TOT to buy CAT's Thai Mobile shares

   TOT will pay Bt200 million for the shares each year for 12 years and shoulder Thai Mobile's Bt7 billion worth of debt. Both state agencies will soon ask for their boards' approval.

Risk of downsizing

Industrial Works Department director-general Rachada Singalavanija said the manufacturing sector may downsize investment this year, due the steep rise in oil prices.

   Furniture, food, textile, glass, construction and ceramic manufacturers face a high risk of business closure from rises in production and logistic costs, he said following the Labour Department's estimate that factory shutdowns had cost 17,000 workers their jobs.

Canned-fish price rise

Siam Tin Food Products, manufacturer of A Yum canned fish, is prepared to raise product prices in three steps this year following rising costs and depleting raw materials.

   Managing director Olarn Uyakul said fewer fishing boats were catching fish due to higher diesel prices, resulting in higher costs for all raw materials. He said the price increase from Bt12 to Bt14, Bt16 and eventually Bt18 should not affect consumers much.