Thailand Post has teamed up with the budget carrier Thai AirAsia to offer express mail service (EMS) with a one-day guarantee in a move to tap premium customers.
Thailand Post president Anusra Chittmittrapap (centre) and Thai AirAsia CEO Tassapon Bijleveld (second right) attend the launch at Don Mueang airport. TAWATCHAI KEMGUMNERD
The partnership enables the company to provide new "EMS superspeed" for urgent deliveries, particularly e-commerce products, laboratory samples for medical testing and products for small and medium-sized enterprises, said Anusra Chittmittrapap, the president of Thailand Post.
The company, one of the few incorporated state enterprises following its privatisation from the Communications Authority of Thailand in 2003, provides postal services, logistics and transport, retail, communications and financial services.
The new service covers Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Phuket, with a one-day delivery guarantee.
Existing EMS service takes about two working days.
Customers are required to send packages before 10.30am to qualify for the new service.
The fee starts at 350 baht for a package of three kilogrammes or less and 50 baht for each additional kg.
Ms Anusra said the company plans to expand similar partnerships with other airlines, particularly operators to northeastern provinces.
"The arrival of 3G service has driven e-commerce business, which in turn increases demand for transport services," she said.
Ms Anusra said Thailand Post seeks partnerships with convenience stores to provide postal and relevant services at the stores, allowing customers to buy parcel postage and enjoy delivery services close to home without visiting a post office.
Ms Anusra said the company plans to increase revenue to 19 billion baht this year from 18.2 billion last year, with net profit estimated at 1.2 billion, up from 1.13 billion.
Mailing services contribute 60% of company revenue, with delivery service making up 30% and the rest other services.
"Over the next few years, we expect revenue from delivery services will be on a par with mailing services," Ms Anusra said.
