Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) Governor Mr. Kirapat Jiamset revealed on 25 October 2019 the results of The World Bank's Ease of Doing Business 2020 via teleconference streamed from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The good news is that MEA has maintained its position as the 6th fastest electricity provider in the world in terms of service. This helps boost Thailand’s ranking to 21st in the world ease of doing business index, advancing 6 places from last year. MEA Inspector General, Mr. Krissada Tansirisernkul, was on hand as the governor's representative to hear the results at The World Bank’s Thailand office at Siam Piwat Tower on Rama 1 Road in Bangkok.
The MEA Governor noted that MEA, as a state enterprise under the Ministry of Interior, is determined to drive its energy vision to serve the lifestyle needs of those living in the metropolis, as well as providing electricity distribution services. This year, the MEA is the only organisation in Thailand to have been selected to participate in the assessment of convenience in electricity use through the “Ease of Doing Business” index, held by The World Bank. The index includes evaluations of 190 countries. Rankings for 2020 revealed that using electricity in Thailand has become faster and more convenient, with the country receiving a score of 98.70, up from 98.57 in 2019, and maintaining its ranking of 6th in the world. This is regarded as one of the factors that has enhanced the overall ease of doing business in Thailand, which has climbed from 27th place globally in 2019 to 21st.
There are significant factors which have helped the MEA improve its Ease of Doing Business assessment for 2020.
First, rates and service have improved. The MEA has adopted modern technology to facilitate online electricity customers via its MEA Smart Life Application and its M-Easy electricity service website, both of which are aimed at helping those who want to use electricity service but cannot easily travel to an MEA office. The service fees can also be paid through multiple channels, while users can follow the operational status at every step.
Additionally, the MEA initiated a project which allows and authorises electrical system contractors to register and inspect the electrical systems in residences and businesses, thereby boosting convenience. MEA also held training sessions to teach standard internal cable installation to electrical system contractors for both residential and business applications, so as to build a network of qualified contractors that can properly carry out this service in accordance with MEA standards. This makes installation work more efficient, faster, and safer, while boosting confidence among residential and business customers.
Finally, the MEA has added more online payment channels, including a modern credit card payment system. The MEA is also continuously developing electricity distribution systems to enhance stability and effectiveness. There is also a Geographic Information System (GIS) comprising a code-based mapping database with a 1:1000 scale digital map offering standardised and accurate spatial map technology to aid electrical system design and installation, and 24-hour customer service. These efforts have improved the MEA’s quality of service and is attracting more foreign investors to Thailand, helping to sustain economic growth.
Interested parties can follow the MEA Doing Business details on the MEA website or visit www.mea.or.th/minisite/doingbusinessinbkk/ or through MEA social media, including Facebook: Metropolitan Electricity Authority ( MEA), Line: @meanews, Twitter: @mea_news, including Metropolitan Electricity Authority officials everywhere, and 24-hour MEA Call Center 1130.