Okay people - New scoop on Thai's programme.

Thai's Royal Orchid Plus programme does not normally count flight sectors toward their Gold level. Except now.

From now till 31st May, not only will you earn extra bonus miles in the Thai Royal Orchid Plus programme, you can also gain Gold Status a lot faster. There is only one catch however. You need to be a resident of the following Asian places: Singapore, HK, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines & Taiwan.

For Economy Class flights, you need to fly 15 international sectors or 6 intercontinental flights. The latter would mean from BKK-Europe or BKK-USA or BKK-Australia vv. On top of that, you'd also earn 50% extra miles (but that does not count toward elite status).

For Business Class and First Class, you'd need to fly only 10 international flights or 4 intercontinental flights. Business Class flights earn the 25% extra mileage PLUS an extra 100% of the total miles flown. First Class passengers get 50% extra miles PLUS 150% of the total miles flown as well.

Royal Orchid Plus GOLD membership lasts 2 years.

So if anyone is a member of the above programme, maybe it's time you find a friend or relative living in the countries above and ask if you can use their mailing address for a couple of months and chnage your address before taking advantage of these privileges. Once you attain your Gold status, you can always switch back to yoru home address.