Thailand Post delivers less losses in 2003 with revamp
Information and Communications Technology Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, has said that Thailand Post were able to reduce its net operating loss by about 49 percent in 2003 as a result of the ministry’s effort to revamp the company’s performance.
It is estimated that the state-owned firm loses up to one billion baht each year due to subsidised prices for mail services.
Thailand Post had at the beginning of this year increased its stamp selling price to three baht from previously two baht, a move that it expects to continuously help diminish its current annual losses.
Thailand Post general director Dhiraphongs Suddhinond said over the past year his firm has offered several special services, including catalogue product ordering and delivering, electricity, water, telephone and other bill payment services made through the post office.
He added that Thailand Post is now joining hands with several commercial banks – Bank of Asia, Siam Commercial Bank, Small and Medium Enterprise Banks, Bank of Ayudhya and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives to provide financial services for Thailand Post and these bank’s customers.
According to Dhirapongs, various basic banking services such as deposits, withdrawals and money transfers are now available at Thailand Post’s 1,100 branches nationwide. He said his firm is now in talks with the Bangkok Bank to jointly run such a basic banking business.
Dhirapongs added that Thailand Post would outline the new business soon. The initial service will include an Internet cafe that may offer books and coffee, he added.
An Internet corner under the “Goodnet” project is planned to be implemented in five branches within this month, he said.
ICT minister said liberalising the postal service will bring benefits to people and they will receive better delivery and logistical services. He added that Thailand Post needs to be reformed in order to prepare for its liberalisation.
He stressed that the state-owned firm should use its strengths in networking through its branches nationwide.
“The state firm needs to restructure its working system and culture. It also needs to have more new businesses in order to be able to make a higher profit,” Surapong said.
He noted that to liberalise the postal service industry, some laws are needed to be amended to enhance the process. He said the Post Act of 1934 gives the right only to Thailand Post to provide postal services in Thailand.This means that other firms running a business, such as DHL and FedEx, are technically illegal, Surapong pointed out.
