http://www.biz-day.com/ Business Day Headlines en-us The January edition of UK-based international current affairs magazine the Economist has been banned in Thailand, amids local indignation over its reporting of the royal Thai family. 'The Economist's Thai distributor stopped Friday's issue of The Economist - which carries an article concerning an Australian writer who was arrested for defaming the Thai monarchy. 'In Decmber 2008 another edition was banned because of an article questioning the Thai monarch's role in public life.... http://www.biz-day.com/read/general_news/27_jan_09/ck6tm-e/economist_magazine_banned_kingdom_of_thailand.htm When you buy your Acer laptop - or turn it in for repair - think twice about revealing your telephone number when asked. 'Doing so may have you disturbed several times, during your working day, by SMSs arriving to your mobile phone. "Acer Hot Item", "Hot Promotions" etc. kindly informing you about the latest offer. Maybe you want to buy one more laptop?'If not, the idea of signing off from the spam list may occur to you. This may take considerable time for the unprepared, me it took at... http://www.biz-day.com/read/consumer_products/31_oct_07/fss7h-4/hard_stop_spam_certain_thai_companies.htm BANGKOK, Oct 29 -- Despite a decline in the export value of Thai-produced yarns last year due to the strong baht against the US dollar, Thai yarns remain competitive in the world market , including in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a senior Commerce Ministry official said on Monday. 'Trade Negotiations Department director-general Chutima Bunyapraphasara said both Thai artificial and cotton yarns are competitive in the world market and have captured a greater market... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/29_oct_07/iuge8-d/thai_yarn_still_competitive_global_market.htm PATTAYA, Oct 28 - The demand for natural gas vehicles (NGVs) in Thailand is expected to rise in response to rising oil prices, and in anticipation some fuel refiners have already started to up their production output to cope with the coming demand. 'Led by Metta Banturngsuk, director-general of the Energy Business Department, Thai government Energy Ministry officials on Sunday inspected a large automobile garage and service centre in this eastern resort which also offers a specialised... http://www.biz-day.com/read/shipping_logistics_and_transportation/29_oct_07/e5sni-2/ngv_producers_boost_output_meet_demand.htm BANGKOK, Oct 26 -- The Thai government is still awaiting a reply from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) on its request for loans to finance construction of two new electric train lines designed for easing traffic congestion here, said Finance Minister Chalongphob Sussangkarn on Friday.'Mr. Chalongphob said it is likely that the government would find lending sources in the country to finance the construction of the red route of the electric train lines from Taling Chan to... http://www.biz-day.com/read/bank_and_finance/26_oct_07/zb3kp-c/thailand_awaits_reply_jbic_loan_request.htm BANGKOK, Oct 25 - The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) composite index on Thursday surged 3.17 per cent thanks to speculative buys in energy stocks as investors believed global oil prices would reach US$100 a barrel, dealers said.'The SET index closed at 893.45 points, up 27.42 points from Wednesday, with a turnover of more than Bt22 billion.'A dealer at Sicco Securities said investors bought energy shares after finding that the mid-December contract was struck at US$100 a barrel and it... http://www.biz-day.com/read/stocks/25_oct_07/f3wi6-k/thai_shares_surge_3_17_energy_stock_purchases.htm BANGKOK, Oct 25 - The state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Nam Thuen-Hinboun Power Co of Laos to buy more electricity from the land-locked country at Bt1.82 per unit.'The MoU was signed by Kraisri Karnasutra, governor of EGAT, and Viraphonh Viravong, director-general of Laos' Department of Energy Promotion and Development.'Under the agreement, production at the plant will be doubled to 440 MW from the... http://www.biz-day.com/read/energy/25_oct_07/z78gs-c/thailand_signs_mou_buy_more_electricity_laos.htm BANGKOK, Oct 23 - The Thai government as well as the business community should borrow more US dollars from overseas while the American currency is softening, Thailand's Deputy Finance Minister Sommai Phasee said Tuesday.' 