Back in the golden days of travel national airlines were a source of pride.

British Airways, Air France, and Thai Air rendered inter-continental voyages almost tolerable with pleasant service and unlimited alcohol. High gas prices, an aging air fleet, and an even older flight crew have relegated these long-distance carriers to the status of Aeroflot just after the collapse of the USSR and Thai Airways (THAI) is dropping through the rankings like a football team that has sold off all its assets.

The poor quality of the food served by Thai Airways International (THAI) tops the list of complaints among passengers using the national flag carrier, according to the airline. The Transport Minister has received numerous complaints about the national carrier with food topping the list.

Bad Thai food?

“What passengers complained most about were meals which did not live up expectations, especially on outbound flights from Bangkok. That was followed by complaints they did not receive special meals as requested.”

Second area of customer discontent focused on the lack of in-flight entertainment.

13 hour jaunts can be brutal without a diversion.

I usually upgrade myself from economy class to oblivion class by ingesting a powerful somnifer, although arriving comatose at an international airport usually brings out the Custom officers to pump out your stomach in fears that a balloon of smack has burst in your stomach.

I sat through KING KONG on my last flight back from the USA twice.

Talk about torture.

Jack Black sucks.

Rounding out the list of aerial downers were surly stewardesses, baggage mismanagement, and deteriorating plane integrity ie the system is getting old and this includes the new Cobra Swamp Airport. When the Thai Airways president announced these problems, some people criticized his unpatriotism.

In other words shoot the messenger and the troubles will fade from sight.