By James Wilkinson

Thai Airways has extended its 49th anniversary global sale until June 26, with airfares starting from $449 return plus taxes and surcharges.

Thai Airways is flying to Bangkok from $449 plus
taxes and surcharges

The flag carrier of Thailand is selling the seats in economy class for travel from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Bangkok. Onward destinations are also on sale, with seats to Europe starting at $990 return.

The sale fares come at a time when the airline continues to modernise its fleet on Australian routes.

Most flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Bangkok are operated by Boeing 777 aircraft in a two-class configuration – business and economy – with seat-back TV screens for all passengers.

Perth flights are being upgraded to brand new Airbus A330-300 aircraft, with the first Perth-Bangkok flight set down for July 15, 2009.