'At a time when some governments and businesses are divesting their dollar holdings, Mr. Sommai's recommendations provide food for thought. 'Borrowing greenbacks could also help in refinancing debts, according to the deputy finance minister, adding that Thailand still... http://www.biz-day.com/read/bank_and_finance/23_oct_07/fc879-y/thailand_should_borrow_soft_us_dollars_abroad_says.htm BANGKOK, Oct 23 - Concerned over the possible rejection of four Ministry of Finance-sponsored financial and economic bills by whatever new government is formed after the December general election, Deputy Finance Minister Sommai Phasee said on Tuesday that the ministry should quickly submit them for early consideration by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA).'He said the four bills should be passed to the NLA for its members consideration and approval as soon as possible because Assembly... http://www.biz-day.com/read/bank_and_finance/23_oct_07/h546s-3/finance_ministry_asked_quickly_submit_financial_bills.htm BANGKOK, Oct 21 - The impact of high oil prices in the world market plus several other factors will play a significant role in the movement of the Thai currency, the baht, and the Bangkok stock market this week, according to a report issued by the Kasikorn Research Center.'The report said the baht -- which closed at around Bt34.15-34.18 against the dollar late Friday on the onshore market -- is projected to move within a 15 satang range at Bt34.05-34.20 against the greenback this... http://www.biz-day.com/read/energy/22_oct_07/f4auw-m/rising_world_oil_prices_pivotal_thai_baht_stocks_this.htm BANGKOK, Oct 14 - Thailand's currency, the baht, is expected to remain strong against the US dollar this week, according to a report issued by Kasikorn Research Center. 'On Friday, the baht closed at Bt34.12-34.17 against the dollar on the onshore market compared to Bt34.14-34.18 on Thursday.'The report said the baht is projected to remain strong and move within Bt34.10-34.20 against the dollar this week, on the back of factors including the selling of dollars by exporters, foreign capital... http://www.biz-day.com/read/bank_and_finance/14_oct_07/cxu54-h/thai_baht_remain_strong_against_dollar_this_week.htm BANGKOK, Oct 14 - Almost three-fourths of respondents in a new public opinion poll believe that attempts by the interim government to eradicate vote-buying in the upcoming general election would be unsuccessful.'In a survey conducted by Rajabhat Suan Dusit University of 4,213 eligible voters in 24 provinces nationwide, some 73 per cent of the total said they were not confident that the problem of vote-buying could be solved although the practice had been declared by the government as a... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/14_oct_07/h7fic-9/poll_suggests_that_vote_buying_will_continue.htm BANGKOK, Oct 13 - Thailand's strengthening baht has forced natural rubber importing countries to switch to purchasing from Indonesian suppliers instead, causing a slump in Thai rubber exports this year compared to 2006, according to a report issued by the Kasikorn Research Center.' 'The stronger baht is bad news for Thai rubber producers and exporters, the report said, and worse yet, the leading think tank sees Indonesia overtaking Thailand as the world's leading producer and exporter of... http://www.biz-day.com/read/trade/14_oct_07/jgycm-7/baht_rise_forces_rubber_importers_buy_indonesia.htm BANGKOK, Oct 10 - The Bank of Thailand's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) acted on Wednesday to leave its benchmark policy rate unchanged at 3.25 per cent as widely anticipated by the market.'Bank of Thailand assistant governor Suchada Kirakul said in a statement that the MPC meeting decided to keep the 1-day repurchase rate at 3.25 per cent after recent economic data showed signs of improvement in domestic demand, both consumption and investment. '"Exports continued to expand well... http://www.biz-day.com/read/bank_and_finance/10_oct_07/byg9g-d/thai_central_bank_keeps_lid_policy_interest_rate.htm BANGKOK, Oct 7 - Commerce Ministry officials will inspect vegetable prices at markets, and vendors have been urged not to raise prices during the annual vegetarian festival, which begins Wednesday and