Briefs

THAI AIRWAYS International has moved up by six places in Skytrax’ “World’s Best Airlines” ranking, now in 13th spot.

It was also voted the World’s Most Improved Airline.

Qatar Airways won the Best Airline award. From Southeast Asia, only Singapore Airlines (No 3) made it to the top 10. 

Bangkok Airways was ranked 20th, up from 23rd in 2015. 

 

EGCO UPS STAKE IN PHILIPPINES PLANT

 

Electricity Generating Group has expanded its investment in the Philippines with the successful acquisition of an additional 8.05-per-cent stake in the Masinloc power plant.

Group president Chanin Chaonirattisai said: “Egco Group successfully acquired the additional indirect ownership interest in Masinloc Power Partners Co Ltd on July 12, 2016. The acquisition increases Egco Group’s holding to 49 per cent, while AES Corporation retains 51 per cent.”

MPPCL owns, operates and maintains the Masinloc coal-fired power plant comprising two units of 315-megawatt capacity in Zambales province, Philippines. In addition, MPPCL is constructing a 335MW expansion project (Unit 3) at the existing site. 

 

ARROW TO INVEST IN SECOND FACTORY

 

Arrow Syndicate, which installs electrical-conduit systems, is investing Bt37 million in a second electrical resin conduit factory (RTRC – reinforced thermosetting resin conduit). 

The new factory, which will be located on 7 rai (1.1 hectares) of land, will raise production capacity by about 50 per cent and should add Bt200 million in annual revenue to allow the company to achieve this year’s revenue target of at least Bt1.4 billion. Construction will begin this month and should be completed by this year-end, according to managing director Thanin Tanprawat.

 

EKH SETS IPO PRICE AT BT3.05

 

Ekachai Medical Care (EKH) has set its initial public offering (IPO) share price at Bt3.05 each to raise Bt508.74 million in capital. 

Of the proceeds, Bt200 million will be used to build a paediatric department building, Bt50 million to renovate the existing hospital/parking building, and the remainder to serve as working capital, according to hospital director Amnart Euer-Areemitr. 

Trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand should contribute to business growth and enhance the service quality of the hospital, the company says. The IPO shares will go on sale tomorrow and on July 20 and 21 and will trade on the SET from July 27 under “EKH”. 

 

THAI-UK BUSINESS COUNCIL SET UP

 

The UK prime minister’s trade envoy to Thailand, Mark Garnier MP, and the Thai prime minister’s special envoy Virasakdi Futrakul announced on Tuesday that they had invited senior business leaders from Thai and British companies to come together as the Thai-UK Business Leadership Council.

The two envoys made the announcement at a launch event at Lancaster House, London, in the presence of Thai Deputy Commerce Minister Suwit Maesincee and leading Thai and British company executives.

The purpose of the council will be to look for creative ways to encourage Thai and British businesses to build new and innovative partnerships, as well as encourage the governments of both countries to foster trade and investment in both markets. Working to an agenda set by business, not government, the council will embrace, and work on behalf of, all businesses.