Briefs

The Commerce Ministry |yesterday agreed to sell 143,671 tonnes of jasmine rice by allowing exporters to move it directly from millers’ warehouses to reduce costs.
A total of 27 exporters |and 68 millers took part, said the ministry’s permanent |secretary, Vatchari Vimooktayon.
The average selling price is Bt28,800 per tonne, which is in line with average market price.

Bangkok tops |with Airbnb
Airbnb, which lists unique, short-term accommodations on its website, says bookings for Thailand have jumped dramatically.
The website, where people list, discover and book unique accommodations around the world, forecasts more than 500 bookings in Thailand for New Year’s Eve.
Nathan Blecharczyk, co-founder and chief technology officer of Airbnb, said Bangkok was still the most popular New Year’s Eve destination in Thailand for travellers, followed by Phuket, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui.
Airbnb has more than 140,000 nights booked for New Year’s Eve in 192 countries.

Fuel prices
maintained
Bangchak Petroleum will maintain fuel prices from today through January 3 as a New Year gift to Thais despite rising prices in the world market.
Anusorn Sangnimnuan, president of the company, said yesterday that the company would also increase its fuel reserves by 20 per cent to facilitate travellers during the coming long weekend.