Consumer groups also want more data on valuation method for Egat. A consumer group network is seeking an alliance with opposition parties to revoke the state-enterprise capital law, which has formed the core of the government’s privatisation policy. As the network prepares to chase after 50,000 signatures from the public to petition Parliament to scrap the state-enterprise capital law, it will ask the opposition parties to join in the move.

Bloody Bunny and Co prove popular

Kris Nalamlieng, 34, began his business of creating cartoon characters a little more than a year ago with the intention of making it a part-time job – but it has succeeded beyond his expectations. A son of Chumpol Nalamliang, president of the country’s largest industrial conglomerate, the Siam Cement Group, Kris is managing director of 2Sport Communications Co Ltd and holds a 7-per-cent stake in the business.

Spending cap to be increased

The government yesterday denied news reports that it has mismanaged its cash, saying it is seeking an increased limit on treasury bills simply as a cash-management tool.

Fragrance of Hom Mali wafts abroad

To spread the word that genuine jasmine rice can only be grown in Thailand, the government on Sunday launched the Thai Hom Mali Rice brand name.

Government clamps down on gold traders

Fearing a worsening trade deficit, the Commerce Ministry has instructed gold shops not to stock up on gold products or speculate on the value of gold, as the price is likely to hit Bt10,000 per 15.2 grams (one baht) before the end of the year.

STREET WISE: The comeback kid and angel

Just as we were all about to shed a tear for Kate Moss after the poor 31-year-old supermodel lost her contracts with H&M, Burberry and Chanel, Italian designer Roberto Cavalli has blown new life into her career.

GOVERNMENT BONDS: Interest peak on horizon

Yields on long-term government bonds have dropped almost 100 basis points over the past three weeks following a projection that the interest rate will peak in the near future, said Parinya Disorntetiwat, vice president of the Thai Bond Market Association (Thai BMA).

BASEL II IMPLEMENTATION: SCB needs Bt5-bn capital boost: Jada

Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) will need additional capital of Bt4 billion-Bt5 billion for “operational risk” after it implements the international banking (Basel II) standard in 2008, its president Khunying Jada Wattanasiritham said yesterday.

With merger done, UOBT eyes future

With the top five local banks already in control of a large customer base, United Overseas Bank (Thai) (UOBT) will try to attract customers by focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises and consumer finance services.

Insurance plan in works

The Finance Ministry’s insurance department is mapping out a master plan to help local insurers prepare for tougher competition after free-trade agreements are implemented.

HOT STOCKS

Stock: Advanced Info Service Plc (ADVANC)

GLOBAL ASPIRATIONS: PTT warned to lay strong base for growth

State-run oil firm should find new partners, improve operations and not grow too quickly, former governors say

Airlines cut prices on economy-class tickets

International airlines are promoting economy-class round trips from Bangkok to European destinations during the winter period with the aim of filling more seats.

COMPANY REPORTS

PATO CHEMICAL INDUSTRY has appointed Masahiko Nishizawa to replace director Nobuie Kimura, who resigned. The company also noted a change of name for its major Japanese shareholder from NN Chemical Corporation to Sojitz Chemical Corporation. Sojitz currently holds 2.1 million shares, or a 15-per-cent stake, in Pato Chemical Industry.

COLD WAR: Nestle plans to freeze out Wall’s

Firm seeks lion’s share of Bt6-billion ice-cream market

Thai and Chinese SMEs build alliances ahead of trade pact

Chinese small and medium-sized agricultural traders are exploring opportunities to form business alliances with Thai partners in preparation for the elimination of tariffs under the China-Asean Free-Trade Agreement (Cafta) early next year.

Central renovation

The management of Central Food Retail Co Ltd estimates that the value of Thailand’s retail food market will reach Bt360 billion this year, up 25 per cent from last year.

Search for CAT head narrows

CAT Telecom Plc disqualified one contender for the post of president yesterday and asked the remaining two to present their visions for the company on December 1.

Pernod eyes top spot for its new malt

Pernod Ricard Thailand has launched a new malt whisky brand to challenge Riche Monde’s Johnny Walker Red Label for the position of market leader in the premium sector.

LATE NEWS: Investment

Trade mission heads to Russia

BUSINESS DIARY: 08.30 Textile technology

The Thailand Textile Institute and the French Textile Machinery Manufacturers’ Association, conference on “Latest Textile Machinery Technologies for the Thai Textile Industry”, InterContinental hotel.