The money will improve its information-technology and reforestation projects and buy new equipment.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont witnessed the donation ceremony yesterday.

A quarter of the money is going to the reforestation of 1,000 rai at the campus, Bt5.5 million will finance information-technology upgrades and equipment, and the remaining Bt10 million is for construction of a petrol station incorporating a convenience store.

Agriculture :BAAC strikes at sharks

The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives is lending Bt500 million to children of farmers and others so they do not have to approach loan sharks.

Bank executive vice president Sommanas Suwanmena said yesterday the loans were available to school and university students of all ages.

The money will go to at least 100,000 students for school expenses, including enrolment, living costs, stationery and tuition.

Interest rates vary depending on conditions, but normal borrowing is subject to 7 per cent.

Leisure :Diving expo to open

Experience the wonders of the world of diving and adventure tours at the Thailand Travel and Dive Expo 2007, or TDEX. It runs between May 24 and May 27 from 11am to 8pm at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

Called the "Real Diving Hub of Asia" the exposition brings together several tourism products.

The show is in its fourth year with the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Photo Business Association, PADI Asia Pacific, NAUI, Divers' Alert Network, Wahoo Diving Center, Fins Magazine, KTC and Olympus.

TDEX aims to reach new and learner divers and will encourage tourist interest in travel and dive activities. Visitors attending can observe activities and get information about diving courses, from beginners to advanced.