Channel 0137 Large Projects | Mega Projects

Changi Airport Group and Jetstar Group sign air hub deal supporting flights growth

2010-02-07T02:19:00.001-08:00

Jetstar to make Changi Airport its largest hub in Asia

Changi Airport Group (CAG) and Jetstar signed an agreement today to launch a strategic partnership that will see Jetstar continue to make Singapore Changi Airport its largest air hub in Asia for both short and long haul operations. As part of the agreement, Jetstar will operate its highest number of services and base its largest number of A320-family aircraft in Asia at Changi. It also commits to introduce long haul services using wide body aircraft out of Singapore.

Under the three-year agreement, the Jetstar Group – which includes Jetstar in Australia and Jetstar Asia/ Valuair based in Singapore – is committed to increase existing flight frequencies and offer more destinations from Singapore.

Jetstar’s projected growth at Changi will include additional A320-family narrow body services and, for the first time, wide-body A330-200 medium and long haul flights to and from destinations in Asia and beyond. Jetstar also aims to grow the percentage of transit and transfer traffic through Changi among its passengers.

CAG will support Jetstar’s continued growth at Changi Airport with various incentives under the Changi Airport Growth Initiative which was introduced on 1 January 2010. The incentives will enable Jetstar to lower its cost of operations at Changi. It will also receive additional incentives for launching services to cities not currently connected to Changi. This will provide more offerings and new exciting destinations for passengers travelling via and out of Singapore.

As a partner, CAG will work closely with Jetstar to explore route opportunities to grow its traffic out of Changi. CAG will also support Jetstar’s operational needs, such as to improve its ground operations and to enhance the airport experience of its passengers, for example by introducing an early check-in option for Jetstar passengers travelling on the same day.
Growing at Changi, together

Welcoming CAG’s partnership with Jetstar, CAG Chief Executive Officer, Mr Lee Seow Hiang, said, “We are honoured that Jetstar has chosen Changi Airport to be its largest hub in Asia. We are committed to supporting Jetstar’s growth at Changi by helping it to grow traffic and to keep costs low. By hubbing at Changi, Jetstar will gain from inter-lining opportunities with the many airlines that fly here, including its parent, Qantas, which already uses Changi as an Asia hub.

“For Changi Airport, it will benefit from Jetstar’s increased number of flights and destinations, which will contribute to higher passenger traffic and a stronger connectivity network. And, importantly, this partnership is also beneficial for air travellers in the region who will enjoy a greater choice of low-fare travel options through Changi.”

Mr Lee added, “Our agreement with Jetstar signals CAG’s strong desire to work with our airline partners to grow the pie at Changi. We are ready to develop customised partnerships with airlines based on their business models and growth plans, whether they are full service or low cost carriers.”

Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Mr Bruce Buchanan said the new agreement would support significant growth opportunities for Jetstar and its networks linking Singapore.

“This agreement is most important to us and provides a platform for sustainable future growth throughout Asia,” Mr Buchanan said.

“Partnerships like this with Changi Airport Group allow us to invest in both existing and new flying markets and present opportunities from Singapore for us to drive growth.

“Singapore is of high strategic importance to Jetstar and equally of great importance to the Qantas Group. This agreement provides further leverage to us now seeking the full benefits of a burgeoning hub operation in Singapore.

“The clear operational advantages of Singapore as a hub and primary access point into Asia are clear and can now be further built upon as a result of this agreement.”

Jetstar, a pioneer in Asia’s low cost carrier sector, operates 408 flights each week to and from Changi, offering its passengers a varied menu of 23 destinations. Its future planned growth is supported by fleet expansion plans to beyond 100 aircraft by 2014/15.

BEA Completes Sale and Purchase of BEA Canada and ICEA with ICBC

2010-02-05T23:04:00.001-08:00

The Bank of East Asia, Limited (“BEA”) today announces that the agreements, which it reached with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited (“ICBC”) on 4th June, 2009 regarding the sale and purchase of The Bank of East Asia (Canada) (“BEA Canada”) and ICEA Finance Holdings Limited (“ICEA”) have been completed, following satisfaction of all pre-agreed conditions. BEA has completed the disposal of its 70% interest in BEA Canada to ICBC for a total consideration of CAD80,249,120 (equivalent to approximately HK$589.2 million). Meanwhile, BEA has also concluded its acquisition of ICBC’s remaining 75% shareholding in ICEA, for a total consideration of HK$372,154,045. The two transactions are inter-conditional, and with their completion today, ICEA immediately becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of BEA, and BEA Canada ceases to be a subsidiary of the BEA Group. BEA and ICBC will continue to co-operate in the management and operation of BEA Canada and a shareholders agreement has been entered into between the three parties governing their respective rights and obligations. Commenting on the acquisition of ICEA, Dr. David K.P. Li, Chairman & Chief Executive of BEA, says: “We are pleased to welcome the customers, business partners, and staff of ICEA to the BEA Group. We look upon this acquisition as a prime opportunity to enlarge our customer base and to extend our market reach in the securities business. We are confident that with BEA’s expertise and resources to provide its customers with a broad range of financial services to cater for their diverse needs, ICEA will go from strength to strength.” ICEA was established in 1998 through the joint partnership between ICBC and BEA. The company principally engages in the provision of securities broking, underwriting, margin financing, and futures and options contracts dealing services.

Siam Discovery unveils a Grand “Rediscovery” Plan Presenting over 1 billion baht - Three World-Class Magnets

2010-01-30T02:55:00.000-08:00

Siam Piwat Company Limited, the owner of Siam Center and Siam Discovery, reveals a major renovation of Siam Discovery. Giving renewed vigor to its exceptional mix of new discoveries and true to its rank as “The Ultimate Lifestyle & Entertainment Shopping Complex,” Siam Discovery welcomes the world’s leading visitor attractions operator Merlin Entertainments to open “Madame Tussauds Bangkok”, the first of the famous and iconic wax figure tourist attractions in Southeast Asia. Merlin Entertainments is expected to make a total investment of over Baht 500 million (US$15m) on the 3,000 square meter attraction. Adding to the mix of new anchor tenants are “Ice Planet”, the state-of the-art ice-skating facility worth over Baht 180 million and a 1,500 square meter premium multi-purpose exhibition hall worth over Baht 50 million. In warming its welcome to these 3 new magnets, Siam Piwat is devoting another Baht 300 million to make over both inside and out, including in particular a façade destined to be an architectural landmark of Bangkok and introducing Thailand to its first application of ETFE, an advanced engineering phenomenon in construction materials. Renovation works is scheduled to start in March and is due for completion by October 2010.

Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul, CEO of Siam Piwat reveals : “Siam Discovery was the first and the original lifestyle shopping & entertainment complex in Thailand. When it opened in 1997, the shopping complex offered a fresh mix of retail and services unrivalled with other shopping centers, encompassing a variety of exceptionally cutting-edge and unique brands both Thai and international which were not offered in the other shopping centers. Siam Discovery indulged the new generation of sophisticated urbanites with a strong streak of individuality and right from the start, Siam Discovery has always maintained its positioning as one of Bangkok’s most popular shopping destinations for locals and tourists alike.”

“Siam Discovery’s policy has always aimed to offer its customers the latest global trends and introduce them to new remarkable discoveries, whether in retail, lifestyle or entertainment. The Company therefore has been planning since the beginning of 2009 to give Siam Discovery a major renovation in order to be completed when the global economy is showing positive signs. Our plan includes not only the exterior façade and interior but also the signing of 3 new anchor tenants on floors 6-8 of Siam Discovery. The 3 World Class Magnets cover a total floor area of more than 8,000 square meters, establishing itself as a world-class entertainment destination,” added Mrs. Chadatip.
Siam Discovery presents 3 one-of-a-kind world-class magnets

Siam Discovery’s grand renovation includes the installation of three world-class magnet enterprises on its 6th to 8th floors, namely:

1. Madame Tussauds Bangkok, the original famous wax works tourist attraction debut in Southeast Asia

Merlin Entertainments, the world’s second largest visitor attraction operator, is investing Baht 500-million (US$15m) to create “Madame Tussauds Bangkok” on the 6th – 7th floors of Siam Discovery, covering an area over 3,000 sq.m. This will be the tenth Madame Tussauds in the world and the third in Asia, after Shanghai and Hong Kong. The ultimate celebrity experience and unlike any other tourist attraction with its amazingly lifelike wax figures displayed in a highly entertaining interactive style, Madame Tussauds Bangkok is expected to be the hottest new place to visit in the City. Most importantly, with no bars, ropes or barriers around the figures visitors will really feel like they are standing beside, or being photographed with their heroes.

The accent at “Madame Tussauds Bangkok” is on contemporary elegance, fun and inter-active entertainment for every visitor. At any given time it will house over 70 wax figures of international celebrities, from HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Barack Obama and Beyonce Knowles, along with such famous Thai figures such as Pancake - Khemanit Jamikorn and Sombat Metanee Building will start in March and Madame Tussauds Bangkok is expected to open in September 2010.

Mrs. Chadatip says : “We are absolutely thrilled to have been selected by a multi-national company such as Merlin Entertainments for this very considerable foreign investment which will bring over Baht 500 million to Thailand. The venture will also enable more Thais to find employment with real prospects, and significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth and tourism development. Not least, it will help ease liquidity in the Thai economy and reinforce the strength of Bangkok as a tourist destination and as well as the confidence in our country among foreign investors.”

Merlin Entertainments Midway Managing Director Glenn Earlam said: “We are delighted to be opening a Madame Tussauds in Bangkok which is such an exciting and vibrant location which gives us so much scope to create what I believe will be one of our best attractions ever. It will be a unique place, in a unique City.’

2. Ice Planet - the World Class Olympic standard & biggest rink in downtown Bangkok

Mr. Steven (Tanakorn) Kalayanamit, CEO of Ice Planet (Thailand) Company Limited reveals: “Our company has decided to invest over Baht 180 million in building a 2,000-sq.m. ice skating rink in the heart of Bangkok on the 8th floor of Siam Discovery with the goal of elevating the sport of ice skating in Thailand to international standards. This state-of-the-art rink will incorporate an array of cutting-edge technologies, including producing ice to the exacting Olympic standards, making the rink suitable for international competitions. We also plan to open Thailand’s first figure skating academy staffed by professional coaches from the USA, including a team member of the world famous “Disney On Ice”. Moreover, Ice Planet will coordinate with international and regional organizations and associations to quickly establish itself as the venue for international figure skating competitions and major tournaments.”

“In addition to its unsurpassed quality, Ice Planet is fantastically designed. Among its standout features are the way it modernizes Ice Skating. It will give a new experience to Ice Skating whether you are new or experienced with Ice Skating. The rink can also be transformed into a venue for hip events and cool parties.”

“Ice skating is making a great comeback in popularity all over the world these days, especially among youngsters who love the physical challenge and where they can also be expressive of their skills and imagination. Ice Planet target demographics extends from youngsters to career individuals seeking after work exercise and relaxation, and primarily family crowds to enjoy quality fun time with loved ones. Construction will begin in April this year and Ice Planet is expected to open in October 2010, just in time for the Thai mid-year semester break. We expect it to serve 1,000 ice-skaters on weekdays and 2,000 on weekends.”
3. Multi-Purpose Hall: the exclusive, premium venue in the heart of Bangkok

Another high-impact feature of the renovation of Siam Discovery is the Baht 50 million multi-purpose exhibition hall by Siam Piwat’s own investment covering a floor space of 1,500 square meters on floor 7th which will be managed by Royal Paragon Enterprise Company Limited.

Mr. Arun Teng, General Manager of Royal Paragon Enterprise Company Limited, explains: “The new Multi-purpose Hall aims to fill a gap in downtown Bangkok MICE facilities while also offering a different kind of venue for various functions. Event organizers are always looking for new spaces with fresh concepts and that’s where this Multi-purpose Hall comes in. Our target is organizers seeking to stage events with a unique style, combined with just the right amount of space, excellent functionality, design and all at a prime central location with excellent transportation links.”

“The design of the hall is sleek and stylish with a grand foyer and large windows accented by anelement of natural light during the day and stunning city views by night. The facility also features an outdoor terrace, allowing the venue to cater for events indoor and outdoor simultaneously.”

“Our prime targets are mostly organizers of lifestyle events such as fashion shows, art exhibitions, premium product launches, press conferences, international seminars & conferences, exclusive concerts and meet-and-greet activities with local and international artists.”

“From the success of Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Discovery’s Multi-purpose Hall will be managed and operated by the same team whose experience and growth continues to prosper to new heights. The new exhibition facility on 6A at Siam Discovery will be positioned as an exclusive venue and is expected to be ready for service in October 2010.”

