briefs

The cellular network of Advanced Info Service (AIS) in the upper Central region, including Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lop Buri and Saraburi, has resumed full operation after it was affected by power cuts in flooded areas. The water level has receded and the power supply returned.
AIS chief executive officer Wichian Mektrakarn said that switching centres in the flooded areas of Rangsit, Chaeng Watthana and Thawee Watthana were still safe and in operation.

NBTC boss sought
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission will accept applications for its secretary-general from November 18 to 24. Application forms are available at the NBTC office and can also be downloaded at www.nbtc.go.th.
The secretary-general shall be not less than 35 years of age on the date of appointment and will hold the office for a term of five years.

Overcharging fines
The Internal Trade Department has punished 34 traders for overcharging or mislabelling prices amid the flood crisis from October to November 2.
They each face a maximum fine of Bt6,000.
The department’s director-general Vatchari Vimooktayon said the traders were accused of overcharging for essential goods, mainly fresh foods, pork, plastic tanks, picnic gas and sandbags. This took place in fresh markets in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang, Bang Sue and Taling Chan districts.
The department has 15 task forces monitoring retail shops in Greater Bangkok.
It has also set up a 25-per-cent reward for consumers who inform it of unfair trade practice on the department’s hotline 1569.

Cash for cars
Thanachart Bank has launched a cash-for-car programme on which customers can start paying instalments next year. The programme is a relief measure to help flood-affected customers, bank executive Tirachart Chiracharasporn said.
The bank targets Bt5 billion in loans through the programme.
Tisco Bank is launching a similar programme, which includes a reduced interest rate for the first two months.
Tisco expects loans of Bt1 |billion from the programme. |– The Nation