Troubles prompt Thai Airways to delay brief pitch

BANGKOK: Thai Airways International has delayed all pitches for its

account as a result of a major management reshuffle at the beleaguered

national carrier.

J Walter Thompson (JWT) is the incumbent on its international portfolio

but the three-year contract is now up for renewal. Thai Airways creative

manager Udomvit Krishnamara said that there were a number of policies

still under consideration due the restructuring at the airline.

"We cannot yet set pitching dates as these decisions are all still in

process," he said, but was unable to confirm how many agencies would be

invited to pitch.

However, JWT, said it was satisfied it had been successful during a time

the tourism industry in Thailand boomed to unprecedented levels. It

hoped to continue servicing the account. "We have been very happy

working with the client," said senior vice-president and group client

service director in charge of the brief, Suvit Pholvivat. "We have won a

lot of awards such as the Trang Underwater Wedding, which got into the

Guinness Book of Records."

Thai Airways has been plagued by employee disputes and accusations of

politicisation that led to prime minister Taksin Shinawatra stepping in

to try to restructure the airline ahead of its privitisation. A decision

on the account is expected in one month.