Besides the thrill of three such promising new world-class anchor tenants, Siam Discovery is also adding to its star-studded retail mix in the manner of business as usual. Raising the share of F&B outlets to 20% to cater to the needs of the expected surge of heavy traffic of tourists and family target groups, Siam Discovery will be welcoming the first free-standing Marc by Marc Jacobs in Bangkok, the one and only flagship store. And last but not least, Loft the speciality store from Japan too is announcing an expansion plan and revealing a new total floor area of 2,000 square meters. The new Loft store is set to occupy floors 4 & 5 of Siam Discovery.

“Rediscovering” Siam Discovery as the new landmark on Bangkok’s ultimate shopping street.

Siam Piwat will be spending as much as Baht 300 million on the changes and decoration of the interior and the new façade feature, designs of which will be developed to strengthen Siam Discovery’s refreshed positioning and that of the new world-class anchor magnet. The 6th – 8th floors of Siam Discovery, measuring 8,000 square meters, will be revamped under the personal supervision of Mr. Duangrit Bunnag, Managing Director of Duangrit Boonnag Architects Limited.

At street level, the shopping center will be featuring a magnificent 8-floor installation of Thailand’s first ETFE-clad façade designed by Design 103 International Company Limited. ETFE is a material originally developed for use in the space industry by a German company “Vector Foiltec.” The plastic-like material does not degrade under Ultra-Violet light or atmospheric pollution, and at the same time, is anti-adhesive which means that it is self-cleaning under the action of rain. Architecturally, the material is outstanding for being unusually light-weight and has the exceptional light transmission properties, allowing designers to optimize the aesthetic and environmental performance of the building, creating structures of unusual lightness and elegance. Leading architects and engineers around the world have adopted ETFE as the choice for high profile mega projects ranging from the Olympic venue Beijing Water Cube to public spaces such as the Alliance Arena in Munich, Germany, to the BMW Welt. As the first application of ETFE in Thailand, Design 103’s piece is a sophisticated abstract of adjoining prism shapes equipped with a changing LED lighting embedded each structure enabling the structure to shift into a glowing wondrous landmark at night. With this new modern take to the façade, Siam Discovery is declaring itself as the new and brilliant Landmark of Bangkok in the heart of Thailand’s ultimate shopping destination.

Siam Discovery targets worldwide tourists and expands its customer base among Thai families

With its powerful combination of world class attractions, flagship stores and complete range of services, Siam Discovery is confident that it will be able to attract shoppers of all demographics and increase its customer base, particularly international tourists seeking to experience the celebrity of Madame Tussauds Bangkok, A-B family consumers seeking fashion and lifestyle brands, and youngsters seeking a fun time on ice.

Once the physical renovation is completed and the leasing plan materializes as planned, Siam Discovery is expecting a rise in footfall through the Shopping Complex by 20,000 or a 25% increase, comprised of 60% Thais and 40% foreign customers.

“This Grand renovation of Siam Discovery due to be completed in October 2010, will endorse Siam Discovery as the ultimate location allianced by World Class retail and Entertainment operators to propel Thailand’s economy towards higher level of prominence in Asia and the world,” concluded Mrs. Chadatip.

Asian Countries Agree to Pursue Treaty on Dry Ports to Promote Regional Integration

2010-01-02T01:40:00.001-08:00

Transport Ministers Forum concludes first session at ESCAP in Bangkok

Transport ministers from across Asia have agreed to work on a treaty to promote the development of dry ports – inland transport and logistics hubs – to spur intraregional trade and growth.

The agreement came at the end of the first session of the Forum of Asian Ministers of Transport, which concluded today at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok.

In the Bangkok Declaration on Transport Development in Asia, the ministers agreed to develop an intergovernmental agreement on dry ports to provide connectivity and integration of the Asian Highway and the Trans-Asian Railway networks, creating an international integrated intermodal transport and logistics system.

Under the auspices of ESCAP, countries in the region have already adopted two intergovernmental agreements - on the Asian Highway and the Trans-Asian Railway networks - to promote the development and standardization of 141,000 kilometers of roadways and 114,000 kilometers of railways, linking the continent with Europe and serving as arteries for international trade, especially for landlocked countries in the region.

Dry ports will play an important role in integrating modes of transport, reducing border crossing and transit delays, facilitating the use of energy-efficient and lower emission means of transport, and creating new clusters of economic growth and job creation in local areas.

The first session of the Forum brought together 27 countries in Asia. In his opening message on Monday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated that “enhanced regional connectivity is especially important” in addressing development issues.

In her opening address, Noeleen Heyzer, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, spoke of the vital role of the transport sector in providing physical connectivity required for promoting domestic demand and intraregional trade as new sources of growth.

“The economic crisis has shown that relying mainly on exports to western markets comes with inherent risks. Our region will need to diversify the drivers of growth. This must include strategies for promoting increased intra-regional trade and domestic consumption,” said Dr. Heyzer.

The Forum was created by member governments of ESCAP at their annual meeting last April. During the week-long session, delegates discussed issues pertaining to transport development in the region, including the implementation of the Busan Declaration on Transport Development in Asia and the Pacific, and the Regional Action Programme for Transport Development in Asia and the Pacific.

Google is first to offer seamless integration of transit and traffic information of Bangkok on Google Maps to help travelers get around faster and eas

2009-12-15T05:03:00.001-08:00

Partnering with all major Bangkok transport agencies, Google is the only organization that provides walking and driving directions, public transit route planning and traffic information in one easy-to-use platform

Bangkok, November 25, 2009 - What do 1.7 million daily public transit riders per day. Combined total of BTS, MRT and BMTA passengers per day. And over 5 million motorists in Bangkok have in common? They can now use Google Maps to plan their trips around the city through a unique collaboration between Google and the following land transportation organizations in Bangkok: Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS) and Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT). Mapping, directions and route planning for the various forms of land transportation in Bangkok - from our own two feet to buses, trains and cars - are now all available for free in Thai on Google Maps. Transit and traffic information are also available on mobile devices with Google Maps for Mobile, so commuters and motorists can check the latest updates on their cellphones to make route changes on-the-go.

