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Published on August 16, 2007

Chief executive Pliu Mangkornkanok said in a statement that partners would be necessary only for new business or in case of financial need.

"We are confident in being a niche small-sized bank where alternative products are offered," Pliu said.

He added that Tisco remained market leader in the leasing business, having been through ups and downs in the past 30 years. - The Nation

Regional fair

In a bid to boost trade growth in Indochina, the Commerce Ministry will hold the Thai-Indochina Trade Fair 2007 at Ubol Ratchathani from August 31 to September 9.

Ministry spokesman Krisda Piampongsant said yesterday that the event aimed to increase cross-border trade with neighbouring countries. In addition, it would help small and medium-sized enterprises to start trading in those countries.

The fair will feature 500 SMEs from Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia in the manufacturing and service sectors, including home decorations, foods, herbs, spas and tourism. - The Nation

Tank checks

The Energy Business Department is instructing cooking-gas traders and shops to urgently examine and maintain more than 8 million gas tanks which are five and 10 years old, saying that doing so will prepare the industry for the flotation of gas prices.

Speaking at a seminar yesterday, deputy director-general Ongart Phromjanyakul told operators in the liquefied-petroleum-as industry that such maintenance was crucial to increasing safety.

There are 5.6 million 10-year-old tanks, whose maintenance must be completed by the end of the year. The 2.7 million five-year-old tanks must be maintained by the end of next year.

"All these fixed tanks will be attached with certification labels from the department as well as authorised examiners," Ongart said.

The department earlier recalled unlabelled tanks and issued regulations to increase safety standards on gas transportation and storage.

He said that once the upcoming maintenance programme was complete, price flotation could take place. The government will decide on the timing later.

"I believe the government will adopt a managed-float system," he added.

The ex-depot price is controlled at US$315 (Bt10,710) per tonne, against the global price of more than $500.

"If the price were floated freely, it would be too much for consumers," said Ongart. - The Nation