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Published on October 10, 2007

President Wichian Mektrakarn declined to specify the profit target this year but did say the situation would be better next year after the general election.

"Our net profit is expected to reach the floor this year, so it will be better next year," he said.

He noted that despite the predicted profit drop, the company was confident it would maintain its revenue market share of 50 per cent both this year and next.

"We expect about Bt90 billion in revenue this year," he said.

AIS posted total revenue of Bt46.5 billion for a net profit of Bt7.6 billion in the first half. Last year, it recorded Bt92.4 billion in revenue for a net profit of Bt16.25 billion. AIS currently has about 23 million subscribers out of more than 40 million mobile-phone users in Thailand.

Wichian said AIS had spent heavily this year on a marketing campaign to retain its subscription base amid fierce competition.

AIS's business group includes retail broadband-Internet provider Advanced Datanetwork Communication and international-call operator Advanced International Network, as well as Advanced Wireless Network, which has been set up to apply for a third-generation broadband cellular-service licence from the National Telecommunications Commission.

AIS also has the Super Broadband Network, which is interested in applying for a licence to operate a Wi-Max broadband-Internet service.

Usanee Mongkolporn,

The Nation, Ayutthaya