives is easiest through digital channels. The airline is actively implementing artificial intelligence and self-service technologies, so for the prompt resolution of issues regarding booking, baggage, or check-in, it is recommended to use the official website or the mobile super-app.

Official Website

The main source of information and the platform for managing bookings is www.airasia.com. The site is available in English and Thai, and also has versions for other regions.

Contact Details

• Official Website: www.airasia.com
• Customer Support: The primary communication channel is the online chat with the virtual assistant "Bo" (available 24/7 on the website and in the app). Direct telephone support for most passenger categories is limited or disabled in favour of digital services.
• Email: Direct addresses for customers have been replaced by a feedback form ("e-form") in the support section of the website.
• Mobile App: AirAsia MOVE (formerly airasia Superapp). Available for download on the App Store, Google Play, and Huawei AppGallery. Through the app, you can check in for flights, purchase additional services, and communicate with support.

Social Media

The airline actively maintains pages on social networks, where news about sales and important schedule changes are published. In some cases, you can receive consultation via direct messages:

• Facebook: facebook.com/airasia
• Twitter (X): twitter.com/airasia
• Instagram: instagram.com/airasia

Local Offices and Representatives

Since Thai AirAsia is a low-cost carrier, the company has few city sales offices. Its physical presence is primarily concentrated at departure airports.

• Airport Counters: Ticket counters and customer service desks (Sales Counters) are located at all airports served in Thailand. The main service centre is located at the base airport, Don Mueang, in the city of Bangkok (Terminals 1 and 2).
• Head Office: Located within the grounds of Don Mueang Airport (Bangkok). Please note that this is an administrative building, not a client office for mass service.

Emergency Support

In the event of mass disruptions, flight cancellations, or emergencies, the airline usually publishes emergency telephone numbers or special instructions on the main page of the website and on its social networks. In normal operations, it is recommended to use the "Bo" chat by selecting the "Urgent assistance" category if your flight is scheduled within the next few hours.

Please note: Contact details and service operating hours may change. We strongly recommend checking current information in the "Support" section on the official website before reaching out.

Baggage Rules: Flying Light or with Comfort

Travelling with Thai AirAsia is a classic low-cost experience: you pay only for what you truly need. The airline's base fares usually do not include checked baggage, so it is worth paying close attention to packing to avoid unnecessary expenses at the airport. Regardless of whether you are flying for shopping in Bangkok or for a beach holiday, knowing the rules will help save your budget.

Cabin Baggage

Thai AirAsia's policy regarding cabin baggage is quite strict, and staff at airports often check the weight of bags before boarding. Each passenger (except infants) is allowed to take two items of cabin baggage on board free of charge:

• One main bag: dimensions must not exceed 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm (including handles and wheels). It must fit in the overhead compartment.
• One small bag: for example, a laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack. Dimensions must not exceed 40 cm x 30 cm x 10 cm. This item must fit under the seat in front of you.

Important: The total weight of both items must not exceed 7 kg. If your bags look bulky, they will likely be asked to be weighed. If the limit is exceeded, you will be asked to check the items as baggage for an additional fee at high airport rates.

Checked Baggage

If 7 kilograms is not enough for you, especially for a long holiday, for example, on the island of Phuket, you need to purchase a checked baggage allowance. This is a paid option.

Key Rules:

• Weight Categories: You can choose weight allowances: 15 kg (domestic flights only), 20 kg, 25 kg, 30 kg, or 40 kg.
• Baggage Pooling: If you are flying on the same booking with family or friends, you can combine (pool) your weight allowance, provided you check in for the flight simultaneously.
• Maximum Weight per Bag: Even if you purchased 40 kg, the weight of a single piece of luggage must not exceed 32 kg due to occupational health and safety rules for baggage handlers.

Expert Tip: Always book baggage online when purchasing your ticket or via "Manage Booking" no later than 4 hours before departure. Purchasing baggage at the airport counter can cost several times more.

Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments

Thai AirAsia has special regulations for transporting non-standard items:

• Sports Equipment: Bicycles, surfboards, diving gear, and golf equipment are recommended to be booked in advance as "Sports Equipment". This is often cheaper than paying for standard excess weight. Note that some destinations, such as Krabi, are popular with climbers and divers, so space for oversized baggage is best reserved in advance.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments (violin, ukulele) can be carried in the cabin if they fit within cabin baggage dimensions and do not exceed 7 kg. For large instruments (cello, guitar), you will have to purchase an adjacent seat (Extra Seat) or check them in as special baggage in a hard case.

Prohibited Items and Restrictions (Power Banks)

Thailand enforces very strict safety rules, especially concerning electronics and liquids.

Liquids in Cabin Baggage: Containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml each are permitted. All of them must be packed in one transparent resealable plastic bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre.

Power Banks — Special Attention!

This is the most frequent violation by tourists in Thailand. Power banks can be carried only in cabin baggage; checking them into the hold is strictly prohibited.

• Capacity up to 20,000 mAh (or up to 100 Wh): permitted without quantity restrictions.
• Capacity from 20,000 to 32,000 mAh (100–160 Wh): no more than 2 pieces per person permitted.
• Capacity over 32,000 mAh (over 160 Wh): prohibited for carriage.

Critical: The power bank casing must have a factory marking indicating the capacity. If the inscription has worn off, airport security staff have the right to confiscate the device.

Tips for Efficient Packing

To ensure your flight, for instance to Chiang Mai, goes smoothly, follow these simple recommendations:

1. Weigh at home: Use a luggage scale before leaving. An extra 0.5 kg can be the cause for a surcharge.
2. Wear the heavy items: If your cabin baggage is overweight, wear your heaviest boots and hoodie during check-in and boarding.
3. Use soft bags: Backpacks weigh less than wheeled suitcases, giving you more usable weight for your belongings.
4. Remember souvenirs: If you are flying back, leave 2-3 kg of free space for purchases.

Travelling with Pets: Thai AirAsia Rules

When planning a flight with a pet on Thai AirAsia, travellers should be prepared for an extremely strict airline policy. Unlike full-service carriers, this low-cost airline sets rigid restrictions to ensure rapid aircraft turnaround and maintain low fares. It is important to familiarise yourself with these nuances in advance to avoid being denied carriage at the airport.

Below is current information on how animal transport is organised, what is permitted, and what is categorically prohibited on flights within Thailand and on international routes.

In the Aircraft Cabin

Thai AirAsia's policy regarding the transport of animals in the passenger cabin is one of the strictest.

• Total Ban: The transport of any animals (cats, dogs, birds, exotic pets) in the aircraft cabin is prohibited. Cabin baggage is intended exclusively for passenger belongings.
• Service Animals and Guide Dogs: On Thai AirAsia flights (flight code FD), the transport of service dogs and guide dogs in the aircraft cabin is NOT permitted. This is a significant difference from the rules of many other airlines. Passengers with disabilities must take into account that their accompanying animal will not be able to be near them during the flight.

In the Baggage Hold (Checked Baggage)

Many tourists are used to handing over pet carriers at the check-in counter along with suitcases, but Thai AirAsia has different rules.

• Animals as Baggage: The airline does not accept pets for carriage as checked baggage. You will not be able to check in a pet at the regular check-in counter in the departure terminal when leaving, for example, from the city of Bangkok.
• Reasons: The lack of specially equipped climate-controlled zones in the baggage holds on all aircraft types and the technology for rapid ground handling of flights make such transport impossible.

Cargo Transport: The Only Option

The only permitted method of transporting animals on Thai AirAsia flights is to process them through the cargo division.

• How it works: Transport is carried out via the Teleport service (the logistics division of the AirAsia Group). Your pet will fly as air cargo.
• Procedure: You need to deliver the animal not to the passenger terminal, but to the airport's cargo terminal. This must be done well in advance (usually 3–4 hours before the flight departure).
• Conditions: Animals are placed in a special cargo compartment where the necessary pressure and temperature are maintained. However, you will not have access to the pet during the flight.
• Booking: Space for the animal must be booked in advance through local cargo agents or directly through Teleport offices. You cannot simply arrive at the airport with a dog without a prior arrangement.

