Managing director Saowalak Chaidetsuriya urged financial institutions to be more strict in approving loans, or else the entire industry could be affected. "We've been busying auctioning off the seized vehicles. Right now, we hold eight auctions a month, across the country," she said. - The Nation.

Air traffic to rise

Scheduled passenger traffic on world airlines is expected to show robust growth over the next three years following a strong rebound in 2004 and continued resilience last year, says the latest forecasts from the UN aviation agency.

At the same time, the UN tourism agency reported preliminary results for the first four months of this year showed international tourist arrivals worldwide rose 10 million, up 4.5 per cent from last year, to 236 million.

The UN International Civil Aviation Organisation said that with the anticipated good performance of the world economy, airline traffic was expected to rise 6.1 per cent this year, 5.8 per cent next year and 5.6 per cent in 2008.

Traffic development during the period will vary by region, due to specific local, regional and interregional factors.

The Asia-Pacific region is forecast to experience strong traffic growth, well above the world average. - The Nation.

Toyota bonds

Toyota Leasing (Thailand) Ltd plans to sell up to Bt4 billion worth of three-year bonds later this month, a source familiar with the deal said yesterday.

The bonds, which will be offered to institutional investors, are part of the company's previously announced Bt30-billion medium-term bond programme.

The source said the company would hold a road show for the offering on Friday. The bonds are guaranteed by parent Toyota Motor Finance (Netherlands), a wholly owned unit of Toyota Financial Service Corp, which is in turn wholly owned by Toyota Motor Corp. - Dow Jones Newswires.

Nok Air charity

Thai budget airline Nok Air announced yesterday the launch of its "Nok Gives Life" social programme, coinciding with the airline's second-anniversary celebrations.

 The programme will raise funds for the Cardiac Children Foundation of Thailand, under the royal patronage by HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.

"Nok Air is producing Nok Air key-rings and selling them for Bt40 each," said CEO Patee Sarasin, adding that they would be available to August 15 and could be purchased at all Nok Air airport counters and aboard all Nok Air flights. - The Nation.

Sounds of soda

Coca-Cola yesterday unveiled Thailand's very first "Coca-Cola Red Lounge" music station set to promote emotional bond between the brand and young consumers in Thailand.

The first Coca-Cola Red Lounge opened yesterday at Paragon Cineplex, on the fifth floor of Siam Paragon.

More music stations will be opened in and around Bangkok by early next year, in a collaboration with Major Cineplex Group. The move aims to tap into the lifestyle of young Thais.

Thailand is the fourth country in the world to have the Coca-Cola Red Lounge after the US, Singapore and the Philippines, said Pornwut Sarasin, vice president of Thai Pure Drinks Co Ltd. - The Nation.