Kittiratt says he’s ‘willing to take responsibility’. Stock Exchange of Thailand president Kittiratt Na Ranong has filled in his resignation form, and is ready to submit it if Chang brewer Thai Beverage Plc ends up listing on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) before the Thai market.

Toyota aims for even bigger share

Toyota expects its share of the Thai automobile market to grow further and exceed 40 per cent this year, despite its own forecast that the total market will grow by only 5 per cent. Toyota’s market growth forecast of only 5 per cent would give 2006 the lowest annual growth in the local automobile industry for more than five years.

Shin executives on edge of their seats

Uncertainty and curiosity are rife among executives at the Shin Corp group of companies due to the many news reports and rumours about plans by the family of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to sell its interest in the huge corporation.

Mixed signals on consumer confidence

Consumer spending should increase in the second quarter, boosted by greater confidence in both the economy and income prospects, reports the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).

A quiet retreat in the heart of busy Bangkok

The Chakraphand family, which owns the Phu Jai Sai Resort and Spa in Chiang Rai, spent Bt120 million last year to transform the Baan Thai restaurant on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok into a boutique hotel catering to health-conscious, high-end customers.

BizBits: Chumpol’s staff write his book

The former boss of Siam Cement Group Chumpol Na Lamlieng is famous for his distaste for publicity, especially about his personal life.

BANKING SECTOR: Kasikornbank rumour hits SET

Market dives 1.4% on report bank plans to raise capital, broker downgrades stock

STOCK EXCHANGE RALLY: Foreign buyers flood market

Offshore investors spend Bt50 billion, push baht higher

Securitisation could be the way to go: Vimol

Dhanarak Asset Development’s managing director talks to KI Woo about how his company is successfully securitising future rent proceeds from a yet-to-be-developed government complex.

Bank aims to be No 1

Kasikornbank aims to be number one in small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) loans in the next three years, knocking from its perch the current market leader, Bangkok Bank.

SET queries International Engineering about share purchase

The Stock Exchange of Thailand has asked International Engineering Plc (IEC) to clarify the company’s purchase of a 49-per cent stake in Application Hosting Service (A-Host).

FTA FINANCE TALKS: US calls for quicker liberalisation

Wants rules loosened on securities, mutual funds; no commitment on time frame to end talks – Uttama

Siam Nippon spawns new I’nesian unit

Nippon Steel Corp’s Thai subsidiary, Siam Nippon Steel Pipe Co Ltd, is to establish a unit of its own to manufacture and sell mechanical structural-steel tube in Indonesia.

Honda Click zips into teen market

AP Honda Co Ltd has targeted sales of 1.5 million motorcycles this year on the back of yesterday’s launch of the Honda Click, which it calls the most fully featured automatic-transmission bike in the Thai market to date.

Suspended PWO chief to be sacked

The suspended president of the Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) will be sacked, and the Commerce Ministry plans to recruit a new president soon, Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said yesterday.

Late News:

CUT & CURL: Premium salons

Govt to lean on BTS over fares

Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTS) is likely to face more pressure from the government to lower the Skytrain fares, because the Transport Ministry has insisted on a reduction in fares before it opens bids for 10 new subway lines.

PM animated over hub prospects

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra wants to see Thailand become the regional animation production hub.

Tax collections well above target

Government revenue in the first quarter of the 2006 fiscal year was Bt3.7 billion above target, according to the Finance Ministry.

SKY STAR AIRWAYS: Flights to Inchon to commence in March

JV to operate 3 more routes later

IATA summit in S’pore to map future of aviation

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is holding an Aviation Summit next month to map the future of the air transport industry after it lost ground as a result of last year’s fuel price hikes.

Focus on Managers: Low-tech often better for entrepreneurial culture

There must be at least 100 countries, provinces or states that have formulated strategies designed to produce the next Silicon Valley, which was so successful developing high-technology firms in California.

In Brief:

LOCAL WARES: Uganda gets Thai product mart