THAI NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTS - OCT 1, 2003.

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

THE BANGKOK POST:

- Paolo Medic says it is committed to investing at least three billion baht in the health-care business over the next two years, including a capital increase for the Phyathai Group of Hospitals, which won Central Bankruptcy Court approval to exit its debt-restructuring plan on Monday.

- Directors of the Thai Asset Management Corporation will launch an investigation into four or five restructuring cases suspected of violating agency or government regulations.

- The owners of the popular Anna's Cafe(AAC) restaurant chain hope to open 150 franchises abroad over the next three years.

- TPI Polene Plc has appointed Tisco Securities as financial adviser and underwriter in a fresh attempt to raise US$180 million through a public share offering.

- Economic growth was steady overall in August, although down slightly due to high base effects last year and higher global energy prices, according to the Bank of Thailand.