Briefs

First Solar has established an operating subsidiary, First Solar (Thailand), and opened an office in Bangkok.
Creation of the local subsidiary will better enable First Solar to execute its strategy to expand the market for utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants in the local market and to deliver value to Thai solar power producers.
“The long-term energy fundamentals in Thailand are very favourable for a solar power solution to meet their growing energy needs, and we will continue to invest here as part of our strategy to develop sustainable, utility-scale solar markets,” Won Park, senior manager for business development, said yesterday.
Thailand is expected to remain an important solar market in Southeast Asia due to its strong economic growth, significant energy demand and abundant solar resource.
Since First Solar entered the Thai PV market last year, more than 12 megawatts of solar PV projects have already been installed or are under construction using First Solar’s advanced thin-film module technology. – The Nation

Allianz Ayudhya posts 10% rise in Q2 premiums
Allianz Ayudhya Assurance reported yesterday continued strong results with second-quarter premiums from all distribution channels up by 10 per cent to Bt5.15 billion.
Agency is still its biggest contributor.
First-year premiums (FYP) accounted for Bt485 billion followed by bancassurance for Bt305 million, direct marketing for Bt226 million in FYP. It remained the leader in the Thai life insurance business.
“Operating profit amounted to over Bt500 million in the second quarter, reflecting our strong financial status with total assets worth over Bt110 billion,” said Bryan Smith, president and CEO.

Ministry may end freezing of prices
The Commerce Ministry may not extend its price freeze after it ends late next month as inflation is under control and expected to stay below 3.5 per cent for the rest of the year.
Permanent-secretary Yanyong Phuangrach said yesterday that the ministry might not need to keep its price control measures, as the prices of most goods should be unchanged following stability in the prices of raw materials. Inflation this year should be at 3.3-3.8 per cent as targeted. - The Nation.