In brief :Indonesia, Iran eye Thai rice
Indonesia and Iran are interested in buying a total of 580,000-680,000 tonnes of Thai rice, Deputy Commerce Minister Oranuj Osathananda said yesterday.
After a meeting with government representatives of the two countries, Oranuj said Indonesia would buy 200,000-300,000 tonnes of rice, which was more than expected, while Iran was interested in importing more than 380,000 tonnes. Negotiations are taking place with both countries over price and shipment conditions. The ministry plans to negotiate with the Philippine government for 25,000 tonnes of rice. The government has set a policy of exporting rice under government-to-government deals in a bid to release its huge stock and reduce expenses.
Positive outlook Las Vegas-based management consultancy Globalysis sees a positive outlook for Thailand's tourism sector, mainly because of the warm hospitality of its people, the country's natural beauty and a sound strategic approach to the sector by the government. Potential risks cited in its report on Thailand's tourism economy included violence in the South, perceived political instability and questions revolving around the future viability of Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi Airport. Globalysis estimates the number of international visitors to Thailand will increase about 8 per cent to 14.9 million. The Tourism Authority of Thailand said the Kingdom recorded 13.8 million foreign visitors last year.
Retail cheats The Internal Trade Department has taken legal action against 25 retailers who were fined a combined total of Bt48,000 for cheating consumers. Director-general Siripol Yodmuangcharoen said officials surveyed 43,598 shops last month, with 25 found to have broken laws governing price labels, underweight measures and petrol meters. Some shops failed to display price tags. Siripol said the department would send officials more often to survey shops in Bangkok and upcountry during major festivals like Songkran.
Gaysorn revamp GS Property Management, operator of Gaysorn shopping mall, will renovate its fashion zone on the second floor under an Urban Chic Street concept. Deputy general manager Satima Tanabe yesterday said Urban Chic Street would occupy 1,062 square metres and contain 17 fashion brands. She said the concept would reflect the global fashion trend towards individualism.
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