Investments of bt600-bn likely

He said total net applications in the first four months was for investments totalling Bt160 billion, up 10 per cent from the

same period last year, which showed investors' interest in expanding business in Thailand.

He conceded that political turmoil and possible confrontation between the government and protesters could seriously affect investor confidence.

"I hope the situation will ease as soon as possible. However, we remain positive that we will meet our target this year," he

said. 

The board yesterday approved a number of investment projects including two by the PTT Group - a Bt3.1-billion project planned by PTT Polymer Logistic to establish an international distribution centre with total capacity of 1.2 million tonnes, and a Bt6-billion project planned by PTT Chemical to generate electricity and steam.

Siam Tinplate plans a Bt1.8-billion project to expand its production capacity of chromium steel by 120,000 tonnes per year.

The plant is located in Rayong province.

One-Two-Go Airline plans to lease four aircraft at a cost of Bt840 million, while Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services will lease 3 Airbus aircraft for Bt2.2 billion.