Move to help consolidate digital content. True Corp Plc will acquire a controlling stake in United Broadcasting Corp Plc (UBC) Plc and a 100-per-cent share of Internet company MKSC World Dot Com in combined deals worth US$310.6 million (Bt12.7 bil-lion).

Majority of large firms hit by kickbacks

About 60 per cent of Thai corporations have suffered fraud in their organisation, with secret commissions or kickbacks at the top of the corporate fraud list, a survey by KPMG Phoomchai Group found.

Special: Pearl of the Andaman shines again

Phuket and Krabi, two of the provinces hardest hit by last December’s tsunami, are fully restored to “Pearl of the Andaman” status and hotel bookings are up to 80 per cent of capacity until the end of February, according to the Phuket and Krabi tourist business associations.

Lower tariffs a boost to electronics trade

The Finance Ministry has finalised the import-tariff structure for more than a thousand electrical and electronics products, which will enjoy lower import duties in a bid to turn Thailand into an electrical and electronics manufacturing centre.

Oil prices drop but savings elude motorists

Despite declines in global oil prices, local motorists will continue shouldering high retail prices after the National Energy Policy Committee decided yesterday to raise the compulsory contribution of petrol sales to the Oil Fund by Bt1 per litre.

Street WISE: A lack of trust endangers Egat

Trust is what any leader needs from citizens for the smooth running of a country.

SET WARNING: Singha must give details of deal

Stock trading may be suspended if company fails to act by end of the day

TMB’s 48 reasons to celebrate

TMB Bank has launched a campaign to attract new savers by offering an interest rate of 4.8 per cent per year on 48-month fixed deposits.

Ace eyes new opportunity

Ace Life Assurance is in negotiations with banks to broaden its distribution channels under the bancassurance concept after its performance through telemarketing and agent channels proved a success this year.

SET energised with new listings

The Stock Exchange of Thailand expects 30 companies to go public by the end of the year, including energy giant Egat Plc, which is undergoing privatisation.

PRATUNAM CENTRE: Wholesalers’ hub to overhaul image

Cheap imports from China prompts change to retail plaza

NTC to probe takeover bid by True Corp

The national telecommunications regulator will set up a panel to examine a plan by a True Corp Plc subsidiary to take over Internet company MKSC World Dot Com.

PR firms form network to compete

Neo Target Co Ltd, a local public relations company, has joined with five other PR firms and event organisers to build a small network to increase their competitiveness with giant companies.

Interest derails SRT finances

The State Railway of Thailand expects to record about Bt6.76 billion in net losses for the 2006 fiscal year, ending next September.

Supporting fund for rice requested

Rice farmers have called on the government to support setting up a farmers’ fund to encourage sustainable development.

AOG develops bird-flu plan for industry

Airline Operations Group (AOG), headquartered in Bangkok, has developed a survival strategy for airlines, hotels and corporations in the event of a global avian-flu pandemic.

LATE NEWS

BOI PRIVILEGES: Software sector promotion effort deemed a success

THAI JASMINE RICE: Brand-building boosts price

‘Thung Kula 101’ launched in Northeast; farmers also use latest technology to keep price above Bt20/kg

UBC gets a major equipment update

United Broadcasting Cor-poration (UBC), Thailand’s largest cable television provider, will spend US$4 million (Bt164 million) in a major expansion of its Bangkok production and asset-management facilities.

Content key to 3G success: Shin

Shin Corp will adjust its content development strategy to complement its plan to launch 3G (third generation) services.

IN BRIEF

LUXURY RESORT & SPA: Five-star Sarojin opens in Khao Lak as district recovers from tsunami

ELECTRONIC MAPS: GPS gadgetry shows the way

Technology slow to catch on, despite dizzying road network