Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, Deputy PM and Industry Minister Kosit Panpiemras and other key economic ministers will provide the information during the road show.

TTA to issue debentures

Thoresen Thai Agencies (TTA) will issue debentures up to Bt10 billion to refinance the shipping group's secured bank debt, which will lower interest payments and strengthen the company's financial status.

Managing director ML Chandchutha Chandratat said the proceeds would be used to refinance existing secured bank debt and to make further investments.

Egat to compete in IPP bidding

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand's finances are strong enough to support production of half of the new power to come on stream from 2011-2015, Egat governor Kraisi Karnasuta said yesterday.

Egat is also ready to join independent power producers (IPP) bidding. Kraisi says it can quote power rates in a comparatively lower range than those offered by IPPs. 

Bt7.9-bn fund IPO from QH

The initial public offering of Quality Houses' (QH) Bt7.9-billion property fund will take place from November 22-30.

The fund's portfolio will include three Quality Houses Lumpini, Quality Houses Ploenchit and Wave Place, SCB Asset Management president Adisorn Sermchaiwong said yesterday. He said returns from the property fund would be at least 7.4 per cent for the first year, 8 per cent for the second and 9 per cent for the following years.

QH president Rutt Phanijphand said proceeds of about Bt3.5 billion left over from investment in the property fund would be used to reduce the company's debts.

Western Digital ups Thai capacity

US-based Western Digital, a leading maker of hard-disk drives, will expand its production capacity in Thailand with an investment of US$1 billion (Bt37.2 billion).

Western Digital (Thailand) yesterday applied for privileges for its eight-year investment plan with the Board of Investment.