Japanese investors still see Thailand as a promising economy, despite growing concern over political instability, according to a survey by the Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC). In its prospects for Japanese companies abroad over the next three years, Thailand ranked fourth in Asia after China, India and Vietnam. Thailand rose one place from 2008, replacing Russia, which dropped to fifth place.

Although economic conditions remain blue, Thailand’s overall ICT market is expected to grow by 7.2% thus year. Computer services will likely see potential growth consecutively, but local PC makers are finding it harder to survive.

His Majesty the King has approved the appointment of four new members to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) board, according to NTC acting secretary Thakorn Boonyasith. The four new members are Suranand Wongwittyakamjorn, Col Natee Sukolrat,Banthoon Suphakvanich and Phana Thongmeearchom. Three of them replaced members who resigned by drawing lots in 2007 after finishing half of their six-year terms. A fourth member had resigned for health reasons in 2006. Col Natee said that his priority would be to revive the stalled auction process for 3G mobile broadband licences.

Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) management are scratching their heads as to why Suvarnabhumi Airport failed to secure a top spot as one of the world’s best in the latest polling. It will seek external expert advice to determine what went wrong and vows to work even harder to ensure that Suvarnabhumi climbs the customer satisfaction survey conducted by the Genevabased Airports Council International (ACI). Suvarnabhumi ranked 24th in the 2009 ACI polling, up from 38th in 2008 and 48th in 2007, its first full year of operation.

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority Friday met with the 25 companies that purchased bidding documents for the Blue Line, to give them an overview of the project. It was the first pretender meeting for the line, which will run from Hua Lamphong-Bang Khae and Bang Sue- Tha Phra, before bids are submitted on April 29.

Thailand’s exports grew for the third consecutive month in January, in line with three major positive factors: the global economic recovery, increased prices for farm goods, and the elimination of tariffs under the Asean Free Trade Agreement, which is an import engine driving further economic growth. (The Nation)

According to finance permanent secretary Sathit Limpongpan, there has been progress on ACL sale. According to the process, a proposal will be submitted to the finance minister, which if approved would be sent back to the Bank of Thailand. The deal is currently pending for the finance minister’s approval. Meanwhile, finance minister Korn Chatikavanij said he should approve the deal in couples of days and that all parties should benefit from such

transaction.

The 10 largest passenger airlines at Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday signed an agreement with Airports of Thailand Plc that entitles them to landing-fee rebates for carrying more international passengers. Signatories of the agreement include Thai Airways International, Thai AirAsia, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Emirates and Singapore Airlines.

Tourism figures rebounded in January, but the industry’s outlook remains shaky after six foreign countries issued travel advisories for Thailand. Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silpa-archa said 1.579m visitors arrived in Thailand in January, a 24.35%increase over the same month last year. Mr Chumpol said arrivals in the next few months looked promising as long as there is no political violence.

The company recorded Bt5,415m net profit for the year 2009, translating to Bt0.27/share. This represented a sharp improvement form a loss as high as Bt18,262m YoY. Nonetheless, for the fourth quarter of 2009, there was a loss of Bt928m or Bt0.05/share. Although this was a marked improvement YoY but comparing QoQ, this was a sharp fall from a profit of Bt2,300m. (SET)