Bangkok Post (Bangkok, Thailand) articles from August 2003

Bangkok Post (Bangkok, Thailand) archives from August 2003

Thai Growth Holds Steady in June.
August 1, 2003... Byline: Parista Yuthamanop Aug. 1--Economic growth remained steady in June, driven by continual growth in exports and domestic consumption, according to Atchana Waiquamdee, senior director for the domestic economy department of the Bank of...

Stock Exchange of Thailand Improves in Line with Plan.
August 1, 2003... Aug. 1--Many areas identified for development under the Capital Market Master Plan have shown concrete improvement since the plan was established two years ago, according to an assessment by the Stock Exchange of Thailand. The plan set out...

Thailand `Market Dominance' Issue Goes to Cabinet.
August 1, 2003... Byline: Chatrudee Theparat Aug. 1--Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak has asked the cabinet to review proposed new definitions of market dominance under the country's competition laws, given concern about the impact on foreign...

Management to Take Over Merrill Lynch Thai Operation by Year-End.
August 1, 2003... Byline: Nuntawun Polkuamdee Aug. 1--A management buyout by executives of Merrill Lynch Phatra Securities is expected to be completed by the end of the year, according to chairman Banyong Pongpanich. A memorandum of understanding for...

Bangkok Post, Thailand, Kriengsak Niratpattanasai Column.
August 1, 2003... Byline: Kriengsak Niratpattanasai Aug. 1--Last week, I facilitated a two-day workshop on continuous learning for senior management of a multinational company. In the opening session, each participant was asked to identify the hero of...

Thai Steel Company Seeks New Loans to Refinance Long-Term Debts.
August 1, 2003... Byline: Busrin Treerapongpichit Aug. 1--Sahaviriya Steel Industries Plc (SSI) is preparing to refinance the balance of its long-term debts worth 12 billion baht by borrowing new loans at lower rates, according to executive vice-president...

Thai Telecom Firm Posts 7.58 Billion Baht Net Profit in First Half.
August 1, 2003... Byline: Komsan Tortermvasana Aug. 1--TOT Corporation yesterday reported a net profit of 7.58 billion baht in the first half of this year and expects even higher earnings under its new business structure in the second half. However, its...

Thai Aromatherapy Company to Market Novel Toiletry Products Worldwide.
August 1, 2003... Byline: Sukanya Jitpleecheep Aug. 1--With creative packaging and novel product design based on Thai herbs, Plot & Plan Co, a wholly Thai-owned aromatherapy toiletry producer, is hoping to make a splash in the world's toiletry business. ...

Thai Winemakers Want Excise Taxes Slashed.
August 1, 2003... Byline: Nareerat Wiriyapong Aug. 1--Five major local winemakers will jointly ask the Finance Ministry to more than halve the excise tax on locally-made grape wine to make their products competitive with imports. Kim Wachtveitl,...

Shell Autoserv Plans Expansion throughout Thailand.
August 1, 2003

Thai Cosmetics Line Recruits Singer for Endorsement.
August 1, 2003

Energy Drink Firms to Fight Thai Classification.
August 1, 2003

Thailand Steps Up Campaigns for Golfers.
August 1, 2003

Thailand Sets Life Insurance Coverage Goal.
August 1, 2003

Total Access Gains 1.3 Million Prepaid Phone Users, Market Share in Thailand.
August 1, 2003

Thai Banks Challenge Venture Capital Fund.
August 1, 2003

Bangkok Airways Cool to Overture from Carrier.
August 2, 2003... Byline: Boonsong Kositchotethana Aug. 2--Angel Air, grounded for most of its five-year life despite being Thailand's designated second national carrier, has asked Bangkok Airways, the country's largest privately owned airline, to take over...

Thai Food Group Plans Major Expansion of Pretzel Chain.
August 2, 2003... Byline: Nareerat Wiriyapong Aug. 2--Central Food Group, one of the country's largest fast-food and restaurant operators, will spend about 500 million baht to aggressively expand the US pretzel and snack chain Auntie Anne's within three...

Thailand Official Says Fund 'Won't Distort' Capital Market Operations.
August 2, 2003... Aug. 2--The new Vayupak Fund, to begin operations over the next several months as a government investment arm, would not distort operations of the local capital market, according to Finance Minister Suchart Jaovisidha. However, the...

Thai Tile Maker Signs 1.47 Billion Baht Deal with Creditors.
August 2, 2003... Byline: Busrin Treerapongpichit Aug. 2--Union Mosaic Industry Plc (UMI) expects to return to profitability and earn about 100 million baht this year after reaching a debt-restructuring agreement worth 1.47 billion baht with its creditors....

