Thai Airways is launching a special Buddhist pilgrimage flight, one in which passengers can chant mantras while flying over temples. The three-hour flight will take in 99 sacred sites around Thailand, ensuring “passengers will receive positive energy from chanting”.
The flight will take off from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport at 13:30 and return at 16:30 on 30th November.
Wiwat Piyawiroj, EVP of Thai‘s commercial operations, said that the flight is designed to bolster the domestic tourism market. The special flight is also in line with the Thai Government’s tourism policy, according to the Bangkok Post.
“There will be no landing during the flight and passengers will receive positive energy from chanting while onboard.”
Wiwat Piyawiroj, EVP Commercial, Thai Airways (via Bangkok Post)
Onboard, passengers will receive a themed prayer book and various religious charms. Dr Khata Chinbunchon, a “celebrity fortune teller and religion history expert”, will lead the Buddhist chanting onboard.
Passengers will fly over 99 holy sites in the capital and 31 provinces, including Chon Buri, Rayong, Surat Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Nakhon Pathom, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Chaiyaphum and Nakhon Ratchasima.
Thai Airways has confirmed that the flight will only accept bookings up until 25th November. Economy Class will cost 6000 baht ($193) and Business will set you back 10,000 baht ($321).
The airline previously opened an aircraft-themed restaurant at their Bangkok headquarters.