Tells investors that Thailand needs its neighbours to share their skills. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has invited Asia-Pacific investors to take part in the government’s infrastructure mega-projects and its “e-government” project to accelerate the Kingdom’s modernisation.

EXIM BANK OF THAILAND: Bonds planned for offshore firms

Baht-denominated issues would fund projects in which Thais are involved. The Export-Import Bank of Thailand is preparing to issue baht bonds under the Asian Bond Market Initiative in order to support local investors doing business in neighbouring countries and to add depth to the regional bond market.

TMB debt woes due to IFCT - Thanong

Finance Minister Thanong Bidaya blamed the Industrial Finance Corporation of Thailand (IFCT) for the higher bad debt that TMB Bank had acquired with their recent merger. IFCT’s doubtful loans are estimated to be Bt60 billion to Bt70 billion, including those that have been restructured, said Thanong, a former president of TMB.

Frito-Lay names Paula as presenter

Frito-Lay (Thailand) Co Ltd yesterday changed its presenter from Kathaleeya McIntosh to Thai-English actress Paula Taylor, saying that Paula should help the brand connect with teenage consumers.

Thais ink deals with Guangdong

Private firms from Thailand and China’s Guangdong province signed contracts worth US$650 million (Bt26.8 billion) at the 2005 Guangdong-Thailand Business Seminar in Bangkok yesterday.

IN BRIEF: securities firm

Phatra to diversify as Egat deal stalls. Phatra Securities plans to boost its retail brokerage business next year to supplement financial advisory and institutional brokering income, as the fate of the firm’s biggest advisory deal hangs in the balance.

Egat IPO freeze unlikely to affect price: Kraisi

Kraisi Kanasuta, CEO of Egat Plc, said yesterday that he was confident that the suspension of the power company’s IPO would not affect its price. Earlier this week the Supreme Administrative Court ordered Egat to put its initial public offering on hold after the court received a petition from consumer groups.

BGH makes ‘Forbes’ list

Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Plc (BGH) considers being included in one of Forbes magazine’s lists of “Best Asian Companies” as a landmark for the company and the country.

2 New Year countdowns planned

Two major New Year countdowns will be organised by the government and private companies, and each claims it will attract more than 100,000 people. GMM Grammy, in cooperation with the Transport Ministry and the Tourism and Sports Ministry, will organise a countdown at Suvarnabhumi Airport.