AH

Aapico enters parts venture — Sumino Kogyo Co, the Japanese supplier of Mazda Corporation, will enter a Bt600mn joint venture with AH to make precision-press welding parts in Thailand. The JV will set up a factory in Chonburi’s Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate, with full operations nearly next year. Sumino will hold 51% and AH the rest. (Bangkok Post, 30/03/13)

Comment: Ah soo…now we know why the owner has been buying his shares up…

BECL

BECL speeds up net profit goal to Bt4bn — BECL believes it can nearly double its net profit to Bt4bn this year from Bt2.25bn last year thanks to its increased stake in TTW and a scheduled toll increase. Listing of CK Power, in which BECL holds 30%, will also contribute to profit. (Bangkok Post, 30/03/13)

BECL seeks toll hike — BECL has submitted a proposal seeking to raise expressway tolls by at least Bt5 on Sept 1. Under its concession contract, BECL is allowed to raise tolls every five years based on inflation. The last toll increase was in September 2008. Aiyanat Tinapai, governor of the EXAT, said the proposed increase was based on the CPI in March. He said EXAT has yet to consider the proposal and has not asked the Office of the Attorney-General for a review. The toll increase proposal will probably be finalized in August and then submitted to the Transport Ministry for approval, he said. (Bangkok Post, 01/04/13)

Comment: Do note that it will be a one-off recognition of net profits from the listing of CK Power

HEMRAJ

HEMRAJ looks to Indonesia — Hemaraj Land and Development is eyeing the possibility of building an industrial estate in Indonesia as its first foray abroad. David Nardone, the president and CEO, said even though the company has no hard plans at the moment, Indonesia is the most interesting market in Southeast Asia for HEMRAJ. (Bangkok Post, 30/03/13)

MCOT

Full steam ahead for MCOT’s 50-rai ASEAN media complex — MCOT has finalized plans for its new 50-rai complex by reaching an agreement with the MRTA to use its land as an egress. The MRTA board last week approved MCOT’s rental of its land as an exit for the planned media complex on Ratchadaphisek Road. MCOT president Anek Permvongseni said it will revise project details and start construction early next year. The 50-rai site is located near the Thailand Cultural Center and is valued at more than Bt2bn. (Bangkok Post, 30/03/13)

QH

Subsidiary targets east — The Confidence Co, a subsidiary of QH, plans to launch two new condominium projects in Rayong and Chonburi on the back of strong demand from industrial estate workers and other Thai buyers. The Rayong project will be located on five rai near Mae Ram Phueng Beach with 200-300 units priced at Bt1-2mn. It will tap Thai buyers seeking a resort home. The condo project in Chonburi will be located near the Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate to tape people working there. (Bangkok Post, 30/03/13)

TRUE

As 3G looms, True bolsters wired service — TRUE is boosting the speed of its fixed-line broadband to make it 10 times faster than mobile broadband in anticipation of stiff competition from 3G commercial wireless service starting next month. (Bangkok Post, 30/03/13)

Comment: True is going to suffer badly, so badly…with the digital satelite scheme why on earth would anyone need a True box. Expect to see another recap next year..