Thai PM: National airline 'sucks'

Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has sharply criticised the country's national airline in an interview with a local newspaper.

Prime Minister Thanksin Shinawatra told the Bangkok Post in its Thursday edition:

"Business class on other airlines is better than THAI's first class. Our fares are also higher. If THAI flights are unavailable and I must take other airlines, I am very happy," he said.

In the report in the Bangkok Post it is also reported that the Prime Minister said that the service quality in general was low and that THAI's main income is derived from its economy class which can compete because it is no different from the same service on other airlines he is quoted as saying.

Thaksin told the Bangkok Post that the airline must work to be more competitive, develop a more sound business model and improve long-term planning.

Thai Airways is still reeling from an accident in March when one of its planes burst into flames while stationary at Bangkok International Airport, only minutes before the prime minister was due to embark. The incident killed one crewmember and injured several others.

The airline's reputation has also been damaged by a government report which revealed freeloading by politicians and top journalists and by accusations that the directors are government cronies.