extends through October 20, a senior ministry official said today.'Director-General Yanyong Phuangrach of the Internal Trade Department said the ministry was concerned that vegetable prices might increase as a number of provinces have been affected by floods and consumers would be in trouble... http://www.biz-day.com/read/agro_and_food/08_oct_07/esx3u-t/vendors_urged_not_hike_prices_during_vegetarian_fest.htm BANGKOK, Oct 7 - Investors on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) will this week await the outcome of a meeting of the Bank of Thailand's (BoT) Monetary Policy Committee on local interest rate, third quarter earnings projections of commercial banks and the new consumer confidence index before entering the market, according to a report issued by the respected Kasikorn Research Center think tank. 'The Monetary Policy Committee will confer regarding the interest rate on Wednesday while the... http://www.biz-day.com/read/stocks/08_oct_07/b7d9w-t/stock_players_await_3q_bank_earnings_interest_rate.htm BANGKOK, Oct 4 - Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um on Thursday revealed he would seek Cabinet approval for a master plan on the logistic system network development within two weeks after the Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning Office reached a conclusion on investment figures. 'Delivering a keynote speech at a seminar on "Logistics Asia 2007: Go Regional," held by the Thai Chamber of Commerce, he reiterated Thailand needs to complete the development of logistics in each... http://www.biz-day.com/read/shipping_logistics_and_transportation/05_oct_07/c8xzq-2/logistics_system_master_plan_go_before_cabinet.htm BANGKOK, Oct 3 - Energy Minister Piyasvasti Amranand on Wednesday played down public concerns over the floatation of cooking gas prices in mid-December, saying it would not adversely affect their expenses because the ministry planned to reduce its contribution to the State Oil Fund by 0.50 baht per litre.'Speaking after joining a function to mark the 5th anniversary of the ministry's foundation, he said that cooking gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices would be floated as planned by... http://www.biz-day.com/read/energy/03_oct_07/f4gzj-x/energy_minister_downplays_concern_over_floatation_of.htm BANGKOK, Oct 1 ' The SME confidence index increased in August since the political and economic situation has improved, according to the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Promotion Office.'Chitraporn Taechacharn, the office's director general, said the index rose to 43.8 from 41.8 in July with all categories ranging from the wholesale, retail, and service sectors edging up to 43.7, 41.9, and 45.8 from 41.4, 41.7, 42.1, respectively.'The SME confidence indexes on the country's... http://www.biz-day.com/read/economy/01_oct_07/dx8hk-b/sme_confidence_index_edges_up_august.htm BANGKOK, Sept 30 - Residents near Suvarnabhumi international airport and affected by the noise problem caused by aircraft landings and take-offs are monitoring closely on the progress of resolving the problem under the leadership by a tripartite committee formed earlier in September. 'Aid residents' leader Wanchart Manathammasombat said residents living near the airport, located in Bangkok's neighboring province of Samut Prakan, would watch the outcomes of the next few meetings between the... http://www.biz-day.com/read/general_news/30_sep_07/znen4-k/airport_residents_boost_pressure_if_noise_problem.htm NEW YORK, Sept 29 - Stressing that Thailand will hold a general election December 23, Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont said that many national leaders, including the countries of the European Union (EU), now better understand that Thailand is moving toward the democratic system through the process of democratic participation in elections.'Speaking during his recorded weekly television programme while attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York and broadcast in Thailand... http://www.biz-day.com/read/general_news/30_sep_07/zfz6z-y/pm_international_community_understands_thailand_moving.htm BANGKOK, Sept 29 - More farmers in Thailand's Northern and Northeastern regions have now switched to growing glutinous 'sticky' rice following a higher demand from China, which has automatically pushed up its prices, a senior Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry official said. 