A senior official said the ministry would only consider an increase for sugar manufacturers who used well-designed packages as they had to invest heavily. If approved, the retail price of sugar in up-market packaging will be quoted at Bt18.50 per kg.

Under the ministry's price control measures, sugar's retail value is Bt17.75 per kg. However, some sugar retailers have broken the ministry's regulation by already raising their retail price. The average sugar price is between Bt18 to Bt23 per kg. - The Nation.

Smiles at Sansiri

Property firm Sansiri Plc said presales of Bt12 billion in the first half of this year, of which Bt7 billion came from sales in the second quarter.

Following this year's impressive growth, the company has adjusted its pre-sales estimate from Bt14 billion to Bt20 billion through a focus on the middle market, said the company's managing director Srettha Thaweesin.

"We believe demand for housing has continued to grow although the political problems did come to a resolution. In response we have used aggressive marketing to boost sales," he said. - The Nation.

TAT promotion

Tourism Authority of Thailand is launching a campaign this month to promote holidays in 14 southern provinces, where 149 hotels are offering special packages.

The tourism agency expects the campaign to generate Bt50 billion in sales this year. - The Nation.

Exim goes green

The Export-Import Bank of Thailand (Exim) is taking a lead in offering loans to contract farming projects involving energy crops and biofuel production that could bring long-term economic, social and environmental benefits to the Mekong region.

Narongchai Akrasanee, Exim's board chairman, said the bank was fully supporting the scheme to help sustain the development of alternative energy sources in Thailand.

Thai entrepreneurs participating in the contract farming programme to expand the cultivation of energy crops such as sugar cane, tapioca and palm oil in neighbouring countries would receive investment from Exim, Narongchai added. - The Nation.

Aviation edge

Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) president Chotisak Apasaviriya is confident Suvarnabhumi Airport will offer it a competitive edge by providing improved links with the Kingdom's provincial airports.

Currently, AOT regulates five airports, in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai and Phuket.

Chotisak said the development of air services would become clearer after AOT transferred responsibility for overseeing provincial airports, such as those in Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani. - The Nation.