Briefs

Construction-material and furniture traders have agreed to give discounts of 10-80 per cent to help flood victims refurbish their homes.
The move came after the Internal Trade Department persuaded traders and producers at their meeting yesterday to cooperate to relieve the impact from the severe inundation.
Deputy Commerce Minister Poom Sarapol said retailers such as HomeWorks, HomePro and PowerBuy would run the promotions until January 15.

TOT delays formal kick-off of 3G service in 18 provinces to May
TOT has delayed the formal launch of its third-generation cellular broadband service in 18 provinces to May from early this year, citing the flooding.
Director Prasit Siripakorn said the floods in some provinces made it difficult for TOT to access the areas where it wants to install the 3G network.
TOT plans to set up 4,700 3G base stations nationwide. Currently it has about 1,000 base stations, of which 500 are co-located with its existing 3G network in Greater Bangkok while the rest are new installations.
TOT will complete a clear plan for its 3G cellular service in two weeks.
During the formal launch, TOT will give away 20,000 3G SIM cards for trial use. – The Nation