Thailand prepares transport sector for AEC

BANGKOK, July 9 (TNA) - The Thai government is preparing the country's transport sector and operators for the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015. Deputy Transport Minister Chatchart Sitthipan opened a seminar on preparing Thailand's transport operators for the AEC in Bangkok Monday morning, as part of the country's all-out preparations, saying that the forum was held for promoting proper understanding among transport operators throughout the country on the economic integration of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in which Thailand is a key member country, over the next three years with free business competition in all areas and croos-border travels. Chatchart acknowledged that the Thai government will revise transport laws next year to allow foreign investors to hold up to 70 per cent stake in a Thai transport business in accordance with transport liberlization rules under the AEC, from 49 per cent currently. The deputy transport minister suggested that Thai transport operators speed up adjusting themselves for the upcoming AEC, namely developing their services quality, foreign language proficiency of their personnel and even marketing strategies. (TNA)