Briefs

Unique Mining Services has received official permission to re-open coal operations at its Suan-Som plant in Samut Sakhon’s Ban Phaeo district.

Operations were halted in mid-2011, since which time the company has made the necessary improvements to the facility in accordance with regulations specified by the provincial and other authorities.

Samut Sakhon’s provincial governor has therefore issued an order to cancel the business- cessation order, said acting managing director Vichai Chuensuksawadi. – The Nation

S&P assigns issue ratings

to Pertamina global notes

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services has assigned BB+ and axBBB+ issue ratings to the proposed US$5-billion (Bt148 billion) global medium-term notes programme of Indonesia’s PT Pertamina.

The company also assigned a BB+ issue rating to a proposed issue of up to $3 billion under the programme.

The programme and issue ratings reflect the long-term corporate credit rating on the oil and gas giant.

The rating on Pertamina incorporates the company’s BB+ stand-alone credit profile and S&P’s view of an "almost certain" likelihood that the Indonesian government will provide timely and sufficient extraordinary support to Pertamina in the event of financial distress. – The Nation

Special Qantas fares in

Down Under promotion

Qantas is offering special air fares to Australia and New Zealand under the "Hop to Down Under Sale" promotion, which runs until May 15.

Economy-class fares on Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide are on sale from Bt27,465, while fares to Perth (via Singapore on Cathay Pacific or Jetstar Asia) are on offer from Bt22,095.

Economy travel to New Zealand’s Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown or Wellington starts at Bt32,050.

Business-class air fares to the Australian destinations start at Bt86,855, while travel to the New Zealand cities starts at Bt106,440. – The Nation