New rule will block legal loophole used by some firms to make financial status appear more attractive to investors. The Securities and Exchange Commis-sion (SEC) is to close an accounting loophole being exploited by some listed companies to make their financial status appear more attractive than it really is.

Big Asian marketing push by Siemens

The German electrical engineering and electronics giant, Siemens, plans to invest several hundred million euros in the Asian mobile telephone market in a bid to become the world’s second biggest provider of wireless telecom equipment. Speaking at the 3G World Congress in Hong Kong recently, Christoph Caselitz, head of Siemens Communications’ mobile networks division, said that in this fiscal year alone, the firm’s Asian investments will be in the “triple-digit million” range to expand business, including funding for research and development of mobile network technology.

Breweries in battle of the beer gardens

With the arrival of the festive season, beer companies are placing their last bet on beer gardens, which come out during the cooler weather, to boost their sales in this sluggish year.

DTAC banking on flexibility, speed

The ability to change quickly and “doing the opposite of rivals” are new concepts helping Total Access Communication (DTAC) stay competitive, chief executive Sigve Brekke said in an interview last week.

Ready-to-drink green tea, coffee may be hit by taxman

Addicts of green tea and coffee may have to spend more to buy the ready-to-drink versions of the products because the Excise Department is studying whether to tax them based on their ingredients, especially caffeine.

Street WISE: Wise monk is also media-savvy

Phra Payom is one of Thailand’s most popular monks, famous for his sharp tongue, deep understanding of Buddhism and ability to see the world as it is.

BANGKOK BANK: Bonds used to maintain deposit base

BBL buys from government and passes on benefits to its customers

Finance Ministry seeks charge of project funds

The Finance Ministry has insisted that the financing of mega-projects should come under its authority and not that of the Mass Transit Authority (MTA) as proposed by the Transport Ministry.

DAD SPV bonds go on sale this week

Bonds to be issued by DAD SPV Co, a special-purpose vehicle under the Treasury Department, will carry a coupon rate of 6.7 per cent and 7.35 per cent for paper with seven-year and 10-year maturity respectively.

Steel price to be frozen till end of year

The Commerce Ministry plans to freeze steel prices until the beginning of next year in a bid to reduce the burden on consumers in the high season for house repairs.

Rice-exporters face tough 2006

Rice-exporting countries will face tougher competition next year because world prices are forecast to drop due to increasing supply and lower demand.

ASEAN’S ‘NEW LOOK’: Japanese firms revive interest

Investors to help upgrade manufacturing competitiveness

Bio-diesel pioneers in cooperative venture

Three Thai companies producing bio-diesel have formed a business cooperative with the aim of boosting the country’s production of the alternative fuel.

CROSS-BORDER INVESTORS: New Hong Kong pact cuts dual-tax risks

Thailand signed a double-tax treaty (DTA) with Hong Kong in September. With 45 Thai DTA’s already in place worldwide, the intention is to promote bilateral trade and investment by adding more and more foreign tax jurisdictions to this network.

INVESTMENT ALTERNATIVES: Collect your way to riches

Instead of the same old stocks and mutual funds, try watches, diamonds – or even rugs

RESIDENTIAL HOMES: Ananda set to tap demand at new airport

Offers units from Bt2.9 million to Bt21 million at Windmill Park

Property Perfect launches units under Bt1 million

Developer to build 10 blocks on 17-rai estate

HOUSING MARKET: Most developers upbeat about growth prospects

Despite oil price and interest rates, firms say middle, high end will boost sales

Overcoming resistance to change

Lucent Asia’s former HR head and visiting Sasin professor talks to KI Woo about executing change.

ON THE MARKET:

Let’s pig out

French, Thai tourism has weathered all storms

Three things most worry French tourists when making their travel plans, according to leading civil servant Jean-Paul Leotard. They are natural disasters, political risk and terrorism.