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THAI sets target to earn more revenue over next 5 years
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra recently stated that
he is satisfied with the national flag carrier’s development and
strategic plan over the next five years because the plan has set a
realistic target that could earn the company as much as 200 billion baht
over the next five years.
The company’s plan will emphasize an increase in
efficiency and a reduction of unnecessary costs. Continued internal
restructuring, including improvement of personnel management, inventory
cuts, and introduction of modern technology will also be implemented.
A THAI proposal to purchase a new fleet of 12 aircraft,
worth over 50 billion baht may also be part of the 5-year plan, if the
procurement proves necessary to serve THAI’s expansion of aviation
routes, particularly those to Europe.
The prime minister said, “I suggested that the
national flag carrier consider three dimensions, including maintaining a
profit taking company, retaining its good reputation and image, and
boosting opportunities for Thai tourism and exports, when it implements
company policies and measures.”
However, representatives of THAI’s Labor Union have
lodged a protest with Premier Thaksin when he, Somkid Jatusripitak, deputy
prime minister and finance minister, and Wanmuhamadnoor Matha, transport
and communication minister arrived at the company’s headquarters. The
union opposes the company’s aircraft procurement and privatization
plans.
Union representatives said that it was not yet the
right time for THAI to spend a large amount of money to purchase new
aircraft given the slow growth of the global aviation industry. They also
stated that they felt it was not necessary for the national flag carrier
to be privatized and to be listed in the Thai stock market, as it had
maintained high business potential and good management.
Srisook Chandrangsu, permanent-secretary for transport
and communications said the new aircraft procurement was aimed at
supporting THAI’s plan to expand its aviation routes to more major
destinations in Europe, the United States, Australia and China over the
next five years to promote Thailand as one of the world’s commercial
aviation centers.
“Given the planned expansion of its aviation routes,
the national flag carrier will purchase 12 new aircraft over the
period,” said Srisook, who chairs a THAI sub-committee on long-term
planning. “The aircraft procurement was based on the company’s
principle of boosting its production by 4-5% of its overall system during
the 2003-2008 periods,” he noted.
The planned expansion of aviation routes and the
procurement of new aircraft are expected to help generate more revenue for
the national flag carrier to approximately 700 billion baht over the next
five years. This means that if all revenues are included, the company
would show about 70 billion baht profit over the period, Srisook
projected.
Srisook said that the procurement of the aircraft would
be mainly supported by both external and internal loans through the
Ministry of Finance.
“THAI wants to conclude the aircraft procurement
process by October. After that, the company will begin to choose aircraft
brands and to negotiate with manufacturing firms,” Srisook said.
If approved by the THAI board at its next meeting the
new aircraft procurement plan will be submitted to the Ministry of
Transport and Communications, the Office of the National Economic and
Social Development Board (NESDB), and the cabinet for final approval. (TNA)
Si Sa Ket to revive traditional fair to stimulate tourism
“Dok Lamduan Ban”, a unique traditional festival in
Si Sa Ket Province will be revived to stimulate tourism in the
northeastern province now that the governor of the province has given his
full support to the plan.
Kanlayanee DhammaJaree, chairwoman of the Si Sa Ket
Tourism Industry Association said a meeting of the Joint Public and
Private Sectors Committee agreed with the association’s proposal to
bring back “The Full Blooming of the Lamduan Flowers” or “Lamduan
Ban”, the ethnic festival of four minority groups in Si Sa Ket, i.e.
Khmer, Suay, Lao, and Yer.
Originally, the Full Blooming of the Lamduan Flower was
organized every year at Somdej Srinakarin Park until it was halted three
years ago. Kanlayanee added that the festival will be included in TAT
travel calendar to promote the province’s tourist program.
The festival celebrates the culture of Si Sa Ket with
art and dance performances that celebrate the history of the province and
exhibitions and shops selling local products will be part of the festival.
The Si Sa Ket Tourist Industry Association has agreed to co-host the
Lamduan Ban festival with provincial authorities.
Sucharit Nantamontree, Si Sa Ket’s governor stated
that he absolutely agreed with the plan to resume the event because it
would generate income within the local community. “I requested the
concerned agencies to draw up the plan for the project in order to submit
it to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and ask for financial
support. I believe that TAT will definitely approve the project, as Si Sa
Ket holds many natural attractions of the northeastern region,” he said.
(TNA)
Students set off for African wilderness experience with Cathay pacific
Cathay Pacific recently took 42 students to its
ecological camp at the Entabeni Game Reserve, South Africa as part of the
annual “Cathay Pacific International Wilderness Experience Program”.
The camp, which ran from July 21 to August 1, aimed at bringing young
people from all over the world together to learn about and explore the
natural environment and to teach them to appreciate the diverse cultures
and traditions of the world.
The participants were drawn from Asia, the Middle East
and South Africa and included three delegates from Thailand: Pongsiri
Vorapongse, 17, from Bangkok, Viwantorn Chantawong, 18, from Phitsanulok
and Taramika Yimcharoen, 16, from Chonburi.
One
of the unforgettable moments during camp - getting “down and dirty” to
become one with nature, all the while sharing their experience with other
participants and keeping a smile throughout.
All three Thai representatives agreed that they gained
valuable experiences from the camp and enjoyed the multi-cultural
exchanges, group activities and the leadership coaching. Environmentally,
the students learned how to survive on their wits and what nature provides
for the duration of the camp. They also acquired valuable knowledge and
experience of the ecology of the wilderness. Interestingly, the Thai
students say their environmental consciousness has been awakened and that
they will make adjustments in their daily lives.
Since Cathay Pacific started the International Wilderness Experience
Program in 1994, over 400 students around the world have participated.
Rather than simply attending lectures, the students are guided by a team
of highly qualified educational officers and experience the natural
environment through hiking, camping trips and wildlife observations. They
also share each other’s cultural heritage through role-playing, group
discussions, and exchange of traditional songs and dances.
Amari Watergate GM leaving Bangkok
After 10 years with Amari Hotels & Resorts, Thomas
Tapken, general manager of Amari Watergate Hotel decided to leave Bangkok
to take up a new challenge with Movenpick Hotels & Resorts in Qatar as
general manager for two hotels.
Thomas
Tapke |
Mr. Tapken’s hands-on, energetic style of management has ensured the
success of the Amari Watergate Hotel in a highly competitive marketplace
with both corporate and tourist guests worldwide. One of his greatest
achievements has been introducing the hotel to the Incentive Market, and
winning many such groups from well known internationally connected
competitors in the city. He also served as board member of the THA as well
as on the board of TICA. In year 2002 he was selected chairman of training
and development for THA.
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