Thai Smile (Bangkok Suvarnabhumi) will move selected domestic Thai flights from its Bangkok Suvarnabhumi hub to Bangkok Don Mueang with effect from August 8. According to AirlineRoute, the destinations affected include Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Phuket. All three destinations will continue to be served by Thai Airways International from Suvarnabhumi with Thai Smile also retaining some flights between Suvarnabhumi and Phuket.
As a result, the Thai Airways International (TG, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi) subsidiary's operational flight numbers will switch from the TG2000 – 2999 series to the TG1000 – 1999 series for flights out of Bangkok Don Mueang.
According to statements made by Thai's acting EVP Commercial Suraphon Israngura Na Ayuthya to the Bangkok Post, the main aim of the move is to fight back at low-cost carriers Thai AirAsia (FD, Bangkok Don Mueang), Nok Air (DD, Bangkok Don Mueang) and Thai Lion Air (SL, Bangkok Don Mueang) operating from Don Mueng. While Suraphon said it would coordinate its route network with Nok Air, all three initial destinations from Don Mueang are already served by Nok Air extensively. Thai Smile CEO Woranate Laprabang hopes to get approximately 20% market share at Don Mueang over time with all but five or six of its currently 14 A320-200s operating from the airport by October 28. The remaining aircraft are expected to be repainted in full Thai Airways International colors and to be transferred back to the main line fleet.
