Briefs

Thai Airways International was named Airline of the Year to the Far East for the second year running as part of the 2011 Travel Agents Choice Awards at this year’s World Travel Market event in London.
The award, based on votes by UK travel agents, was presented to representatives of THAI at the WTM.
“The company is always looking at ways to better our service, and we are currently implementing retrofitting projects to a number of aircraft to create higher customer satisfaction and to improve THAI’s overall competitiveness,” said Krittaphon Chantalitanon, vice president of THAI’s product and service development department.

GJ Steel posts Bt316m net loss in Q3

GJ Steel, a manufacturer of hot rolled coil and steel products for downstream industries, posted a net loss of Bt316.16 million for the third quarter of this year, compared with a loss of Bt124.29 million in the same period a year earlier.
Its nine-month loss was Bt794.79 million this year, compared with Bt553.60 million in the same period of last year.

Integrated eco-initiative planned

Global real-estate consulting firm Synergy GPA, working with international and local organisations, is planning a project in the Central region to demonstrate how living in harmony with the environment, agriculture, water, culture and history can work, the company said.
Graham Catterwell, one of the executive directors of the firm, said, “Close to one-fifth of the 1,443 rai of land is reserved for large lakes or reservoirs and connecting canals. These lakes are designed to retain sufficient water to serve the needs of the project itself as well of those of farmers in neighbouring areas. They will be large enough to hold water for drought years and are replenished by the Pa Sak River when it is in flood.”
A slightly smaller proportion of the land will be used for experimental and working organic farms, orchards and gardens. Set in the water environment, these will provide a pleasant and restorative atmosphere, demonstrate environmentally friendly agriculture techniques and yield healthy produce for residents and visitors, the company says.
The soil excavated to make lakes and canals is used to produce hilly areas, allowing the growth of dense natural vegetation and providing a venue for an adventure park.
Eco-friendly accommodation will be provided for the agricultural workers and for others who wish to live or spend time in such an environment. – The Nation