DPM satisfied with THAI's performances

BANGKOK, February 15 (TNA) - Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who supervises economic affairs, has expressed his satisfaction with the performance of Thai Airways International (THAI), the national flag carrier, for being able to cut its losses. Somkid expressed the satisfaction while visiting the THAI headquarters in Bangkok on Monday, praising THAI for implementing its rehabilitation plan well, resulting in the national airline's reduced losses and improved operating results. Somkid said he believes that THAI's losses have already bottomed out, suggesting that the national airline maintain its efficiency and competitiveness, while also keeping up its image and service quality, increasing investment and introducing outstanding Thai community-based products to international passengers so that they could truly experience Thai traits. According to the deputy premier, THAI should also launch more routes to major Asian cities, namely those in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, to attract more tourists to Thailand, recommending that the move be included in THAI's 10-year plan. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong told journalists that THAI cut its costs well over the past year and the government is ready to fully support the national airline's plan on becoming a leading airline in the region, predicting that THAI should continually post profits over the next decade. THAI President Charamporn Jotikasthira also confirmed that THAI has already overcome its crisis, but the national flag carrier is improving its efficiency and competitiveness, while also setting a target to increase its revenues over the next 5-10 years. The THAI president insisted that the national airline is ready to become a major airline of Southeast Asia and help promote domestic tourism. (TNA)