http://www.biz-day.com/industries/ Business Day Industries Headlines en-us 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 BANGKOK, Dec 20 - Japanese automaker Honda plans to move its piston rod manufacturing base to Thailand next year, according to Tatsuhiro Oyama, President & CEO of Asian Honda Motor Co Ltd.'Mr. Oyama disclosed that the company will relocate its piston rod manufacturing base to the kingdom in mid-2007, with an investment of over Bt1.1 billion (US$30.8 million).'Honda's decision reflects their high confidence in the Thai economy and affirms that Thailand is a car manufacturing and exporting... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/19_dec_06/jbqhy-8/honda_move_piston_rod_manufacturing_base_thailand.htm BANGKOK, Dec 18 - Thailand's steel demand is expected to grow by 7-8 per cent to around 13-14 million tonnes next year following sluggishness this year, according to the Kasikorn Research Centre.'The leading think tank said the global steel market had fluctuated heavily in the past few years with product prices moving sharply up and down during 2004-2005 due to an imbalance in the demand and supply.'Additionally, heavy speculation and hoarding amid the volatility of prices had had an... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/18_dec_06/f3enc-j/thai_steel_demand_likely_resume_growth_next_year.htm Bangkok, Dec 15: Vehicle sales in Thailand fell by 9.9 percent in November year-on-year to 57,800 units due to sluggish consumer sentiment amid rising violence in the South, Toyota Motor Thailand said Friday. 'Despite falling oil prices, car sales also declined due to prolonged severe flooding, which affected nearly 60 per cent of the country's 76 provinces, Toyota said. 'Despite positive economic factors such as stable oil prices and low inflation, sales of vehicles fell in every segment... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/14_dec_06/d9w9i-w/floods_violence_hits_vehicle_sales.htm BANGKOK, Nov 25 - The Industry Ministry will coordinate an inter-agency exercise to draft a master plan for Thailand's knowledge-based industrial development. ' 'The blueprint should be ready by June 2007, which will allow for budget allocation to start in 2008. ' 'The plan was announced following a meeting on Friday chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister Kosit Panpiemras. ' 'The objectives of the master plan are to move Thai industry 'up the value chain', on the basis of... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/25_nov_06/djau3-x/government_speed_up_knowledge_based_master_plan.htm Bangkok, Nov 24: Mazda Motor Corp. is reportedly planning to invest more than 50 billion yen to setup a manufacturing plant in Thailand in collaboration with Ford Motor. 'The company might even setup a plant in the United States in the near future. The company is owned one third by the US automaker Ford and they might be interested in bringing their fuel-efficient Mazda models in the United States market. 'The report claimed that Mazda and Ford are aiming to begin production at their... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/23_nov_06/z93k5-w/mazda_plans_plants_thailand_n_america.htm Washington, Oct 26: U.S. researchers claim that two new laboratory breakthroughs have made it possible to dramatically improve how plastics are made, by assembling molecular chains faster and with less waste.'Using environmentally friendly substances as vitamin C or pure water, the two approaches present attractive alternatives to the common plastic manufacturing technique called free radical polymerization (FRP).'"The methods both present novel and complementary ways to dramatically... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/26_oct_06/zubad-6/vitamin_c_can_revolutionize_plastic_manufacturing.htm BANGKOK, Oct 9 - Industrial conditions in the first seven months of this year continued to expand satisfactorily, particularly in auto and electronics industries, according to the Industrial Economics Office.'Atchaka Sibunrueng Brimble, IEO's director-general, said frozen and processed shrimp producers are likely to export more in the second half of this year because key rivals such as China and Brazil, the world's major exporters of shrimps, had experienced natural disasters and... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/09_oct_06/fcn6f-t/industrial_conditions_continue_expand_first_seven.htm Bangkok, Sept 27: In the first eight months of this year, Thailand has exported 353886 vehicles an increase of 29.17% compared with the same period in 2005, industry sources said. 'A total of 796,552 vehicles were assembled locally between January and August this year, of which 442,666 units were sold on the domestic market, up 1.7 per cent year-on-year, said the Federation of Thai Industries' automotive club.'The exports segment of the vehicles market fared better. The 353,886 exported... