Of the total, 174,674 vehicles, or 45 per cent, were exported and their combined value was Bt77.8 billion, up 43 per cent year on year. Motorcycle production also rose in the period, to 1.2 million units, up 88,813 units or 8per cent year on year.

The federation said the total value of exports of completely-built-up vehicles, parts and accessories as well as motorcycles and parts, was Bt122 billion, up 37per cent, or Bt32.9 billion, year on year.

- The Nation.

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MINING: Safer explosions

The Industry Ministry is introducing a new ministerial regulation to govern stone mining countrywide, hoping to curb damage from a type of mining that uses explosives.

Permanent secretary Chakramon Phasukavanich said that the regulations should take effect in fiscal 2009. To help mining companies prepare for the tougher rules, explosives' chiefs at all mines are required to register, attend training programmes and take tests starting next month. - The Nation.

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COFFEE CHAIN: Prices may rise

Coffee-shop chain Black Canyon (Thailand) may raise prices up to 5 per cent in the second half, following a 10-per-cent jump in costs in the second quarter, managing director Pravit Chitnarapong said yesterday. Pravit said the company had raised its product prices an average of 5 per cent in the first quarter but costs jumped again in the second quarter.

The company expects this year's sale to grow 15-per-cent from last year's Bt1.03 billion, mainly due to the opening of 14 new branches in Thailand and five new branches overseas.

- The Nation.

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EDUCATIONAL GOODS: Video firm grows

Scholar Video Co Ltd, a producer of educational multimedia products, has spent Bt1.5 million starting a unit in Vietnam, Nhan Tri Viet Co Ltd

Managing director Mana Kanalaka said the company would expand to other countries as well. - The Nation.