Kingdom to sign FTA with Seoul by middle of the year

The conclusion will lead Thailand to join the regional pact, which has a trade value of more than US$62 billion (Bt2 trillion) per year.

Negotiations on investment have not yet been finalised, but both sides will try to wrap up the deal this year, Trade Negotiations Department deputy director-general Noppadon Sarawasi said yesterday.

The Nation

Accor launches Pullmans

Accor officially launched its new Pullman upscale hotel brand recently into Asia-Pacific at the Pullman Bangkok King Power outlet, opened recently in the Pratunam area.

Pullman hotels will target the business and conference markets in particular. They will be located in the heart of large cities and close to major airports.

The Nation

'A+' rating for Eastern Water

Tris Rating has affirmed the rating of Eastern Water Resources Development and Management as "A+" with a stable outlook.

The rating reflects its strengths as the sole raw-water provider with a comprehensive pipeline network along the Eastern Seaboard, favourable growth prospects for the tap-water business and a strong financial profile.

The rating is supported by the high barriers to entering the market, the company's predictable, stable cash flow and its low operating risk. Eastern Water's strengths are partially constrained by large capital requirements, the unpredictable effects of climate change and government regulations on water-resources management, the last of which are not yet well defined.

The Nation

Five new Le Meridiens

Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts plans to open five hotels in Bangkok and upcountry in the next 12 months.

The group plans to launch Le Meridien Bangkok in May, with Le Meridien Resort Chiang Rai and Le Meridien Chiang Mai opening in April. Le Meridien Suvarnabhumi Golf Resort and Spa and Le Meridien Resort Pattaya will be finished early next year.

The Nation