Bangkok Post, Thailand, Business Briefs Column.

Dec. 3--COINS MARK HIS MAJESTY'S BIRTHDAY: The Treasury Department has issued a special commemorative coin series in celebration of His Majesty the King's 75th birthday on Thursday.

The coins, with face denominations of 7,500, 600, 20 and 10 baht, will be available from Treasury offices nationwide starting tomorrow.

SWITCH TO ASIAN CARRIERS HELPS THAI: An increasing preference for Asian airlines in the aftermath of the Sept 11 events last year helped Thai Airways International record one of its best profits in several years.

The national carrier said its net profit for the 2002 financial year ending Sept 30 rose 428 percent year-on-year 10.18 billion baht, or 7.27 baht a share, compared with 1.38 baht the previous year.

Lower expenses for fuel, aircraft leases and interest, as well as foreign-exchange gains, also contributed positively to profitability, said Ngamnit Sombutpibool, vice-president of the airline's comptroller's department.

Overhaul and maintenance expenses increased due to the requirement of the US Federal Aviation Administration to test and modify Pratt & Whitney engines ahead of the schedule.

THAI shares closed yesterday at 36.25 baht, up 50 satang, in trade worth 9.19 million baht.