Thai Airways celebrates first anniversary of flights resumption with blood donation campaign

MAC Travels and Antiquity Director Jeromie Daniel, MAC Holdings Group Director and Chief Financial Officer Tilak Gunawardana, Royal Thai Embassy Counsellor Prangthip Kongridhisuksakorn, MAC Holdings Managing Director Andre Fernando, BOC Travels General Manager/CEO and IATA association Sri Lanka President Romesh Samaranayaka, Yenesha Travels Manging Director and TAASL President Shanaka Fernando, and MAC Travels and Antiquity Director Sanjaya Dahanaggamaarachchi

Thai Airways on 4 April celebrated the one-year anniversary of its resumed operations in Sri Lanka by organising a meaningful Blood Donation Campaign. This initiative, which aligns with the airline’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, was successfully held at Trace City, Colombo 10.

The campaign underscored Thai Airways’ dedication to the local Sri Lankan community and strengthened the historical and cultural ties between Thailand and Sri Lanka. Blood donation is considered a highly meritorious act in Buddhism, a faith deeply ingrained in both nations. This initiative reflected the shared values of compassion and generosity practised by people in Thailand and Sri Lanka alike.

Since resuming flights between Colombo and Bangkok on 31 March 2024, after a four-year hiatus, Thai Airways has continuously aimed to enhance its presence in Sri Lanka beyond aviation services. The airline’s Royal Silk Business Class, introduced on 2 March 2025, has elevated the flying experience for passengers traveling between the two countries. With daily flights, passengers benefit from seamless connections to over 60 destinations across Asia, Australasia, the Middle East, Scandinavia, and Europe.

MAC Holdings Managing Director Andre Fernando said: “This milestone of first-year anniversary of resuming daily flights between Bangkok and Colombo signifies the strong and enduring friendship between Thailand and Sri Lanka. We are thankful to the management of THAI Airways International for establishing this crucial air link. Our partnership has been invaluable. We are deeply honoured to have Royal Thai Embassy Counsellor Prangthip Kongridhisuksakorn. Your presence underscores the importance of this occasion and the bond between our nations. Also extending our sincere gratitude to all our partner travel agents for their continued support. Adding to this exciting year, we were thrilled to open Business Class Seats offering enhanced comfort and service to our passengers. And thank you once again to our Royal Thai Embassy, THAI Airline personnel, travel agents and our dedicated staff for being a crucial part of our success. And thank you all for participating in this meaningful blood donation campaign. Your contribution today embodies the spirit of giving and strengthens the ties between our communities.” 

Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo Counsellor Prangtip Kongridhisuksakorn said: “I wish to congratulate the Thai Airways on the resumption of daily flights operation between Bangkok and Colombo since 31 March 2024. The Thai Airways has played a significant role in fostering Sri Lanka – Thailand cooperation. Thailand and Sri Lanka have enjoyed a long-standing and cordial relations for centuries, rooted in trade, cultural, and people-to-people connection. Furthermore, this year marks a very special occasion of the 70th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Sri Lanka. Tourism is one of the most potential sectors for a collaboration between the two countries. We happily take note that the aviation service has reinforced the bridge between Thailand and Sri Lanka, facilitated by visa exemption and visa on arrival schemes between the two countries. The connection between Thailand and Sri Lanka has deepened. There were 68,653 Sri Lankan arrivals to Thailand in 2024, increasing from 33,540 in the previous year. At the same time, the number of arrivals from Thailand to Sri Lanka increased from 4,922 in 2023 to 7,246 in 2024. I commend MAC Holdings for the initiative of blood donation to save people’s lives. I also wish all the best for Sri Lanka and Thailand working in close collaboration that will support sustainable tourism and connectivity as well as development and prosperity of our two nations.”