Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited is Thailand's largest GSM mobile phone operator with 35 million customers as of March 2013. [4] Founded in April 1986, AIS started off as a computer rental business.[5] In October 1990, it launched analog 900 MHzmobile phone services with a 20 year monopoly concession from the Telephone Organization of Thailand, and later became the first company allowed to operate on the GSM 900 frequency.[6] Followed by acquiring Shinawatra Paging in June 1992.
The highly profitable company is controlled by the Intouch plc (formerly Shin Corporation), headed by Temasek Holdings, a Singaporegovernment owned agency. AIS is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand on 5 November 1991.[7] As of 23 December 2011, InTouch plc holds 40.45% of the total shares of the company and Singapore Telecommunications (also majority held by Temasek together) together with Thai Trust Fund and OCBC Nominees holds a 23.32% stake.[8][9][10]
Temasek bought AIS brand through the 2006 acquisition of the then known - Shin Corporation from the ousted Former Prime MinisterThaksin Shinawatra