Waits for names of local, foreign investors, and purchase method. Share trading in Oishi Group Plc was suspended yesterday despite the revelation of an acquisition deal, as the exchange is waiting for the identity of the acquirer as well as the share accumulation method.

CONSUMER DEBT RELIEF: Peeraphan urges cut in loan cap

Chairman of govt’s non-bank panel suggests top rate of 15-20% for personal debts. The chairman of the committee to solve non-bank loan problems has proposed that personal-loan rates and fees be capped at an annual rate of 15-20 per cent, rather than the current 28 per cent set by the Bank of Thailand (BOT).

LATE NEWS: Petroleum industry

PTT importing Indian ethanol. PTT Plc has imported a second lot of ethanol from India, amounting to 8 million tonnes at a price of Bt18.50 per litre, up from Bt17.80 quoted for the first lot.

NTC gives the nod to excise duty discount

The national telecom regulator’s board yesterday approved the request by TOT Plc and CAT Telecom Plc to reduce a major licensing cost through a discount on their telecom excise duty.

Commerce Ministry says all that glitters is not sold

The Commerce Ministry plans to control gold imports to solve the twin problems of gold hoarding and speculation, says Nuntawan Sakuntanaga, deputy director-general of the Foreign Trade Department.

Tata Steel to buy 40% of Millennium for $175m

India’s largest private steel producer, Tata Steel Ltd, will buy Millennium Steel Plc for about US$175 million (Bt7.1 billion), strengthening its presence across Asia.

BIZBITS: Daily life of HM the King

This month’s issue of Kinaree, the in-flight magazine of Thai Airways, features an exclusive story entitled “What Does the Thai Public Want to Know about Their King?”.

MAI to set up venture capital fund

The Market for Alternative Investment (MAI) will set up a venture-capital project worth Bt1 billion, to invest in companies having a potential to list in the market.

Foreign investor eyes Golden Tech assets

Krung Thai Bank president Apisak Tantivorawong said he was surprised to learn that a foreign company has approached the bank to buy collateral assets pledged by the bank’s borrower, Golden Technology Industry Park.

KGI pushes stock lending

KGI Securities (Thailand) Plc has targeted transaction values through its securities borrowing and lending (SBL) service to jump from Bt1 billion per month expected at the end of this year to Bt2.5 billion.

RESIDENTIAL MARKET: Higher rates ‘won’t deter homebuyers’

Mortgage rates and home prices will go up next year but housing demand will remain strong among middle- and lower-income groups, experts said yesterday.

Biznews round-up

lThe Export-Import Bank of Thailand has appointed a new executive board with Narongchai Akrasanee as executive chairman, and Kongkiat Opaswongkarn, Pichit Akrathit, Chularat Suteethorn and Sataporn Jinachitra as executive directors.

FRIDAY BUG: Time is of the essence

Reporters always enjoy asking questions of their sources, regardless of the time. Whether it be during the Q&A session or after the press conference formally ends, they normally don’t mind how long it takes, as long as their questions are answered.

AIR MACAU ROUTE TO BANGKOK REOPENED: Fares similar to those of AirAsia

Air Macau will reopen its Bangkok-Macau route on Sunday, with daily flights and round-trip ticket prices similar to those of discount airline AirAsia.

Somkid to push for farm reform ahead of liberalisation

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak plans to meet shortly with Agriculture Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan to discuss agricultural reforms, in preparation for global trade liberalisation.

IN BRIEF: wine sales

Siam Winery shows 17.5% export growth. Siam Winery, producer of Monsoon Valley Wines, announced growth of 17.5 per cent in exports in the first 11 months of the year compared with the same period last year.

AERONAUTICS UPGRADE: Aviation to undergo Bt450m overhaul

Thai Aerodynamics to get tax breaks, govt contracts in bid to improve industry. Privately owned Thai Aerodynamics Co Ltd (TADL) has announced plans to spend more than Bt450 million to improve its operations and raise aviation in Thailand to world-class levels.

WTO moves forward on key farm trade

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial conference started to do battle in earnest yesterday after member countries came up with a clearer stance on farm trade that could move negotiations forward to end the current deadlock.

New eyewear line from Better Vision

Better Vision Group Co Ltd has partnered with Gucci to launch the international brand’s latest collection of eyewear at its store in Central Lat Phrao.

Future Park issues cards targeted at its teen and working customers

Future Park Rangsit launched a prepaid card and a credit card yesterday, in order to improve customer relations and learn more about buyers’ shopping habits.

Sweet reforms

The Industry Ministry will decide late next month how to reform sugar production to create incentives for farmers and producers, permanent secretary Chakramon Phasukavanich said yesterday.