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/27_sep_06/ik5fx-b/vehicle_exports_up_by_over_29.htm NIGERIA, Sept. 24 - PTTEP, the exploration arm of Thailand's national energy conglomerate PTT Plc., is almost set to bid for oil exploration licensing in Nigeria and may form a joint venture with other foreign oil firms, a senior PTTEP executive said. 'In what is billed as one of Nigeria's biggest bids for oil exploration licenses, PTTEP executive Pairoj Raengphonsamrit said the Thai company is studying terms of the bid and evaluating political risks in the African country. ' 'Pairoj is... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/23_sep_06/cvxa2-p/pttep_ponders_nigerian_oil_concession_bid.htm Hitachi group, a Japanese largest manufacturer of electronic and electric products, has planned to expand its investment into Asian countries, including China and Thailand, over the next couple of years, according to Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, pictured.'Speaking after leading a Thai economic team to meet and exchange views with Hitachi Company's executives here Monday, Dr Somkid revealed that the Hitachi group is preparing to expand its investment in... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/29_aug_06/eugm2-r/japanese_electronics_giant_extend_investment_thailand.htm PTT Chemical Plc, Thailand's second- largest petrochemical maker, will pay Bt3.75 billion ($99.5 million) for stakes in two polyethylene units held by its parent, PTT Plc.'PTT Chemical will pay 1.75 billion baht for 11.5 million shares in PTT Polyethylene and 2 billion baht for 85 million shares in Bangkok Polyethylene Plc, the company said Thursday in a statement to the Thai exchange. Ayudhya Securities Plc is advising on the deal. 'PTT Chemical, the largest olefins producer in Thailand with... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/24_aug_06/by8zz-8/ptt_announces_3_75bn_baht_purchase.htm Shares of Siam Steel Service Center Plc, a Thai steel-parts maker, rose and were heading to their highest close in more than two months after the company reported its largest profit in five quarters.'Its shares climbed 3 baht, or 12 percent, to 28.25 at 11:03am in Bangkok. They surged as much as 16 percent to 29.25 baht and have not closed at that level since May 29. Almost 324,000 shares changed hands, 11 times the daily average of the last three months.'Net income in the second quarter... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/15_aug_06/dp5ec-c/siam_steel_shares_rise_2_month_high.htm Delta Electronics Plc, a unit of the world's biggest maker of computer power systems and chargers, said second-quarter profit rose 20 percent.'Net income rose to 596.2 million baht ($16 million), or 0.48 baht a share, in the three months ended June, from 497.1 million baht, or 0.42 baht, a year earlier, the company said in a statement Tuesday to the Thai stock exchange.'Sales rose 1.7 percent to 10.9 billion baht from 10.7 billion baht. Cost of sales rose 1.4 percent to 8.78 billion baht. http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/15_aug_06/iw8hn-6/delta_electronics_q2_profit_rises_20.htm Hana Microelectronics Pcl, Thailand's largest listed assembler of memory chips, said second-quarter profit rose 30 percent as demand increased for its products.'Net income climbed to 573.4 million baht ($15 million), or 0.69 baht a share, in the quarter ended June, from 442.4 million baht, or 0.55 a share a year earlier, according to a company filing with the Thai stock exchange today. Sales rose 29 percent to 3.67 billion baht from 2.85 billion baht. Cost of sales rose to 2.92 billion baht... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/15_aug_06/cszea-6/hana_posts_30_profit_rise_q2.htm Thai Petrochemical Industry Plc, Thailand's biggest defaulter which was taken over by PTT Plc, said second-quarter profit surged on higher sales and wider margins, and gains in foreign-currency transactions.'Net income rose to 3.99 billion baht ($107 million), or 0.20 baht a share, from 139.98 million baht, or 0.02 baht, a year earlier, the company said today in a filing to the Thai stock exchange. Sales rose 25 percent to 57.7 billion baht.'Cost of sales rose 30 percent to 48.97 billion... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/13_aug_06/jm3ik-r/tpi_profit_surges_sales.htm Siam City Cement Plc, Thailand's second-biggest cement maker, said second-quarter profit fell 9.5 percent as rising energy prices increased production costs.'Net income fell to 1.03 billion baht ($27.5 million), or 4.36 baht a share, from 1.14 billion baht, or 4.82 baht, a year earlier, Bangkok-based Siam City Cement said in a filing to the stock exchange. Sales rose 2.1 percent to 5.89 billion baht, while cost of sales rose 10 percent to 4.02 billion baht.'Siam City Cement joined rival Siam... