Fiscal Policy Office director-general Pannee Sathavaradom told a news conference yesterday the forecast was based on expectations consumption would grow by 3.7 per cent to 4.7 per cent due to an increase in budget spending.

The ministry expects the economy to grow by 5 per cent this year, up on last year's growth of 4.5 per cent, she said. - The Nation.

Court dismisses Pridiyathorn case

The Central Administrative Court yesterday dismissed charges against the Bank of Thailand and its ex-governor MR Pridiyathorn Devakula.

A complaint of malfeasance had been brought by Viroj Nualkhair, who sought a withdrawal of a bank order preventing his being hired as president of Krung Thai Bank.

He asked for damages in the amount of Bt201 million plus 7.5-per-cent interest per annum. - The Nation.

THAI and SAS in code-share deal 

Thai Airways International and SAS Scandinavian Airlines yesterday signed a code-sharing agreement in partnership services beyond their destinations.

The agreement will include services between Bangkok and Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Sydney from December 15, and between Bangkok and Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Auckland from January 15.

Certain Scandinavian routes are also covered.

"Travel between Southeast Asia and Oceania and Scandinavia has undergone strong expansion in recent years and is expected to grow further. SAS can offer an optimal schedule to provide convenient connections with our intercontinental flights to and from Bangkok in the new Star Terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport," said Lars Sandahl, chief commercial officer, Scandinavian Airlines International. - The Nation.