Polyplex (Thailand) sees Q1 profit up 138% to Bt814m

   Its board approved another Thin PET Film Line in Thailand worth US$70 million (Bt2.23 billion).

   Polyplex Group chief financial officer Manish Gupta said Polyplex (Thailand) reported consolidated net profit of Bt813.55 million for fiscal 2008 and consolidated revenue of Bt6.4 billion, up 35 per cent. - The Nation

Big C to open 12 stores this year

Big C Supercentre's plan to open 12 branches this year instead of only nine has prompted Ayudhya Securities to raise its profit projection by 19.5 per cent to Bt2.99 billion this year and 16.3 per cent to Bt3.5 billion next year.

   Big C will end the year with 66 branches.

Sales for the two years will rise to Bt79.7 billion and Bt91 billion, respectively, by offering 800 house-brand items, up from 536 at present, and improved consumer confidence, the securities house said. - The Nation

Govt to keep hands off oil prices

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee yesterday insisted that there would be no intervention in oil prices, which are driving up the cost of living.

   Surapong told a seminar that the market mechanism would be upheld with energy-saving campaigns. On the list are proposals to let civil servants work from home, speed up mass transit projects and promote alternative fuels like gasohol E20 and E85.

   Low-interest loans could be offered for industry to shift to renewable energy sources.

   The government would also focus on easing the cost pressures on the urban poor and extending business opportunities to farmers.

- The Nation

Bt500m for MBK hotel face-lift

MBK Co will spend Bt500 million to renovate its 462-room Pathumwan Princess Bangkok Hotel, which has been open for 11 years. The project will start this year and take two years to complete.

   With a room rate of Bt3,500 per night, the hotel enjoys 85-per-cent occupancy, and 95 per cent of its guests are foreign travellers from Asia plus Australia and Europe, MBK president Suvait Theeravachirakul said yesterday.

   MBK will also renovate its MBK Centre, hoping to raise the share of foreign shoppers from 22 per cent to 30 per cent within two or three years. - The Nation