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/13_aug_06/isj4e-r/siam_city_cements_q2_profit_down.htm Shares of Bangsaphan Barmill Plc, a Thai steel-bar maker, rose and were set for their highest close in almost three months, on the company's biggest quarterly profit in more than a year and a planned dividend payment.'The shares rose 0.17 baht, or 13 percent, to 1.45 at the 12:30 pm break in Bangkok. They jumped as much as 18 percent to 1.51 baht, and have not closed that high since May 19. Almost 37 million shares changed hands, seven times the daily average of the past three months.'The... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/08_aug_06/jn3c8-x/bangsaphan_shares_rise_q2_profit.htm BUSINESS DAY'General Motors (Thailand) and Chevrolet Sales (Thailand) have donated four Chevrolet vehicles to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help provide reliable transportation for the organisation.'The Chevrolets will be used by the CDC in its efforts to reach isolated areas of Thailand and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.'William Botwick, president of GM Southeast Asia Operations and General Motors Thailand, recently presented Jordan Tappero, director... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/30_jul_06/iym7v-p/gm_gives_chevrolets_cdc.htm BUSINESS DAY'Many economic analysts are giving encouraging predictions for Central Pattana Plc (CPN), the largest retail operator in the country, due to both its long term growth potential and other positive factors from its future development projects.'Last week, CPN held the soft launch of the largest shopping complex in Thailand and South East Asia - Central World Shopping Centre, which for the first phase will increase its rental space from 147,000 square metres to 126,000 metres with a... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/23_jul_06/ikjw9-x/future_looks_bright_central_pattana.htm Thailand's national air carrier, Thai Airways International (THAI), will decide next week whether or not to increase fuel surcharges in the face of a steady rise in energy prices, a spokesman said. 'Wallop Bhukkanasut, THAI's Executive Vice President for Commercial Affairs, said the carrier is keeping a close watch on oil prices, as the continuous rise will likely impact its operations. It will be able to conclude by next week on the new fuel surcharge rates. 'Mr. Wallop said that increasing... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/20_jul_06/d35uq-i/thai_delays_airfare_fuel_surcharge_decision.htm The Board of Investment (BOI) has stepped up efforts to promote advance technology industries for medical treatment, chemical-free food and textiles, hoping in particular to attract investors from Switzerland and the United States into Thailand.'Permanent Secretary for Industry Chakramon Phasukavanich, pictured, who is a BOI member, said here on Wednesday that the agency would attempt to give foreign investors a proper understanding on the country's current economic fundamentals and political... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/13_jul_06/fcmsf-b/boi_focus_promoting_hi_technology_industries.htm Thailand's advertising expenditure in June rose 12 percent from a year earlier, as soccer's World Cup boosted spending by companies including Thai Beverage Plc, the country's biggest beer maker.'Advertising expenditure last month rose to 7.80 billion baht ($206 million) from 6.97 billion baht a year earlier, Nielsen Media Research said in an e-mailed statement last night. Spending growth was almost three times the rate in May, when it rose 4.2 percent to 7.65 billion baht.'The World Cup is... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/11_jul_06/gcf6h-j/ad_spending_rises_12.htm Motorists across Thailand will have sufficient supply of gasohol by the beginning of 2008, as the country plans to totally stop local consumption of premium and regular gasoline to reduce national reliance on imported oil amid the escalating world oil crisis.'A government committee in charge of developing and promoting the local production and consumption of bio-energy said on Sunday that the local production of ethanol, the main ingredient of gasohol, now stands at around 570,000 litres per... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/11_jul_06/cvjdc-2/sufficient_supply_of_gasohol_by_2006.htm PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) plans to start producing gas and condensate from its first gas project in Oman in October, four months later than planned, Energy Minister Viset Choopibal said on Wednesday.'PTTEP is expected to produce 50 million cubic feet (mcf) a day of gas and 4,000 barrels per day (bpd) of condensate, an ultra-light oil, from the Oman 44 block, the minister said in a statement after returning from a visit to the Middle East.'The output will increase to 100-120... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/06_jul_06/f9gv4-i/pttep_produce_oman_gas_october.htm Nearly a dozen famous Thai entertainment figures, including film makers, directors and stars, gathered Tuesday at Government House, urging the government to step up its crack down on pirated compact disks (CDs) and related products.'The group said that piracy is currently on the rise and seriously affecting their business as their intellectual property rights are being violated by unscrupulous manufacturers and vendors.'Their representatives said the suppression measures currently taken by... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/20_jun_06/hsjem-u/entertainers_call_piracy_crackdown.htm The number of European tourists visiting Thailand is projected to decline about 22 per cent during this year's World Cup football playoffs being held in Germany and the kingdom is expected to lose approximately Bt2 billion ($60 million) in tourism revenue, according to a report issued Saturday by the KASIKORN Research Center (KRC). 'The report said the number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand would decline during the World Cup, which began on June 9 and ends on July 9, as football fans... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/18_jun_06/cghdd-8/thailand_faces_potential_60m_loss_tourism.htm Indian Hotels Co, which runs the biggest chain of five-star hotels in India, is planning to set up properties in the southern island resort of Phuket.'The Mumbai-based company, which runs the Taj Group of hotels, is in advanced stages of buying land for a hotel in Phuket, Senior Vice President of Finance Anil Goel said today in an interview.'In addition to the investment in Phuket, Goel said, the company has also identified a site in Cape Town and is considering opportunities in Johannesburg... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/11_jun_06/cbnjx-6/indian_hotels_plans_property_phuket.htm International airlines will be invited to take part in a rehearsal on flight check-in procedures at Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi Airport in July, Airports of Thailand Ltd (AOT) announced here on Monday.'AOT President Chotisak Asapaviriya told journalists that all international airlines would be invited to take part in the rehearsal prior to the opening of the Suvarnabhumi Airport, pictured above, for commercial use.'Chotisak said that the progress on construction of Bangkok's new international... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/06_jun_06/jzpm4-v/airlines_take_part_check_rehearsal.htm Thailand's industrial production index in the first quarter of this year increased 8.2 per cent from the same quarter of last year and 2.7 per cent from the fourth quarter of the previous year, according to the Industrial Economics Office.'Atchaka Sibunrueng Brimble, the office's director-general, said on Monday that a recent survey made with 215 products of 53 industrial groups found the index rise was bolstered by a continued growth of the country's main industries, including electronic... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/30_may_06/cng27-4/production_index_rises_8_2_q1.htm Thailand, Southeast Asia's second-most popular travel destination, expects a 36 percent rise in tourism revenue this year on a new international airport and efforts to woo back Asian travelers.'Revenue in 2006 may rise to a record 490 billion baht ($12.7 billion) from about 360 billion baht in 2005, Juthamas Siriwan, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, pictured, told reporters in Bangkok today. Tourist arrivals will probably increase to 14.2 million from 12 million in 2005, she... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/25_may_06/zspev-t/tat_driving_up_tourist_numbers.htm MCOT Plc and China's State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Friday afternoon to establish a cooperation on production and exchange of media.'SARFT vice president Lei Yuanliang and MCOT president Mingkwan Sangsuwan signed the MOU at the Thai state media company's head office here.'Director-General Wang Bei of SARFT's Personal and Education Development and Rawat Chamchalerm, Chairman of MCOT's Board of Directors also witnessed the... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/21_may_06/dhf35-2/mcot_sarft_sign_media_agreement.htm Domestic gold prices are expected to stay above 13,000 baht per one-baht weight (15.16 gram) this year as global gold prices continue to edge up and may even reach US$700 per ounce, according to an industry executive.'Jitti Tangsitpakdi, President of the Gold Traders Association, said local gold prices had fluctuated heavily recently.'The gold prices on Thursday dropped slightly by 50 baht from 12,000 baht per one-baht weight on Wednesday. They moved up and down with great volatility four... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/04_may_06/hfuwu-e/gold_may_stay_above_13_000_baht_level.htm TPI Polene Plc,Thailand's third- largest cement maker, reported profit rose 48 percent in the first quarter, as it earned more from sales and delivery.'Net income in the three months to March 31 rose to 1.12 billion baht ($29.7 million), or 1.42 baht a share, from 758.7 million baht, or 0.96 baht a share a year earlier, the company reported in financial statements to the Thai exchange today. Total revenue rose 18 percent to 7.39 billion baht from 6.28 billion baht a year ago.'Cost of sales... