Visitors to resort island and surrounding areas still a fraction of normal number

Costs soar, but Siam Paragon on course for Nov 1 opening

All traffic will lead to Siam Paragon when it opens on November 1, with the centre’s world-class shopping and entertainment promising to make it the jewel in Bangkok’s retail crown.

Bold plan to restructure industry

The Commerce Ministry vice minister in charge of tourism development has proposed a bold long-term restructuring plan to breathe new life into the ailing tourism industry.

Asian airports told to plan for A380s

The European aircraft producer, Airbus, has warned airports in the region to prepare to accommodate the new super jumbo jets being bought by many airlines in Asia and the Pacific, including Thai Airways International.

Street WISE: Is CITIC being unfairly treated?

Given the PM’s normally fast reaction to false news, The Nation was surprised at his silence when a report came out about him being likely to talk with CITIC Group on the future of Thai Petrochemical Industry.

THAILAND FOCUS 2005: Water shortage tops seminar agenda

Forum bringing together local and foreign brokers will also discuss the effect of infrastructure mega-projects on the nation’s expanding current-account deficit

Fixed-income and property funds excel

While the stock market has slowed down, fixed-income and property funds have done well, growing more than 100 per cent, Kasikorn Research Centre said last week.

More opt to pay via Internet, post offices

More people are making financial transactions via the Internet and post offices than ever before, according to the latest data from the Bank of Thailand (BOT).

NTC says it is now on firm ground

After eight months of work, the seven members of the National Telecommunications Commis-sion (NTC) said last week that they now “stood on firm ground” and were ready to speed up market reform.

Builders want rules on foreign labour eased

Construction firms have asked the government to review its policy on imported labour from neighbouring countries and extend work permits to offset a serious labour shortage, an industry expert said on Friday.

Tuk-tuks could soon be plying Cape Town’s streets

The tuk-tuks that phut-phut around Thailand could soon be tuk-tukking in South Africa too, according to the Cape Argus newspaper.

Special: Benetone cuts film-production costs

Local business has proved successful in coordinating Bollywood shoots here

New rules on NPAs

New laws to fast-track sales of foreclosed assets are now in effect, including one allowing outsourcing of auctions.

Economic Battlefield: Do you know your Strategic Anchor?

Years ago, a multinational company that you’ve probably heard of made a fortune producing yellow pieces of paper with glue on the back. The glue had a great property – it allowed the paper to be put somewhere, taken off, and put somewhere else, hundreds of times.

Managing the Cultures. . .Inspiring the Team: Everyone faces a challenge when presented with change

A few months ago, we got a call from a company which was about to move its entire office to a brand-new location across town. This was going to present some big challenges for the management, as well as rank-and-file staff. Here are just a few of the concerns. How will I get to work when we change offices? How can I pick up my child from school if this is going to be our new location? Who is going to find my stuff when it gets moved across the city? Where will they put my office? Will I have a view? Is the food any good in that area? This office is on a very high floor – is that safe?

On The Market:

SAMMIES FOR KIDS

Rice trading on Afet: avoid getting cooked

Rice is Thailand’s main crop for both export and domestic consumption. Seasonal plantation occupies 58 million rai while dry-season plantation covers 10 million rai, giving a total growing area of 68 million rai, or 51 per cent of the country’s agricultural land.

INVESTMENT OPTIONS: One plan doesn’t suit all

Three financial experts explain how their strategies are suited to their situation

URBAN DEVELOPMENT: City in need of planning

Chaotic approach may ruin city’s opportunities to grow and prosper

PHUKET HOMES: Aroonpat estate caters to both locals and foreigners

Developer Thanapat builds detached units on 15-rai land plot near Patong Beach