The International Rubber Consortium, representing Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, has decided to limit exports, in order to reduce supply and boost the export price.

Agriculture Department director-general Adisak Sreesunpagit, who heads Thailand's representation on the consortium, said the three producing countries would implement what is called the Agreed Export Tonnage Scheme - which controls the export volume - when prices become seriously low.

However, he said the good fundamentals of the rubber industry would see the price recover soon. In addition, both exporters and importers of rubber goods hold combined stocks of only 2 million tonnes.

The price of natural rubber, which is trading at a low level compared with synthetic rubber, is expected to recover soon, because the world's major users - China, the US, Japan, India and South Korea - are expected to increase their use of natural rubber.

In any case, supplies of natural rubber from the three major exporting countries are expected to be low over the next two months, because of heavy rainfall.

Central restaurants : Rebranding programme kicked off with new logo, nationwide campaign

Central Restaurant Group Co Ltd (CRG) has announced a rebranding programme by launching a new logo with the concept "Oneness ... Be No 1".

Executive director Thiradej Chirathivat said to cope with the aggressive competition, the company had launched a "CRG: All in One" campaign, offering privileges to customers throughout its network of more than 400 branches across the Kingdom.