BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Transport has held talks with government agencies and private sector representatives to expand export capacity through Thai Airways’ cargo services, targeting overseas markets for high-value products. The discussions were led by Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, with participation from the Ministry of Commerce, Thai Airways International, and related officials.
The meeting covered the transport of live animal products, including ornamental chickens, fish, and birds, which are in demand across ASEAN markets. Thai Airways said it will be able to allocate dedicated cargo space for these shipments at higher-than-standard freight rates, provided exporters meet quarantine and certification requirements.
Participants also discussed exports of medically processed Thai herbal extracts, including cannabis and kratom products approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are gaining demand in European markets, and efforts are underway to clarify procedures and remove barriers that previously led to shipment refusals, helping reduce costs.
Officials said exports of ornamental chickens, valued from hundreds of thousands to millions of baht per bird, could reach 500 to 1,000 birds per month, generating more than 1 billion baht annually. Similar revenue is expected from shipments of herbal extracts. Thai Airways is coordinating with destination airports to streamline cargo handling and enable exports on existing flights, supporting local businesses and expanding the global reach of Thai products. (NNT)
