Govt measures have resulted in zero growth, say local makers of Heineken, Singha. Strict controls on alcohol consumption have left their mark on local brewers, who have witnessed flat growth in the Bt82-billion beer market this year and expect the same next year, said Heineken brewer Thai Asia Pacific Brewery Co Ltd (TAPB) and Singha’s Boonrawd Brewery.

BEC World upbeat on 2006 prospects now NBC in place

Broadcaster BEC World Plc believes the worst will be over for the company next year now that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has been established, which should pave the way for more channels and spur advertising spending from small producers.

Go on the offensive, firms told

Business leaders yesterday urged Thai companies to “go on the offensive” to cope with tougher competition after the country opens up under free trade pacts.

THAI to postpone spin-offs

Thai Airways International’s acting president, Somchainuk Engtrakul, promised to postpone a planned spin-off of five business units following protests by some 500 employees yesterday.

STREET WISE: Chicken firms and bird-flu ads

On Tuesday, KFC announced plans to prepare TV commercials to reassure customers that its chicken will be safe to eat in the event of a bird-flu outbreak striking Thailand.

THAI-US FTA AGENDA: Tough talks on insurance likely

American side to seek concessions on repatriating profit

Non-bank lenders call for rate rise

Non-bank credit providers plan to ask the Bank of Thailand (BOT) to raise personal loan rates above the current ceiling of 28 per cent, due mainly to the rising cost of funds.

Samart dividend

Telecom firm Samart Corp Plc announced yesterday that it will pay a dividend for the first time since the Asian economic crisis.

FRIDAY BUG: Vague policy on policies

Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak has urged the insurance industry to play a more prominent role in driving the financial sector.

BOUTIQUE HOTELS: Four new properties from Briza

Group plans to spend Bt1.1 billion in the South

Austrian flights boost Phuket

Austrian Airlines has begun a twice-weekly direct flight from Europe to Phuket, in the hope of helping the tourist industry in the “Pearl of the Andaman” recover.

COMPANY REPORTS

ASIA CREDIT posted a consolidated audited third-quarter net profit of Bt251 million, down from Bt312 million in the same period a year ago.

Thailand, Italy aim for solid partnership

Thailand and Italy plan to become strong strategic partners by drawing up a road map for industrial cluster development, with the focus on Thai products with high potential, and by strengthening bilateral trade and investment.

EXPRESS TRANSPORT: Agency at a dead end

Liquidation cheaper than restructuring

Press for unlimited IIG licences

Internet service providers have asked the national telecom regulator to issue an unlimited number of international Internet gateway (IIG) operation licences, which they say would benefit Net subscribers.

Thanong to meet PM on super holding company

Finance Minister Thanong Bidaya plans to meet Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra soon to discuss the ministry’s proposal for a super holding company, which would maintain stakes in all state enterprises and set investment policies for them.

Shell ponders selling only gasohol, no petrol

Shell Thailand is ready to stop selling 95-octane petrol altogether before January 1, 2006 and focus on gasohol if more ethanol can be supplied to meet the growing demand for the slightly cheaper fuel.

Parts dealers flock to Wang Noi

Machinery and auto-parts dealers on Pathumwan Road have almost completed their mass migration to Wang Noi district in Ayutthaya province.

IN BRIEF: Business legation

Brits are coming

Kenyan investment promoted

Kenya and Thailand have signed an agreement to establish a joint trade and investment commission for bilateral cooperation, mainly to attract Thai businesses to Kenya.