LATE NEWS
Mass-transit bids
Caretaker Transport Minister Pongsak Ruktapongpisal said yesterday bidding for construction contracts for three mass-transit routes in Bangkok could happen after the election or even after New Year's, to avoid criticism of the caretaker government.
Pongsak said the bidding terms of reference should be available on September 1 and that in October the Japan Bank for International Cooperation was expected to approve a loan to finance the construction. In December, the bids should be submitted and the results announced early next year. He said the ministry had also drafted a bill to create the Mass Transit Authority, a new agency to oversee mass-transit operations, revenue collection and revenue-sharing on the three new routes. He said the bill would be considered as soon as Parliament resumes.
Building show a hit Last week's Home Builder Expo 2006 succeeded in attracting contracts worth Bt1.2 billion in five days - Bt400 million more than expected. Home Builders' Association president Sakda Kovisut said 100,000 people visited the expo over the five days, much higher than last year's event, which attracted 80,000 visitors. Sakda said the association now expected the home-building market would be worth Bt8.5 billion for the entire year, following a value of Bt4 billion in the first half.
Barter franchise Barter Centre Co Ltd, the operator of a barter operation in Bangkok, has appointed Barter World Co Ltd to be its first franchisee. Barter World will operate a second branch covering the Ratchadaphisek and Lat Phrao areas. Barter Centre managing director Hathairat Saraya said the appointment would enable the company to service its members efficiently and encourage an increase in membership. Under a five-year contract, Barter Centre will provide its franchisee with support, including training, a barter-trade system and a membership database.
PLE joint ventures Power Line Engineering Plc (PLE) is expanding into India and the United Arab Emirates through two joint ventures, the Stock Exchange of Thailand reported yesterday. The company will buy a 40-per-cent stake in India's Power Line Varun Construction Private for 4 million Indian rupees (Bt3.22 million). The remaining shares in the joint venture will be held by Jaipuria Tower Private Ltd of India. PLE's board of directors also approved another joint venture by wholly owned subsidiary Unima Engineering, this one in the UAE. It will hold a 40-per-cent stake in Building Arabia Trading. The investment will total Bt1.5 million, and a first payment will be made next month.
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