Life Assurance Firm Offers Budget Plan for Low-Income Earners in Thailand.
August 2, 2003

Electricity Authority Bond Issues Will Reach 16.5 Billion Baht in Thailand.
August 2, 2003

Thai Produce Exporters Need Agents in China as Tariffs Fall to Zero.
August 2, 2003

Thai Government Loan Restructuring Office Prepares to Clear Caseload.
August 2, 2003

Bangkok Post, Thailand, To The Point Column.
August 4, 2003... Byline: Baker & McKenzie Aug. 4--In recent articles, we have explored Thailand's existing laws and certain disadvantages that may be taken into account in the newly proposed product liability law as well as a few key concepts of the...

Bangkok Post, Thailand, Business Briefs Column.
August 4, 2003... Aug. 4--NEW ING FUND LOOKS AT ASIAN DEBT: ING Mutual Fund plans to launch a new US$200-million foreign investment fund focused on Asian debt. Managing director Maris Tarab said the new fund aimed for an annual return on investment of 5...

Thai Culinary Institute Rolls Out Learning by Mobile Bakery.
August 4, 2003... Aug. 4--The first mobile bakery shop from the Suan Dusit Rajabhat Institute is scheduled to begin roaming Bangkok in the next three months. A uniquely decorated Isuzu van, with a specially modified chassis, will not only sell bread and...

Thai Conglomerate Rejuvenates Mall.
August 4, 2003... Aug. 4--The Charoen Pokphand Group has given its Super Brand Mall in Shanghai a facelift and helped dispel rumours that it plans to sell the operation by entering in a joint venture with Taiwan-based Intime Group to operate a new department...

Chief of Thailand's Largest Petroleum Conglomerate Backs Integrated Gas Works.
August 4, 2003... Aug. 4--The incoming president of PTT Plc, Prasert Bunsumpun, plans to push ahead with the company's five-year, 100-billion-baht integrated business project, of which 90 percent involves its natural gas business. Mr Prasert, who will take...

Thai Spas Find Niche Markets amid Competition.
August 4, 2003... Byline: Somporn Thapanachai Aug. 4--Anda Tropical Spa is confident that its unique resort-style spa in Bangkok's busy Chaeng Watthana district can successfully compete in the increasingly crowded day spa market. After its soft opening...

Thai Officials Scrutinise Telecom Firm for Marketing Strategy.
August 4, 2003... Byline: Komsan Tortermvasana Aug. 4--TOT Corp has hired a consultancy to examine the marketing position and business strategy for its mobile phone venture, with a formal report expected to be completed within one month. Thai Mobile, a...

US Acts on Sino-Thai Trade Liberalisation.
August 4, 2003... Byline: Woranuj Maneerungsee Aug. 4--The liberalisation of Sino-Thai trade has made the United States more keen to form a bilateral trade area (FTA) with Thailand, according to the president of the Thailand and Development and Research...

Bangkok Post, Thailand, Travel Column.
August 4, 2003... Byline: Imtiaz Muqbil Aug. 4--The head of the country's first aerospace association has warned that an unbalanced approach to aviation development in Thailand would lead to a situation where the long-term pay-outs would exceed the revenues...

Investing Climate in Vietnam Begins to Stabilize.
August 4, 2003... Byline: Achara Ashayagachat Aug. 4--Vietnam now offers good opportunities for Thai investors after years of soul-searching by both foreign investors and the Vietnamese government has brought a more transparent and predictable business...

South Africa Aims to Outsell Top Wine Producers with Fruity Blends.
August 4, 2003... Byline: Srisamorn Phoosuphanusorn Aug. 4--South African wine-makers are emerging in the forefront among key players embracing the new era of offering unique tastes to boost sales in the global market. "Fruity flavoured wine-making is...

Third Party to Rate Tax for Thai Retailers.
August 4, 2003

Sugar Firm Invests in Cane Paper in China.
August 4, 2003

Thai Telecom Agency Plans High-Tech Public Phones.
August 4, 2003

Thailand Kicks Off Tourism Card Campaign with Freebies.
August 4, 2003

Hong Kong Sees Gains in Tourism Arrivals.
August 4, 2003

Venture Capital Fund in Thailand Earmarks 500 Million Baht.
August 4, 2003

Thailand's First No-Frills Airline May Operate by Year's End.
August 5, 2003... Byline: Nondhanada Intarakomalyasut Aug. 5--Thailand's first low-cost airline, spearheaded by national carrier Thai Airways International (THAI), may get off the ground toward the end of the year. The proposed no-frills airline,...

Bangkok Post, Thailand, Business Briefs Column.
August 5, 2003... Aug. 5--MINISTRY MAY SELL TMB SHARES CHEAPLY: The Finance Ministry will likely sell off its recapitalisation rights in Thai Military Bank to a new investor at a discount, according to Sommai Phasee, the ministry's deputy permanent secretary....

