Thai airways ROP program

On behalf of my brother, who is a member of Thai Airways' Frequent Flyer Program Royal Orchid Plus (ROP), I have requested Thai Airways (TG) to extend the validity of an award ticket.

After extensive follow-up, including numerous faxes and telephone calls to TG's Jakarta office, TG Sales Service Manager Ms. Diana sent me a fax rejecting the request, quoting the decision of their ROP department in Bangkok.

This rejection directly contravenes TG's published Award Travel Rule No. 4, applicable at the time of issue of the award ticket referred to. In fact the award ticket issued by TG follows and states application of the Award Travel Rule No 4, on the basis of which I have requested the extension. My request is completely justifiable in accordance with TG's specified rules.

When I informed the above to Ms. Diana, she suggested that I contact TG's Bangkok office as the decision was made by them. She absolved TG's Jakarta office from any role or responsibility in this matter. I immediately sent an email on March 16, 2001, to TG's ROP office in Bangkok, with a copy forwarded to their Jakarta Sales Office, quoting the relevant Award Travel Rule and giving proof in support of my legal and justified request.

More than two months have passed since my email, still neither the Bangkok or Jakarta office have responded to, or even acknowledged my email. My numerous attempts to speak to the TG Jakarta General Manager or Manager In Charge of Sales have not been successful, in spite of my leaving details and messages with their staff.

I am shocked to see this kind of attitude displayed by TG and its executives, particularly considering that it is one of the region's main airlines. If this kind of treatment is extended to their Frequent Flyer Program ROP members, one can very well imagine the fate of ordinary passengers.

SK AGRAWAL

Jakarta