Sustainable Development

The traditional Thai Ruean Ton uniform worn by female flight attendants of Thai Airways is internationally recognized and appreciated for its beauty. It has been remembered and serves as a symbol of Thai identity, reflecting the essence of Thailand and acting as the first welcoming point for passengers from various countries for over half a century. The uniform is crafted from Thai silk and blended with fibers made from recycled materials, preserving its Thai characteristics while adding unique features that fulfill practical needs. It excels in maintaining its shape while offering flexibility and ease of movement during use. Additionally, it has undergone safety testing to meet international standards.

A Symbol of Circular Economy in Wearable Art

The Panbuppha Orchid Brooch is a special creation developed in collaboration with PIPATCHARA, a Thai sustainable design brand. The brooch is crafted from used Royal Orchid mineral water bottle caps collected from both inflight and ground services, and thoughtfully transformed into elegant wearable art through an upcycling process.

Designed to be worn as part of the uniforms of cabin crew and ground staff, the Panbuppha brooch represents Thai Airways’ commitment to sustainability in everyday operations. The project is powered by the collaboration of employees across all departments, who take part in sorting and collecting used materials before they are sent to PIPATCHARA for environmentally responsible production.

This initiative reflects a tangible application of the Circular Economy concept—where waste is given new value. Beyond waste reduction, the project also supports local communities, generating income and fostering pride among Thai artisans involved in the production process.

More than 80% of the materials used in the Panbuppha brooch are cycled materials, relative to total fossil-based plastic inputs, in line with the Global Circularity Material (GCM) framework. By extending the life of materials and maximizing resource efficiency, the Panbuppha brooch helps reduce environmental impacts across the material lifecycle—turning used resources into meaningful symbols of sustainable design.

On the occasion of the company's 64th anniversary, the company invited employees to return old uniforms that are no longer in use, leading to a recycling process aimed at reducing waste and maximizing resource utilization. This initiative also supports sustainable development within the company and contributes to society, with the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

The company will present purple "Upcycle Polo shirts" as gifts for employees on April 23, 2024, and requests that all employees wear them together on May 2, 2024.

Thai Airways organized a forum to promote eco-friendly product design under the concept “FROM WASTE TO WEALTH.” On July 5, 2024, Mr. Taviroj Songkhampon presided over the award ceremony for the winning team of the Upcycling Product Design Contest, which was part of the “Zero Waste Living by THAI” project. The event was honored by the presence of Ms. Khu Chantharika Chotikasetthakorn, Mr. Chaiyong Rattanapai-suksak, and other distinguished guests at the lobby of Building 1 at the company’s headquarters.

The Corporate Strategy Division organized the “Zero Waste Living by THAI” project, focusing on creatively repurposing unused materials. This initiative allows interested individuals to participate and showcase their creative ideas in product design, aiming to create a positive impact on the world and the environment. This contest featured presentations of Upcycling product designs created from repurposed fabric used in retired passenger aircraft seats.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)

To achieve its NET Zero goal by 2050, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited, Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, and PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited. This collaboration aims to exchange knowledge, experience, and technical support to promote the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) in Thailand, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions and helping the company meet its Net Zero target by 2050, along with Thailand's Net Zero goal by 2065.

On December 13, 2023, Thai Airways collaborated with PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) to pilot the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) on flights between Phuket and Bangkok, demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability and tangible actions. SAF emits less carbon dioxide throughout its life cycle compared to conventional aviation fuel and can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80% compared to standard fuels. Additionally, it can be blended with current fuels (Jet A1) immediately and complies with safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This aligns with the European Union's requirements for progressively increasing SAF blending ratios in aviation fuel departing from European airports.

Thai Airways is committed to preserving the environment for sustainable growth in the future through proactive measures that will be gradually implemented in the years to come.

The project “Pan-Rak-Pan-Suk” involves Thai Airways Public Company Limited organizing an activity where volunteer employees participate in converting plastic bottle caps—collected through donations from staff—into hangers. This initiative aims to add value to waste and will deliver the hangers to various welfare homes as an offering in honor of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who will be celebrating his 72nd birthday.

The event took place at the Community Waste Management Learning Center in Ban Phai, Ban Khai District, Rayong Province. Apart from honoring the King, the activity also raises awareness and encourages good deeds for society and the environment. The campaign solicited plastic bottle caps from employees between March and July 2024, collecting approximately 300 kilograms, which can produce around 500 hangers. The company will distribute these hangers to various welfare homes, and some will be given to the Ban Phai community for further use.