• 
• 

Published on August 30, 2007

It will launch a pilot project in major provinces including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Phuket, Chon Buri and Nong Khai, and has signed a cooperation agreement with Krung Thai Bank, which will train its staff.

Thirapong said farmers have started doing business with foreign partners, so the bank has to provide the new service. In the initial stages, it is not concerned about making additional revenue.

The bank has also expanded its cooperation with both the Agriculture Bank of China and the Agriculture Development Bank of China, and is planning to offer services to clients of both banks.

Shrimp-price intervention

Local shrimp prices have increased following the purchase of 700 tonnes of shrimp by the Internal Trade Department under its price-pledging programme.

Director-general Siripol Yodmuangcharoen said the government aimed to buy 10,000 tonnes of shrimp under its price-intervention measure. As a result, shrimp prices have already increased from Bt80 to Bt90 per kilogram for some sizes of prawns.

The department is joining Thai Airways International in a special campaign to promote more shrimp menus for passengers. It intends to increase domestic demand.

The department has two further ways to encourage increased domestic consumption. It will distribute shrimp from manufacturing areas to other parts of the country as well as urging government organisations, state enterprises and the private sector to promote new channels.

Better Way campaign

Direct-sales company Better Way (Thailand) plans to spend Bt360 million on a major marketing campaign before the end of this year.

Managing director Danai Deerojanawong said the campaign would focus on customer-relations management and telemarketing to boost sales.

More sales agents will be recruited. New agents whose sales meet target will be able to purchase special Jatukram amulets decorated with 38 crystals for Bt299 apiece.

 

Don Mueang Airport verdict

A committee appointed by Airports of Thailand says it will consider next Thursday whether Don Mueang Airport should be reopened for international flights.

However, the board of Thai Airways International (THAI) disagrees with the idea, saying passengers will be inconvenienced.

THAI executive vice president Narongsak Sangapong said he disagreed with reopening Don Mueang for international flights in parallel with Suvarnabhumi. It would cause transportation problems for transit passengers, particularly as the airport-link project is not complete.

Airline operators will also have to shoulder higher management costs, he said.

- The Nation