Required Documents

To send an animal via Cargo, you will need to collect a full package of documents. Requirements may vary depending on whether you are flying domestically, for example to Chiang Mai or Phuket, or internationally.

• Veterinary Passport: With current records about the owner and the animal.
• Vaccination: A valid rabies vaccination (administered not less than 21 days and not more than 12 months before departure) and other mandatory age-appropriate vaccinations.
• Health Certificate: A certificate issued by a veterinarian a few days before departure, confirming the absence of infectious diseases and the animal's ability to withstand the flight.
• International Permits: For flights abroad, for example to Singapore or Ho Chi Minh City, an export licence from Thailand and an import permit for the destination country will be required.
• Microchip: A mandatory condition for animal identification, especially on international routes.

Container Requirements

Since the animal flies as cargo, the safety requirements for the cage (box) are very high:

• Material: Rigid plastic or fibreglass (IATA standard). Soft carrier bags are prohibited.
• Size: The animal must be able to stand up freely to its full height (without its head touching the ceiling), turn around, and lie down in a natural position.
• Equipment: A secure lock, ventilation openings on three sides, fixed containers for water and food accessible for refilling from the outside (if necessary). The bottom must be lined with absorbent material.

Restrictions and Prohibitions

Even via the cargo terminal, not all animals are accepted for carriage:

• Brachycephalic Breeds: Dogs and cats with snub noses (Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese, Persian cats, etc.) are often not admitted for flight due to the high risk of respiratory problems and overheating.
• Aggressive Behaviour: Animals showing aggression may not be accepted by agents.
• Age and Condition: Puppies and kittens younger than 10–12 weeks, as well as pregnant females, are not transported.
• Dangerous Breeds: Certain breeds of fighting dogs are banned from import in many countries and are not accepted by the airline.

Tip: The procedure for sending via Cargo is more complex and expensive than regular baggage transport. We strongly recommend contacting a Teleport cargo agent at the departure airport well before the planned travel date to clarify rates and the technical feasibility of sending your pet on a specific route.

airasia rewards Loyalty Programme

Thai AirAsia offers its passengers participation in one of the most popular loyalty programmes in Asia — airasia rewards (formerly known as BIG Loyalty). This global platform allows you to accumulate points not only for flights but also for everyday purchases, turning ordinary spending into future travels. By becoming a member, you gain access to exclusive sales and the ability to pay for tickets partially or fully with points.

Membership Tiers and Privileges

Status in the programme is determined by the number of flights (segments) made during the year. The more often you fly, the higher the level and the greater the benefits:

• Red: The entry level, assigned immediately after registration. Allows you to accumulate points for every baht spent and gain access to private sales 24 hours before others.
• Gold: Assigned for 14–23 flights per year. Members receive more points for the same spending and priority when selecting seats.
• Platinum: Requires 24–49 flights. Unlocks access to priority check-in, priority boarding, and expedited baggage delivery (Xpress Baggage), which is especially convenient in the busy airport of Bangkok.
• Black: The elite level for 50 or more flights. Includes all previous bonuses, as well as free selection of any seat, an increased cabin baggage allowance, and personal support.

How to Earn Points (airasia points)

The points accumulation system is flexible and covers many areas of a traveller's life:

• Flights: You receive points for every flight operated by Thai AirAsia and other airlines in the group. The number of points depends on the fare cost and your membership status.
• Partners: Points are awarded for booking hotels, renting cars, and purchasing travel insurance through the airline's platform.
• Credit Cards: Using co-branded bank cards (available to residents of certain Asian countries) allows you to convert bank bonuses into programme points.
• Everyday Purchases: Thanks to the AirAsia MOVE super-app, points can be earned even for ordering food, taxis, or shopping at partner stores.

