Thai Airways International vs Thai AirAsia

Overview

Thai Airways International is the flag carrier of Thailand. According to Wikipedia, it was founded in 1960 as a joint venture with Scandinavian Airlines and began operating in its current form in 1988 after merging with Thai Airways Company. The Ministry of Finance holds 42.94% of the shares, and the airline is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its headquarters are in Chatuchak, Bangkok. Thai is a founding member of Star Alliance. Its regional subsidiary Thai Smile was merged back into the mainline carrier from 2023.

Network and hubs

The main hub is Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. As of January 2026 the airline served 51 international and 9 domestic destinations in 29 countries, with a network focused on Europe, Asia and Oceania. A return to North America is under discussion, according to Aviation A2Z (July 2026).

Fleet

Wikipedia lists a fleet of 80 aircraft as of January 2026, with a large order book (see the fleet page). In July 2026 Aviation A2Z reported a Boeing 787 fleet of 45 aircraft, including those on order. TTG Asia (25 September 2026) reports that long-haul flying will rely on the Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 787 family as older wide-bodies retire. It also reports that the Airbus A321neo fleet will grow from nine to 15 by the end of 2026, with a target of 32. The fleet is to be streamlined to four types, with a cabin overhaul planned for 2027.

On board

• Cabins: Royal Silk (business), Premium Economy and Economy, depending on aircraft. Royal First is listed in some baggage tables.
• Meals: Thai and international dishes, which vary by route and month. Pre-selection is available up to 72 hours before departure.
• Seat pitch, entertainment and Wi-Fi: not confirmed in the sources reviewed, and these vary by aircraft. Check the airline before booking.

Good to know

• Cabin baggage: Thai's official page allows one hand-carry bag of up to 7 kg.
• Checked baggage: third-party sources such as HappyFares report a piece-based allowance for tickets issued from 25 November 2025 for travel from 2 March 2026. Economy Saver and Standard include 1 x 23 kg, and Royal Silk includes 2 x 32 kg. Older tickets keep the weight-based allowance. Check the official site for your fare.
• Punctuality: Cirium reported 79.29% on-time arrivals for June 2025.
• Lounges: Royal Orchid and Royal Silk lounges. The loyalty programme is Royal Orchid Plus.

Overview

Thai AirAsia is a Thai low-cost airline. According to Wikipedia, it was founded on 12 November 2003 and began flying on 4 February 2004. It is headquartered at Don Mueang International Airport, Bangkok, and is owned by Asia Aviation Public Company Limited (SET: AAV). It is part of the wider AirAsia brand family and is not a member of a global airline alliance. Its loyalty programme is BIG Loyalty.

Network and hubs

The main base is Bangkok Don Mueang. Other operating bases listed by Wikipedia are Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Krabi and Phuket. Wikipedia gives 67 destinations. A 2026 analysis report cites more than 70 destinations on 318 routes, including 25 domestic and 46 international. Destinations include Phnom Penh, Dhaka, Beijing, Chengdu, Changsha and Phu Quoc. Services to Siem Reap now use Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport.

The same report says the airline announced a 30% capacity reduction for May and June 2026 because of a jet fuel price spike and softer demand. Travellers should check current schedules.

Fleet

The fleet is made up of Airbus A320-family narrow-body aircraft. Wikipedia lists 62 aircraft, and the 2026 analysis report also gives about 62. Long-haul flights are operated by a separate airline, Thai AirAsia X. In May 2026 the AirAsia group placed an order for 150 A220-300 aircraft, according to the analysis report. Delivery timing for Thai AirAsia has not been confirmed in the sources reviewed.

On board

Thai AirAsia operates a no-frills, single-class economy cabin. Food, drinks and extras are sold separately. Seat pitch, in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi details were not confirmed in the sources reviewed.

Good to know

• Cabin baggage: up to 7 kg, with a main bag of 56 x 36 x 23 cm plus a small personal item, per Cabin Zero and MakeMyTrip.
• Checked baggage: sold separately by weight, and excess weight is charged, according to Airportels. Check the airline's website for current prices.
• Airports: flights use both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok, so check the airport on your booking.
• Loyalty: BIG Loyalty Programme.
• Lounges: no airline lounges were found.