Hire-purchase firm Thitikorn Plc plans to open 13 new branches in Thailand and overseas this year to boost the total value of new loans to Bt1.8 billion, up 20 per cent from last year, the company's managing director Prathama Phornprapha said yesterday.

THE Minor Food Group will double the number of its restaurants in Thailand and overseas to more than 4,400 over the next five years, chief executive Paul Kenny said.