Treasury-stock scheme expected

The Association of Securities Analysts expects 10 blue-chip companies to launch a treasury-stock scheme from now until next year in a bid to shore up plummeting share prices.

Secretary-general Sombat Narawutthichai yesterday told a seminar most of the firms were in the SET50 group, whose share prices are below book value. They include PTT, Thai Oil, Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding, Electricity Generating, Banpu, PTT Exploration and Production, PTT Chemical, Siam Cement, Preuksa Real Estate, Quality Houses, and Land and Houses. - The Nation

Okay over millers

Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) president Thirapong Tangthirasunan does not oppose the Commerce Ministry's plan to allow blacklisted millers to join the second-crop pledging programme.

He said the plan would increase the number of millers.

However, he said the BAAC would prefer to work with untainted millers, to ensure no loss of inventory. The ministry today will ask for Cabinet approval to allow blacklisted millers back. - The Nation

Wind-power plan

Demco has signed a memorandum of understanding with Sustainable Energy to build a wind-power plant in Phetchabun province.

Covering 100 rai, the project will generate 100 megawatts. Sustainable Energy will receive Bt1.5 billion, while the entire project will cost Bt6 billion, including the purchase of 50 wind turbines.

Demco MDPradej Kitti-itsaranon said his company planned to take on five wind-power projects with a combined capacity of 500MW, with Sustainable Energy as co-contractor. Each project is worth at least Bt6 billion. - The Nation

Centara award

The Centara Duangtawan Hotel Chiang Mai has received a Gold Award of Excellence from Asia Web Direct. - The Nation