Bangkok (Thailand) – October 15, 2015 (travelindex) – Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the SUPPORT Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (public organization) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration held a joint press conference in support of the Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) Asia 2015, which will take place from October 15 to 17, 2015 at the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre and will be held for the first time in Asia with Thailand as the host country.

Mr. Chutintorn Srisittikum, Acting Vice President of the E-Commerce and Complementary Marketing Department of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, explained that the Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) Asia 2015 was organized to bring together approximately 1,000 of the most prominent international online bloggers. The aim was to promote Thailand, its products and services, and the destinations served by THAI through online media channels. THAI, the national airline, is committed to supporting efforts to strengthen the Thai economy in all sectors through tourism and by supporting the public and private sectors, thereby establishing Thailand as a premier event destination and the country's primary gateway. Furthermore, Thailand aims to boost MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) travel, as survey results indicate that conference and trade fair organizers prefer the services of the national airline. This is an area where THAI particularly benefits, given its global network of sales offices that can reach corporate clients. THAI is currently cooperating with TCEB to serve the MICE market in China, India, and Southeast Asia. THAI also has a Star Alliance network, a consortium of 28 airlines with access to 1,330 airports. THAI is confident that Thailand, together with TCEB and TAT, will be selected as a location for international conferences, thus establishing itself as a leading meetings destination in Asia.

Digital technology is evolving rapidly, and THAI places great emphasis on optimizing its website and utilizing social media for marketing and customer communication. Communication with customers is possible around the clock via the Facebook fan page "Talk with THAI," and staff are regularly available to answer questions. THAI informs customers about flight changes and cancellations using social media. The website www.thaiairways.com has been optimized for quick and easy access, reservations, and various payment options such as credit and debit cards, as well as counter service at Tesco Lotus, Big C, post offices, and other locations. THAI recently launched the social media platform social.thaiairways.com, which complements the main website www.thaiairways.com. The goal is to promote and share travel experiences by regularly updating information on destinations, travel tips, products, shopping and dining options, and company news. Furthermore, information on how to get from airports to the city is provided for both domestic and international destinations served by THAI. Well-known bloggers are invited to share information and their travel experiences on this website.

This year's TBEX meeting offered online platforms the opportunity to disseminate interesting information through an easily accessible medium, thereby promoting travel interest among customers worldwide. Bloggers from around the globe met at the Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) Asia 2015 to network and share valuable experiences related to Thai tourism and culture. These experiences are now being shared publicly to support tourism in Thailand.

About Thai Airways International Public Company Limited: Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) is the national airline of the Kingdom of Thailand. Founded in 1960, THAI currently operates an average of 975 return flights per week on domestic, regional, and intercontinental routes to 73 destinations in 32 countries across four continents, including Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. THAI's success is based on its award-winning in-flight and ground service, customer-friendly schedules, and punctuality.

Contact information: Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, Corporate Communications Department, International Public Relations, Tel.: (66) (0) 2545-2663, 1705, 4713, Fax: (66) (0) 2545-3891-2, E-mail: [email protected], Web: www.thaiairways.com, THAI Contact Center: (66) (0) 2356-1111