Briefs

PTT plans to spend Bt800 million on opening PTT-brand gas stations in Cambodia and Laos from 2012-17.

Auttapol Rerkpiboon, executive vice president for communications and international markets, said yesterday that the first branch in Laos would open next month while Cambodia would get another outlet in Phnom Penh next year.

PTT is expanding its regional retailing operations to gear up for the Asean Economic Community, which takes effect in 2015, he said. – Watcharapong Thongrung, The Nation

Wind power plant

Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding is now waiting for Cabinet approval for its Bt4.5-billion wind power project in Phetchabun’s Kho Kow after it recently passed its environmental impact assessment.

RATCH is ready to construct the 60-megawatt plant because it has arranged for a Bt3-billion project loan, CEO Noppol Milinthanggoon said yesterday. – The Nation

More retail space

More than 298,400 square metres of retail space were expected to be completed in the second half of this year.

That will boost the total supply to 5.95 million sqm, according to a report from Colliers International Thailand’s research department.

Senior manager Surachet Kongcheep said yesterday that community shopping centres are still the most fashionable category in the retail market in Bangkok. About 52 per cent of all supply is located in the urban area with the rest in the suburbs. – The Nation

VGI plans IPO

VGI Global Media will launch an initial public offering at Bt33-Bt35 per share to raise Bt800 million.

A source from Tisco Securities, the financial adviser for the IPO, said yesterday that the company will set the price this week, open bookings from September 28-October 2 and start trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand on October 11. – The Nation

Seacon upbeat

Seacon Group targets Bt200 million in revenue this year from Seacon Bang Kae, which celebrated its grand opening yesterday. "We expect to recoup investment in seven years after investing Bt3 billion last year to develop this branch," Tatiya Soasotikul, managing director of Seacon Bang Kae Co, told a press conference yesterday.

Jetstar ups capacity

Jetstar will boost its capacity to key and emerging markets across Southeast Asia with the arrival of its 17th A320 aircraft.

The carrier will add 70,000 seats to its monthly schedule starting on October 28, boosting capacity on services from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Phuket and Yangon, Bara Pasupathi, CEO of Jetstar Asia, said yesterday.

Jetstar will increase frequencies to its popular destinations of Phuket and Bangkok with up to 44 weekly return services to Thailand. – The Nation