The state agency said that the last time it raised these prices was in 2004.

It said the fees should be raised in line with the consumer price index (CPI).

Thailand Post said that based on a CPI this year that is estimated to be 37 per cent higher than in 2004, the service fee for sending a letter should be raised from Bt3 to Bt3.83, while the price for mailing a postcard should be raised from Bt2 to Bt2.67.

It said that the minimum price for sending a parcel should increase from Bt20 to Bt45.25, and money-transfer fee should be hiked from Bt10 to Bt30.22.

ICT Minister Uttama Savanayana declined to comment on the matter, as he had not yet seen Thailand Post’s request. According to the Postal Act 1934, increasing postal prices needs approval from the Cabinet.

Thailand Post wants the ICT Ministry to propose to the Cabinet a price ceiling for its services.

Thailand Post said that the hike in prices would reverse operational losses on these basic services and allow it to improve the services.

The state agency expects revenue to grow 22.6 per cent to Bt24 billion this year with a net profit of Bt3 billion.

In the first quarter it booked revenue of Bt12 billion and reported a net profit of Bt1.6 billion.