'Monthol Jeamcharoen, deputy secretary-general of Office of Agricultural Economics, said the market price of high quality glutinous rice rose by more than 3,000 baht per tonne to a new record high of Bt10,715 per... http://www.biz-day.com/read/agro_and_food/30_sep_07/gw92r-z/more_thai_farmers_growing_glutinous_rice.htm BANGKOK, Sept 30 - Investors in the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) await listed bank earnings projections for the third quarter, a decision by the Bank of Thailand (BoT) on interest rate, consumer price index (CPI) figures for September and several key US economic data reports before entering the market this week, while at the same time Thailand's baht is expected to move within a narrow range, according to a report issued by Kasikorn Research Center. ' 'The SET composite index on Friday... http://www.biz-day.com/read/stocks/30_sep_07/bh2n2-e/set_awaits_earnings_projections_baht_moving_narrowly.htm At the Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders No.1/2007 of'Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) Public Company Limited (SCBT),the meeting'approved the voluntary delisting of its securities from the Stock Exchange of'Thailand (SET).At present,Standard Chartered Bank has made an offer for all'SCBT's securities consisting of common share at THB 22 per share. This offer'stands for 45 business days,being from July 25, 2007 through September 27,2007.' The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)... http://www.biz-day.com/read/stocks/23_sep_07/e6i2a-i/september_27_2007_closing_date_of_tender_offer_scbts.htm The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), Language@Click Language School,'The Nation newspaper, and SCG Paper Co., Ltd. are co-hosting the "ELLIS'Championship 2007" competition with prizes worth over THB 300,000 and'a trophy granted by H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.'The "ELLIS Championship 2007" is an opportunity for college students to'demonstrate their English-language skills. It also complements an existing'project in which SET gave 2,000 copies of ELLIS English-learning... http://www.biz-day.com/read/stocks/23_sep_07/iqp8i-4/thai_bourse_host_english_language_competition_students.htm BANGKOK, Sept 22 - Citing that many countries have already implemented savings protection to depositors, a senior Bank of Thailand (BoT) official said the central bank believes the Deposit Protection Act will benefit depositors and financial institutions alike. ' 'Only a small proportion of depositors -- very large-scale players -- will be denied full coverage under the act. In Thailand only 10,000 depositors have over Bt50 million in a single savings account. 'BoT assistant governor... http://www.biz-day.com/read/bank_and_finance/23_sep_07/d8e8c-f/bot_affirms_deposit_protection_law_good_depositors.htm BANGKOK, Sept 22 - Sales of jewellery and ornamental products in Thailand declined by half while their exports rose only 10 per cent from last year's, a senior official said Saturday.' 'Pornchai Chuenchomlada, president of the Jewellery Traders' Association, said current political turbulence in Thailand had forced foreign tourists to shun the kingdom, causing sales of jewellery and ornamental products which normally stood between Bt30-40 billion annually, to drop by as much as 50 per... http://www.biz-day.com/read/economy/23_sep_07/grvm9-7/local_sales_exports_of_thai_jewellery_tumble_this_year.htm BANGKOK, Sept 23 - Thai Airways International Public Co., Ltd. (THAI), the country's flag carrier, opposes the idea of reinstating Bangkok's former Don Muang airport --now serving airliners for domestic routes -- as another international airport to ease traffic congestion at Suvarnabhumi international airport. 'THAI president Apinan Sumanaserani said Suvarnabhumi international airport -- which celebrates its first anniversary of commercial opening September 29 -- is busy during heavy... http://www.biz-day.com/read/shipping_logistics_and_transportation/23_sep_07/hnfug-j/thai_opposes_don_muang_international_airport.htm BANGKOK, Sept 23 - Although retail oil prices in Thailand increased by 40 satang per litre yesterday, retail prices may rise again if global oil prices do not fall, according to a senior executive at Bang Chak Petroleum Co. Ltd.'Bang Chak senior director Yodphot Wongrakmit said oil traders are still suffering losses because the slight increase in retail oil prices in Thailand did not correspond to the jump in global oil prices. 