Today at Siam Square, overlooking one of Bangkok's busiest transportation hubs, Wisit Wongsaroj, Head of the office of Information Technology, Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), Kobkul Mothana, Director-technology information, Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), Arkom Baramichai, Chief Administrative Officer, Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS), Witoon Hatairatana Marketing and Commercial Development Division Director, Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT), Andrew McGlinchey, Head of Product Management, Google Southeast Asia, and Pornthip Kongchun, Thailand Marketing Head, Google Southeast Asia, launched this new service, which can be accessed through Google Maps at maps.google.co.th/transport.

Under this collaboration, Google is the first organization to officially receive bus/train schedules, locations and routes from the BMTA, BTS and MRT. Google also worked with the OTP to integrate live traffic data into the popular and familiar user interface of Google Maps. None of the local partners are incurring any costs for the partnership with Google.

Whether a private car owner switching to go by bus or BTS or MRT, or a public transit rider choosing to drive or take a taxi, or even one of 10 million international visitors Office of Tourism Development, Thailand who land in Bangkok each year finding their way around, the Bangkok public can now use Google Maps to plan their routes and make an informed decision on the quickest and most convenient way to reach their destinations. Each time a Google Maps user requests driving directions, the user will also be given the opportunity to plan the same trip using public transit which is very useful when the traffic route is highlighted as red or heavy congestion.

"Each day, millions of commuters travel the streets of Bangkok using BMTA buses. With the launch of transit information on Google Maps for Bangkok with step-by-step instructions in Thai, it is now even easier to go green and take public transportation around the city. We are delighted to be collaborating with Google and our other local partners to provide residents and visitors in Bangkok a comprehensive, easy-to-use trip planner that links BMTA buses to the rest of the city's other public transit options," said Wisit Wongsaroj, Head of the office of Information Technology, Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA).

"Our office is excited to have worked closely with Google to make it easy for Bangkok motorists to access current traffic conditions on their computers or mobile phones," said Kobkul Mothana, Director-technology information, Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP). "In accordance with our mission to ensure an efficient transportation system in Thailand, we believe that the traffic layer on Google Maps will help drivers in Bangkok save on commuting time and expenses by letting them plan their travel routes in advance or change them on-the-go to avoid congested areas."

"This year marks our 10th anniversary of operations in Bangkok and we are pleased to be joining Google and our other transportation colleagues in announcing the availability of transit information on Google Maps," said Arkom Baramichai, Chief Administrative Officer, Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS). "The train routes and schedules from BTS have been integrated into the transit information on Google Maps to better inform Bangkok commuters about which mode of transportation to use on any given day. We hope that everyone in Bangkok uses the tool in order to make their daily commutes easier."

"Our mission has always been to provide mass transit services to the public that are safe, fast, reliable and punctual. This transit feature integrates MRT data on Google Maps to enhance commuters' experience by making it easy for them to plan their trips across multiple forms of public transit. Whether it's trying to get to the Thai Cultural Center on Rajadapisek road or grabbing a bite to eat at Japanese restaurant near Silom Station, Google Maps will help commuters get to their destinations as quickly as possible," said Witoon Hatairatana Marketing and Commercial Development Division Director, Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT).

"Google's goal is to bring accurate, comprehensive land transport information from OTP, BMTA, BTS and MRT together on a global mapping platform for easy access, search and use on PCs or mobile phones by millions of Bangkok residents and Google Maps users around the world," said Pornthip. “Google is currently the only organization that has combined all the forms of land transportation in Bangkok into one easy-to-use Thai interface. We're very excited to be launching this service today in Bangkok and we hope that residents and visitors to the city, whether they are traveling by foot, bus, train or car will find it helpful in getting to their destinations."
Google Maps for Mobile offers transit, traffic and driving information on-the-go

Google Maps for Mobile extends the dynamic search capabilities of Google Maps to mobile phones, allowing anyone in Thailand to locate addresses and navigate maps while on the go. Google Maps for Mobile also has the My Location feature, which shows your location on the map even if your phone does not have GPS, and lets you look up business listings in relation to where you are (e.g. type "restaurants" into the map search box and it will display nearby restaurants).

When in Bangkok, users can now also use the traffic and transit features in Google Maps for Mobile to plan their travel while on the move. Google Maps for Mobile is free to download on your phone at http://m.google.co.th/maps. It also comes pre-installed on many web-enabled handsets. The services on Google Maps for Mobile are free; however, standard mobile data fees charged by the telecoms carriers will apply.
About Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP)

The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), Ministry of Transport, is responsible for recommending policies and formulating transport, traffic and transport safety plans in line with master plans for policy integration purposes
About Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA)

Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) was established by a Royal Decree Establishing the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, B.E. 2519. Beginning operations the following October, the BMTA undertook to provide bus service to commuters in six provinces, i.e. Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon and Samut Prakan.
About Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS)

BTSC operates one of the safest and most punctual mass transit systems in the region, and plays a crucial role in helping to ease Bangkok’s notorious traffic jams while providing an environmentally friendly transport alternative for Bangkok’s commuters.
About Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT)
MRT: safe, fast, convenience, trustworthy, and punctual
About Google Inc.

Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit www.google.co.th.

Google and Google AdWords are registered trademarks of Google Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

“North Park Place” unveils new mock up room Promotion injection on this 14-22 Nov’09

2009-11-20T22:28:00.001-08:00

TCC Capital Land celebrates its brand-new mock up room of North Park Place, a luxurious condotel right close to Rajpruek Golf Course on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, by organizing “North Park Place’s Welcoming Party”. The chilled-out event will take place during 14-15 and 21-22 November 2009 at the Sales Office. Two special promotions will be offered to customers for their choice: Exclusive Fully Furnished Package and Right-to-Use Rajpruek Club. The project is aptly developed under its unique concept “The Exclusive Hideaway for Elite Society”.

Mr. Soammaphat Traisorat, CEO and MD of TCC Capital Land, disclosed that North Park Place’s new mock up room is now ready for customers to visit. The new show suite is built up in the project building itself. Impressively, it is finely adorned with eye-catching interiors and top-of-the range fittings. Visitors can experience real views in a relaxing and private atmosphere by enjoying the picturesque vista of greenery Rajpruek Golf Course.

“To celebrate the new mock up room and thank our customers expressing kind interest in North Park Place, the company is pleased to offer special promotions during the event period. Customers can choose one from the two options: Exclusive Fully Furnished Package or Right-to-Use Rajpruek Club which has the ultimate value of 2.7 million baht. Furthermore, customers will have fun with various relaxing activities, including Fish Spa with Dr.Fish from Turkey, Make-A-Bear Activity and Golf Clinic by TaylorMade.”, said Soammaphat.

