Buddhists take pleasure in a chook’s-eye view of Thailand’s sacred sights, because of Thai Airways’ scenic fly-by of 99 holy locations. Olivia Palamountain stories

Led by “superstar fortune teller and faith historical past skilled” Dr Khata Chinbunchon, the “Thai Magical Flying Experience Campaign” from Thai Airways gave Buddhists the possibility to see 99 sacred sights from the air, full with chanting.

Passengers on the Thai Airways flight from Bangkok obtained Buddhist prayer books and a particular in-flight meal whereas flying over temples in 31 provinces earlier than returning house. Tickets ranged in worth from 5,999 baht (£149) to 9,999 baht (£248).

The sacred sights included Bangkok’s Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew (generally referred to as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Phra Samut Chedi in Samut Prakarn, Wat Phra Boromma That Chaiya in Surat Thani and UNESCO-listed heritage websites in Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, within the kingdom’s central plains.

A part of a plan to spice up home tourism, the initiative comes scorching on the heels of comparable choices from the likes of Qantas, China Airlines and Eva Air, all of which have launched their very own sequence of scenic and themed flights over the previous few months. Globetrender has additionally reported on Covid-secure luxurious cruises to nowhere, not too long ago launched in Singapore.

Tourism accounts for as much as 20 per cent of GDP in Thailand, and in a blow to the nationwide provider, the dominion has remained shut to overseas travellers all through the pandemic. Nevertheless, the airline had been struggling even earlier than coronavirus turned journey the other way up. Estimates recommend it’s now buried below £6 billion price of debt.

Nonetheless, Thai Airways has been a pioneer of artistic initiatives that increase income. The airline has put baggage created from life vests and slide rafts on sale, opened an airline-themed café promoting in-flight meals in Bangkok, and a meals stall promoting dough fritters. It has additionally opened its Airbus and Boeing flight simulators to the general public.