Thailand Post is spending 50 million baht to upgrade its air mail delivery system and launch what it calls the world's first regulated postal authority that screens for unsafe and prohibited items at Suvarnabhumi airport.
The mail centre meets international security standards and is certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) in accordance with requirements prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The move aims to facilitate operational management for all airlines in terms of security standards at the airport and ensure timelier air mail delivery.
Smorn Terdthampiboon, president of Thailand Post, said the company began developing a regulated postal authority at Suvarnabhumi airport last year with a budget of 50 million baht, investing in software and related equipment for security systems.
Thailand Post applied for the postal control certificate for the mail centre at Suvarnabhumi, which is the only postal centre that provides air mail delivery services to international destinations with CAAT approval.
Mrs Smorn said the mail centre ensures stability and safety for air mail deliveries and keeps them free from explosives and other harmful materials in accordance with CAAT regulations.
For instance, security staff must be trained in airport security, authorised and undergo a criminal background check.
In addition, all operating staff must go through a body search with a metal detector, and personal belongings are prohibited in the operating area.
Entry and exit from the building must be controlled with a fingerprint scanning system for identification.
Gate fences have been set up around the loading area. Thirty-six CCTV cameras with HD resolution have been installed and cover all operating areas, plus security guards are on patrol 24 hours a day.
There are also postal security measures such as record senders at every post office nationwide to prevent unlawful interventions, and numbered plastic straps to fasten to postal transport trucks travelling from source post offices to ensure security during transport.
Another measure involves mail inspection using a two-dimensional x-ray machine three times to detect hazardous substances.
Mrs Smorn said certification from the regulated postal authority will help build confidence in terms of security standards for airlines.
For 2019, Thailand Post targets 5 billion baht in profit, a 14% increase from 4.4 billion baht in 2018, thanks to a booming e-commerce market including growing cross-border e-commerce activities.
Mrs Smorn said 2019 should see continued strengthening of logistics to capitalise on e-commerce growth.
"Consumer-to-consumer and business-to-consumer sales activities are growing significantly, in line with changing consumer behaviour and the popularity of purchasing products online," she said.
In 2018, Thailand Post booked total revenue of 30.8 billion baht.
Total revenue for this year is targeted at 31 billion baht.