If reports about the likely (destination according to radar plots) is to be believed, and subsequently proved as being the Andaman Islands and we accept that someone set up a very deliberate flight path using recognised way points.
Why didn't 'they' set a direct course across the Thai peninsula.
That would have saved time and fuel.
Thoughts on why 'they' decided to fly over Malaysia first and then changed the heading?
Obviously this was not spur of the moment stuff.
Why that route?
I'm guessing that route was strategically planned, which is why the plane has now "disappeared" and we are still searching for it 7 days later! Also, such a route would probably involve flying under the ground radars, thus being undetected while making its way to where it was heading after disabling all onboard communications and ACARS and ELT