briefs

The Cabinet yesterday approved a budget of Bt1.6 billion to renovate Don Mueang Airport, paving the way for the reopening of the old Bangkok airport to international flights. A total of 14 airlines are expected to operate at the airport, which will reopen unofficially in August and officially in October.

The budget requested by Airports of Thailand, the airport operator, will cover the improvement of infrastructure and the surfaces of the east and west runways. 

Deputy Government Spokesman Chalitrat Chandrubeksa said that after the renovation, Don Mueang would be ready for low-cost airlines and serve both domestic and point-to-point international flights.

 

Auto sales set new high in May

Auto sales rose to 115,943 units in May, setting a new monthly sales record for Thailand's five-decade-old automotive industry.

The monthly sales volume has hit multiple record highs this year.

According to data compiled by Toyota Motor Thailand (TMT), year on year, sales at auto dealers in the month saw an increase of 107.6 per cent. Of the total, passenger cars accounted for 55,983 units, a new monthly record for this segment, said TMT vice president Vudhigorn Suriyachantananont. Compared with the same period last year, volume spiked 137.5 per cent.

 

AEC planning centre opens 

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce yesterday opened the AEC Strategy Centre to serve as an information resource for businesses exploring trade and investment possibilities in Asean. UTCC president Saowanee Thairungroj said the Asean Economic Community centre would provide an in-depth background on each country in Asean with an emphasis on economics and business.

The centre will facilitate trade and investment from Thailand to Asean countries and help raise the competitiveness of Thai enterprises. It will also link up other Asean countries to share trade and investment information, which should expand rapidly amid the strengthening of cooperation among the bloc’s member states.