Thai AirAsia plans Khon-Kaen-China route

Khon Kaen is poised to become the first international gateway to the Northeast when Thai AirAsia (TAA) establishes an overseas link. The low-cost carrier plans to embark on regular flights between the province known as the regional centre for education, financial institutions and state offices, and Kunming in southern China early next year. The route launch, announced by TAA CE Tassapon Bijleved, will directly reconnect Khon Kaen with the outside world after a short-lived connection between the province and Luang Prabang in Laos. Private carrier Lao Central Airlines offered flights between Khon Kaen and Luang Prabang in 2015 before ceasing operations. Plans are also afoot for TAA to establish an additional domestic regional route linking Khon Kaen with Phuket by the year-end, according to Mr Tassapon. <br/>