ECONOMIC DOLDRUMS
Market research languishes
Agencies see less growth as clients trim product launches and spending
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STREET WISE
The toughest job in town
With the grand opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport just three weeks away, the busiest man in town could be none other than Somchai Sawasdeepon.
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Airlines seek to avoid first day chaos
Airlines are beginning to cancel flights on September 28 in order to avoid the chaos expected on the day Suvarnabhumi Airport officially opens.
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People's Bank safe despite bad debts
The Government Savings Bank is committed to moving ahead with the People's Bank scheme despite having to write off bad debts and the increasing amount of non-performing loans (NPLs).
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Tax, import-export reform vital: WB
Doing business in Thailand has got easier over the past 18 months, the World Bank says. But the country still needs to reform its tax system, import-export procedures and invest more in transport infrastructure to improve its global standing.
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Margin stays stable for auto-parts maker
Somboon Advanced Technology's gross margin this year will stay at 18 per cent, due to a recovery in the second half following recent price increases.
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Kingdom hopes to stay in GSP export scheme
The Commerce Ministry is optimistic the United States will not terminate the tax benefits under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) but it is likely to slash the benefits on some Thai exports and modify the new GSP programme.
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BA, Qantas lay off Don Muang staff
Two major carriers, British Airways and Qantas, plan to lay off all 60 employees at Bangkok's Don Muang airport to cut operating costs.
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LATE NEWS
Rayong seeks investment
The Rayong Chamber of Commerce is speeding up discussions with government authorities to prepare for an increase in the number of tourists to the eastern province following the opening of the Suvarnabhumi Airport.
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Bahrain eager for Thai FTA to boost trade
Bahraini businessmen are seeking the finalisation of free-trade negotiations with Thailand to boost trade and investment growth between Asean and the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC).
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SET target lowered to 740
Analysts have revised down the SET index year-end target from 800 points to 740.
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Bt1-bn plan for Piyavate specialist
Piyavate Hospital Plc plans to invest Bt1 billion to expand its specialist centres to become a world medical hub within four years, chairman Boon Vanasin said yesterday.
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Tiger beer promotions centre on English football
Manufacturers of Tiger Beer plan to ride on Thais' passion for English Premier League soccer to boost sales under a new marketing strategy.
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Panel okays rise in domestic airfares
The Transport Ministry's civil aviation committee has approved increases to domestic airfares averaging 12 per cent, due to the increased cost of fuel.
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MPC holds policy rate, waits clear trends
Worries that oil prices might spike again is deterring the Monetary Policy Committee to bring down its policy rate despite growing signs that the domestic-based economy is in trouble.
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ADVERTISING
Turmoil dents ad spending
Industry expects growth of just 5%
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