MINT takes over ThaiExpress

The increase in shareholding reinforces the quick-service restaurant company’s confidence in the strength of the ThaiExpress brand, and marks another milestone in the strengthening of its international platform and increasing overseas contribution, it said.
Last year, ThaiExpress recorded revenue of S$89.9 million and net profit of S$9.6 million.

Discount coupons
Flood victims will receive Bt2,000 discount coupons from the Energy Ministry to purchase electrical appliances.
Energy Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said yesterday that the ministry would host an energy-saving-goods fair at Bitec Bang Na from next Tuesday until January 4. Similar events will be held later in 27 other flood-affected provinces.
The Energy Conservation Promotion Fund will provide financial support for the Bt2,000 discount coupon, which can be used to reduce an item’s price by no more than 20 per cent.

Mahachai buys into
Petkaserm Vertchakit Co, a subsidiary of Mahachai Hospital Co, has approved purchase of a 15-per-cent stake in Pornmana Co, operator of the private San Paulo Hua Hin Hospital, for Bt45 million.
The transaction is to be executed next month.

ATM service for
Bangkok Bank, in collaboration with Phongsavanh Bank, is the first and only bank in Thailand to provide financial services to the Laotian bank’s ATM customers, who can now withdraw cash and check their account balances at 7,700 Bangkok Bank automated teller machines in Thailand free of charge. The collaboration will help Laotians who cross the border to shop in Thailand as well as expand Thailand-Laos cross-border trade, Bangkok Bank said.
Thanit Sirichote, manager of the global payment services department, said Bangkok Bank was providing this unique service to the growing number of Laotians coming into Thailand to shop.

China-Asean fair
The first China-Asean (Thailand) Commodity Fair will take place from January 6-9 after being delayed from November by the flood disaster. The fair at Impact Muang Thong Thani is expected to draw more than 10,000 potential buyers from all over the region.
Trade between China and Asean from January-October was worth US$54 billion (Bt1.7 trillion), up 26 per cent from the same period last year.
The fair will feature an auction of 48 antique pieces from China, and proceeds from the auction will be donated to flood victims. – The Nation