How to Spend Accumulated Points

You can use airasia points to significantly save on your trip budget:

• Free Tickets: Full payment for a flight with points. The monthly "Final Call" promotion is particularly popular, where tickets to popular destinations such as Phuket or Chiang Mai can be redeemed with a discount of up to 90% for a minimal number of points.
• Upgrades and Services: Paying with points for seat selection (Hot Seats), onboard meals, and extra baggage.
• Partner Rewards: Exchanging points for shopping vouchers, restaurant discounts, or hotel stays.
• Non-flight Options: Using points as currency to pay for services within the AirAsia MOVE app ecosystem.

Alliance Participation

Thai AirAsia is not part of global aviation alliances (such as Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or oneworld). It is part of its own powerful network, the AirAsia Group. This means your privileges and points are valid when flying with any airlines of the group (in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia), creating a single seamless space for travel throughout Southeast Asia.

How to Join the Programme

Becoming a member of the programme is very simple and completely free. To do this, you need to download the AirAsia MOVE mobile app or register on the official website by creating a member profile. After registration, you will immediately receive a digital ID, which needs to be provided with every ticket booking.

Travel Classes and In-Flight Comfort

Thai AirAsia is a classic low-cost carrier, and its philosophy is simple: safety and punctuality come first, while additional services are the passenger's choice. Unlike traditional carriers, there is no division into business and economy classes in the usual sense here. The entire cabin of the Airbus A320 aircraft is configured as a single Economy Class. However, this does not mean you cannot add comfort to your journey.

Seating Options:

• Standard Seats: These are regular seats with fabric or leather upholstery. The seat pitch is about 28-29 inches, which is standard for budget lines. Seatbacks recline, but the recline angle is limited. The cabin layout is 3 seats on the left and 3 on the right (3-3).
• Hot Seats (Premium Seats): If you want to be the first to leave the aircraft upon arrival in Bangkok or simply like to stretch your legs, these seats are worth considering. They are located in the front rows (1–5) and at emergency exits (rows 12–14). Passengers who choose these seats also receive priority boarding (Xpress Boarding).

Food and Beverages: Santan Menu

One of the airline's calling cards is the Santan onboard menu. Meals on Thai AirAsia flights are not included in the ticket price, but they are so popular that many tourists specifically look forward to lunch at an altitude of 10,000 metres. There are no bland "airline" dishes here — the focus is on vibrant Asian flavours.

What to Know About Dining:

• Pre-order: It is strongly recommended to order food online when purchasing a ticket or via "Manage Booking" (no later than 24 hours before departure). This guarantees the availability of your chosen dish and saves up to 20–30% off the onboard price. Additionally, pre-ordering often comes with a complimentary beverage.
• Menu Hits: Be sure to try the signature Uncle Chin's Chicken Rice or the aromatic Nasi Lemak (Halal-friendly options are standard). The menu also frequently features the famous Thai milk tea and even bubble tea.
• Beverages: Water, tea, coffee, and cool drinks are provided only for a fee. There is no complimentary water on board, so it is worth taking care of this in advance or buying a bottle from the cabin crew.

Entertainment and Connectivity (Wi-Fi)

Thai AirAsia aircraft do not have individual screens in the seatbacks. When planning a flight, for example to Chiang Mai or a long flight to Hanoi, take care of your leisure time yourself.

• Gadgets: Download films, music, or books to your smartphone or tablet in advance. USB charging ports are not available on all aircraft (more common on the new A320neo and A321neo), so a fully charged power bank (in cabin baggage!) will be indispensable.
• In-flight Magazine: In the seat pocket, you will find the travel360 magazine with interesting travel articles, which might inspire your next trip, say, to the island of Phuket.
• Wi-Fi: Some aircraft are equipped with the ROKKI system, which allows connection to an internal Wi-Fi network to view free content or chats, but the availability of this service should be checked before departure.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs

The airline strives to make flights accessible to everyone, but as with baggage, special services require prior notification.

• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: If you or your companion require a wheelchair, this service must be ordered via the call centre or support chat at least 48 hours before departure. The number of wheelchairs on a single flight may be limited.
• Travelling with Children: There are changing tables in the lavatories on board. Bassinets for infants are usually not provided on narrow-body A320 aircraft. Baby food is not issued for free, but you can bring it with you (adhering to liquid transport rules) or warm up a bottle by asking a flight attendant.
• Pregnant Women: Up to the 27th week of pregnancy, a certificate is usually not required (but a liability release document must be signed). From the 28th to the 34th week, a doctor's certificate is mandatory. After the 35th week, travel is prohibited.

Tip: Despite the budget format, the Thai AirAsia crew is known for its friendliness and Thai hospitality. If you feel chilly (blankets are not issued, but are sometimes sold), or need assistance, do not hesitate to ask the flight attendants.

Thai AirAsia's route network is impressive in its reach, linking together the most picturesque corners of Thailand and key Asian metropolises. The heart of the flight programme is Don Mueang Airport in the city of Bangkok, from where travellers can easily reach both the white sandy beaches of the south and the cultural centres of the north or neighbouring states.

Useful Tips for Travellers

Flying with a low-cost carrier requires a little more attention to detail than travelling with a classic airline. To make your experience with Thai AirAsia as comfortable and cost-effective as possible, we have compiled proven travel hacks that will help save time, stress, and money.

Hunting for Low Fares

Thai AirAsia is known for its incredibly generous sales, but to catch the best price, you need to know when to look.

• Legendary "Free Seats": Several times a year (usually once a quarter), the airline holds a massive "Free Seats" promotion. During this time, the base fare can cost 0 baht, and you pay only taxes and fees. Such tickets need to be booked 6–12 months before departure.
• Optimal Timing: Ordinarily, the most favourable fares for domestic flights, for example to Chiang Mai or Krabi, appear 2–3 months before the trip. Buying a ticket less than 2 weeks before departure will almost always be expensive.
• Avoid Peak Dates: Tickets for Thai holiday periods (Songkran in April, Loy Krathong in November, and New Year) sell out instantly. If you plan to fly on these dates, buy tickets as soon as sales open.

Magic of the Mobile App

The official AirAsia MOVE app is not just a tool for buying tickets, but a true Swiss Army knife for the tourist in Asia. Often, prices in the app (mobile exclusive fares) are lower than on the website.

• Notifications: Turn on push notifications to be the first to know about flash sales, which may last only a few hours.
• Single Wallet: By linking a BigPay card (if available) or a credit card, you can pay for purchases in one click, avoiding the risk of the booking session expiring.

Online Check-in: Mandatory

Queues at Bangkok (Don Mueang) airport can be huge. Online check-in is your main way to avoid stress.

• Check-in Window: Web check-in opens 14 days before and closes 1 hour before departure. This gives you plenty of time to select seats and process documents in advance.
• E-Boarding Pass: Most airports in Thailand (including Phuket, Hat Yai, and Chiang Mai) accept electronic boarding passes (E-Boarding Pass) from a smartphone screen. You do not need to stand in line at the counter if you do not have baggage. Just go straight to security.
• Self-Service Kiosks: If you still need a paper pass or baggage tag, use the red kiosks at the airport. It is faster and free.

Seat Selection: Strategy for Comfort

Since the fleet consists of narrow-body Airbus A320s, seat width is the same everywhere, but location matters.

• For Beautiful Views: If flying to the islands, for example to Samui (via Surat Thani) or Phuket, choose window seats. Upon approach, stunning views of the turquoise sea and karst cliffs open up. Try to avoid rows 10–12, where the wing might obstruct the view.
• For Quiet: The engines are located under the wings, so seats in the front part of the cabin (rows 1–5) are usually quieter. However, note that this is a paid Hot Seats zone.
• For Speed: If you have a short connection, book seats in the first rows. You will leave the aircraft among the first, which is critical when going through passport control.

