My friend Charlene sent me these vintage ads from Thai Airways International.
The ad on the left reads:
The happiest combination in Far East travel is now offered to you on the fabulous Royal Orchid Jet Service. To the traditional Thai hospitality, superb cuisine, and personalized attention of the Royal Orchid Service is added the spacious, vibration-free comfort of the Convair 990 Coronado–the world’s fastest airliner. Thai International’s fleet of modern Convair and Douglas aircraft offer connections between Bangkok, Hong Kong, Taipei, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Djakarta, Rangoon, Calcutta, Phnom Penh, Saigon and Manila.
The ad to the right touts much of the same:
The Royal Orchid Service offers the ultimate in passenger comfort between the fabled and colorful cities of the Orient. Convenient travel times, frequent services and superb service combine to make Thai International the airline for the discerning traveller. Radar-equipped Douglas DC 6B’s piloted by SAS captains assure you of a relaxed and enjoyable flight. Connecting: Bangkok, Hong Kong, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Singapore, Phnom Penh, Saigon, Rangoon, Calcutta, Djakarta.
While I don’t know the dates of these ads, I estimate they ran sometime in 1961 or 1962. Thai International discontinued service to Phnom Penh from 1962 until 1970 (and then discontinued it again in 1971 until 1992). Plus, the Convair 990 debuted in 1961.
I find it interesting that Thai International discontinued service to Cambodia and Vietnam in the 70s and didn’t start flying to China until 1983, but since its inception in 1960, it has consistently flown to Burma. And speaking of Burma, between mom and myself, we have visited all the cities listed in these ads with the exception of Rangoon.
Susan… I was cleaning out a deceased friends travel file and found a very small bronz or brass bell with an orange ribbon at top and a heart shaped piece hanging from the underside of bell. On it was engraved “THAI Coronada Jet” Does it have any value ???? gwr
Wow, that sounds like a lovely bell! I would think it would be worth something. You could look around eBay and see if something similar is shown there. I’ll ask my friend who works at Thai Air and will get back to you! Thanks so much for the comment!
Hi Susan
Sorry for the delay, decided to take a trip back home (Thailand)had some holidays owing ,so it was a quick decision to go for songkran festival (thai new year)but now back in UK . A print copy would be a boon,again i thank you for taking the time, i hope to hear from you soon.
Many thanks
Colin
Hi Susan
Sorry to seem a bit odd,but is it possible to have a copy/print of your Thai
Airways (convair 990) advert.I have a interest in Thai Airways (mania)and have a very modest collection of odd bits. My wife being Thai and my daughter working for Thai airways adds to it.
Any costs incurred will be forwarded to you,and also for your time and trouble.
thanks for your time,and i hope i havn’t bothered you to much
All the best
Colin Clarke
Thanks, Colin! My friend in Bangkok emailed me the images, so let me see if I can get some print ones for you. She also works for TG! I should know more in a day or less.