He said state enterprises would have to prioritise spending on projects that were earlier approved by the Cabinet - including energy projects.

The NESDB, he said, would also study the performance of each state enterprise, including profits and losses, to see if any should be shut down or privatised.

Thai hub plan : Capital to host 'World's Best Rubber'

The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry will host the first "World's Best Rubber" conference in Bangkok as part of its plan to make Thailand a "hub" for rubber-products technology and processing. The meeting will be held at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani from July 26-29.

Agriculture Minister Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan said yesterday that the meeting was aimed at allowing stakeholders in the rubber market - growers, traders, experts, exporters and academics from around the world - to exchange information.

"The rubber hub strategy will strengthen not only the country's export competitiveness, but also develop the country as the world's rubber centre as well as ensure sustainable development," she said.

Some 75 experts and researchers from Japan, the US, EU and Thailand will provide information on innovative rubber products like "thermoplastic elastomers", which is a raw material mix of rubber and plastic. The raw material is suitable for producing auto parts, and consumer goods. 

Logistics : Jetro issues cost-analysis guide

The Bangkok office of the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) has published the first "Logistics Cost Analysis Guidebook" aimed at helping businesses cut logistics costs and boost profits.

It is a part of Jetro's continuing effort to help spur logistics development in Thailand and promote bilateral trade and investment with Japan. "To thrive as the logistics hub of Asia, Thailand needs to develop its 'humanware' or the capability of its human resources," said Atsuo Kuroda, Jetro's Bangkok president. "As a result, we have designed many tools to hone and educate Thai human capital in the past several years, such as seminars, workshops and pilot projects, which have been conducted with local firms.

"Logistics costs can be measured in three levels, which are the national level, industrial level, and company level. While it takes time to work with the first two levels, reducing logistics costs at the company level can be done instantly and will yield higher profits as well as other tangible benefits."

Tourism council : Decision today on new president

The Tourism Council of Thailand will meet today to select its new president. A report said that the meeting would take place at the head office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Kongkit Hirankit, owner of Sima Thani Hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima, is likely to be selected for the post. Wichit Na Ranong, the current president, will step down today after two terms. Earlier, Apichart Sankary, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, and Anake Srishevachart, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association, reportedly applied for the post.