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Electricity tariffs lower next month
The fuel tariff (Ft) will be cut by Bt0.03 per kilowatt-hour (unit) from the beginning of next month, the Energy Regulatory Commission said yesterday.
The tariff for the September-to-December period will be reduced to 46.38 satang per unit, reducing the total electricity tariff (average for all types of users) to Bt3.73 per unit. The commission attributed the reduction to falling energy prices.
Yet, the reduction is smaller than expected because of the rapid depreciation of the baht, the recent drought that cut electricity production by hydropower stations, and a Bt3.66-per-unit advance reduction made at the previous Ft rates review period.
THAI appointments
Thai Airways International’s board of directors has approved new appointments to the airline’s management team in consideration of the continuity and success of its transformation plan, as well as the transition period for newcomers succeeding those who are retiring at the end of next month.
Suraphon Israngura na Ayuthya, executive vice president for commercial, and Aussorn Naksrichum, executive vice president for the aviation business unit, have been appointed advisers to the president.
Teerapol Chotichanapibal, currently adviser to the president, will become executive vice president for commercial, while Usanee Sangsingkeo, managing director of the ground customer services department, will become executive vice president for the aviation business unit.
All appointments will be effective as of September 1.
CP Foods to buy back shares from SET
Charoen Pokphand Foods says it plans to buy back 400 million shares from the Stock Exchange of Thailand, equivalent to 5.17 per cent of total paid-up capital.The company said in its report submitted to the SET yesterday that it would spend up to Bt10 billion for the share repurchase.
Ministry to propose relief for rice farmers
The Commerce Ministry plans to propose to the Rice Management Policy Committee assistance measures for farmers including soft loans or a price guarantee of at least Bt8,000 a tonne for white paddy.
The ministry will also ask the new economic team to help oil-palm farmers suffering from falling crop prices by purchasing crude palm oil from them.
Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn said yesterday that the ministry would propose plans to help boost incomes for farmers and ease the cost of living for grass-roots people.
Apiradi and her deputy Suvit Maesincee will announce the ministry’s plans and measures tomorrow.
She will also disclose measures to promote exports, which are projected to shrink 3.5 per cent this year.
More than 160 foreign traders to attend gems, jewellery fair
More than 160 traders from around the world have confirmed their attendance at the 56th “Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair” from September 10-14 at Impact Muang Thong Thani, despite the August 17 explosion in Bangkok.
Chantira Jimreiwat Vivatrat, deputy director-general of the International Trade Promotion Department, said yesterday that foreign traders still had high confidence to travel and trade in Thailand.
The jewellery industry usually organises international trade fairs twice a year and this time foreign traders have confirmed they will visit the upcoming event.
Despite the global slowdown, jewellery and ornament trading is still growing well. Jewellery and ornaments comprise one of Thailand’s top 10 export categories.
Outbound shipments are projected to grow by 3 per cent this year after expanding 5.0 per cent to US$5.33 billion (Bt190 billion) in the first half.
Bangkok’s fair is one of the world’s top five that have been accepted by traders worldwide. More than 1,500 exhibitors will join this showcase, while more than 30,000 traders and visitors are expected not to miss the event.
