Bangkok, The chairman of the RTAF acknowledged the situation that the Houthis' attacks on foreign merchant ships in the Red Sea may be prolonged. But freight rates are still around $3,000-$4,000 per container. Must follow closely Mr. Chaichan Charoensuk, Chairman of the Shippers' Council of Thailand or SRT, said that as far as he has been following the situation of attacks on foreign cargo ships by the Houthis in the Red Sea after the New Year Festival until now. I accept that it will probably drag on for a long time. It probably won't end soon, so I believe it's a time when we have to monitor the situation on a day-to-day basis. Although it appears to be protracted, the impact on ship exporters Specifically, freight rates are still within the range that the private sector can accept, having increased to the current level of 3,000-4,000 USD per container. The freight is lower than during the COVID-19 pandemic when freight rates were as high as US$10,000 per container. The private sector doesn't want to see freight rates go back to the same as during COVID either. However, even though the burden of transportation costs, especially freight costs, will increase. But as far as I know now Many countries in North Africa are ready to pay exporters to the destination country. In addition, some large exporters have entered into long-term freight contracts. As a result, it is not affected much by these events. Therefore, after these various events are over, it is believed that a long-term freight contracting approach is absolutely necessary. But during this period, all parties will have to keep a close eye on this matter. However, the meeting to follow up on the Red Sea situation involved three parties, including shipping exporters. Representative of a major shipping company and Ministry of Commerce Last week, the impact on Thai exporters right now is that freight rates have greatly increased. Both products that have already been sent Goods currently in transit and products that are being prepared for new transportatio n which the Ministry of Commerce Prepare to be a mediator and talk with major shipping companies. Be clear about surcharges or additional costs that shipping companies charge exporters. So that exporters can calculate management costs. and negotiating Free Time fees or the length of time that containers can stay at the port without charge. Providing a balance with the number of containers so as not to cause further congestion at the shipping port. Source: Thai News Agency