BANGKOK - THAI Airways will increase its fuel surcharge by between 20 and 35 dollars (S$47.7) per passenger on most international flights due to rising oil prices, an airline official said on Friday.

The increase will take effect from Monday with the surcharge on most domestic flights rising to 750 baht from 600 baht.

Passengers on most international flights will now have to pay a fuel surcharge of between 45 and 140 dollars, compared with the current charge of between 25 and 105 dollars.

Pandit Chanapai, executive vice president at Thai Airways International's commercial department, said the flag carrier had to adjust its surcharge to reflect the increase in fuel costs due to rising global oil prices.

'The company previously took responsibility for these increases and delayed any further increase in the fuel surcharge since the recent Songkran (Thai New Year) holiday, so as to not impact large numbers of passengers' travel,' Mr Pandit said in a statement.

The increase will not affect services between Bangkok and most Southeast Asian cities, where passengers will continue to pay 25 dollars.

The 25-dollar surcharge would also stay in place for Hong Kong-Taipei, Dubai-Kuwait, Karachi-Muscat and Chiang Mai-Kunming flights.

Thai Airways is controlled by the Thai government, which holds a 54.21 per cent stake. -- AFP