The PWO is facing management problems as vice president Nattira Leewaroongpan, who is also acting president, was also dismissed from acting president last Friday to pave the way for new professional management.

In addition, members of the PWO's administrative board, including its two vice presidents and eight officials, are being investigated for alleged involvement in improperly awarding rice contracts.

Agricultural Land Reform office: Agency signs deals to help nation's farmers

The Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) recently signed contracts with 23 companies to focus on producing as many farm goods to help farmers generate at least Bt4,500 in income per month. The scheme is part of a government plan to pull farmers out of poverty.

Anant Poosithikul, secretary-general of the office, said countrywide there were 10 million rai of land in 700 districts for allocation. The office is also looking for another 16 million rai of land in 1,200 districts for next year.

By 2008, the office should have land to allocate to farmers in 3,000 districts in 69 provinces. Farmers in the project will be encouraged to grow crops that generate high incomes via contract farming. This goal is to create extra income for 1.6 million farmers.

The 23 companies will be responsible for supporting farmers in raising cash crops such as baby corn, super hot chilli, sweet corn, catfish, asparagus and other vegetables.

Amari Hotels: Resort firm builds Pattaya convention centre

Amari Hotels and Resorts announced that it would build a conference centre on the grounds of the Amari Orchid Resort & Tower in Pattaya. The centre will have a 500-square-metre column-free multipurpose facility with a six-metre-high ceiling. The conference centre can host conferences, cocktail receptions conferences, wedding parties and incentives events.

The conference centre will open in late 2006 and is part of the resort's second phase of development. The first phase, already completed, is Mantra Restaurant and Bar on Beach Road.