Thai dishes fail to fly

By Amornrat Mahitthirook

Thai food is one of the most popular in the world, but THAI food, by Thai Airways International, has got a solid thumbs-down by international flyers.

The poor quality of the food served by Thai Airways International (known by the acronym THAI) tops the list of complaints among passengers using the national flag carrier, according to the airline.

The list of passenger complaints for April, which recently reached Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen, pits the airline's meals at the top of the five most common complaints.

"What passengers complained most about were meals which did not live up expectations, especially on outbound flights from Bangkok. That was followed by complaints they did not receive special meals as requested," the survey says.

In-flight entertainment was second on the list of areas where the airline could improve, followed by attitude and performance of cabin crew, baggage handling on arrival, and defects or malfunctions of cabin equipment.

No in-seat TVs on aircraft was the second most common complaint. Passengers were also not happy with crew who were impolite or unwilling to perform their duties, it adds.

The airline compiles complaints and commendations every month. The April version is the latest report available.

Some ministers complained about THAI's in-flight service during the cabinet meeting last week, Adm Theera said. The minister said THAI must do better.

THAI president Apinan Sumanseni admitted to the problems and said THAI is trying to improve all services, which could take about three months.