Bangkok Post, Thailand, Leading The Way Column.
August 5, 2003... Byline: John Grice Aug. 5--Trade facilitation is one of the main economic co-operation activities identified by the members of World Trade Organisation (WTO). Its aim is to benefit business by allowing the cross-border movement of goods...

Thailand Cement Maker on Lookout for Growth Openings.
August 5, 2003... Byline: Nareerat Wiriyapong Aug. 5--Challenges await Cemex SA, the world's third-largest cement maker, to build recognition among Thai clients while its production capacity is limited. Nevertheless, the new chief of Cemex Thailand said...

Bangkok Post, Thailand, Guest Column.
August 5, 2003... Byline: Thavee Thaveesangsakulthai Aug. 5--STEPS FOR SMES TO SOURCE FINANCING: It is widely known that small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were the growth engines for many developed countries. Similarly, the Thai government has...

Thai Traders Scout India as Major Market, as Trade Pact Imminent.
August 5, 2003... Byline: Karnjariya Sukrung Aug. 5--The old adage "Go West young man," seems appropriate now for Thai traders as a promising new market, India, has emerged in the west, just across the Andaman Sea. The success of the Thailand Cultural...

Insurer Introduces Package Geared toward Older Clients in Thailand.
August 5, 2003... Byline: Charoen Kittikanya Aug. 5--In a bid to tap the growing number of aging people, the low-profile general insurance arm of American International Group (AIG), New Hampshire Insurance, yesterday introduced its Happy Age personal...

Thailand Ports Grow Busy with Increased Volumes of Shipments to China.
August 5, 2003... Byline: Phusadee Arunmas Aug. 5--The Mekong River ports of Chiang Kong and Chiang Saen in Chiang Rai are growing busier with increased volumes of shipments to provinces in the south of China. The two ports in the north of Thailand are...

Thai Steel Producer to Run at Top Capacity, Expects Gains.
August 5, 2003... Byline: Nareerat Wiriaypong Aug. 5--Cold-rolled steel producer Siam United Steel (SUS) is confident of reaching its maximum capacity of 900,000 tonnes this year with rising profit despite unfavourable conditions in both domestic and export...

Thai Official Promises More Level Playing Field in Telecom Industry.
August 5, 2003... Byline: Komsan Tortermvasana Aug. 5--Private telecom operators will see a fairer competitive environment this year, Information and Communications Technology Minister Surapong Suebwonglee assured the industry yesterday. He said that...

Bank of Thailand Eases Rules on Sub-Branches for Finance Companies.
August 5, 2003

Thai Market-Research Poll's Findings to Be Available to Businesses.
August 5, 2003

Bangkok Post, Thailand, Company Reports Column.
August 5, 2003

Pop Singer to Promote Thai Cosmetics Line.
August 5, 2003

Profit Gains Likely to Narrow in 2004 for Thai Property Developers.
August 5, 2003

Association of Southeast Asian Nations Revives Finance-Sector Liberalisation.
August 5, 2003

First Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York Store Set to Open in Thailand.
August 5, 2003

Thailand Residue Splitter Operator to Seek Listing This Year.
August 5, 2003

Taxes of Thailand Movie, Music Superstars Amount to About 1 Billion Baht.
August 5, 2003

Thai Doctor Starts Airline.
August 6, 2003... Byline: Boonsong Kositchotethana Aug. 6--With most carriers just about to fly out of the turbulence resulting from the Iraq war and Sars outbreak, a Thai allergy doctor who is a complete stranger to the aviation business is embarking on a...

Bangkok Post, Thailand, The Weekly Link Column.
August 6, 2003... Aug. 6--We continue this week with our series on the topic of Efficient Consumer Response. In a nutshell, the approach that is ECR is intended to incorporate everything that it would take, in theory, for the entire grocery industry supply chain...

Thai Coconut Briquette Producer Sees High Demand, but Short Supply of Shells.
August 6, 2003... Byline: Somporn Thapanachai Aug. 6--There are many products in the market of which supplies exceed demand. But this has never been a problem for Piya Ake-intumas who produces coconut briquettes for both domestic and overseas markets. ...

Rapid Turnover, Many Suppliers Seen in Success Story of Spain's Fashion Chain.
August 6, 2003... Byline: Woranuj Maneerungsee Aug. 6--Many Thai designers dream of showing their goods on the catwalks of Milan and Paris, competing head-to-head with the traditional haute couture powerhouses of Christian Dior or Armani. But Marcello...

