Thai Airways passengers can now enjoy wi-fi during flights

Earlier last year, we wrote that Wi-Fi will be coming to Garuda Indonesia and Air Asia Thailand flights in 2014.

Around the same time too, Thailand’s national carrier Thai Airways applied for an in-flight wi-fi license with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). The regulator has recently granted the license to Thai Airways, which makes it the first airline in Thailand to offer wi-fi on-board. Budget carriers such as Nok Air and Thai AirAsia are still working on the process to get services launched, probably later this year.

Thai Airways’ AirBus A380 and A330 planes are the first that will be equipped with wi-fi. The Wi-Fi has been made available to passengers since February, and comes at a high pricing plan. Smartphone users pay US$4.50 (146 baht) for 3 megabytes or $14.50 for 10 MB, while passengers with laptops or iPads pay $14.50 for 10 MB and $28.50 for 20 MB. Fees are payable by credit card or debit card.

As tech blog Tech in Asia pointed out, the airline seems to be aiming its on-board wi-fi at those who want to catch up on email or use messaging apps during flight. With such a tiny data allowance, passengers won’t be able to share photos or stream movies.

Related Stories:

• Does Malaysia Airlines instill confidence in its handling of MH370 incident?
• Wi-Fi to come to more Garuda Indonesia and Air Asia Thailand flights in 2014
• Do you know that you can enjoy free WiFi in Taiwan? Here’s how
• Singapore to increase wifi access at train stations, but here’s what some citizens say
• Here are the 28 MRT stations that will be installed with free WiFi in mid 2014