Chalongphob appointed as his main personal adviser Aran Thamano, former permanent secretary of the Finance Ministry and former adviser to ex-Finance Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula.

The five economists are Pranee Tinakorn, Somchai Jitsuchon, Nipon Poapongsakorn, Vorapol Socatiyanurak, and Nattaphong Thongpakdee.

The two bankers are Khan Prachuabmoh, president of the Government Housing Bank and Narongchai Akrasenee, chairman of Export-Import Bank of Thailand.

The legal expert is Tithiphan Chuerboonchai, dean of the Faculty of Law at Chulalongkorn University. - The Nation.

Asia-pacific: Bitec ranked fifth best

Thailand's Bangkok International Trade Exhibition Centre (Bitec) was voted as one of the top five exhibition and convention centres in the Asia-Pacific, according to a recent industry survey.

The survey was conducted by CEI magazine Asia Pacific, which asked for votes from organisers of exhibitions and conventions in Asia-Pacific. As a result, Bitec was ranked the fifth best centre for MICE events in the region.

The vote result reported the top ranking was Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre followed by Suntec Singapore, Singapore Expo (Singex) and the Kuala Lumpur Convention and Exhibition Centre.

It also said Bitec was the most sought-after purpose built centre in Thailand and ranked fifth alongside the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Bitec provides more than 36,000 square metres of exhibition space in six event halls with 20 separate meeting rooms for conferences and seminars. - The Nation.

Condominium : Sansiri focused on present projects

Sansiri aims to maintain its premium-class condominiums leader status both in Bangkok and upcountry by suspending expansion but focusing on existing projects.

 The company's condominium portfolio includes 20 premium projects with a total of almost 2,500 residential units.

 The projects are valued at almost Bt17 billion in total, and more than 90 per cent are premium-class condominium developments located throughout Bangkok's central business districts of Silom, Sathorn and Rajdamri roads and Soi Ruamrudee, plus prominent residential areas such as Sukhumvit and Thonglor.

 Other condominium projects in the Sansiri portfolio include seaside premium to high-end condominiums along the beaches of Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan: Baan Khaimook, Baan Sansaran, Baan Sanploen and Las Tortugas.

It is estimated that there will be over 19,000 new condominium units ready for occupation this year. Unit prices are also expected to rise by only 10-12 per cent, depending on each location.

This marginal increase is believed to have a minimal effect on buyers, provided the influence of negative political and economic factors remain at a similar level as last year. - The Nation.