Thai transport operators should urgently improve their efficiency for inter-country transport service with neighbouring countries under the framework of the ASEAN Economic Community, set to launch next year, a senior Thai official said today.
Wattana Pattarachon, deputy director general of the Land Transport Department, said operators should study the regulations, laws and culture concerning land transport of other countries and find overseas partners for joint venture on inter-country routes.
He said 80 per cent of major transport operators are prepared with technology and business partners while small- and medium-sized entrepreneurs have yet to improve their service.
Thailand and Laos are most ready for joint transport service as the two countries do not set transport quota while Thailand and Cambodia allow 50 trucks to cross their common border each day, he said.
Thailand and Cambodia are negotiating to increase the quota to 500 trucks a day, he said, adding that Thailand and Myanmar would have to expand the transport service between both nations.
Malaysia has set a timeframe for fresh food from Thailand to the Malaysia-Singapore border, he said.
