Briefs

The Purple Line is expected to be the only mass-transit system under the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand to get off the ground under this government, said Highways Department director-general Suphoth Sublom, who also serves as MRTA chairman.

Officials are still in the process of seeking financing for the Blue Line, the other mass-transit line under the MRTA's responsibility, Suphoth said yesterday.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency has already granted a Bt36-billion loan for the Purple Line. Construction is expected to begin in March.

No 2 for online ads

The market for online advertising in Thailand has overtaken Malaysia to become the second highest in Asean behind Singapore, Admax Thailand revealed. This is due to tremendous growth in the number of Internet surfers.

   Tom Srivorakul, managing director of Admax Thailand, said the online advertising market is projected to increase by at least 100 per cent this year, from the Bt700 million posted in 2008.

   The National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre estimates the number of Internet users in Thailand to have reached about 13.4 million last year, which means local websites have a great opportunity to earn higher ad revenues. The country has also been successful in attracting many well-known websites from abroad.

   Admax has joined with Cartoon Network to launch www.cartoonnetwork.co.th.

TrueVisions' target

Pay-TV operator TrueVisions expects 2 million subscribers by the end of the year, up from around 1.3 million at present, following its continued offering of new packages to tap the middle and low-end segments.

   The company will launch four new channels on Saturday, featuring English Premier League content. - The Nation