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Thailand Post takes on top courier firms: EMS World will stress lower costs(Bangkok Post (Thailand) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Dec. 22--Thailand Post has introduced a new international postal service, EMS World, with an aim to meet its revenue target this year of 16 billion baht. Anusara Jitmitraparp, senior vice-president of the state enterprise, said the new service would provide international delivery to more than 90 countries, on par with private couriers such as DHL and Fedex. "We want to strengthen our EMS service and inform customers about our ability to expedite mail," Ms Anusara said. "In the past, customers tended to prefer international postal services of private foreign companies, even though our service is 5 percent to 20 percent cheaper. We also provide pickup services and tracking systems through both the internet and our call centre." EMS World is expected to expand the use of EMS and help Thailand Post achieve its revenue target of 16 billion baht. EMS is still a relatively small part of its operations, with revenues of 70 to 80 million baht per month. The past two months have taken a big toll on postal operations due to the global economic crisis and the recent eight-day closure of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports by protesters. Thailand Post is also gearing up for even slower economic growth in 2009, as demand for mail and courier services falls with the slowing economy and cost cutbacks by local firms. Increased use of e-mail and document transmission services also will affect demand for postal services. For 2008, Thailand Post projects net profits of 1.5 billion baht on revenues of 16 billion. Revenues have risen strongly this year from 13 billion last year. "But revenue in 2009 won't grow as fast as before," Ms Anusara said. Thailand Post next year plans to use eight service cars to broaden its postal service in tourist destinations or places with no postal access. It also aims to add 75 postal counters, its franchise business, under the name Thailand Post Shop, bringing the total numbers to 100 next year. Thailand Post currently has 3,700 service locations nationwide, including 1,200 delivery offices and shops. The company next year plans to strengthen logistics co-operation with the Chinese postal service after China asked to use a Thailand route that connects to Yunnan province in China. The co-operation is expected to improve international delivery within the region, particularly for shipments to Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore. To see more of the Bangkok Post, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.bangkokpost.com. Copyright (c) 2008, Bangkok Post, Thailand Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. |