This is an increase of Bt314 million or 21 per cent on the net profit of Bt1.48 billion from the same period last year.

For this quarter, consolidated revenue was Bt13.4 billion, consisting of electricity sales of Bt13.09 billion, interest income of Bt148 million, shared profits from associated and joint-venture companies amounting to Bt150 million and other income of Bt14 million, according to director Narong Sitasuwan. - The Nation.

Hanesbrands sews up Thai plant deal

US-based Hanesbrands Inc, a leading marketer of innerwear, outerwear and hosiery, last week announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to buy a sewing plant in Chon Buri.

The Chon Buri sewing operation, which now operates as part of Goldindo International (Thailand) Co Ltd, will be Hanesbrands' first Asian sewing production facility owned by the company.

The 8,640-square-metre facility, 80 kilometres southeast of Bangkok, has approximately 1,600 employees. It will assemble bras under various company brands, including Hanes, Playtex and Bali, that are sold primarily in the US market.

Terms of the plant purchase will not be made public. Goldindo is a contract supplier to Hanesbrands, and Goldindo's Chon Buri plant currently makes bras for Hanesbrands. The purchase is expected to close before the end of November.

"Adding company-owned sewing capability in Asia is a key component of our ongoing efforts to create a low-cost global supply chain," said Hanesbrands chief executive officer Richard A Noll.

Hanesbrands sources raw materials and finished products in the emerging Asian market through its sourcing operations based in Hong Kong with offices in China, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Turkey. Hanesbrands sells apparel in China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.

"The acquisition of the Thailand sewing plant is an important building block for our Asian supply-chain base," said Gerald Evans, Hanesbrands executive vice-president and chief global supply-chain officer. - The Nation.

True expands Wi-Fi to Thonglor

True Corp has rolled out Wi-Fi public wireless Internet access coverage in the Thonglor area, making it the third of such wireless zone in Bangkok, following Siam Square and Silom.

Currently True's Wi-Fi service covers more than 3,400 spots in Bangkok and over 50 provinces.

True said the rollout of Wi-Fi in Soi Thonglor would enhance the lively district's image as well as make it convenient for residents, business people, patients, shoppers, and foreign business visitors or tourists to stay connected with the Internet.

As part of the launch programme, True is offering all True hi-speed Internet customers and customers of its cellular operator True Move three hours of free Wi-Fi usage every day until November 15 on Thonglor.

In addition, True is offering a special promotion for tech-savvy customers, who will get three months of unlimited free Wi-Fi valued at Bt1,500 when they purchase any of the following PDAs - HP IPAQ 6965, HP IPAQ 6828, Dopod 838 pro, O2 Atom Exec, Sony Ericsson P990i and Gigabyte G smart I 128 - until December 29.  - The Nation.

Samui loyalty reward from Etihad

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has launched a special promotion for its Etihad Guest frequent-flyer programme.

Etihad Guest members who purchase business-class return flights to destinations in Europe, where prices start from Bt73,500, will receive a free flight to Koh Samui on Bangkok Airways. This promotion is available exclusively to Etihad Guest members who book to travel before December 14 this year.

Etihad is also offering a special price for economy-class passengers from Bangkok to Europe, with return flights starting from Bt23,335. - The Nation.

Electric offer from Watsons stores

Watsons, the health-and-beauty retailer, is holding a Beauty Electrical Fair sale, offering a 25-per-cent discount on electrical beauty products until November 22 - The Nation.