One-Two-Go considers grounding
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The founder of Thai low-cost carrier (LCC) One-Two-Go Airlines has said he may be forced to cease operations, the Bangkok Post has reported. Udom Tantiprasongchai told the newspaper that he was seriously considering whether to ground One-Two-Go “temporarily” due to the mounting cost pressures.
“I’m not lying to myself about the reality of the situation. A painful decision needs to be made,” Udom said. “In this kind of environment, anyone can go (out of business) anytime,” he added.
Thailand’s LCCs are suffering hugely from the combined pains of soaring jet fuel prices and reduced demand. One-Two-Go, Nok Airlines and Thai AirAsia have all been forced to cut routes and flight frequencies in recent months, with Nok almost going bust itself, before a salvation plan was drawn up with Thai Airways, which owns 39% of the carrier.
Udom’s plan to suspend One-Two-Go’s operations was also reported to be influenced by a sense of betrayal from the two rival airlines, which allegedly failed to deliver on a promise to raise fares. He believes that domestic fares needed to go up by 30% to cover fuel cost hikes. At THB2,000 (US$60) One-Two-Go’s average one-way fare is approximately THB500 (US$15) higher than that of Nok Airways and Thai AirAsia.
Tour operator boycotts tiger temple (Thailand, Attractions, Regional)
One of Denmark’s leading tour operators has withdrawn Thailand’s famous Tiger Temple from its itineraries, the Nation has reported. Billetkontoret has said its decision is due to a report from Care for the Wild International (CWI) which accuses the attraction of dubious activities, such as rough handling of the tigers, and exchanges with tiger ‘farms’ in Laos.
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