Big profit rise at Thanachart Capital

The Nation

Supadej Poonpipat, Thanachart Capital president, said the bank's quarterly net interest margin widened from 2.9 per cent in the same period last year to 4.2 per cent, while its operating cost ratio fell from 73 per cent to 60.1 per cent.

    "The higher net profit could be ascribed to growth of companies under the group, comprising bank, life and non-life insurance companies, an asset-management company and securities firm as well as the cooperation of Scotiabank," he said.

NTC public hearing

The National Telecommunications Commission will hold a public hearing on draft regulations for nationwide number portability next month.

    Portability will grant the right to consumers to use their existing phone numbers with new networks they switch to.

    The hearing will focus on the direct and indirect benefits of the regulations to consumers, the public expectation on the regulations, the possible behaviour changes of consumers and the expected improvement in telecom service after the regulations take effect. The NTC also wants to hear from telecom operators about their readiness to provide the service and when the regulations should take effect.