"TCC members will soon discuss this problem. Our proposal is for Airports of Thailand to scrap the free-zone policy," deputy secretary-general Pornsilp Patcharintanakul said yesterday.

AOT has designated the entire cargo area a zone where all cleared goods are free from duties. But that requires a lengthy customs process and causes shipment delays, while shippers also encounter traffic snarls inside the airport. Some consignments have been left uncleared.

Pornsilp said Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukbhasuk, chairman of the committee overseeing the airport's opening, had been notified.

Tourism issues

The Federation of Thai Tourism Associations has submitted a letter to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont calling on the government to act on four tourism issues.

First, the appointment of a new tourism and sports minister who knows the industry well. Second, the selection of a new governor for the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Third, rebuilding tourism confidence in international markets. And fourth, changing certain government rules in accordance with the tourism situation.

WEF in Dalian

The World Economic Forum will host its first-ever World Economic Forum on Growth in Dalian, northeastern China, next September 6-8.

The meeting will gather members of a new international and cross-industry Community of Global Growth Companies, firms that have demonstrated a clear potential to become leaders in the world economy.

More KTB bonds

Krung Thai Bank yesterday  increased its offer of hybrid bonds from US$200 million (Bt7.52 billion) to $220 million, because the issue was oversubscribed. The coupon rate is 7.378 per cent.

President Apisak Tantivorawong said investors had expressed interest in subscribing to the bank's hybrid bonds at a rate double the original supply.

"The subscription was much higher than the supply, reflecting foreign investors' confidence in Thailand and Krung Thai Bank. Some investors who subscribed to the bonds last time subscribed to more this time," said Apisak.