BOT puts growth at 3.5-4.5%, export figure also cut. Thailand’s 2005 economic growth forecast is capped at only 3.5-4.5 per cent, according to the Bank of Thailand’s worst-case assumption based mainly on huge import value against low export growth and uncertain private investment.

Somkid rules out import controls

Finance Minister Somkid Jatusripitak yesterday ruled out any import control measures to prevent the country’s trade deficit from worsening further. He said he wanted to soothe the private sector’s concerns that such measures might be imposed in light of the country’s trade performance and the government’s planned investment in mega-projects.

Travel writers, firms descend on Andaman coast

More than 270 tour operators and travel journalists from Asia and the Middle East are visiting the Andaman coastal provinces to evaluate the readiness of destinations hit by the December tsunami to receive tourists.

Chivas aims for high end

Pernod Ricard Thailand yesterday launched Chivas Regal 18 Year Old in the “super premium” category as it moves to be the leader in all five Scotch whisky market segments in five years.

New markets for gems eyed

The Thai Gems and Jewellery Traders Association is seeking new markets in a bid to reach a government export target of Bt200 billion by 2008.

Company reports

AROMATICS (THAILAND) completed the issuance of senior unsecured bonds worth US$300 million (Bt12.53 billion), with a seven-year maturity and a fixed coupon rate of 5.5 per cent. Principal payment will be made in 2012, and interest will be paid semi-annually. The Bonds were rated BBB by Standard & Poor’s and Baa3 by Moody’s Investor Services.

Late News

-ELECTRICITY PLANT: TGCI, Elco Power join forces

Solar-cell use grows as energy costs soar

Domestic demand for solar cells is expected to grow dramatically this year, by more than 30 per cent, doubling the average annual growth rate of the past five years of 10-15 per cent, solar module manufacturer Solartron Plc said yesterday.

Nissan showrooms in line for a makeover

After launching various new products, Siam Nissan Automobile Co Ltd will next try to tempt car buyers with freshly renovated showrooms countrywide.

Fixed-line market to walk free on Aug 4

The national telecommunications regulator will start liberalising the fixed-line market on August 4 and the mobile-phone and satellite markets on December 1, Choochart Promphrasid, chairman of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said yesterday.

STREET WISE: Who will pay for airport delay?

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has finally admitted that the completion of Suvarnabhumi Airport will be delayed.

FUTURES EXCHANGE: Afet enjoys record trading day

Almost Bt300m worth of contracts change hands, led by smoked rubber

NPA GRAND SALE: Cheap properties up for grabs

Homebuyers and investors are expected to enjoy up to Bt5 million in discounts at the NPA Grand Sale, which starts today.

Economic recovery seen in third quarter

The economy in the third quarter is likely to recover from the first half of the year, with key drivers being government spending and exports.

FRIDAY BUG: T is for trouble in the age of libel

After Picnic Corporation filed lawsuits seeking damages of Bt15 billion from newspapers it accuses of libel, experts and the media seem a little less inclined to even mention the names of companies mired in controversy.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS: TOT and CAT to hash out charges

Fees for overseas calls biggest priority

Asia-Pacific ‘hottest’ for real estate

Global investments in real estate in 2004 increased 12 per cent from 2003 to US$457 billion (Bt19 trillion), according to a report published by Jones Lang LaSalle.

JAPAN FTA: Germany fears for its carmakers

Pact with Tokyo seen as threat to existing investors

Free-trade deal with Japan hangs in the balance

Thai and Japanese negotiators will hold crucial bilateral trade talks in Bangkok today to pave the way for ministers to ink an agreement on Sunday.

Grocery line from Blue Elephant makes debut

High-end Thai restaurant chain Blue Elephant yesterday launched its range of Thai groceries in the local market and said it would invest Bt20 million in a factory to produce most of them itself.