However, the privileges to be offered for mergers and acquisitions will be considered later.

Privileges for firms listing on the local stock market include a reduction in corporate tax from 30 per cent to 25 per cent.

7-Eleven tie-in

A Bt200-million budget has been set by 7-Eleven Co for a special marketing campaign associated with the epic film "Naresuan".

Of that, Bt150 million will go directly towards post-production promotions and the rest to producing 36 types of premiums, said 7-Eleven CEO Prasit Chakattham.

He said since the premiums would be available at more than 4,000 7-Eleven convenience stores, this should increase public awareness of the movie.

If "Naresuan" becomes a blockbuster, the movie would be welcomed overseas. "That is our focus rather than profits or loss from the sponsorship," he said.

BAY upgrade

Fitch Ratings has upgraded the ratings for Bank of Ayudhya (BAY) following completion of its acquisition by GE Capital International Holdings.

BAY's long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating has been upgraded to "BBB-" from "BB+"; short-term foreign currency to "F3" from "B"; foreign-currency subordinated debt rating to "BB+" from "BB"; and individual rating to "C/D" from "D".

Fitch also upgraded the individual rating of Standard Chartered Bank (Thailand), from "C" to "B/C".

Halal meeting

Malaysia External Trade Development Corp will organise a promotional event in Bangkok on January 25 to attract Thai halal-industry players to participate in the Fourth Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) 2007, reports Bernama News Agency.

Marketing manager Suthep Unrunghuang said 100-150 representatives from various halal companies would attend the event, to be held at the Imperial Queen's Park Hotel in Sukhumvit Soi 22.

Suthep said the event would provide an opportunity for Thai companies to understand the benefit of taking part in Mihas 2007 and the various packages and incentives being offered by the organisers.