Orient Thai Airlines
A former Thai low-cost airline that linked Bangkok with major domestic destinations using MD-82 aircraft.
About Orient Thai Airlines
Orient Thai Airlines was a privately owned Thai low-cost carrier identified by the IATA code OX and ICAO code OEA. Established in 1995 under the Orient Express Air name, it later adopted the Orient Thai identity and became associated with the wider airline business developed by founder Udom Tantiprasongchai. The carrier is now defunct, having suspended operations in 2018, so it does not currently sell or operate scheduled flights.
Bangkok was the airline’s principal departure hub and the centre of its limited domestic network. Its recorded operation covered five destinations within Thailand across eight routes: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai and Phuket. These services connected the capital with important northern and southern cities, while Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai and Phuket also appeared among its busiest departure points.
The aircraft type associated with this network was the Boeing/McDonnell Douglas MD-82, a narrow-body jet widely used by earlier generations of low-cost and leisure airlines. Orient Thai generally offered a straightforward economy-focused product suited to domestic travel rather than a multi-cabin premium experience. Service details could differ by route and operating period, and its older fleet distinguished it from Thai competitors adopting newer Airbus and Boeing aircraft.
Orient Thai Airlines was not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. It also did not have a widely established frequent-flyer programme comparable with the loyalty schemes of major network airlines. Travellers therefore primarily selected the carrier for its fares and schedule rather than alliance connections, mileage earning or reciprocal elite benefits. Any historic tickets or credits should not be assumed to retain value following the end of operations.
The airline’s main strength was a simple network linking Bangkok with several of Thailand’s best-known regional and leisure centres. Its small route map, however, provided fewer frequencies and connection choices than larger domestic competitors. More importantly for present-day trip planning, Orient Thai no longer operates: travellers searching these city pairs must use an active airline, and websites displaying Orient Thai schedules or booking links may contain obsolete information.
Good to know
Flying with Orient Thai Airlines — what to expect
Airline No Longer Operating
Orient Thai Airlines suspended operations in 2018 and does not currently sell scheduled flights. Treat any booking page or timetable carrying its name as outdated unless independently verified.
Domestic Thai Network
Its recorded network consisted of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai and Phuket. Travellers planning these routes should compare services from active Thai carriers.
Older Narrow-Body Fleet
The recorded aircraft type was the MD-82, an older narrow-body jet configured around practical short-haul travel. Cabin expectations should be viewed in their historical context rather than compared with current fleets.
No Alliance Benefits
Orient Thai was not part of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. Passengers could not rely on alliance-wide mileage earning, lounge access or protected connections.
Historic Baggage Rules
Baggage allowances varied by fare and operating period, and old policy pages may no longer be reliable. Do not use archived Orient Thai allowances when booking another airline.
Network overview
Where Orient Thai Airlines flies
Orient Thai Airlines operates 8 routes to 5 destinations across 1 countries, its longest sector reaching Bangkok to Hat Yai (776 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Orient Thai Airlines flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Bangkok → Hat Yai
776 km · DMK → HDY
The longest sector in the Orient Thai Airlines network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Orient Thai Airlines
Notable destinations on Orient Thai Airlines's network.
OXBangkokdirectOXChiang MaidirectOXChiang RaidirectOXHat YaidirectOXPhuketdirectDestination list is indicative of Orient Thai Airlines's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Thailand
Other airlines based in Thailand
FAQ
Orient Thai Airlines — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Orient Thai Airlines is no longer operating, and its former carry-on rules should not be used for a current journey. Check the active operating airline’s official baggage page for its permitted dimensions, weight and item count.
- Orient Thai Airlines served exactly 5 destinations across 1 country, operating 8 routes. These figures describe its recorded network; the airline is no longer operating.
- Orient Thai Airlines tickets are no longer available because the carrier suspended operations in 2018. For the same Thai domestic routes, fares on active airlines are often lower when booked outside major holidays and other peak travel periods.
- Its busiest departure hubs, ranked by the number of routes, were Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Phuket. Bangkok was the principal hub.
- The longest route was Bangkok to Hat Yai, about 776 km nonstop.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. Because Orient Thai Airlines no longer operates, searches may instead show available flights from active carriers on comparable routes.
- Bangkok was Orient Thai Airlines’s primary hub and busiest departure point. Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Phuket were the other principal departure cities in its recorded network.
- Orient Thai Airlines served Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai and Phuket within Thailand. The airline suspended operations in 2018 and does not currently fly to these destinations.