'There are signs that domestic retail oil prices may have to... http://www.biz-day.com/read/energy/23_sep_07/jr3df-p/retail_oil_prices_thailand_may_continue_rising.htm KUALA TERENGGANU (Terengganu), Sept 22 -- Petronas has sent its emergency response team to contain an oil spill, about 1.2km from Kertih Port, east coast state of Terengganu. 'The leak occurred at the floating hose of a single buoy mooring chamber when an oil tanker is being loaded late Thursday night. '"The leak happened when an oil product known as "low sulphur waxy residue" is being piped from Petronas' Kertih refinery to the oil tanker via Kertih Port using the single buoy mooring... http://www.biz-day.com/read/0/21_sep_07/g23bk-d/oil_leak_at_kertih_port_terengganu.htm BANGKOK, Sept 21 - Thailand's exports amounting to nearly US$14 billion last month, hit a record high with aEn 18 per cent rise over the same period last year while a total of about US$ 97 billion was earned from exports during the last eight months this year, according to Commerce Minister Krirkkrai Jirapaet.'Such positive trade values had occurred in spite of the stronger baht currency and exporters' complaints of difficulties in dealing with world export markets, the commerce minister... http://www.biz-day.com/read/energy/21_sep_07/h3r4h-j/exports_hit_record_high_of_us_14_billion_august.htm BANGKOK, Sept 18 - Energy Minister Piyasvasti Amranand on Tuesday said the ministry is ready to transfer funds to the Ministry of Transport to finance construction of the country's mass transit rail system early next year.'He said the funds would be divided fairly to subsidise the building of the dual-rail system, the electric subway and the elevated train system, and other transport systems at present and in the future.'For instance, as a mass transit system is built in the Bangkok... http://www.biz-day.com/read/energy/20_sep_07/g7apw-v/energy_ministry_ready_fund_mass_transit_system.htm BANGKOK, Sept 19 - Thai Commerce Minister Krirkkrai Jirapaet on Tuesday expressed confidence that Thailand's exports of gems and jewellery would grow at least 10 per cent this year.'Speaking after presiding over the 40th Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair being held in Muang Thong Thani September 18-22, he said that the organisation of the fair helped boost the recognition and sales performance of Thailand's precious stones and jewellery in international markets.'Last year, the country's... http://www.biz-day.com/read/economy/20_sep_07/f6pc6-s/commerce_minister_upbeat_over_gems_jewellery_exports.htm BANGKOK, Sept 18 (Reuters) - Thailand's benchmark stock'index (.SETI: Quote, Profile, Research) was up 0.24 points, or 0.03 percent, at 802.89'points in thin turnover of 7.52 billion baht ($219.5 million)'at 0735 GMT on Tuesday.' Stocks on the move included:' - SMC Motors (SMC.BK: Quote, Profile, Research), a distributor of Volvo and Mazda'cars in Thailand, jumped 9.2 percent to more than a two-month'high of 1.79 baht after the firm said it expected to conclude'its private placement... http://www.biz-day.com/read/stocks/20_sep_07/dgeib-k/banks_holding_out_well_against_fluctuations.htm The Mid-Eastern Quartet (Russia, the U.S., EU, and UN) has just held a high-level meeting in Berlin. Although many experts had called it useless before it took place, its final news conference produces a number of interesting statements.'The main point is that Arab countries will now be involved in the Quartet's efforts. The forum's host, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, said the situation had changed, and "we are finding Arab partners in Mid-Eastern settlement." He added... http://www.biz-day.com/read/bric/02_mar_07/e5wd9-8/quartet_needs_arab_help.htm Bangkok, March 1 - Thailand's military-appointed government prevented the launch of a new television station by former members of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's party, saying it was about to break the law. 'State telecoms firms blocked satellite links and Internet connections of People's Television (PTV) because it had not been granted a licence to broadcast, Public Relations Department chief Pramoj Rathavinij told Reuters. '"Both CAT Telecom and TOT, which control Thailand's... http://www.biz-day.com/read/telecom_and_technology/01_mar_07/dycev-7/thailand_bans_ousted_pms_satellite_television.htm Bangkok, March 1 - Thai Finance Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula announced his resignation Feb. 28, effective March 1. Pridiyathorn had disagreed with various Cabinet ministers and disapproved of the appointment earlier in the month of Somkid Jatusripitak, former deputy to Thailand's deposed prime minister, as an economic adviser, though Somkid resigned after a week on the job. No replacement has yet been named for Pridiyathorn. 'The government, apparently caught off guard by the resignation,... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/01_mar_07/d9uqc-e/finance_minister_resigns.htm BANGKOK, Feb 17 - Thailand's Energy Ministry will put more effort into encouraging more communities to manufacture bio-diesel after discovering that only one-third of the country's used cooking oil is collected and recycled for use in making bio-diesel for local consumption.'Energy Minister Piyasvasti Amaranand said it is his ministry's policy to encourage each locality to produce bio-diesel from used vegetable oil, after it was found that only 25 million litres of 74 million litres of... http://www.biz-day.com/read/energy/17_feb_07/iwa37-4/energy_ministry_encourages_local_bio_diesel_production.htm BANGKOK, Feb 12 - Thailand and Oman will cooperate in exploring for natural gas and oil fields in third countries, with Myanmar being the first target, Thai Energy Minister Piyasvasti Amranand said Monday.'The plan is a follow-up step following PTT Exploration and Production's (PTTEP) commencement in producing natural gas and condensate from Oman's Shams field last week.'PTTEP is the first Thai company to produce petroleum in the oil-rich Middle East country.'After the successful... http://www.biz-day.com/read/energy/11_feb_07/ea2eq-f/thailand_oman_seek_natural_gas_oil_myanmar.htm Bangkok Feb. 11: Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has flown into Australia on a private visit. 'The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the deposed Thai leader was in Australia but said it had no knowledge of his schedule. 'Thaksin's private jet flew into Melbourne Thursday night. 'He was deposed in a military coup in September while he was on a visit to the United States and has yet to return to Thailand, where the current government accuses him of corruption and he... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/10_feb_07/zwqd4-r/thailands_thaksin_jets_australia.htm Bangkok Feb. 11: Austria's Sybille Bammer saved three match points to beat Argentine Gisela Dulko 7-5 3-6 7-5 at the Pattaya Women's Open on Sunday for her first WTA title. 'Sixth-seeded Dulko had a chance to win the match but began to unravel and committed a series of unforced errors in the deciding set, which opened the door for the unseeded Bammer to close out the final. '"Its great. I'm very happy to win my first title," int.iol.co.za quoted the 61st-ranked Bammer, as saying. "Its one... http://www.biz-day.com/read/sport/10_feb_07/jez2c-b/austrian_bammer_wins_pattaya_womens_open.htm Bangkok Feb. 11: Mobile Content Networks, Inc. (MCN), a leading provider of mobile search solutions, today announced it was chosen as the real-time mobile search solution platform for Total Access Communications Plc (DTAC), one of Thailand's largest mobile phone operators with over twelve million subscribers. The solution, built in partnership with DTAC in four weeks, represents the next generation of mobile search where the content providers are queried in real-time with MCN's MobileSearch.net... http://www.biz-day.com/read/telecom_and_technology/10_feb_07/ghhp7-h/mcn_selected_dtac_thailand_search_platform.htm Bangkok Feb. 11: Several international millionaires gathered at a Bangkok restaurant to enjoy exquisite fine dining, with a meal priced at nearly $25,000 per diner. 'The big spenders ate a multi-course meal prepared by six international three-star Michelin chefs at an event called "Epicurean Masters of the World," Sky News reported. 'The meal from Beluga caviar to Dom Perignon sorbet also featured $195,000 worth of wine. 