briefs

The Finance Ministry plans to offer tax deductions to help businesses after the implementation of new minimum wage.

However, Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong yesterday opposed setting up a Bt10-billion fund to help manufacturers survive.

“Labour is a direct cost burden of manufacturers, and they should be well prepared for that,” Kittiratt said, adding that overall, business would benefit from people’s higher incomes. Permanent secretary Areepong Bhoocha-oom said the ministry was considering tax measures to help affected entrepreneurs by partly compensating for their higher costs. 

 

Hotel bookings suffer

The Songkhla Tourism Association reported yesterday that the recent car bombing had resulted in cancellation of 30 per cent of hotel bookings, by more than 10,000 tourists. 

The province’s hotel industry anticipates a loss of Bt500 million during coming Songkran Festival.

 

Hoya Lens Thailand reopens 

Six months after closing in October because of the worst flooding to hit Thailand in decades, Hoya Lens Thailand has reopened its manufacturing facility in Ayutthaya according to plan. Hoya is starting production with limited volumes of prescription lenses, which will increase progressively on a monthly basis.

Hoya has taken several precautions to secure its facility in case of more floods in the future. These measures include reinforcement of surrounding factory walls, installation of secondary steel walls and shutters, additional pump systems and drain pipes, and an irrigation wall that can be opened to let out water.

Additionally, Hi-Tech Industrial Estate, where Hoya’s facilities are based, is in the process of building a flood barrier 5.4 metres high, as well as redesigning its pumping systems to accommodate higher water volumes.

Hoya is also working on the re-establishment of its global production system to pursue a partial de-concentration of production facilities, while maintaining a secure and stable supply-chain structure.

 

Suthichai increases stake

According to a filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission last week, Suthichai Yoon acquired a 3-per-cent stake in Nation Multimedia Group on March 30, said a regulatory filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand yesterday. After the acquisition, Suthichai’s holding in the company totals 11.86 per cent.

Sermsin Samalapa also acquired 3.02 per cent of the company on the same date. After the purchase his holding amounts to 11.52 per cent.

Thanachai Theerapattanavong sold an 8.15-per-cent stake in the company. After the sale, his holding totals 0.01 per cent.