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Published on November 12, 2007

But after provisions and a write-off for bad debts and some investments, the company showed a net loss of Bt243.8 million.

Revenues from publishing were slightly down, while revenues from broadcasting and new media rose 57 per cent and 88 per cent respectively during the period.

Isuzu in Malaysia

Isuzu Motors may turn Pekan in Malaysia into a regional auto hub for its range of vehicles if production capacity can be enhanced.

Chairman Yoshinori Ida said that at present the plant could only produce about 15,000 units a year of Isuzu D-Max for Isuzu Malaysia and Hicom Perkasa, sold under the Hicom brand.

"The Isuzu D-Max has global market sales of around 450,000 units a year. The plant in Thailand can churn out 270,000 units annually. "If Malaysia can produce the balance, then we will seriously consider [turning into a regional hub]," he said recently.

Ida was speaking after the inauguration of Isuzu Hicom Malaysia at the former Malaysia Truck & Bus plant.

Also present was DRB-Hicom group managing director Khamil Jamil. In line with DRB-Hicom's strategy of maintaining its key position in the auto industry, 31 per cent of its stake in Malaysia Truck & Bus was sold to Isuzu Motors Asia of Singapore.

The agreement, signed in June, left the group and Isuzu holding 49 per cent and 51 per cent equity interest respectively in Malaysia Truck & Bus.

Global pub crawl

A group of fun-seeking Austra-lians will be quenching their thirst on Phuket next year as part of the first Round-the-World Pub Crawl organised by Australian tour company Thirsty Swagman, the Phuket Gazette reported last week.

The group of 25 drinking travellers will enjoy a month-long party, travelling "Around the World in 60 Pubs", starting from London on March 24.

Phuket was the only Thai stop selected by the group due to its "reputation for nightlife and choice of pubs and bars with live music", Karen Logan, media and online manager at Thirsty Swagman, said last week.

Paradise tour book

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has unveiled "Best Paradises in Thailand", its latest promotional campaign and guidebook.

It was jointly launched with the TAT's promotional partner, AIG Card (Thailand).

Showcasing 70 of the country's finest hotels and resorts and raising the visibility and awareness of participating properties, the 179-page guidebook will go to the world's leading international-travel trade shows.

Copies will also be available upon request from Thai embassies worldwide, as well as from overseas travel agents. It is priced at Bt300.