The North Park Place project is located on a 3-rai site worth a combined 1.9 billion baht. The resort-style condominium comprises 130 units. Large sizes range from 112 to 283.5 square metres for 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 2-bedroom duplex layouts while penthouse will be sized at least 350.5 square metres. Price starts at 9.9 million baht for 1-bedroom. The construction will start in December 2007 and complete in the second quarter of 2010.

Specifically designed as a resort-style condominium, North Park Place is designed to harmonize between the surroundings and the luxurious usable area with focus on blending with the nature: wind, natural lighting and view. All units face the golf course and each has a large balcony for residents to enjoy the lush greenery and fresh air. The balcony and area in the unit can be connected to be a wide space for a party.

North Park Place is a luxurious condotel developed under the matchless concept “The Exclusive Hideaway for Elite Society”. It is remarkable for the location where residents can conveniently commute via 4 main artery roads: Vibhavadi-Rangsit, Ngamwongwan, Prachachuen and Chaeng Wattana Road. As to such basic amenities as shopping centers, sports club and leading universities, the site of the estate is very close to The Mall Ngamwongwan, IT Square, Villa Market, Big C, Tesco Lotus, Sports City, Kasetsart University, Dhurakijpundit University and Bangkok Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road. Last but not least, the project is designed to be like a summer residence in Bangkok, complemented with superior facilities, for instance private lift, swimming pool, golf course and Rajpruek Club.

To date, TCC Capital Land has officially launched 6 condominium projects with success - Athenee Residence on Wireless Road, Villa Rachakhru on Paholyothin Road and Villa Sathorn on Krungthonburi Road fully sold out; The Empire Place on Narathiwat Road, The Emporio Place on Sukhumvit Soi 24, Villa Rachatewi on Phayathai Road almost 100% sold. In the future, the company plans to launch 2 projects: North Park Place on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road and The Royal Residence, the super luxurious detached-housing project on Kaset-Navamin Road.

MRTA backs rail arbitration

2009-09-25T00:05:00.001-07:00

       The Mass Rapid Transit Authority is asking the cabinet to accept arbitration in disputes involving its Purple Line electric railway project, to help secure financing.
       The creditor, Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), wants recourse to arbitration in the event of a dispute.
       But in a July 28 decision, the cabinet decided to exclude the arbitration option.
       MRTA chairman Supoj Saplorm met Transport Minister Sohpon Zarum yesterday to discuss the cabinet's decision to exclude the option of an arbitration committee to resolve any dispute involving the Purple Line which will link Bang Sue and Bang Yai.
       Mr Supoj asked the minister to try to convince the cabinet next Tuesday to restore the arbitration condition in the 50 billion baht electric railway project,because without the condition Jica would not finance the work.
       An arbitration committee would consist of a representative of the government,a representative of its contractor and a third member acceptable to the government and the contractor.
       Mr Sohpon said arbitration was an internationally recognised mechanism to speed up the process of dispute resolution which otherwise could become bogged down in court.
       However, the cabinet decided to exclude arbitration from governmentprivate projects because the mechanism had failed in the past to benefit the state.
       "Arbitration is an international principle," the minister said.
       "It is applied overseas without a problem but it always causes problems in our country and the government is at a disadvantage.
       "I know well what is going on but cannot elaborate. The problems rest with the people who implement it. As there are problems, the government resolved to exclude it and ordered compliance with Thai law in the event of a dispute."
       MRTA deputy governor Chukiat Photayanuwat said Jica believed the contracts for the Purple Line project were international agreements and should include the arbitration option.
       MRTA chairman Supoj said with the arbitration issue unsettled, work on the Purple Line could not start even though the MRTA had signed one of three contracts for the project.

CHINA PUTS FEASIBILITY TALKS ON HOLD

2009-09-25T00:03:00.000-07:00

       China has decided to put on hold talks regarding the rail line that would link the main-land to Thailand. According to the Transport Ministry, the 300-kilometre double-track line will link Den Chai to Chiang Khong, before it links up with a line to Kunming, in China's Yunnan province.
       Chula Sukmanop, deputy director-general of the Office of Transport, Traffic Policy and Planning, confirmed yesterday that the Chinese government had postponed discussions about the project's feasibility with its Thai counterparts.
       The idea of getting China to invest in the railway line was brought up during Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's visit to Beijing from June 24 to 27.
       "The Chinese government has postponed the ministerial-level discussion and has not yet informed us when it will be ready to open talks. However, Thailand has been ready for negotiations since July," Chula said, adding that due to this delay, the project could not be concluded on a government-to-government policy level in terms of setting an investment model.
       He said the route proposed by the Transport Ministry would link Den Chai in Phrae province to Chiang Khong district in Chiang Rai. Since there are no such links at present, it would be easy to garner investment in forms of both public-private partnership and concessions.
       "According to initial evaluations, the 300-kilometre route should cost around Bt30 billion," Chula said.
       The route will come under the supervision of the State Railway of Thailand, especially in terms of land expropriation and concession. A source at the Transport Ministry added that this route would be of added interest to China because not only would it link up to Thailand's nationwide railway system, it would also allow easy access to the soon to be set up Pak Bara port in Satun province.
       "The rail route will allow goods to be easily moved from China via Thailand before they are loaded onto ships at the port on the Andaman coast," the source said, adding that this transportation route would be much quicker than the one currently used via Melaka in Malaysia.
       The route will also boost trade between Asean countries, including China and India.
       A source said Bt85 million had been earmarked for the design of the double-track Den Chai-Chiang Khong rail line, which should be completed in a year.
       The source added that the negotiations had probably been delayed because China wanted to wait for its leader to announce the country's planned financial aid for Asean countries during the grouping's summit in Cha-am next month. China is expected to set up two funds: the US10-billion (Bt336 billion) China Asean Fund to be used for infrastructure and logistics-related development-especially in terms of the China-Singapore rail-way project-as well as the $15-billion China Asean Loan.

