Briefs

PTT opened its first pilot electric-vehicle (EV) charging station yesterday at PTT Research and Technology Institute, Wang Noi, Ayutthaya.

Ratanavalee Inochanon, the institute’s executive vice president, said electrically powered transport was becoming more attractive and viable given its ability to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions caused by internal-combustion engines. Furthermore, utilisation of electrical energy responds to the government policy to achieve 25-per-cent use of renewable and alternative energy by 2021.

PTT plans to open five more EV charging stations by next year, two in Bangkok (at the PTT head office service station and the service station near the 1st Infantry Regiment on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road), one on Chaiyaphruek Road in Nonthaburi, and two on the way from Bangkok to Rayong. There will be no charge for the service until this pilot project ends.

Skyport taking off

The Mall Group has budgeted Bt200 million to renovate shops at Don Mueang Airport under The Mall Skyport concept.

The complex will have fashion showrooms, restaurants and bookstores, and will open on October 1.

APM set for AEC

APMGroup, one of the largest consulting firms in Asia, has announced its readiness to be Asia’s centre for innovative development of a new generation of leaders and organisations by 2020.

This is aimed at maintaining business growth amid high competition from foreign consulting firms when the Asean Economic Community becomes effective in 2015, managing director Arinya Talerngsri said.

AirAsia to Xi’an

AirAsia on November 16 will launch daily flights from Don Mueang Airport to Xi’an, a historical city in Shaanxi province, northwestern China, most famous for its Terracotta Army, which has been called the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia, said the airline was offering excellent fares from Bangkok to Xi’an, starting from Bt1,850 one-way, inclusive of taxes and fees. Passengers can book online at www.airasia.com from September 21-24 for travel between November 16, 2012, and September 30, 2013.

Power-Gen event

Power-Gen Asia, the region’s premier conference and exhibition for the power generation, transmission and distribution industries, will open at Bangkok’s Impact Exhibition and Conference Centre on October 3 for three days of discussion and debate on the future of Asia’s power industry.

The conference programme will include more than 130 international experts presenting across eight conference tracks, including topics focusing on strategic and technical power issues and challenges, as well as the growth of the renewable and alternative energy sectors.

The opening keynote session welcomes high-profile speakers includes Energy Minister Arak Chonlatanon; Sutat Patmasiriwat, governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. – The Nation