Thai Airways International was founded in 1960 as a joint venture between Thailand's domestic carrier, Thai Airways Company and Scandinavian Airlines System with the Scandinavian carrier initially providing a 30% share capital of two million Baht. Scandinavian Airlines System also provided operations, managerial and marketing expertise, with training assistance aiming at building a fully independent national airline within the shortest possible time. Thai nationals, through training and experience, were gradually able to assume full managerial responsibility.