Ragnarok Online 2 is a sequel to the hugely popular Ragnarok Online. Gravity also plans to launch open-beta testing of the new game in South Korea this year or early next.

The licensees are GungHo Online Entertainment Inc in Japan, Gamania Digital Entertainment Co Ltd in Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong, AsiaSoft Corporation Co Ltd in Thailand, Level Up! Inc in the Philippines and Level Up! International Holdings in Brazil.

The total value of the licensing arrangements for Ragnarok Online 2 and renewed licences for Ragnarok Online is expected to be US$46 million (Bt1.73 billion). - The Nation.

BOAT SHOW: Bangkok event to target SE Asia

Suntec Integrated Media of Singapore has announced the staging of a large-scale international boat show in Bangkok next year. To be called Boat Thai, the three-day event will begin next April 27 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Bitec).

The first boat show to be held in the heart of Thailand, Boat Thai will target enthusiasts from all over Southeast Asia. It will feature boat displays, luxury yachts, charter services, the latest marine equipment and technology and all other associated services and products.

Boat Thai was conceived as a partner to Boat Asia, which has been organised over the past three years by Suntec Integrated Media. Boat Asia is hailed as the region's foremost boat show and an important engine for boat-industry growth in markets like Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines. Its organisers say Boat Thai will further develop Southeast Asia's boating industry in fresh markets like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Burma and Vietnam. - The Nation.

INTERNET SERVICE: True Corp getting Motive-ated

True Corp Plc, which claims to be Thailand's only fully integrated communications company, has chosen software from Motive Inc to accelerate the deployment of its broadband services and automate support for its growing number of high-speed Internet subscribers.

Motive software will be used to manage existing DSL services and such next-generation offerings as Internet protocol television.

"True's ongoing commitment is to provide its broadband customers with innovative and quality services," said True deputy director and head of broadband services Non Ingkutanon. - The Nation.