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Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) has launched electronic and mobile services that are as easy as a click away, making flight preparation simpler and more convenient for customers. Customers now can access information pertaining to flight information and schedule, can check-in, cargo tracking, Royal Orchid Holidays, and Royal Orchid Plus frequent flyer program on their mobile phone or internet.
Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said that the Company has introduced new eServices that make it more convenient for customers to access information about THAI, which accommodates people’s modern day lifestyle now and in the future. The eServices are as follows:
- Web on Mobile: Makes services accessible via browsers on mobile phone such as Apple/iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Symbian and Compatible, and Windows Mobile through the url https://m.thaiairways.com. Customers are able to view THAI flight information and schedules, view and make bookings, check-in, get information on Royal Orchid Holidays and Royal Orchid Plus, as well as check cargo flight schedules and track cargo shipments.
- THAI m Service: Is a smart phone application available for free from the App Store for use on an iPhone or iPad, may be used in the same way as https://m.thaiairways.com, and can also be used on BlackBerry mobiles. Additional programs include one new to the airline industry that detects the current location of the mobile phone and finds the nearest THAI office within a 50 kilometer radius, complete with directions on how to get there. THAI is developing THAI m Service for use on other mobile phones.
- SMS Query: Send a blank SMS to 451-4455 and a reply SMS will be send to your mobile, making it possible to check flight information and schedules, airfare promotions, mileage accrual and cargo information, and check-in services. The Company is working with AIS to develop TG Sim services that will be accessable on mobile phone menus.
- Call Genie 02-400-4000: Is a Thai speech recognition information service through mobile phones (with local mobile service providers in Thailand) whereby information will be sent by SMS whenever customers dial 02-400-4000. Customers can obtain flight information and schedules as well cargo shipments.
- Little Captain: Is a mobile game that may be loaded for free from the App Store to be played on an iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. The player takes the role as the captain in charge of the flight, conducts flight landing to various destinations that THAI serves. Little Captain also has a flight monitor application which displays the status of the flight chosen by the player, including access to THAI promotional information through the “Promotion” icon and connection to https://m.thaiairways.com. Presently this game has been downloaded 150,000 times and was amongst the top downloads in Thailand.
For future services, the company is in the process of introducing the following additional eServices that make access to THAI information as easy as a click away for customers:
- Route Recommendation Service on Longdo Map: Longdo Map is a website that may be used for directions within Thailand.
- Widgets/ Gadgets Service: To find information about THAI flights and services, specifically used by website developers, blog developers/ bloggers, social network builders so that THAI information may be shared with members and prepare for future transition to Internet TV technology.
THAI has made adjustments to thaiairways.com offering internet check-in, home print boarding passes, and for First Class passengers special meal requests are possible through the website. THAI has joined with the Airports of Thailand and SITA in launching the Mobile 2D Barcode Boarding Passes in the near future. Other services that will be introduced include “Touch Your Ways” and “IP Phone” that are new forms of eServices.
THAI, together with the Software Industry Promotion Agency (SIPA), Association of Thai ICT (ATCI), mobile service providers in Thailand (AIS, DTAC, TRUE), and Thai software developers were innovative in the development of modern information systems as part of the “IT Sparkling for THAI’s 50th Anniversary: 1960-2010” Project. In addition, THAI participated in competitions such as Thailand ICT Award 2010 and SIPA Game Contest & Award 2010.
Customers will experience added convenience and ease in accessing information about THAI services. Through these new information technology services, the Company has a new way to convey messages and marketing promotions about its services to customers.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
