Thai Airways’ recently launched ‘lite’ subsidiary, Thai Smile, has announced the addition of two new routes for the up-coming high season in Thailand. Starting on 1 October 2012 they will begin daily flights between Bangkok and Phuket, and then on 28 October a daily flight between Phuket and Chiang Mai will be added. There’s a special promotional fare on offer for the Phuket – Chiang Mai route.
Thai Smile is a difficult venture to categorize. It is not a budget airline. It offers two classes of service, free seat selection, free baggage up to 20 kg in economy and mileage accumulation with Thai or any other Star Alliance member. It appears more and more that it would be better described as a regional subsidiary along the lines of Singapore Airline’s Silk Air.