'Celebrated Paris chef Alain Soliveres called the event... http://www.biz-day.com/read/leisure/10_feb_07/c4h58-m/worlds_wealthy_meet_25_000_head_dinner_thailand.htm BANGKOK, Feb 9 - A Thai government publicity centre named Rakmuangthai -- We Love Thailand -- has been established to keep the public promptly and accurately informed of government affairs and its'handling of varied situations and crises.'Government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp said the Rakmuangthai centre will launch a proactive publicity campaign and invite citizens networks and popular organisations from all regions of the country to'contribute to the distributing of accurate, updated... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/09_feb_07/fjjit-j/thai_government_launches_publicity_centre.htm BANGKOK, Feb 9 - City residents are expected to spend some Bt1 billion in this year's Valentine's Day with a range of businesses set to benefit from the celebration of love, according to the Kasikorn'Research Centre.'The leading think tank surveyed anticipated spending behaviour for this year's Valentine's Day, from February 1-5 with a random sample of youth, students, and young adults who just have started their life'careers from age 13 to 25 years.'Kasikorn projected that the amount... http://www.biz-day.com/read/general_news/09_feb_07/jfghj-e/bt1bn_spending_expected_valentines_day_krc.htm Bangkok, Feb 8: Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said Thursday that the troubled region of southern Thailand could become a breeding ground for Islamic terrorists and other extremists. 'Syed Hamid Albar said terrorist groups could seek to build bases in Thailand's restive south, where more than 2,000 people have died since the insurgency flared up in January 2004. 'He did not name the groups but analysts have said that operatives of the al-Qaida-linked Jemaah Islamiyah could... http://www.biz-day.com/read/general_news/08_feb_07/gsrs2-6/malaysia_says_troubled_southern_thailand_could_breed.htm Bangkok, Feb 8: Unseeded Nicole Pratt of Australia upset second-seeded Maria Kirilenko of Russia 7-6 (1), 2-6, 7-5 Tuesday at the Pattaya Women's Open.'Bartoli defeated Spaniard Nuria Llagostera Vives 6-3, 6-4. Kirilenko lost to Australian Nicole Pratt 7-6 (7-1), 2-6, 7-5 in 2 1/2 hours. 'In another upset, Austrian Sybille Bammer defeated seventh-seeded Russian Vasilisa Bardina 6-1, 6-4. 'In other action involving seeds, No. 6 Argentine Gisela Dulko beat Chinese Tiantian Sun 6-4, 6-1... http://www.biz-day.com/read/sport/08_feb_07/imesu-p/bartoli_wins_kirilenko_upset_thailand.htm BANGKOK, Feb 7 - The Thai Airfreight Forwarders Association (TAFA) will submit a list of airfreight problems found at Suvarnabhumi Airport to the government for short- and long-term solutions, TAFA'chairman Kovit Thanyarattakul said here Tuesday.'Mr. Kovit said since the moving of Bangkok's international airport from Don Muang to Suvarnabhumi in September, the airfreight forwarders as well as importers and exporters had faced 50 per cent higher'costs.'The higher overhead came from... http://www.biz-day.com/read/shipping_logistics_and_transportation/06_feb_07/bkecc-9/suvarnabhumi_airfreight_complaints_go_government.htm JAKARTA, Feb 7 (Reuters) - The U.S. embassy warned its'citizens in Indonesia on Wednesday that the country's wild and'stray cats may carry the deadly bird flu virus and should be'avoided and that care needed to be taken with pet cats.'Most known cases of humans getting the H5N1 virus have'involved contact with chickens or other infected birds. But'last month experts called for closer monitoring of other'animals after Indonesian scientists found it in cats near'poultry markets.'"There... http://www.biz-day.com/read/bric/06_feb_07/ix8k8-2/bird_flu_cats_us_warns_citizens_indonesia_threat_cats.htm Hongkong Feb 6: More than one third of sexual harassment victims in Hong Kong offices are men but most are too embarrassed to report their ordeals. 'A survey by the territory's Civic Party and Equal Opportunities Commission today found that 45% of office workers interviewed believed that sexual harassment took place in their office at least occasionally. 'In a study of 423 workers, nearly one in four employees said they had suffered sexual harassment themselves and of those, more than one... http://www.biz-day.com/read/general_news/06_feb_07/gyb7j-2/one_third_of_sexual_harassment_victims_hong_kong.htm