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/20_apr_06/d9tez-i/tpi_polene_first_quarter_profit_rises.htm SHANGHAI - China said Tuesday it would permit Yale University, one the top United States Ivy League institutions, to invest in its securities markets under a special scheme especially designed for foreigners. 'Under the Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (QFII) plan, the university based in the state of Connecticut will be one of several foreign institutions allowed to invest in Chinese stocks. 'There are now a total of 40 foreign investors with the special license, including some of... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/18_apr_06/zik7d-7/yale_gets_green_light_invest_china.htm PTT Plc, Thailand's top energy firm, said on Friday it had raised planned spending on the group's phenol chemical project to $283.4 million from $200 million due to rising raw material and construction costs.'PTT's group would also invest jointly in a second power plant to serve growing demand from the industrial sector, it said in a statement.'The group, which included its 50-percent owned subsidiary PTT Chemical) and 49-percent owned affiliate Aromatics, planned to build a phenol plant with... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/09_apr_06/ecq2z-s/ptt_spends_more_chemical_project.htm Thai Union Frozen Products Plc, one of the world's largest producers of canned tuna in terms of market share, said Monday it has signed a syndicated loan agreement worth $100 million with eight international banks. 'Calyon, Paribas, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Bank of Nova Scotia, Rabobank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp and Sumitomo Trust & Banking are lead arrangers for the deal, while Bank of China is senior manager of the transaction. 'The loan will largely be used to refinance debt, the company... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/28_mar_06/ck73e-g/tuf_signs_100m_baht_syndicated_loan_deal_with_8_banks.htm The Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI) has granted investment promotional privileges to three major investment projects in the country worth 52 billion baht, saying the current political turmoil has not affected the investment.'BOI's Secretary General Sathit Sirirungkamanond said BOI agreed at its meeting here on Wednesday to grant the promotional privileges to the investment projects by Japan-based Honda Company for production of auto parts of Jazz, Civic and City for export, as well as ... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/23_mar_06/b5ved-k/investors_go_ahead_with_three_projects.htm Oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc said Friday its board of directors has approved a plan to invest $120 million in common shares and convertible debentures of Bangchak Petroleum Plc. The planned investment will bring PTT's holding in the refiner to around 30 percent from 7.6 percent currently. 'PTT has set the offer price for Bangchak shares and the conversion price of its debentures at THB14 each. 'The stake in Bangchak to be sold to PTT comprises new shares. 'The offer price is at the low... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/19_mar_06/hiy6q-u/ptt_invest_120m_bangchak.htm Japan's Asahi Kasei Corp said on Thursday it and Thailand's PTT Plc (PTT) plan to invest a combined 40-50 billion yen ($340-420 million) to set up two plants in Rayong province in eastern Thailand.' The Japanese chemical maker said its wholly owned subsidiary Asahi Kasei Chemicals and Thailand's top energy firm will co-produce acrylic nitrile and other acrylic resin-related materials through a joint venture.' Asahi Kasei said it aims to beef up its position in anticipation of higher demand in... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/23_feb_06/gifxv-v/asahi_ptt_plan_420m_plants.htm Banpu Plc, Thailand's largest coal miner, said on Thursday its 2005 net profit rose 53 percent as healthy demand for coal helped support prices.'Banpu, the world's seventh-largest coal exporter, said in a statement it made a net profit of 5.56 billion baht ($140 million), or 20.48 baht per share, up from 3.64 billion baht a year earlier.' The results were below a 5.8 billion baht profit forecast by 18 analysts polled by Reuters Estimates.'The 2005 profit was boosted by a 46 percent rise in... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/23_feb_06/z7vzs-z/demand_coal_ups_banpu_profit_53.htm Vehicle production in Thailand, Southeast Asia's largest manufacturing site for Toyota and Ford, rose 12 percent in January on higher exports of pickup trucks, a trade group said. 'Thailand-based assemblers produced 86,197 vehicles last month from 76,772 in the same month a year earlier, the Thai Automotive Club, which represents the country's carmakers, said today in an e-mailed statement. 'Automobiles built for export surged 43 percent to 37,269 units, or 43 percent of total production, it... