News Feed

Foreign reserves shot up by US$2 billion to $171.1 billion as of September 20 from a week earlier, suggesting the central bank had purchased dollar assets. The forward position dropped slightly by $200 million to $22.3 billion.
The baht gained 2.3 per cent against the US dollar from 31.84 on September 13 to 31.11 on September 20. The currency ended last week at 31.28.

GPF pensions payout
Tomorrow the Government Pension Fund will pay out about Bt16 billion in pensions to about 17,000 retired civil servants – mostly teachers, soldiers and police.
To encourage those who have no spending plans to continue saving their money, the fund offers four options for the retirees. They are allowed to keep the entire or partial amount with the fund.

118th Big C in Suphan Buri
Big C Supercentre last week opened its 118th branch in Suphan Buri.
Songsak Wijaithammarit, assistant vice president for operations, said the company wants to be part of the province’s community development. It promises support for education, the environment and quality of life.
Out of 154 staff, 120 are locals, including 34 who had worked at other provincial branches.

Mobile eco-rating scheme?
Experts attending last week’s ITU Green Standards Week have called for a new, globally aligned eco-rating scheme for mobile devices.
The proposed scheme would extend across networks, manufacturers and national boundaries and empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions based on a standardised assessment of a mobile phone’s environmental impact.
Organisations working with ITU’s Standardisation Sector on the new scheme include device makers Alcatel-Lucent, Apple, BlackBerry, Fujitsu, Huawei, Motorola, Nokia and Samsung, operators AT&T, Orange, KPN, Telefonica and Vodafone, and industry partners including the GSMA.
“Consumers are increasingly looking to make sustainable purchasing decisions. A key problem has been a bewildering array of eco-rating schemes. I applaud this initiative that will drive green innovation and allow us all to make informed decisions when we purchase mobile devices,” said Hamadoun Tour, secretary-gen?eral of the ITU.

Honda focus on standards
Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co recently conducted its Skill Contest under the concept of “Pride of Glory”.
Held for 23 straight years, the contest aims to develop Honda dealer employees’ potential, motivate their self-development for ultimate success and pride in their duties, and encourage them to be a part of driving Honda’s success.
Six winning technicians will join the Asia and Oceania Technician Skill Contest in December. Technicians from 11 countries will join the regional contest.
Pitak Pruittisarikorn, executive vice president, said last week that Honda plans to expand to 200 showrooms and service centres by year-end from the current 175, and enhance its service standards for Honda dealers staff nationwide with the aim to deliver the highest customer satisfaction in all areas.
“The Honda Skill Contest is one of our activities to enhance and develop staff potential, which Honda always focuses on.”