Travel Insurance

During booking, you will be offered to add insurance from partner Tune Protect. Many tourists automatically uncheck this box, but during the rainy season in Thailand (from May to October), this can be rash.

• Flight Delays: Tropical downpours often cause flight delays. AirAsia insurance usually provides compensation even for minor delays (from 1 hour), which is rarely found in standard travel policies.
• Lost Baggage: If you are flying with a connection, insurance helps to quickly receive compensation for a delayed suitcase.

Connecting Flights (Fly-Thru)

If you are flying in transit through Bangkok, for example from Hanoi to Chiang Rai, try to buy a ticket with the Fly-Thru option. This guarantees that your baggage will be checked through to the final destination, and you will not have to pass passport control and collect suitcases at the intermediate airport. If you buy two separate tickets (Point-to-Point), allow at least 3–4 hours for the transfer in Don Mueang, as you will have to go through all procedures again.

Success Story: How Thai AirAsia Changed Thailand's Skies

The history of Thai AirAsia is not just a chronicle of one company's development, but a story of how air travel in Southeast Asia turned from a luxury into an accessible mode of transport for millions. Over two decades, the carrier has gone from a modest startup with a couple of aircraft to a dominant force in the market, connecting Bangkok with the most remote corners of the region.

2003–2004: Foundation and First Take-off
The company was established on 8 December 2003 as a strategic partnership between the Malaysian low-cost giant AirAsia (led by the charismatic Tony Fernandes) and the Thai corporation Shin Corporation. It was a bold decision: at that time, the market was controlled by national full-service carriers, and the concept of "budget airlines" was a novelty for Thais.

The first commercial flight took place in February 2004. Initially, the route network was modest, connecting the capital with key tourist centres such as Chiang Mai and Phuket, as well as the coastal city of Hat Yai. Success was instantaneous: low fares caused a frenzy, and planes began flying with full loads.

2012: Return to Don Mueang and Strategy Shift
A major milestone in the company's history was the transfer of its operational base. Initially, Thai AirAsia was based at the new Suvarnabhumi Airport. However, growing traffic and the need to reduce costs led to a strategic decision: on 1 October 2012, the airline moved all its operations to the old Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). This allowed Don Mueang to be transformed into the world's largest hub for budget airlines and significantly optimised connections for passengers flying, for example, to Krabi or Surat Thani.

In the same year, the holding company Asia Aviation PCL, which owns a controlling stake in Thai AirAsia, successfully listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, providing an influx of capital for aggressive fleet expansion.

Fleet Evolution: Betting on Airbus
In the early years of existence, the AirAsia Group used Boeing 737-300 aircraft, but soon decided on complete fleet unification. The transition to a single aircraft type — the Airbus A320 family — allowed for a significant reduction in pilot training and technical maintenance costs.

In recent years, Thai AirAsia has been actively modernising its fleet, replacing classic A320ceo models with more eco-friendly and spacious Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft. The new liners (A321neo) accommodate up to 236 passengers, which allows for lower ticket prices on popular destinations and increased carrying capacity on busy routes, such as flights to Chiang Rai or Khon Kaen.

Expanding Horizons
Having strengthened its position in the domestic market (where the airline serves even small cities like Nan and Nakhon Phanom), the carrier began expansion into neighbouring countries. Regular flights to Singapore were launched, becoming a bridge for business travellers, and routes were opened to rapidly growing Vietnam — to the cities of Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Special attention is paid to cultural routes: flights to Cambodian Siem Reap opened direct access to Angkor Wat for tourists, while flights to Hong Kong strengthened ties with China.

Innovation and the Digital Era
Today, Thai AirAsia is more than just an airline. As part of the group's global strategy, the carrier has transformed into a digital travel platform. The launch of the super-app (Superapp, now AirAsia MOVE) allowed passengers to book not only tickets but also hotels, transfers, and insurance in one place. The implementation of the biometric facial recognition system (F.A.C.E.S.) at airports in Thailand became another step towards contactless and fast travel.