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/23_feb_06/bpv7s-x/vehicle_output_rises_12_truck_exports.htm Banpu Pcl, Thailand's biggest coal miner, boosted its presence in China's mining and energy industries by acquiring control of four power plants from Alliant Energy Corp., an owner of utilities in the US Midwest. 'The $84 million purchase is part of a 'strategy to strengthen Banpu's business through geographical expansion into China,'' Chief Executive Chanin Vongkusolkit said in a statement. 'The target is to balance the coal and power investment in Thailand, Indonesia and China by the... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/12_feb_06/fgm5u-2/banpu_boosts_china_business.htm Aromatics (Thailand) Plc, 49.99 percent owned by state oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc, said Friday it will co-invest $1.07 billion in aromatics and reforming facilities with wholly-owned PTT unit Rayong Refinery Plc.'Aromatics Thailand will invest around $551 million in an aromatics complex, while Rayong Refinery will invest about $387 million in a reforming complex, and another $135 million in an upgrading complex to enhance the value of byproducts derived from the reforming complex, the... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/12_feb_06/bumw8-j/aromatics_thailand_rayong_refinery_co_invest_1_07b.htm Toyota Motor Corp, the world's second-largest carmaker, said its exports from Thailand tripled last year because of increasing sales of diesel-powered pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles. 'Toyota exported 151,868 trucks, passenger cars and other vehicles from Thailand last year, compared with 52,682 in 2004, the Toyota City, Japan-based company said. Export value tripled to 116.5 billion baht ($2.93 billion) in 2005, Toyota said. Thailand, Southeast Asia's biggest market and production... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/09_feb_06/bswsv-3/toyota_exports_thailand_triples.htm LONDON Jan. 31 (Bloomberg) -- Arcelor SA, the world's second- largest steelmaker, said it may seek an alliance with an Asian company to thwart a hostile 18.6 billion-euro ($22.5 billion) takeover bid by Mittal Steel Co.'We will take legal action and may consider an alliance or some kind of cooperation,'' Arcelor Chief Financial Officer Gonzalo Urquijo said in a press conference in Madrid today without naming any possible partners. Chief Executive Guy Dolle said yesterday he plans to meet... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/02_feb_06/bwh33-x/arcelor_seeks_ally_thwart_mittal.htm PTT Exploration and Production PCL (PTTE.BK: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Wednesday the Thai cabinet has approved the awarding of offshore exploration rights for two blocks in the Gulf of Thailand. 'The decision, reached at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, gave the company rights to explore Block G9/48 and Block G12/48 off the coast of Songkhla province, PTTEP said in a statement.'The two blocks have a combined area of 874 sq km (337.5 sq miles), with the first adjacent to the Arthit field... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/26_jan_06/bkqq6-2/cabinet_grants_exploration_rights_pttep.htm SYDNEY - New South Wales miner Excel Coal said on Wednesday demand for export thermal coal would stay strong, with pricing likely to remain around what it said were prevailing rates around $44 per tonne. 'Still, Excel said contract prices for the next year had yet to be settled with major customers, and predicted that prices for weaker grades of coking coal would decline. 'Analysts have predicted Japanese power firms would pay less for their thermal coal this year after Kansai Electric Power... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/26_jan_06/dm72m-x/excel_sees_thermal_coal_prices_firm.htm G Steel PLC, Thailand's second largest hot-rolled steel coils maker, plans to raise up to 2.55 billion baht ($64 million) in an initial public offering next week to finance expansion, a company official said on Wednesday.'G-Steel would sell 1.5 billion IPO shares in an indicative price range of 1.55-1.70 baht each, the official, who declined to be named, said. 'The final price would be decided by next week through a book building process, the official said. 'Supscription would open on... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/12_jan_06/ehnnb-e/g_steel_plans_64m_ipo.htm Siam Cement Plc, Thailand's biggest cement and petrochemical maker, said yesterday it would invest 6.6 billion baht ($161 million) to boost its production of printing and writing paper by about half in the next two years. 'The investment would increase its Khon Kaen plant's production capacity for paper used in printing magazines and textbooks by 160,000 metric tons, Siam Cement President Chumpol NaLamlieng said in a statement to the stock exchange in Bangkok. The expanded facility is expected... http://www.biz-day.com/read/industries/22_dec_05/dn77z-4/siam_cement_invest_6_6bn_baht.htm