ADVANC

AIS moves to become leader in mobile payments – Advanced Info Service (AIS) will launch a new mobile-wallet service for online shopping. Already the largest mobile operator, the move is aimed at becoming the leader in mobile payments. The virtual credit card payment service, which AIS claims is the first in Thailand, lets online shoppers pay with their mobiles. (Bangkok Post, 25/09/13)

Comment: This could be a good cash flow generator for AIS, however I doubt it’s going to make much impact on the bottom line for years if not ever

DTAC

DTAC’s 4G proposal rejected – The national telecom regulator has rejected a proposal by Total Access Communication (DTAC) to run its fourth-generation (4G) mobile broadband service under the existing concession. (Bangkok Post, 25/09/13)

Comment: Well they had to try!

KPN

KPN plans B2.7bn luxury condo project on Sathon – KPN Group Corporation, owned by the Narongdej family, plans to launch a luxury condo project worth Bt2.7bn in Bangkok next month amid soaring land prices and limited condo launches in the area. Chairman Kris Narongdej said prime land plots for new condo development in the central business district (CBD) are very scarce, while land prices are soaring each year. (Bangkok Post, 25/09/13)

Comment: THB 200,000 per sqm…

KTB

Expects good loan growth ahead — KTB’s loan growth in the first eight month was 9% and 4Q13 will be high season, meaning stronger growth. NPLs are also on the decline. (Khao Hoon, 25/09/13)

Comment: Arguably the bellweather for government projects and enterprise financing

NINE

Opening language center — NINE has diversified, and will be opening a new language learning center in September. Revenue is expected to grow 10% YoY due to higher book sales and the launch of a new product in the second half of the year. (Tun Hoon, 25/09/13)

MC

Expects too meet target despite slowing — MC expects profit to grow inline with target even though 2QFY13 sales have slowed. Sales are expected to jump 35% in 4QFY13. It also has plans to expand into Indonesia and Malaysia in this year. (Khao Hoon, 25/09/13)

Comment: We’ve heard from their suppliers that MC had overstocked its inventory during the year and is having trouble shifting out stock

TGPRO

Good 2H13 — TGPRO says its 2H13 outlook is good, with the proportion of revenue from abroad expected to grow to 40% from 5% in 2012. The company will also improve productivity through new machines and list one subsidiary on the stock market. (Tun Hoon, 25/09/13)