TAT deputy governor Juthaporn Rerngronasa said the book would help tourists find cheaper accommodation in every part of the country. The discounts are being offered until next February.

Participating hotels include North Triyanarot Colonial House, Sawai Rieng Chiang Mai, Baan Nam Ping, Suan Doi House, Pagoda Inn, Doo Dio Suay Resort, Seashell Village Resort, Jungle Bay Resort, The Bay Sea, Baan Rabieng Dao Garden and Resort, and Judo Resort. - The Nation.

Disk drives: Hitachi to boost local production

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies announced yesterday that it planned to increase production of 3.5-inch disk drives at its Thai factory. It is hoped this will help Hitachi double its sales by 2008.

Hitachi is already on its way to meeting that goal, with a 45-per-cent increase in shipments last year and a two-point market share gain from 2004.

The company plans to expand its production of small-form factor systems, in response to demand for one-, 1.8- and 2.5-inch hard drives for use in digital video applications.

- The Nation.

Network expansion: Nokia, AIS sign $19-million deal

Nokia and mobile-phone operator Advanced Info Service Plc (AIS) have signed a US$19-million (Bt728 million) deal to expand AIS's GSM network in the northern, central and southern regions.

Nokia's account director for networks, Somchai Thamsirisup, said the expansion would improve network coverage and capacity and ensure that AIS could maintain a top-quality GSM network in a fiercely competitive market. - The Nation.

Azaya villas: Six-star resort nears completion

Azaya Villas, the first six-star resort residence in Chiang Mai, will complete its first project in July and expects a soft opening by the end of the year, says Ian Hirsch, managing director of developer Capstone Management Group.

A total of 12 luxury villas and private pools will be built in high architectural style and feature Zen gardens and the latest technology. They will rent for Bt50,000 to Bt70,000 per day.

- The Nation.