RAIL-LINK LAUNCH NOT DELAYED BY PHEU THAI COMPLAINTS, SAYS SRT

2009-09-25T00:02:00.001-07:00

       The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is insisting the launch of the airport-link service will not be delayed by the opposition Pheu Thai Party's complaints about the premier and the interior minister allowing conflicts of interest in the project.
       Suphoth Sublom, an SRT board director, said yesterday the project had made a lot of progress and the civil construction work was complete. The SRT is expected to officially start testing the system on December 5, which will run for three months. The service will be officially launched in April.
       On Monday, a Pheu Thai MP filed a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission saying that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul had allowed conflicts of interest in the project because Chaovarat's family members held shares in a construction company.
       Pheu Thai's Lamphun MP Sanguan Pongmanee and the party's spokesman Prompong Nopparit claimed that Chaovarat's wife and children held shares in Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction, which won the Bt408-million project contract for adding more trimmings to the rail link. The Cabinet had approved the budget on March 10.
       Chaovarat, also leader of Bhum Jai Thai Party, argued he had already declared his assets and has had nothing to do with the company for a long time now.
       Moreover, he said, since Sino-Thai was a public company, anybody could buy its shares and as his children were all adults, they could do what they wanted with their money.
       On March 10, the Cabinet approved the Transport Ministry's request for an additional Bt115 million to hire a consultant to supervise the construction of elevated paths linking the Phya Thai Skytrain station and the Petchaburi subway station to the airport-rail link at Makkasan. This is part of the connection between airport-rail link and the SRT transportation system in the city.
       It also approved Bt11 million and Bt87 million for the construction of the paths from Phya Thai station and Petchaburi subway station respectively.
       The government will cover the cost of the construction, which should be completed in 15 months.
       The Cabinet also approved the expenditure of Bt195 million for the services of an independent safety and system certification engineer for three years. The government will be responsible for this cost as well.
       The Cabinet has acknowledged the relocation of public facilities near the airport-rail link, which would cost Bt140 million. The Metropolitan Water Works Authority and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority each will be responsible for relocation costs of Bt83 million and Bt57 million, respectively.

Magnificent seven

2009-09-20T20:12:00.001-07:00

       In the most important, most revered event since the invention of the brontosaurus trap,Microsoft shipped the most incredibly fabulous operating system ever made; the release of Windows 7 also spurred a new generation of personal computers of all sizes at prices well below last month's offers.The top reason Windows 7 does not suck: There is no registered website called Windows7Sucks.com
       Kindle e-book reader maker Amazon.com and new Nook e-book reader vendor Barnes and Noble got it on; B&N got great reviews for the "Kindle killer"Nook, with dual screens and touch controls so you can "turn" pages, plays MP3s and allows many non-B&N book formats, although not the Kindle one;Amazon then killed the US version of its Kindle in favour of the international one, reduced its price to $260(8,700 baht), same as the Nook; it's not yet clear what you can get in Thailand with a Nook, but you sure can't (yet) get much, relatively speaking, with a Kindle;but here's the biggest difference so far,which Amazon.com has ignored: the Nook lets you lend e-books to any other Nook owner, just as if they were paper books; the borrowed books expire on the borrower's Nook in two weeks.
       Phone maker Nokia of Finland announced it is suing iPhone maker Apple of America for being a copycat; lawyers said they figure Nokia can get at least one, probably two per cent (retail) for every iPhone sold by Steve "President for Life" Jobs and crew via the lawsuit,which sure beats working for it -$6 (200 baht) to $12(400 baht) on 30 million phones sold so far, works out to $400 million or 25 percent of the whole Apple empire profits during the last quarter;there were 10 patent thefts, the Finnish executives said, on everything from moving data to security and encryption.
       Nokia of Finland announced that it is one month behind on shipping its new flagship N900 phone, the first to run on Linux software; delay of the $750(25,000 baht) phone had absolutely no part in making Nokia so short that it had to sue Apple, slap yourself for such a thought.
       Tim Berners-Lee, who created the World Wide Web, said he had one regret:the double slash that follows the "http:"in standard web addresses; he estimated that 14.2 gazillion users have wasted 48.72 bazillion hours typing those two keystrokes, and he's sorry; of course there's no reason to ever type that, since your browser does it for you when you type "www.bangkokpost.com" but Tim needs to admit he made one error in his lifetime.
       The International Telecommunication Union of the United Nations, which doesn't sell any phones or services, announced that there should be a mobile phone charger that will work with any phone; now who would ever have thought of that, without a UN body to wind up a major study on the subject?;the GSM Association estimates that 51,000 tonnes of chargers are made each year in order to keep companies able to have their own unique ones.
       The Well, Doh Award of the Week was presented at arm's length to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development; the group's deputy secretary-general Petko Draganov said that developing countries will miss some of the stuff available on the Internet if they don't install more broadband infrastructure; a report that used your tax baht to compile said that quite a few people use mobile phones but companies are more likely to invest in countries with excellent broadband connections; no one ever had thought of this before, right?
       Sun Microsystems , as a result of the Oracle takeover, said it will allow 3,000 current workers never to bother coming to work again; Sun referred to the losses as "jobs," not people; now the fourth largest server maker in the world, Sun said it lost $2.2 billion in its last fiscal year; European regulators are holding up approval of the Oracle purchase in the hope of getting some money in exchange for not involving Oracle in court cases.
       The multi-gazillionaire and very annoying investor Carl Icahn resigned from the board at Yahoo ; he spun it as a vote of confidence, saying current directors are taking the formerly threatened company seriously; Yahoo reported increased profits but smaller revenues in the third quarter.
       The US House of Representatives voted to censure Vietnam for jailing bloggers; the non-binding resolution sponsored by southern California congresswoman Loretta Sanchez said the Internet is "a crucial tool for the citizens of Vietnam to be able to exercise their freedom of expression and association;"Hanoi has recently jailed at least nine activists for up to six years apiece for holding pro-democracy banners. Iran jailed blogger Hossein "Hoder" Derakshan for 10 months - in solitary confinement.

Skytrain link tests delayed

2009-09-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

       Testing on the BTS Sukhumvit line extension will probably be pushed back until late 2011 due to delays in the procurement of signalling and electrical systems, says deputy Bangkok governor Teerachon Manomaipibul.
       Procurement should have taken place nine months ago if the original December 2010 deadline for the test run was to be met. But purchasing of the operating systems for the 5km extension from Onnuj to Soi Baring, or Sukhumvit Soi 107, has not been approved yet, said Mr Teerachon, who is responsible for mass transit projects.
       The senior City Hall official responsible for making the purchase has apparently stalled the scheme over fears of being investigated if something went wrong with the purchase, he said.
       The official in question is due to retire and does not want to take risks despite being told the scheme is strictly in line with regulations, said Mr Teerachon.
       Former city clerk Khunying Nathanon Thavisin was accused of irregularities over the purchase of fire trucks and boats by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
       City Hall retroactively fired her from the post this week.
       Mr Teerachon said he cannot be sure the test run can take place by mid-2011 as the consulting and bidding process normally takes about seven months.
       Construction of the superstructure and stations by contractor Italian-Thai Development Plc is about 95% complete.

