The previous demand peak of 21,644MW was reached last Friday.

The Energy Ministry expects power demand to set a record high of 22,513MW this year. The country's installed capacity stands at 27,789MW.

Lion's share

Singha Corp claims that its Singha brand still controls 90 per cent of the Bt7-billion soda market.

Sant Bhirombhakdi, marketing manager for non-alcoholic products, yesterday attributed the success to promotions, including give-aways of concert tickets.

Singha soda is distributed by 250 dealers nationwide and contributes 15-20 per cent to the company's total sales.

During the summer, Singha Corp will also focus on boosting its bottled water. A TV commercial with former Miss Universe Natalie Gelbova as the presenter will be launched soon.

Bidding for rice

The Foreign Trade Department will soon open bidding for exporters to adjust the government's rice stock for 15-per-cent white rice to export quality for supply of 175,000 tonnes to Indonesia, and 100-per-cent white rice of 100,000 tonnes for Iran.

The department is committed to ship its first lot of white rice to Indonesia and Iran under government-to-government contracts by the end of next month.

Check on Saha

The Insurance Department has called for a meeting with Saha Life Insurance tomorrow to check on its financial and business operating status and also on the progress of its business restructuring.

Director-general Chantra Purnariksha said yesterday the insurer needs to raise capital as its insurance fund has only Bt200 million in it.

Under the Insurance Act, life companies are required to maintain an insurance fund of Bt500 million. The company has been fined by the department for the shortfall.

In another case, the department circulated a letter to the shareholders of Thanasin Insurance asking them to inject money into the company's insurance fund to bring it up to Bt45 million this week.

Firms make film

RS Plc has tied up with Nestle (Thai), Thai Yamaha Motor and CP Seven-Eleven to produce a Bt20-million romantic film backed by a Bt30-million marketing campaign.

Surachai Chetchotisak, CEO and president of RS, said yesterday that unlike other films where sponsors simply advertise their products, the co-sponsors of this film were invited to join in designing the plot and marketing strategies to fit their products. The principal characters, for example, would work at a 7-Eleven convenience store.

"This is a win-win strategy," he said. The film, to be screened in June, is expected to generate Bt70 million in ticket sales.