Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) has launched a special assistance service for monks and disabled passengers.
The move is part of the airline's attempt to meet the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
THAI acting president Usanee Sangsingkeo said the airline is continually improving its products and services to improve passenger comfort. The latest focus is on monks and passengers travelling with wheelchairs.
She said such passengers will receive special assistance from the beginning of their journey to their final destination, such as at reservation and ticketing counters, a special check-in counter, priority boarding lanes, food and drink, and ground and in-flight assistance.
The move is aimed at meeting international service standards required by ICAO and the CAAT, which have demanded improved special assistance for these passenger categories.
Last month, Thai authorities issued new air operator certificates to 13 carriers after ICAO removed its red flag warning on Thailand.
While THAI was not on ICAO's warning list, the airline was asked to improve services and make safety a top priority.
The industry believes that the removal of the red flag has boosted confidence among international travellers flying on Thai-registered airlines.
Thailand was downgraded in June 2015 after its regulator missed a deadline to fix significant safety concerns, with 33 issues still to be resolved in full.
As a result, airlines were unable to add further international routes, though they could continue to operate routine flights.
In Thailand, 18 airlines have been improved to a sufficient standard and there are 10 more grappling with related issues.
THAI launched the special assistance services this week at a ceremony attended by several public figures, including Kritsana Lalai, president of the Friendly Design for All Foundation; Pattaya Tadtong, captain of the Thailand National Boccia Team; Saisunee Jana, a member of Thailand's National Wheelchair Fencing Team; and Nitcharee Peneakchanasak, happiness observer at the World Medical Hospital.
All services for the disabled are being provided free of charge.