SanMig in tollway deal

2009-08-27T21:01:00.001-07:00

       The Philippines' San Miguel Corp said yesterday it planned to buy a 35% stake in a consortium building a 15-billion pesos ($306 million) tollway project near Manila, marking its entry into the infrastructure sector.
       San Miguel, Southeast Asia's largest food and drinks maker, is aggressively venturing out of its core food and beverage business into sectors such as power,oil refining and now infrastructure to feed future growth. It bought a 27% stake in power retailer Manila Electric Co for over $600 million last year and has a pending purchase of a major stake in the country's oil refiner Petron Corp.
       In its statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange, San Miguel did not say how much it was paying for the stake in Private Infrastructure Development Corp, the consortium constructing the toll project north of Manila, nor disclose the terms of the deal.
       The consortium groups First Balfour of the Lopez family, D.M. Consunji Inc (DMCI) of DMCI Group, EEI Corp, and seven other local firms engaged mainly in the construction business. San Miguel is buying the stake through its unit Rapid Thoroughfares.
       On Wednesday, San Miguel won an auction for a diesel-fired power plant sold by the government for $13.502 million, and said it wants to buy more of the state's power facilities.
       To fund its purchases, San Miguel is selling parts of its major subsidiaries through strategic partnerships or a share offering, retaining just 51% as it ventures further into heavy industry.

SRT contracts consultant for airport link

2009-08-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

       The State Railway of Thailand is paying a consultancy 85 million baht to help it prepare for its Airport Rail Link.
       The overseas consultancy would train 450 staff and draw up instructions and regulations for the system, which would shuttle between the inner city and Suvarnabhumi airport from next April.
       SRT chairman Thawalrat Onsira said the SRT board voted yesterday to hire DB International GmbH (DBI) for 85 million baht.
       The consultancy would test the Airport Rail Link and train airport link staff over the course of its nine-month contract. It would also draw up instructions and regulations to run the trains.
       Chulalongkorn University's Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration would recruit 450 staff for the SRT to operate the Airport Rail Link in particular, and the consultants would train them.
       The SRT wanted to hire SRT, Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTS) and Bangkok Metro Plc staff. The latter two operate electric railways in Bangkok.
       Mr Thawalrat said construction company B Grimm International would hand the Airport Rail Link system together with trains to the SRT on Nov 6 this year and the first tentative operation was set for Dec 5.
       After the one-day trial, officials would evaluate the operation and then resume trial runs from Dec 15 to April next year, when the service would open.
       The number of passengers would be limited during the trial operation.Tickets would be distributed first to workers at Suvarnabhumi airport while the public could seek tickets at main stations of the link. Express trains would operate between Makkasan and the airport, a 15-minute journey without stops, while a trip on ordinary trains with stops at all stations en route would take 30 minutes.
       The SRT would ask the cabinet to decide whether to support its plan to set up a subsidiary to run the Airport Rail Link or back the SRT labour union's demand for the state enterprise to establish a business unit to run the railway.
       Meanwhile, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) yesterday signed a contract to hire CKTC Joint Venture for 14.29 billion baht to build the eastern section of the Purple Line electric railway from Bang Sue to Phra Nang Klao Bridge.
       MRTA chairman Supoj Saplom said the contractor, made up of Ch Karnchang Plc and Tokyu Construction Co, would start construction in 60 days,with work lasting 3.5 to four years.
       The eastern section would extend from the MRTA's present subway end in Bang Sue to Phra Nang Klao Bridge.
       The MRTA would sign two more contracts for the rest of the Purple Line project, opening in 2014.
       The second contract was for the 11km elevated western section across the Chao Phraya River from Phra Nang Klao Bridge to Klong Bang Phai canal in Nonthaburi's Bang Yai district.
       Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction won the work, quoted at 15.32 billion baht.
       The last contract is for a train depot and four park-and-ride buildings, won by PAR Joint Venture, which quoted 6.4 billion baht.

Blue Line bidding open to foreign firms

2009-08-21T22:29:00.000-07:00

       The Mass Rapid Transit Authority's board has agreed to open bidding for the Bt76-billion Blue Line urban electric-train project to foreign as well as local contractors.
       "We opted for international bidding rather than an electronic auction as the project size is huge, and foregin contractors should be allowed to participate," Tawalyarat Onsira, an MRTA director, said after the board's meeting yesterday.
       The meeting discussed both sections of the Blue Line, from Bang Sue to Tha Phra and from Hualamphong to Bang Khae.
       The MRTA will now update the project cost, and the terms of reference should be ready for the board's consideration next month.
       If the Comptroller-General's Office approves the international-bidding method, the bid documents should be available in October.
       The Public Debt Management Office yesterday informed the MRTA's board that the Blue Line's constructin would be financed by domestic borrowing. This will shorten the bidding process to between three and six months, said Tawalyarat.
       If the Finance Ministry sought financial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the process could take eight to 12 months.
       Tawalyarat said the bidding results should be known by next February. Bidders will be required to pass general qualification criteria, meet the technical construction requirements and quote competitive prices.
       Of the current Blue Line project cost of Bt76 billion, Bt48.8 billion is for civil works and Bt25 billion for rolling stock.
       Board member Chairat Chumwong will chair a committee to take care of land expropriation for the construction of the Blue and Purple lines. About 30 per cent of the land to locate the Purple Line is yet to be expropriated.
       The board yesterday gave its stamp of approval to the qualifications of four companies - AEC, Thai MM, Systra snd PPS - bidding for the Purple Line's construction-project management contract, worth Bt1.3 billion.