Japanese Household Products Maker to Invest 3.5 Billion Baht for New Factory.
August 6, 2003... Byline: Nareerat Wiriyapong Aug. 6--Kao Corp, Japan's largest household products maker, will invest about 3.5 billion baht within three years to build a regional production base in Thailand for consumer products. According to the plan,...

National Housing Authority to Ease Financial Burden in Thailand.
August 6, 2003... Byline: Krissana Parnsoonthorn Aug. 6--The National Housing Authority (NHA) plans to reduce its hefty financial burden by converting some 4.07 billion baht in outstanding debt instruments into equity by the end of the year. The...

Thailand Instant Noodle Producer Pulls Out of China Market.
August 6, 2003... Byline: Sukanya Jitpleecheep Aug. 6--Thai President Foods Plc (TF), Thailand's largest instant noodle producer known for its Mama brand, has decided to pull out of China where it has spent 10 years struggling unsuccessfully to make its...

Martinair Makes Bangkok, Thailand, Second Asia Hub for Cargo Carrier.
August 6, 2003... Byline: Srisamorn Phoosuphanusorn Aug. 6--Martinair Cargo of the Netherlands has designated Bangkok as its second Asia-Pacific hub, instead of positioning the capital as the back-up centre. Holland's second-largest cargo carrier has...

Bangkok Bank Extends Funds to Property Firm.
August 6, 2003... Aug. 6--Bangkok Bank has approved a 725-million-baht loan facility to property newcomer KE Land with funds to be used for pre-financing on the Crystal Park project in the Ekamai-Rarm Intra area. The two-billion-baht Crystal Park project is...

Thai Union Frozen Products Hikes Sales Forecast after Buying Seafood Importer.
August 6, 2003... Byline: Charoen Kittikanya Aug. 6--Thai Union Frozen Products (TUF) has raised its sales projection for this year to at least US$1 billion due to the contribution from its recent acquisition of New York-based Empress International, a...

Whisky Set for Big Push in Thailand.
August 6, 2003... Byline: Nilubol Pornpitagpan Aug. 6--'What's the Rush?" is the slogan of Jameson Irish Whisky's new worldwide advertising campaign. Very apt for laid-back Thailand where the distiller aims to begin pushing its presence despite having been...

Planned Thai Trade Event to Boost Auto Parts Sales.
August 6, 2003

Bank of Ayudhya Targets 500 Million Baht in Premiums.
August 6, 2003

Aid Efforts for Small Thai Businesses Turn to Packaging.
August 6, 2003

Thailand's Credit Foncier to Be Liquidated.
August 6, 2003

Thailand Approves 1.95 Billion Baht for Horticultural Expo.
August 6, 2003

Thailand Firm Wins Award As Best Investment Agency in Asia-Pacific Region.
August 6, 2003

Small Business Credit Needs Careful Risk Analysis.
August 6, 2003

Bank of Thailand's Young Workers Reject Civil-Service Stereotypes.
August 7, 2003... Aug. 7--A stifling bureaucracy. Low pay and incentives. Resistance to new ideas. Limited opportunities for career advancement. For many of the country's top graduates, the civil service ranks well down the list of possible employers,...

Thailand Hard-Disk Component Maker Attempts to Soften Conflict with Workers.
August 7, 2003... Byline: Nareerat Wiriyapong Aug. 7--Management of Read-Rite (Thailand) has tried to soften a conflict with its employees crying for compensation, ensuring that its new investor had enough cash to pay the amount and that packages for...

Private Digital Screenings Hold Potential for Thai Cinema Chain.
August 7, 2003... Byline: Bamrung Amnatcharoenrit Aug. 7--Moviegoers who do not like watching movies with strangers in the cinema now have an option. Cinema chain EGV Entertainment Plc, is offering a private big-screen experience with digital gadgetry...

Thailand Slimming Center Pursues Middle East Presence, Franchises.
August 7, 2003... Byline: Sukanya Jitpleecheep Aug. 7--Having run its slimming centers successfully in Thailand for a decade, Body Shape Co is taking its operations to the Arab world next year through a franchise system. The company, owned by Pranee...

Restructuring of Non-Performing Loans in Thailand May Miss Targets.
August 7, 2003... Byline: Parista Yuthamanop Aug. 7--The banking system made only slight progress in restructuring non-performing loans in the first quarter, according to Tumnong Dasri, senior director of the Bank of Thailand's Corporate Debt Restructuring...

Thai Port Authority to Become First State Enterprise to Pay Off Foreign Debts.
August 7, 2003... Byline: Srisamorn Phoosuphanusorn Aug. 7--The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) says it will pay off all of its foreign debts next month -- 12 years ahead of schedule -- becoming the first state enterprise in Thailand that is free of foreign...