Briefs

Ajisen (Thailand) maintains its Bt70-million sales target for 2008 after reaching Bt36 million in the first half of the year. Revenue was Bt55 million.

General manager Prasert Thongdee said three to five new outlets would open next year at tourist destinations or areas with large populations. There are nine at present.

Ajisen spends 5 per cent of sales on marketing. Its main targets are teenagers and students.

The franchise network covers 12 countries, including Japan with 106 outlets, China with 224, Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore, USA, Australia, Malaysia and Canada. - The Nation

Kyle takes over as Tanayong CFO

Tanayong appointed Australian Martin Kyle as chief financial officer on Monday.

Kyle, 56, a graduate of Oxford University, has held the same position at several multinationals in Asia. He has a background in corporate and investment banking. - The Nation

Ananda presses on with two condos

Ananda Development says it is undeterred by political and economic unease and is building two new condominiums, Ideo Verve Sukhumvit and Rajprarop.

The company will forge ahead with its business plan in spite of the difficult environment, president and chief executive Chanond Ruangkritya said.

He was confident the locations would attract buyers and said demand was already strong.

The Sukhumvit building is opposite Tesco Lotus in On Nut and will start pre-selling on Saturday. - The Nation

Pilgrims study with meditation master

Jet Airways is flying pilgrims to Mumbai, India, to study with meditation master SN Goenka, who was born in Mandalay, Burma.

The nine-day course in meditation is held at the Vipassana Pagoda, which was built by Goenka. It is modelled on the Shwedagon pagoda in Rangoon.

The last day takes in Buddhist sites at the Aurangabad caves. Packages start at Bt30,000. The offer is available until December. - The Nation

Floods cost Mae Sai traders Bt200m

Businesses in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai, have lost about Bt200 million from floods in the past two months, according to its chamber of commerce.

Chairman Buntham Thipprasong said the damage was high in spite of early preparation. Hard hit are clothing and furniture sellers.

The municipality will install an upstream flood monitor. - The Nation