Thai Airways International, usually branded THAI, is a Thai passenger airline established in 1960 to operate international services. Its development combined a partnership with Scandinavian Airlines System, later domestic integration and participation in the founding of Star Alliance.[1]THAI’s JourneyThai Airways International · thaiairways.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]History of Star AllianceStar Alliance · portal.staralliance.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Joint venture origins
The Thai government established the airline as a joint venture between Thai Airways Company and Scandinavian Airlines System. The Thai partner held 70 per cent and SAS 30 per cent of the original capital. SAS supplied operational, management and marketing expertise and assisted with staff training. The objective was to develop an independent Thai international airline using the experience of an established overseas operator.[3]Timeline and HistoryThai Airways International · thaiairways.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
First services and domestic integration
Commercial services began on 1 May 1960, linking Bangkok with Hong Kong, Taiwan and Tokyo. The early operation used Douglas DC-6B aircraft. SAS transferred its shares to the Thai partner in March 1977. The merger of Thai Airways Company and Thai Airways International followed in April 1988, bringing the domestic and international businesses together. The company listed its shares on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in July 1991.[1]THAI’s JourneyThai Airways International · thaiairways.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[3]Timeline and HistoryThai Airways International · thaiairways.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Alliance participation
THAI was one of the five airlines that launched Star Alliance on 14 May 1997, alongside Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines and United Airlines. The alliance connected the partners’ networks and provided the framework for shared passenger benefits. THAI’s role as a founding member forms a separate milestone from its earlier bilateral partnership with SAS.[2]History of Star AllianceStar Alliance · portal.staralliance.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Business rehabilitation
A later financial restructuring culminated in a court order terminating the company’s business rehabilitation process on 16 June 2025. The order restored the board’s authority to manage the airline’s business and assets and restored shareholders’ legal rights. This concluded the rehabilitation process rather than marking the establishment of a new airline.[4]Notification following termination of business rehabilitationThai Airways International · ir.thaiairways.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details