Thai Airways Finalizes Thai Smile Operational Merger

Thai Airways International has completed the operational merger of its low-cost subsidiary Thai Smile Airways, finalizing the transfer of all flight operations and services. In a filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand on May 8, 2025, the national carrier confirmed that Thai Smile’s operations are now fully integrated into Thai Airways. The parent company owns 99.99% of Thai Smile’s shares.

The filing also stated that the administrators overseeing Thai Airways’ court-approved restructuring plan have agreed to proceed with the legal dissolution of Thai Smile.

The merger was first announced in 2023 as part of Thai Airways’ post-bankruptcy restructuring strategy. The carrier cited improved operational and financial efficiency as key reasons for consolidating the two brands.

Following the merger announcement, the first of Thai Smile’s twenty Airbus A320-200 aircraft began transferring to Thai Airways in late 2023. By early 2024, Thai Smile had ceased independent operations, and its aircraft and routes were gradually absorbed by the parent airline.

The integration has allowed Thai Airways to streamline its narrowbody fleet and expand its short-haul network using the A320-200s. These aircraft now serve many of the regional routes that were previously operated under the Thai Smile brand.

Earlier in 2025, Thailand’s Civil Aviation Board approved the permanent closure of Thai Smile, with the final legal step awaiting sign-off from the Minister of Transport.

The full merger marks a major step in Thai Airways’ recovery strategy as it continues to rebuild and strengthen its position in both domestic and regional markets.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com