Thailand's Customs Department has set up a joint committee with Malaysia to launch a single checkpoint for goods traded between the two countries at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Customs Department director-general Sathit Limpongpan said that under the plan, all goods cleared in Thailand would need no further inspection in Malaysia if they were then shipped there.

"This will reduce redundancy and pave the way for a joint electronic clearing system," he said.

The department is also pursuing development of a similar practice with other neighbouring countries, including Cambodia and Laos, and ultimately all of Asean.

Last month, the department set up an electronic data-transmission system with the Philippines, to facilitate exports and imports between the two countries.

- The Nation.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

AGRICULTURE: Rubber-growers to receive 450,000 rai of land from project

The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has moved forward on the Ua Athorn rubber-plantation project, under which 450,000 rai in 17 provinces will soon be allocated to farmers.

The project will allocate unused land in national forest areas to rubber growers. The ministry plans to issue land-ownership documents to 5,000 growers in an area totalling 150,000 rai this year.

Agriculture Department rubber expert Somchet Prathummin said the project would cover 17 provinces, 14 of them in the South and the remainder in the Northeast. So far, 69,055 farmers have applied to participate in the project. - The Nation.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

TOURISM: Krabi resort woos guests with Belgian cooking classes

The Pimalai Resort and Spa on Koh Lanta in Krabi province will start an innovative Belgian Cooking Discovery course with the resort's Belgian executive chef, Francois Desmidt.

Cooking classes with chef Francois will take place every weekend during this month and next.

The package includes a one-day cooking class followed by dinner at the Seven Seas Restaurant, accommodation with breakfast, transfers from Krabi Airport, a 30-per-cent discount on all spa treatments and a further 20 per cent off on all food and beverages.

Packages start at Bt8,450 net per person, with twin sharing in a superior room. - The Nation.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

EXPORTS: Rubber industry set for bounce with Bt10.8-billion infusion

The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has set aside a Bt10.84-billion budget to restructure the Kingdom's rubber strategy and products.

The plan is set to boost the country's rubber exports 46 per cent to almost Bt382 billion in value in three years and encourage Thailand to become the world's leading rubber exporter and manufacturing hub.

Agriculture Department director-general Chakarn Saengruksawong said that from this year to 2008, the plan would focus on developing a rubber-products industry as an alternative to simple raw materials.

It will also concentrate on increasing the production efficiency of both rubber growers and the private sector. Chakarn said part of the budget would be spent on market development and price stability. - The Nation.