THAI chairman Chalit Pukbhasuk told the company's annual general shareholders' meeting that appreciation of the baht had knocked about Bt5 billion from the airline's operating profit. He was responding to questioning from shareholders about the level of the figures.

Nevertheless, THAI reported a net profit of Bt8 billion from total revenues of Bt178 billion for fiscal 2006, both figures up from a net profit of Bt6.77 billion and revenues of Bt166.5 billion in fiscal 2005.

This year's performance amounted to a net profit of Bt5.29 a share, Chalit said.

The meeting approved a dividend for the year's performance of Bt1.65 per share, payable on January 26. That dividend payment will total Bt2.8 billion.

The annual meeting also granted generous payments for board members. They will receive Bt20,000 a month plus an allowance of Bt30,000 for meetings they attend

 An additional allowance of Bt10,000 per meeting is provided for board members who are appointed to a committee, subcommittee or working group.

The chairman will receive 25 per cent more than other board members and the vice chairman 12.5 per cent more.

Five new directors were appointed: Nopadol Somboonsup, Vudhibhandhu Vichairatana, Pichai Chunhavajira, Flag Officer Apinan Sumanaseni and Chaisaward Kittipornpaiboon.