Call to open Thai Post’s finances
The public has a right to know every aspect of Thailand Post’s financial details now that it has increased postal fees and begun its move toward privatisation, a leading consumer rights advocate said yesterday.
“We must challenge the government’s perception that all public utilities must make a profit and those profits should help boost the stock market,” said Saree Aongsomwang, director of the Foundation of Consumers.
“This perspective is dangerous because the state has an obligation to provide public services.”
The company recently increased the price of a stamp from Bt2 to Bt3.
Twenty consumer groups will meet today to discuss the increase in postal fees, Saree said., adding, “If the government will no longer serve the public by taking responsibility for such utilities, why do we need a government?”
Anusara Jitmitraphab, Thailand Post’s vicepresident for marketing, said the Cabinetapproved hike had come into effect in January because the government wanted to prevent the postal service from running at a loss.
The company, which is still wholly owned by the Ministry of Finance, has not yet listed on the stock exchange because it is still not making a profit.
“Nobody will allow a lossmaking firm into the stock exchange. But it could be done in the future. The [state’s] subsidies must be abandoned and the company should be placed at the mercy of market mechanisms,” Anusara said.
Although the minimum postal fee is now Bt3, she said the real cost was Bt4. The new rate means the company will lose Bt700 million this year instead of Bt1 billion. The price of a stamp will be increased to Bt4 in two years to reflect the real cost.
Anusara said there had been no increase in postal fees for 18 years. The public will not suffer, she told The Nation.
Last week, residents of some Bangkok districts received letters from Thailand Post informing them of the new rate. But the letters failed to list the old rate or specify the percentage of the increase.
Anusara said such letters were still being sent out three months after the hike because some people are still not aware of it.
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation
