BANGKOK, Sept. 16, (Xinhuanet) -- Thai Airways International (THAI) is to launch three new routes to India, China and Laos this winter,and is also preparing to inaugurate routes linking Phuket and Chiang Mai with Australia and Japan, THAI president announced Tuesday.

　　Kanok Aphiradee, president of Thai Airways International, said flights would operate on the three new routes from 26 October 2003to 27 March 2004 in response to the growing trade and investment sector, as well as to accommodate more tourist and business travelers during the cold season.

　　In October, he said, the airline would receive two new Boeing 727-400 for use on the new routes to Chenai in India, Guilin in China, and Luang Prabang in Laos. In addition, THAI was preparing to introduce new routes linking Sydney, Melbourne, Phuket and Bangkok, Tokyo and Chiang Mai, and Tokyo and Yangon. The airline would also increase the number of domestic and international flights on a number of routes, including Bangkok-London, Bangkok-Frankfurt, Bangkok-Copenhagen, Bangkok-Seoul, Bangkok-Jakarta, Bangkok-Colombo and Bangkok-Krabi. Enditem