US giant eyes 13 local outlets within five years. Toys “R” Us, the world’s largest toy retail chain, will open six stores in Bangkok over the next 12 months. Pieter Schats, chief executive of Toys “R” Us Asia Ltd, said the company would launch three major retail formats in Thailand: Toys “R” Us flagship, satellite and convenience stores. The number of stores will likely grow to as many as 13 in the next three to five years. The company is aiming high and expects sales of Bt500 million in its first year in business here.

Miss Universe to tout Thai icons

Miss Universe 2005, Natalie Glebova, will soon find her face on paper bowls of Mama instant noodles. Such an odd combination, the queen of glamour on products for grass-roots clients, is an attempt by the Saha Group to go global by cashing in on her fame.

COMMENT: Carmakers oppose Pongsak’s Bt50,000 levy idea

Carmakers warned yesterday the government’s proposal to levy an additional Bt50,000 tax on automobile purchases could have a significant impact on the industry, which is a mainstay of the economy.

AirAsia aircraft become billboards in hard times

Budget airline Thai AirAsia plans to turn the exteriors and interiors of its aircraft into advertising billboards in a bid to find revenue, as passenger numbers fail to meet targets.

STREET WISE: PTT good deeds unappreciated

When someone does a good deed, it is natural that he wants a reward in one way or another. Don’t label him selfish. Remember that we live in a fully capitalist era when people expect to reap what they sow.

FINANCING MEGA-PROJECTS: Fund targets Mideast oil

MFC’s Bt15-bn ructure Fund will also invest in state enterprises going public

BANK DEPOSITS: SCB likely to follow BBL rate hike

Siam Commercial Bank is likely to raise its interest rates this week, following Bangkok Bank’s decision yesterday to lift its key fixed-deposit and lending rates by between 25 and 50 basis points.

Household savings up but slowing

The country’s household savings increased 2.6 per cent in the first half over the same period last year, according to the Bank of Thailand.

Univentures staying put

Univentures Plc will keep its stock listed in the chemical sector, even though its real estate activities are expanding.

Tarrif cut to boost local electronics

The Finance Ministry is close to deciding on tariff reductions to promote the electrical and electronics industries, ministry spokesman Somchai Sujjapongse said yesterday.

HOT STOCKS: Stock: Asian Property Plc (AP)

Recommendation: Buy

BIZNEWS ROUND-UP

- G Steel Plc’s first-half net profit shot up 27 per cent on-year, to Bt1.8 billion. Assistant chief executive Ryozo Ogino said yesterday that steel prices would recover this quarter on temporary cutbacks in production by global hot-rolled coil producers, leading to lower inventory in the market, coupled with orders recently placed by China.

COSMETICS: Clinique lashes out at slowing sales

Firm battles slowing economy by expanding counters, after-sales service

Ministry may certify Thai overseas eateries

The Commerce Ministry is considering creating a certificate for Thai restaurants overseas to help diners select eateries recognised by Thai authorities for quality and the authenticity of their cuisine.

3G technology to be defined by speed

The national telecom regulator’s panel working on 3G licensing regulations has concluded that the 3G broadband cellular technology will be defined by its data transmission speed.

PTT sanguine on TPI buy-in

PTT Plc and the Vayupak Fund believe that their planned investment in Thai Petrochemical Industry Plc will not be disrupted by its debt-restructuring time limit.

Suvarnabhumi gets first director

Somchai Sawasdeepon, senior executive vice president of Airports of Thailand Plc, was appointed yesterday as the first director of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

COMPANY REPORTS

AGRIPURE HOLDINGS reported that its subsidiary, River Kwai International Food Industry Co Ltd, reduced its registered and fully paid-up capital from Bt370 million to Bt191 million by reducing the number of ordinary shares from 37 million to 19.1 million. The reduction will be used to compensate for accumulated losses at River Kwai.

LATE NEWS

AUSTRALIAN IMPORTS: Gold adds to trade deficit

MINOR INTERNATIONAL’S HOTELS: Sales under one roof

Three Marriott properties move marketing, promotion to Bangkok

Fashionable ‘food for fun’ coming to Siam Centre

Siam Piwat Co, owner of Siam Centre and Siam Discovery Centre, is spending more than Bt40 million to create a fashionable food concept at the former as part of its renovation plan to meet the demands of the urban consumer lifestyle.

Sammitr outsources IT work to True Corp

Auto-parts maker Sammitr Motors Group has awarded a Bt30-million IT network- management outsourcing contract to True Corp Plc.

BUSINESS DIARY

10.00 Origami affair

IN BRIEF

BIG & BIH: High export hopes