Baht expected to appreciate further as many forex players see bright outlook for regional denominations

NTC board sets phone-number fee at Bt1 per month

The “interim number fee” for all existing 78 million mobile-phone and telephone numbers is expected to be Bt1 per month. Choochart Promphrasid, chairman of the National Telecommunications Commi-ssion (NTC), said late last week that the NTC board had basically agreed to that rate and would convene today to finalise it.

Analysis: BOT to find it easier to manage the baht

Thanong Khanthong examines the impact of the yuan revaluation on the Bank of Thailand’s management of the baht. This is the first part of a two-part series.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: B Grimm pointing its money at three projects

Thailand-based conglomerate B Grimm & Co plans to invest at least Bt3 billion in an energy-efficient residential project and a power plant and in expanding the production of its tuk-tuk car business over the next two years, the company president said in an interview.

Street WISE: Doll market faces global challenges

Dolls made in Thailand form an important part of the country’s toy export sector, being worth no less than a billion baht a year.

SME FINANCE: Place less stress on collateral: BOT

Central bank suggests lending bodies seek closer relationships with their smaller customers in channelling cash

Ayudhya Allianz forges ahead with loan plan despite dip in consumer confidence

Although the consumer-confidence index in June hit 80.5, its lowest level since 2002, Ayudhya Allianz CP Life has approved personal loans for its policyholders worth Bt150 million just three weeks since the launch of its AACP Smart Loan campaign.

SME: Local stoneware firm on a roll

Despite its modest status as a small oxide-glazed and celadon-glazed stoneware producer, Mothana Ceramics Co manages to create several unique designs every year to differentiate itself from its competitors.

Bumps ahead for auto credit

Siam City Bank may delay opening a subsidiary offering auto loans owing to uncertainties, including record-high oil prices and the upward trend in interest rates.

On The Market

The inner you: To check your health without having to go to a hospital, Tanita has introduced the Inner Scan Body Composition Monitor model BC-532. The product applies bioelectrical impedance analysis, said to be the latest technology from Japan. With one product, customers can check their body-fat percentage, visceral fat, bone mass and muscle mass, physique rating, BMR and metabolic age, and body weight. The product is available at all leading department stores for Bt6,800.

ENVIRONMENT: State agencies set to go ‘green’

Officials may change procurement policies, despite the cost

Ramkhamhaeng to offer trade studies

If trade negotiation is an art, Thailand needs a school with a special curriculum that trains professional trade negotiators to ensure successful deals.

Kasikornbank’s broker arm ready

Kasikornbank is positioned to acquire the entire stake in the forthcoming Kasikorn Securities, so as to use its broker arm to serve the bank’s customers.

REAL-ESTATE SALE: Low-mortgage packages, gifts await home-buyers

With more than 10,000 properties on offer and 40 finance institutions and property developers taking part, there’s bound to be something for everyone

RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM: Raimon revises Lofts Yennakart

Improved design offers lower prices

TOWN PLANNING: Swift action can help boost investor confidence

After a short burst of buying, a spate of unfavourable factors, poor publicworks and speculation are spoiling the market