It put the increased traffic down to better economic confidence in United States and Europe in the second half of 2006, as well as more freight between China and the rest of the region.

Last year the group set a record with 2.47 million units - a 12-per-cent increase compared with 2005, it said.

In the fourth quarter, the group recorded a foreign-exchange gain of Bt174 million compared with Bt73.4 million in the same quarter last year. The full-year exchange gain was Bt471.3 million against a 2005 loss of Bt41.2 million. - The Nation.

Ruckus hot spots

Ruckus Wireless recently announced that wireless networking firm Thai-Fi had standardised the Ruckus MediaFlex Hotspot to enable Smart Wi-Fi connectivity and support emerging multimedia services in several five-star hotels and serviced apartments in Bangkok.

Thai-Fi has installed MediaFlex throughout the Sirisathorn, a 120-room, 19-storey serviced residence; the Sukhothai, a 280-unit four-storey hotel; and the Frasier Suites Urbana Sathorn, a 250-unit 35-storey residential building.

"The innovation happening with handheld devices and the expectation by users for a reliable Wi-Fi connection anywhere are driving profound changes in the hot-spot market everywhere," said Carl Rubin, the co-founder and business director of Thai-Fi. - The Nation.

Loparex's Thai plant

Loparex Group will start release liner printing and slitting operations in Thailand. The new specialised adhesive coating plant will service Thailand and other Asean countries.

This investment strengthens Loparex's position as a leading supplier in Asia-Pacific, the world's fastest-growing market. The new plant will mainly service hygiene product manufacturers, but also the tape, envelope and other relevant business segments. It will significantly increase Loparex's capacity to supply printed narrow-width release liners in the Asia-Pacific area.

"Our global hygiene industry customers in Thailand have clearly shown their interest in being served by a local Loparex plant and they have warmly welcomed our investment decision," said Tapani Laakso, Loparex Asia-Pacific marketing director.

The plant will be in the Bangkok area. The start-up of the operation is planned for August. - The Nation.