Green World's general manager Teera Kittiteerapornchai said the book's objective is to enhance the capabilities and image of Thailand and its companies in the field of innovation.

Of 5,000 copies to be published, 2,000 will be circulated to government agencies in Thailand and abroad, including Thai trade offices, board of investment offices and embassies, while the remaining 3,000 copies will be distributed to leading firms in Thailand and overseas.

The NIA also introduced 10 other books yesterday, many of which are published by the agency and written by its staff, on the topics of innovation and intellectual property.

Supachai said the NIA believed good books would help support the thirst for knowledge among Thais, which is a foundation for innovation.

Investments: Firm tees up advice for expats

Bangkok-based Global Investments International is to invite expatriate businessmen to a golf tournament it is hosting, in the hope of finding new clients requiring financial advice among the increasing number of expatriates retiring to Thailand.

A Land Rover Freelander, worth Bt2.9 million, will be awarded to any golfer hitting a hole-in-one at the tournament.

"The point we want to make," said Global's chief executive Neil Robbirt, "is that golf and financial investment are the same - both require expertise and strategy. If you get it exactly right, the rewards can greatly exceed expectations."

Global has been managing the finances of hundreds of expatriates in Thailand and the region since 1994.

Budget airline: Tiger launches fares promotion

Singapore's budget airline Tiger Airways has announced air fares starting from one Singaporean dollar (Bt23) for one-way travel within the region.

The fare is available for travel between Singapore and Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Haikou, Hat Yai, Krabi, Padang, Phuket, Shenzen and Udon Thani (Vientiane).

The fares must be bought before Sunday night for travel between September 11 and October 28. The offer excludes public holidays and other conditions also apply.