Without the tax privilege, the EU will shift to importing pickups from South Africa and Turkey.

After a recent meeting with Heysmans Prendent, president of Isuzu Belgium, Krisda Piampongsant, minister of the OCA, said Thailand would lose its EU market share, because of an increase in the import tariff to 22 per cent, from 15.5 per cent before. Thai pickups used to account for 85 per cent of the market.

Prendent also pointed out that consumers would focus more on 2.5-litre pickups, because of their cheaper 10-per-cent import tariff. Krisda said Prendent suggested Thai auto-makers develop their manufacturing to prepare for upcoming tougher competition in two to five years, when pickup imports from South Africa and Turkey will become Thailand's major rivals. - The Nation.

Bank to hold property fair

Bangkok Bank will host the "Bualuang Properties Sales Fair" in seven branches in the capital through Sunday, with more than 1,000 properties on offer to customers.

Bangkok Bank senior vice president and Property Department manager Krongthong Karunyanara-torn said the bank was offering the widest range of properties among all of Thailand's banks, with something to suit everyone - from small studio apartments to large factories and plots of land in every region of Bangkok and nearby provinces.

"In addition to our comprehensive range on offer, customers who buy properties from Bangkok Bank will receive a competitive interest rate for their home loan, reduced from our regular home-loan rate," said Krongthong.

The fair will be held at the properties' showroom on Silom Road from today to Friday. From Friday to Sunday, the fair will be held in the bank's metropolitan branches at The Mall Bang Khae, The Mall Ngarmwongwan, Seacon Square, Chatuchak, Future Park Rangsit and Siam Paragon. Property specialists will be on hand to offer advice on all

matters related to property investment. - The Nation.

Don Muang Tollway hikes rates

Don Muang Tollway has raised its toll by Bt10, effective yesterday. Four-wheeled cars are now charged Bt30 each, up from Bt20. Trucks of six wheels or more are now charged Bt70. However, Don Muang Tollway Plc believes that the toll hike will not greatly affect traffic. The company expects traffic to lessen only 2-3 per cent. Currently, 139,800 cars use the tollway.

The toll rise will increase the company's income Bt700,000 to Bt800,000 per day, which will result in a profit for the first time in 10 years. - The Nation.