Briefs

Index Creative Village, a leading event-management firm, has formed a joint-venture company with Woody World Co, wholly owned by outspoken television host Wuttithorn “Woody” Milinthachinda, named Big Events to develop TV formats for export regionally and to create special events for niche clients.
This is an attempt to manage the saturation in the domestic event industry. In the first quarter of this year, spending via events and marketing activities faced a decline, as there were no big events from either the government or private sector.
The new 50:50 JV firm, which is registered with Bt5 million capital, will provide TV production and organise its own shows for regional markets and special events for specific demand.
Kriangkrai Kanchanapokin, co-CEO at Index Creative Village, said the new company targeted Bt230 million in income this year.
Wuttithorn added that the news business would drive business growth by 20 per cent from Bt150 million revenue from its two TV shows, produced by Woody World Co.

Kho Tao No 8
Kho Tao ranks No 8 among favoured island destinations according the Travelers’ Choice Islands Awards conducted by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel website.
Based on a survey of millions of traveller reviews and opinions on the site, the awards recognise more than 100 islands across the globe, including dedicated lists for Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, North and South America, and the South Pacific.
Ranked first was Ambergris Caye, Belize, second was St John in the US Virgin Islands, and third was Bora Bora in French Polynesia.

More flights
Thai Airways International will increase the number of domestic flights to accommodate additional travel during next month’s Songkran Festival.
Special promotional fares are also on offer.
Danuj Bunnag, THAI executive vice president for the commercial department, said THAI and Thai Smile would increase the number of seats available by more than 4,800 on round-trip domestic flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi during the water festival.
The company is offering special one-way domestic fares in economy class as part of its “Songkran Celebration 2013” promotion for all domestic flights in and out of Bangkok between April 11 and 13. For example, the one-way fare to Bangkok from Chiang Mai starts from Bt1,435, from Phuket at Bt1,605, from Krabi at Bt1,545.

New Electrolux plant for refrigerators up and running in Rayong
The new Electrolux refrigerator plant officially opened in Rayong is an important link in the company’s global manufacturing operations, president and CEO Gunilla Nordstrom said.
She added after the grand opening of the plant yesterday that the multimillion-US-dollar investment in the new factory highlighted the Swedish company’s continuing commitment to Thailand.
“This plant will be a key supplier to the emerging Asian markets,” she said.
Together with its associated warehouse, the new facility occupies more than 30,000 square metres, with annual production targeted at 600,000 units.

Krungthai Asset, Citibank team up in launch of KTAM Global Fund
Krungthai Asset Management and Citibank have teamed up to launch the KTAM Global Corporate Bond Fund to invest in international investment-grade corporate bonds.
At least 80 per cent of KT-WCROP’s net asset value will be invested in the master fund, BlackRock (Luxembourg), with US$3.779 billion (Bt110.6 billion) assets under management.
Somchai Boonnamsiri, CEO of KTAM, said the master fund focused on diversified exposures across liquid corporate names, in both high-yield and emerging markets.

GPF members keen on plan for rebalancing of saving
Government Pension Fund members have expressed interest in an age-balance investment plan, which will lead to the rebalancing of their savings.
The plan, drawn up in line with overseas trends, was launched yesterday. It allows stock investments among young members, aged no more than 45 years, to rise to 65 per cent of their savings. Because of their young age, the investment period will be extended and the members stand to gain a higher return. As these members age, the ratio will be gradually reduced.
GPF secretary-general Sopawadee Lertmanuschai said the plan should ensure sufficient savings for members thanks to the simplicity, risk balancing and opportunity for increased returns. She expects 5,000 members to opt for the plan this year.

John Deere initiative to boost output, profits in farming
John Deere, the world’s largest manufacturer of agricultural equipment, is moving forward with investments in Thailand to help its agricultural customers improve productivity and profitability. To inform customers about this effort, Deere has launched an initiative titled “Know the Facts and Love the Truth about John Deere”.
“We are committed to bringing leading farming technology to Thailand to empower farmers to enhance their profitability and quality of life,” said Sanjeesh Bera, country manager of John Deere (Thailand). “John Deere is known worldwide for products with superior quality and world-class customer support.”
Bera said Thai farmers would benefit from John Deere’s leadership position. The company started 176 years ago.
In Thailand, John Deere sells a range of products including tractors with 45 horsepower and above, agricultural implements, sugar-cane harvesters, irrigation products, golf equipment and engines.
John Deere has invested in Thailand by opening a new office, hiring local employees, creating a new parts warehouse and training centre, and through investments in new product development for Thailand’s agricultural needs.

Delicate wash product from Unilever for fabrics
Tapping into the global trend of the increasing use of fabric-washing liquid, Unilever has launched Comfort Caring Wash, a delicate-fabric wash formula that protects textile fibres and provides long-lasting colour protection.
A recent market study showed that 94 per cent of consumers are in need of a proper fabric-wash solution that protects their clothing.
A world-famous Thai fashion designer now living in New York, Koi Suwannagate, was named as the brand ambassador with the role of encouraging Thai consumers to start their fabric care at the washing process.
Unilever also plans to join with Siam Center to kick off a “Shop-Wear-Care Fashion Workshop” in May.