[Steve]

Below is the complete e-mail string from Thai Airways customer services!

Dear Khun Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx,

I’m sorry I do not accept your answer, your e-mail was very short and came across as being rude and uncaring.

You did not answer my question about the tax amount you have charged me but will not be paid by Thai Airways to the Thai government.

All I’m asking for is that you give me back my free upgrade because this is what you said I could have for being a loyal Gold card member.

I will pursue this matter with the appropriate authorities until I receive what was promised to me.

Best regards,


Steve.

Dear Mr.Steve,

We would like to inform you the procedure of Gold Upgrade which
original ticket was reissued under the benefit of this and you have
a new ticket with a one higher class because of this Gold Upgrade, therefore
if you donot want to use this Gold Upgrade ticket and need refund, then Gold Upgrade
which had authorised from THAI would be lose.

We are sorry fot this inconvenience caused.

For more information kindly contact our local THAI office where our staff are
ready to answer any queries. Tel. 0 2356 1111 or 0 2513 8711 for more informations.

Online account summary can be requested, using your pin code and member
number in Manage Your Account at www.thaiairways.com/rop.

We looking forward to welcoming you on board Thai as a valued member of Royal Orchid Plus
Yours sincerely,

Thanakrit Chawala
Royal Orchid Plus
Member Service Department

Beginning 1 JUL 2008 travel on international flight
with THAI on discounted Economy Class codes:
G/V/W will no longer earn miles or count towards
tier status evaluations.
Dear Sirs,

I have been a Royal Orchid member for approximately 10 years.

I booked my wife and myself 2 economy class return tickets BKK > Heathrow > BKK departing 22nd December 08 and returning 8th January 09.

I used my award air mile’s to upgrade my wife’s ticket to business class and my once every 2 years Gold card free upgrade for mine.

I needed to cancel my flights and reschedule for a later time and when I discussed this with my travel agent they said I would receive my full allocation of reward air miles back again but I would have to lose 11,100 Baht for canceling the tickets, this figure is made up of 6,000 Baht cancellation fee and 5,100 Baht Tax, as the taxable event did not occur will Thai Airways claim my Tax rebate for me or will I need to do this myself, either way I will pursue my Tax refund.

If the above wasn’t enough to lose they also said that I would lose the use of my Gold card free upgrade as well, which was the straw that broke the Camels back!

Whilst I understand there may need to be some cancellation costs incurred I strongly disagree with my once every two years Gold card upgrade being cancelled.

You need to understand that Thai Airways are not by any stretch of the imagination economical on price anymore, I can obtain much cheaper flights for every destination that I travel to; the reason why I have remained loyal with Thai Airways for the last 10 years is because of the additional benefits I receive from being a Gold card member, if you take these away you also take away my reasons for remaining loyal.

During those 10 long membership years Thai Airways has always wanted or expected me to choose Thai when ever myself, my family or my company buys its 30+ tickets every year, Thai Airways have expected my loyalty every time I book a flight and not once have I ever asked anything from them, the 1 time when I need some loyalty in return the door is slammed firmly shut in my face!

The Airlines that can maintain good ethical service levels throughout these difficult economic times will be the ones that emerge the strongest, if I am denied the use of my once every 2 years free Gold card upgrade I will transfer my entire business to an airline that really does understand the words “Customer Care” and not just pretends that they do.


Best regards,

Steve