Briefs

FTA Watch, a coalition of activists, from academic institutions, independent and non-governmental organisations, and people’s networks, has expressed concern over the government’s plan to start negotiating a bilateral free-trade agreement with the European Union before holding a public hearing on the issue.

In a statement yesterday, it called for the government to study carefully the pros and cons of such an FTA, since Thailand could lose some rights to foreign investors.

EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht and Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong are to discuss the subject at a meeting on the sidelines of the ministerial conference of the World Trade Organisation in Geneva today. (December 15).

Gas discount boosted

The Energy Policy Administration Committee yesterday approved an increase of the discounts for gas purchases under the planned energy-credit-card scheme from Bt3,000 per month per card per person to Bt6,000, to help reduce the burden of public-vehicle drivers.

Meanwhile, the committee retained the credit line of Bt3,000 per month per card per person.

The energy credit cards are still scheduled to take effect on January 16, and the scheme is to run until December 31, 2015.

MCOT directors resign

Six MCOT directors have resigned with effect on Tuesday.

The six are Professor Surapon Nitikraipot, chairman; Matana Watanalit, vice chairman; Yarnsak Manomaiphiboon, director and chairman of the audit committee; Associate Professor Wittayatorn Tokeaw, director; Sutat Kongtoranin, director; and Associate Professor Teerapat Sa-nguankotchakorn, director.

The board of directors has proceeded with the appointment of a replacement director, who is legally qualified and possesses no prohibited characteristics as prescribed in the company’s articles of association, MCOT reported to the Stock Exchange of Thailand yesterday. – The Nation