Decision will affect brandy, whisky, special blends and distilled spirits. The Cabinet yesterday increased the excise tax on distilled liquor with high alcohol content while maintaining the current tax level on other drinks categories such as beer and wines, the PM’s Office deputy spokesman said yesterday.

EASTERN WIRE, PICNIC CORP: Now Komol takes a 10%stake

Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungruengkit’s brother, Komol, emerged yesterday as a new shareholder of embattled Eastern Wire Plc, in another twist to the convoluted shareholding changes in Eastern Wire and related Picnic Corp Plc. Komol bought a 10-per-cent stake in Eastern Wire from Pirom Priyawat, who has been close to former deputy commerce minister Suriya Lapvisuthisin. The latter’s family is the major shareholder in Picnic.

Samart eyes Cambodian power plant

major telecom firm Samart Corp Plc plans to enter the energy business in Cambodia, where the company already has several successful business and cultural pursuits.

New Bentley for Bt23m

British motoring legend Bentley has released the world’s fastest saloon car onto the Thai market, with its launch of the Continental Flying Spur, retailing at a cool Bt22.68 million.

STREET WISE: Gamblers dealt a tough hand

Many Thais start feeling homesick every time they stay more than three nights in a foreign country.

INTEREST RATES: Increase widely forecast

Most analysts expect BOT’s Monetary Policy Committee to raise key rate by 25 points as inflation remains a concern

Ayudhya Alliance CP goes for long-term bonds and stocks

Ayudhya Alliance CP Life has invested primarily in long-term bonds and growth stocks for nearly two years because of the prevailing economic atmosphere, the company’s chief investment officer said yesterday.

BAY sets a big goal for b’assurance

Bank of Ayudhya has set itself an aggressive bancassurance business target next year of 100-per-cent growth in premiums and income, the bank’s executive vice-president said yesterday.

BANK OF THAILAND REPORT: Focus on South’s economic plight

A new Bank of Thailand report shows just how much the economy in the South has soured in the wake of the tsunami and continuing strife in the deep South.

HOT STOCKS: Stock: Advanced Info Service Plc (ADVANC)

Recommendation: Buy

Biznews round-up

-The Insurance Department said that from the end of September Ua Athorn general insurance policies will be available at almost 7,000 stores nationwide including 7-Eleven, DTAC, Rak Baan Kerd, and Ruam Duay Chuy Kan outlets. The policies will be available at Pay Point counters in November.

SIAM CEMENT UNIT: Firm eyes Indonesian mine

SCT expands exports as domestic sales fall

Toyota says Fortuner, Vigo sales top 175,000

Toyota Motor Thailand celebrated the first anniversary of its Innovative-International Multi-purpose Vehicle project earlier this week with the announcement that it had sold more than 175,000 Hilux Vigo and Fortuner units in total and exported more than 43,500 units.

IN BRIEF: Thai Petrochemical

TPIPL shares back on block: administrator

ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN: Consumer goods makers feel the pinch

Tourist shortfall, raw material costs hurting retailers

Service sector wants firms to be certified

The private sector yesterday called on the government to certify companies providing professional services to enable Thai businesses to function overseas after the World Trade Organisation (WTO) liberalises the service sector, an effort that is progressing slowly.

World Cup showcase for Philips’ HDTV

Royal Philips Electronics, the giant Dutch electronics manufacturer, will try to launch high-definition television (HDTV) on the mainstream market by profiling its capabilities during next June’s Fifa World Cup in Germany.

Govt urged to build large port in Satun

Thailand should opt for a large port in the southern province of Satun instead of a small one, to stay competitive with Vietnam, the chairman of the Thai International Cargo and Container Terminals Association said yesterday.

LATE NEWS: Gem fair

1,000 visitors anticipated

COMPANY REPORTS

BANK OF AYUDHYA said it bought a further 303,638 shares in Ayudhya International Factors for Bt8 per share, or a total of Bt2.43 million, from Sripathom Brokers. The bank’s stake in the firm rose from 49.99 per cent to 50.61 per cent as a result.