This was my email sent back in June 2014 when Thai tried this...

Hi,

I am just writing to check if there is a mistake on the new award chart? It seems all of the rates for business class travel has doubled? Should the table state they are for return flights?

I have just checked other airlines in the region and if the new table is correct Thai is on average 70% more expensive than all of these carriers, they are actually more than double the cost of Singapore Airlines which is a much better airline. Using United miles it is only 60,000 points, so Thai is 326% more expensive for the exact same flight on Thai Airways planes! How is this rewarding your own frequent flyers?

Refer to the table below. This is similar to places in Europe as well with Thai being the most expensive frequent flyer program in the world.Round Trip Miles Required
(Sydney to Bangkok Business Class)Thai (old chart)98000Thai (new chart)196000Singapore Airlines93500Qantas120000Cathay140000Malaysian1060 00Emirates120000United (On Thai Airways planes) 60000

I am hoping it is just an error and should state that the values listed are for return trips. On top of this Thai Airways charges very high fuel surcharges which other airlines do not (they charge only the legitimate taxes.)

I understand Thai Airways is struggling to attract passengers at the moment. This move will just force more people to start crediting towards your partner airlines and costing Thai more money, this will in no way attract new customers or keep the ones you already have happy.

Regards,