THE LION CITY"S NEW SHOWCASE

2009-08-21T22:26:00.000-07:00

       Marina Bay emerging as a world-leading business, financial and recreation centre. By Kanana Katharangsiporn in Singapore

       Singapore is proving to the world, and also challenging Hong Kong and Tokyo, that the small island city-state can be a world-leading business and financial hub with the governmentled development project Marina Bay.
       The new development, claimed to be Singapore's most exciting and ambitious urban transformation project, is taking shape on the south of the island on 360 hectares (2,250 rai) of land reclaimed in the 1970s from the sea.
       The government has spent a total of S$7.5 billion to date on infrastructure,excluding land reclamation.
       The infrastructure includes a comprehensive common services tunnel network, a system of purpose-built underground tunnels housing and distributing various utilities services to all developments in Marina Bay.
       Also will be three new underground mass rapid transit stations, as part of new Downtown Line, where underground pedestrian will link to surrounding developments.
       It is constructing ann iconic doublehelix pedestrian and vehicular bridge,new road extensions to the city and airport, coastal expressways, and a 3.5-kmlong continuous waterfront promenade forming a walking loop linking up the attractions.
       At the same time, the International Cruise Terminal, due to start operation by the end of 2011, is being developed by Singapore Tourism Board.
       Another S$1 billion is promised to inject for future infrastructure in the next 10 years, said Fun Siew Leng, group director of Urban Planning & Design with the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Singapore's national land use planning and conservation agency.
       "Despite an economic downturn, we are continuing with investment and development. This is a long-term plan and we cannot plan a development project based on an economy that has ups and downs," she said.
       "We have passed many economic cycles during the development of Marina Bay which takes more Ethan 30 years.When the market is not good, we keep monitoring the situation and open biddings of lands in line with the changing environment."
       The URA has laid out the development plan around the bay under the concept of live-work-play environment, giving developers the flexibility to decide on the mix of uses such as housing, offices,shops, hotels, resorts, recreational facilities and community spaces.
       Along the waterfront and fronting key open spaces, buildings heights are deliberately kept low to maximise views to and from individual developments further away from the waterfront, creating a dynamic three-dimensional "steppedup" skyline profile.
       The URA was appointed in 2004 as the development agency for Marina Bay to co-ordinate the development efforts,implement key infrastructure and promote investment opportunities and programme activities.
       The investment from the private sector started in 2001. The first project was developed by One Marina Boulevard Pte Ltd, an international consortium comprising Cheung Kong (Holdings),Keppel Land and Hongkong Land. It was later named One Raffles Quay.
       To date the project has drawn S$20.2 billion of private real estate investments from both local and international investors.
       Mega projects for leisure include The Singapore Flyer, the world's tallest observation wheel; Marina Bay Sands,Singapore's first integrated resort; and The Float at Marina Bay, the world's largest floating stage; and Singapore's first Art Park.
       The first night Formula One Grand Prix night race was held in September last year in Marina Bay.
       As Marina Bay is aimed to be new central business district (CBD) extending seamlessly from the existing CBD, it will support the country's growth as Asia's major business and financial hub.
       When completed, it claims to provide 3.45 million square metres of office space adding the existing office space at the current CBD Raffles Place.
       They will be from Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC), first phase of which will be completed next year,50 Collyer Quay in 2010 and Asia Square Towers 1 and 2 completed in 2012.
       Currently, completed residential area is The Sail @ Marina Bay, the tallest condominium in Singapore at 245 metres and 70 stories high. Upcoming will be a condominium tower and luxury villas in phase two of MBFC.
       "Investors interested in developments must bid for land that is offered with freehold and leasehold types and we will consider distinctive design, business model and pricing," said Ms Fun.
       Greenery all around is also in the plan. The URA is developing a green area where trees will be planted - Gardens by the Bay, made up of three interconnected waterfront gardens totalling 101 hectares and due to be completed in 2012.

CABINET PUTS A HOLD ON FOREIGN BORROWING

2009-08-21T22:23:00.000-07:00

       The Cabinet yesterday endorsed a Finance Ministry plan to delay a US$500-million (Bt17 billion) loan from the Asian Development Bank.
       It also suspended previously agreed borrowing from the World Bank and the Plan International Cooperation Agency.
       Ministers agreed domestic liquidity was sufficient to finance the latest stimulus package and that government revenue had shown some improvement.
       Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said domestic borrowing would also reduce pressure on the baht, which had strengthened against the US dollar in recent months.
       "I discussed the bill to approve borrowing of Bt400 billion with the prime minister, particularly senators' questions. We will ensure tranparency. Meanwhile, the planned foreign borrowing will be delayed, in line with the government's policy of tapping domestic funds and slowing the baht's appreciation," he said yesterday.
       The decision coincided with a Finance Ministry report that the government's revenue intake in the first 10 months of fiscal 2009 was Bt1.12 trillion, down Bt119 billion, or 9.6 per cent, from the same period last year. Last month alone, revenue reached Bt98.1 billion, down Bt9.85 billion, or 9.1 per cent, year on year.
       Still, ministry spokesman Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the outlook was better, particularly for value-added tax, import tariffs and auto excise taxes. The revenue shortfall, from Bt1.6 trillion in expenses for the fiscal year, is expected to narrow to Bt206 billion, from an original forecast of Bt280 billion.
       The Cabinet yesterday also delayed a decision on Bt6.8 billion worth of bonus payments for civil servants this fiscal year. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said it remained unknown whether there would be any money left for bonuses and even if so, the propriety of any such payments would have to eb carefully considered.
       The Office of the Public Sector Development Commission also asked for a special allocation from the central 2010 budget to give to 1.5 million civil servants.
       Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu earlier announced there would be no banuses in 2010 and that such payments in 2011 depended on economic conditions and government policy at the time.
       Meanwhile, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand is expected to sign a deal for construction of the first section of the Purple Line electric-train route this month following Cabinet approval yesterday.
       Transport Minister Sophon Saram said after yesterday's meeting that the Cabinet approved the first contract, covering 12 kilometres of the elevated route, and acknowledged the proposed construction costs in the second and third contracts.
       "The first contract should be signed with CKTC Joint Venture this month," he said.
       Construction on the route is estimated at Bt32.4 billion.
       The first 12-kilometre section will cost Bt14.3 billion; the second contract for another 11km will entail Bt13.1 billion; and the third contract, for a maintenance centre and parking areas, will be for Bt4 billion.
       Another contract for rail installation will be for Bt4 billion.
       The Cabinet also approved criteria for maize and tapioca price quarantees, which will replace its pledging schemes.
       The guarantee schemes will be kicked off following farmer registration.