SingTel expected to agree to share-swap arrangement. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s family and the Damapong family are close to finalising a deal to sell their shares in Shin Corp Plc to Singapore Telecom, a source close to the deal said yesterday. While unloading nearly all of their shares to SingTel, the two families would receive a stake in SingTel in return - 10 per cent at first, said the source, who requested anonymity. The deal could be concluded if they can agree on a stock swap ratio.

East Asia’s confidence not shared elsewhere

Thai business owners are less optimistic about the economic outlook than their counterparts in East Asia, reports recent survey findings by Grant Thornton. The International Business Owners Survey, in its fifth year globally and first year in Thailand, showed that business owners in Thailand indicated a relatively low level of optimism, scoring just 9 per cent against an East Asian regional average of 42 per cent.

$12 bn trade deficit predicted for 2006

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce has forecast Thailand’s trade deficit at $12 billion (Bt477.3 billion) this year, on the heels of slowing export growth.

High flyers jockey for Thai Airway’s top job

Five candidates have submitted applications to become the next president of Thai Airways International Plc, including veteran financier Teerasak Suwannayos, according to sources familiar with the selection process.

STREET WISE: CEO stays True to tradition

Ordination has traditionally been men’s way of paying respect to their beloved mothers and studying the Dhamma to become full-fledged adults. After ordination, they become real men and are ready for marriage.

CAPITAL INFLOWS: Overseas investors buying up Thai stocks

Foreign players helping push local and regional markets higher

NON-PERFORMING LOANS: Banks escaping from debt burden

Banks have found relief after shedding a large number of bad loans last year.

Kasikornbank gearing up to cope with competition

Kasikornbank will spend Bt14 billion to upgrade its infrastructure over the next three years, to prepare for intensifying competition in a less-regulated banking sector.

Major lenders embarking on hi-tech spending spree

Commercial Banks are gearing up to spend heavily on information technology (IT) in preparation for tougher competition and new banking regulations

SKYTRAIN AND SUBWAY: Mend mass transit first, then expand

Renegotiating contracts a priority: source

CBRE boosts its presence in Japan

The CB Richard Ellis Group (CBRE) has acquired a majority interest in its Japanese affiliate, Ikoma CB Richard Ellis KK, enhancing the group’s position in the rapidly recovering Tokyo real-estate market.

COMPANY REPORTS

EMC signed a new contract with the Provincial Electricity Authority on behalf of Siemens-EMC Consortium for a Bt221-million optical fibre project.

SkyTeam flies high to No 1 in 2005: magazine

SkyTeam was named Best Airline Alliance for 2005 by Global Traveller magazine in this month’s issue. Selected by the magazine’s readers in an annual reader’s survey, the magazine cited the alliance’s growth in terms of member airlines and route coverage over the past year as key factors for winning the award.

IN BRIEF: TRADE PRACTICES

Govt gets tough with sugar traders

BUSINESS DIARY

09.00 New unit

Steelmaker hopes to raise Bt1 bn via IPO

LPN Plate Mill Plc is preparing to raise Bt800 million to Bt1 billion from the stock market in the second half of the year, after it postponed a planned listing for November or December last year.

LIGHTING PRODUCTS: Sylvania to set up shop

US manufacturer plans regional hub

University urges government to delay US trade talks

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce yesterday urged the government to delay its free trade talks with the US to maintain a trade surplus with the country, said Aat Pisarnvanich, the University’s director of International Trade Studies Centre.

Japan to get full-court press on Thai food

Besides some famous dishes like “tom yum kung” and “pad Thai”, other Thai menu standbys will be promoted in Japan if the results of a future market study by the food institutes in both countries are positive.

Popidols eyes digital market in the region

Popidols Co Ltd, the local developer of the “Symphony” digital content management suite, is poised to penetrate further into the regional market this year.

Pranda creates new brand for launch in Germany

Pranda Jewellery Plc will launch a new brand of silver jewellery for women next month in Germany.

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