The amendment aims to make use of funds to redeem the Bank of Thailand's bonds, said Pridiyathorn.

The bank has come under pressure from both the debts of the Financial Institutions Development Fund and the cost of defending the baht from appreciation against the US dollar.

Visit to Japan

Deputy Finance Minister Sommai Phasee said he had not yet arranged a meeting with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) during his planned road show in Japan to promote the Thai stock market.

He expects to meet the JBIC to discuss loans to finance mass-transit projects.

Sommai said he did not know whether a recent interest-rate hike by the Bank of Japan would affect the long-term loans the ministry is seeking.

Pollution talks

Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister Kosit Panpiemras will meet the National Environment Board to further discuss pollution-control measures in the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate.

"Once the solutions are clear, this will pave the way for new investment in the area. Right now, they have delayed investment, awaiting clearer government decisions," he said yesterday.

SC Asset boost

SC Asset posted a 39-per-cent increase in revenue to Bt1.99 billion last year, and a net profit of Bt334 million.

CEO Yingluck Shinawatra said in a statement yesterday that the company expected further revenue growth of 30 per cent this year, with a plan to launch 10 more projects that cover detached houses, town houses and condominiums worth a total of Bt5.4 billion.

Funds for South

The Agriculture Ministry will provide a budget of Bt1.5 billion this year to support action plans to upgrade the way of life of people in the deep South.

Deputy permanent secretary Yukol Limlamthong yesterday said the money would be spent on Satun, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Twelve agencies in the ministry will take responsibility for the development plan.

The budget will focus on activities such as irrigation systems, soil quality development, sustainable animal farming, and community enterprise development.

Yukol said the ministry would also propose a budget of Bt480 million to support career and human-resources development.

Park sold out

Thai and foreign investors have set up software-production facilities in the Northeast Software Industrial Park.

Director Dr Panupong Wanchantuek said 20 software companies had set up plants to manufacture both software and chips to supply many government agencies.

Another 11 companies focusing on cartoon animation and multimedia production will set up houses there.

Other companies have proposed setting up plants in the Khon Kaen park, but space is fully booked.

However, space will be expanded in the near future.