The expanded cultivation is in three provinces - Luang Nam Tha in the North and Champasak and Saravan in the South. While a figure for the northern area is not available, total plantation areas in Champasak and Saravan are thought to have reached 62,500 rai.

 Vicha Thitiprasert, director of the Agricultural Regulatory Office, said yesterday that the expansion in Laos would encourage Thai growers to export more seedlings to Laos.

He said exporters should focus on quality to maintain the country's image as an exporter of high quality trees. He also noted that exporters had to register with and apply for export licences with the Agriculture Ministry. The penalties for exporting illegally are fines of up to Bt20,000 per shipment, one year in prison or both.

US trade : Closer ties in tech

Thailand and the United States will move forward on cooperation in the fields of tourism and technology despite the suspension of free-trade negotiations, caretaker Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said on Thursday.

Due to the political chaos, the caretaker Cabinet has had to suspend making commitments in the trade talks. The US is the Kingdom's largest trading partner. Talks are expected to resume after a new Cabinet is appointed later this year.

Somkid met with representatives from the US Chamber of Commerce to reassure them that the Thai economy was healthy despite some problems this year.

"The only worrisome factor is the spiralling oil price, but the government will try to mange the problem," he said. Somkid urged Americans to invest more in Thailand. Japan is the top foreign investor in the Kingdom, followed by the US.

Charity : Lifeline from bank

Siam Commercial Bank said yesterday it would send life-support packages containing essentials for daily life to flood victims in the five hard-hit northern provinces.

The bank is also taking donations for the flood victims. Those who wish to donate can do so via the bank's account number 111-3-06313-9 at bank branches and ATMs. For more information please call (02) 777 7777.

Tuna :  Importers gather

Six hundred tuna importers from around the world have gathered in Thailand to brainstorm about ways to tackle obstacles to their businesses.

The Thai News Agency quoted caretaker Deputy Commerce Minister Preecha Laohapongchana as saying on Thursday that importers would take this opportunity to "ensure proper understanding of their problems".