Briefs

Amarin Printing and Publishing is entering the broadcasting industry with the establishment of Amarin Television Co.
It will hold 99 per cent in the new company, which is capitalised at Bt10 million.
In a statement to the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the printing firm said it expected the television business to start broadcasting in December and commercial operations to begin in January.

AEON taps markets in Myanmar, Laos
AEON Thana Sinsap (Thailand), a non-bank financial institution, is expanding its business into Myanmar and Laos.
In a statement to the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the company said the board of directors yesterday approved the establishment of a wholly owned subsidiary in Myanmar, AEON Microfinance (Myanmar) Co, to provide microfinance to small borrowers there. The new unit is capitalised at 57.5 million kyat, or Bt2.07 million.
In Laos, AEON Leasing Service (Lao) Co will be established with paid-up capital of 8 billion kip or Bt30.4 million.

Intel upbeat on 3G era
Intel Microelectronics (Thailand) believes the upcoming spectrum auction and implementation of third-generation cellular technology will help bridge the digital divide and usher in a new era of enhanced access to information and communication services.
In recent years, Intel has supported the availability of 3G technologies in Thailand. The availability of a 3G spectrum will not only make possible the advance of the country’s telecom industry and infrastructure, but will also enable the expansion of the economy, the firm said. At the same time, the company believes it will broaden educational opportunities, improve living standards and quality of life, support accessibility of public healthcare services, and increase Thailand’s competitiveness for the advent of the Asean Economic Community.
The National Statistical Office reported last year that only 32 per cent of the population had access to broadband Internet. Despite the fact that the overall number has dramatically increased in the recent years, there is still a significant difference between the number of users in urban areas and rural areas. Improving broadband network infrastructure should be a priority for the government in line with 3G technologies to ensure long-term socio-economic development of the country, the firm said.
“We are greatly encouraged by the announcement of the upcoming auction and look forward to the successful implementation of 3G technologies. This represents a major opportunity for the government to continue its support to maximise the country’s competitiveness,” said Accharas Ouysinprasert, country manager of Intel Microelectronics (Thailand). – The Nation