THAI encouraged to expand Asean route map

The govt has suggested that THAI and its subsidiaries expand their route system throughout Southeast Asia so Bangkok will become a gateway to the region and serve growing tourism here. The recommendation was handed down to the carrier - which actually has been cutting routes to stem years of operating losses – by deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak Monday. If implemented, THAI would cooperate with other airlines to connect Asean countries including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam to Thailand with flight routes, Somkid said. "THAI could be the real gateway of Asean," he said. The deputy prime minister who oversees economic affairs said THAI was exiting its long period of losses and planning growth. He said he believed the airline had already bottomed out. <br/>