THAI NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTS - AUG 1, 2003.

BANGKOK, Aug 1 Asia Pulse - Highlights of today's newspapers:

THE BANGKOK POST:

- 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 Win Viriyaprapaikit.

- 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 Thailand.

- 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.

- The SMEs Venture Capital Fund, managed by One Asset Management Co, is concerned about growing competition from banks as a source of funds for small and medium-sized enterprises.

- The government's goal of having 30% of the population covered by life insurance by 2007 is attainable only if insurance companies and sales agents focus more on expanding coverage in the provincial areas, industry experts said at a seminar held on the first National Life Insurance Day yesterday.