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Government Lottery Office director-general Wanchai Surakul will tender his resignation today, effective immediately.

Yesterday, he said he would definitely leave despite calls to stay on. He declined to comment on reported conflicts with Finance Ministry permanent secretary Sathit Limpongpan.

Mahatun Plaza site

Beverage tycoon Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi has expressed interest in leasing 10 rai of land owned by the Sawatayanont family.

The land includes the site of Mahatun Plaza on Ploenchit Road.

Mahatun Plaza general manager Koravit Sawatayanont on Wednesday said talks were under way. If a deal is reached, Charoen plans to develop a large project at the location.

Royal Orchid deals

Thai Airways International recently introduced special redemption promotions for its Royal Orchid Plus members on domestic and international routes.

Pandit Chanapai, executive vice president for commercial affairs, said yesterday that THAI always places the highest priority on offering special deals to Royal Orchid Plus members.

The latest one is called the "Redeem One, Get One Free Promotion".

Members may redeem one ticket and get one free on all air travel on return domestic and international flights, in any class of travel.

More eats at Paragon

Siam Paragon is spending more than Bt15 million to promote its new dining destination - The Cocoon: Cafe Cool Zone - to teenagers, office workers, families and tourists.

CEO Chadatip Chutrakul said yesterday that company research showed the shopping mall's visitors wanted a wider variety of food and refreshment opportunities.

Paragon's ground floor now serves up to 80,000 customers a day.

Expressway project

The Expressway Authority of Thailand's new governor, Thaweesin Rakkatanyu, will press ahead with the 16-kilometre, second-stage Expressway project connecting to the Western Outer Ring Road.

Thaweesin will ask for approval for the Bt18-billion project from the agency's board within three months, so that bidding can start about the middle of next year.

The authority will also raise commercial revenue to achieve its target of at least Bt2 billion in operating profit per year, he said.

Shrimp pledging

The Farmers Assistance Committee yesterday approved a request by the Public Warehouse Organisation to launch a pledging programme for up to 10,000 tonnes of shrimp.

Internal Trade Department director-general Yangyong Phuangrach said working capital of Bt1.4 billion and other expenses of Bt190 million would be used to shore up the price of white shrimp.

Seagate lands 2009 factory safety award

Seagate Technology (Thailand) received Thailand's National Outstanding Safety Factory Award for 2009 from the Social Welfare and Labour Protection Department, for the sixth straight year.

Sirirat Euaypadung, manager of the Teparuk plant, said yesterday the award "reflects the commitment and achievement of all employees".

 

Bt60m Coke push

Coca-Cola (Thailand) has launched a Bt60-million marketing campaign with the theme "Coca-Cola enhances mealtime moments". "Coca-Cola goes exceptionally well with food from around the world, especially hot and spicy Thai food," said marketing director Chanisa Kaewruen.

     The campaign will also provide more Coke drinking opportunities for local consumers, he said.  "Our activities will involve food shops, big and small, including those 'cooked-to-order' and street-side stalls," she said.

 

Sales goal retained

KA Power is keeping its sales target for imported laminate flooring and accessories at Bt100 million this year, even though its first-quarter sales soared by an impressive 20-25 per cent.

Managing director Kitti Apichonbancha said yesterday that although the country's economy had slumped following the global recession, demand for laminate floors had continued to grow, especially from the upper-income market. - The Nation