Briefs

TOT is in a position of financial risk due to its engagement in 96 legal disputes worth a total of about Bt54.3 billion as of 2006, according to a 2007 report of the Office of the Auditor-General.

Most of the disputes are still under the courts' consideration.

The office had suggested to TOT that it should operate its businesses and write future business contracts on a more prudent basis in order to avoid running into the legal suits. It also advised TOT to seek settlements with the parties in which it is currently in dispute as soon as possible. - The Nation

NTC to consider 3G trial requests

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) next week will consider the requests of Advanced Info Service, Total Access Communication, True Move and Ericsson to conduct trials of the 3G mobile broadband service on the 2.1GHz spectrum bands in Bangkok, according to a source.

The source added that they had submitted the applications some time ago, but the NTC has yet to look at them. - The Nation

Reward for reporting piracy doubled

The Business Software Alliance (BSA) has doubled its reward for people who report illegal software use at the corporate level, from Bt250,000 to Bt500,000. The rewards will be paid to those who report valid cases of abuse to BSA's hotline centre until September 30.

Company employees, vendors and persons completely outside the company are encouraged to call (02) 711 6193.

The BSA says 78 per cent of the software used in Thailand is fake.

Under current copyright laws in Thailand, companies and senior managers found guilty of using pirated software face fines of up to Bt800,000 and/or jail terms of up to four years, in addition to civil damages. - The Nation

Osotspa's Bt400-million ad camapigns

Osotspa is investing Bt400 million in its new health-drink advertising campaigns.

Yordmit Thongyong, manager for health product research and development, said yesterday that the campaigns would promote two new products - Peptein and Petide - and its original soy-drink.

Osotspa expects Peptein to achieve Bt300 million in sales in its first year, he said. - The Nation

Vikrom Asia's FDI Personality of the Year

Vikrom Kromadit, chief executive officer of Amata Corp, has been named Personality of the Year 2008 for all of Asia by Foreign Direct Investment magazine, a publication of the Financial Times Group in London.

Regional winners are selected for Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North America.

This year's regional winners include the finance minister of Angola, the CEO of Hewlett Packard in Spain and His Highness the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, who was selected as this year's global representative. - The Nation