Thai Intl focus of government cargo plan

The Thai government is considering setting up a cargo airline through Thai International to focus on agricultural exports.

"I believe the cargo airline will get off the ground this year. It is very challenging for Thai to manage the cargo airline," Finance minister Surapong Suebwonglee said.

Thai International Airways, which already offers a freighter service, could operate a new subsidiary to carry only farm products, he told a seminar.

The proposed new cargo airline might fly out of both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports and help speed up traffic, especially for agricultural products.

Product transport in Thailand currently is 86 per cent by land. Transportation accounts for six per cent of all product costs.