AOT Strong July traffic growth — AOT reported strong traffic in July 2013, with passenger and aircraft movement growth of 16% YoY. This is the tenth month in a row that it has reported double-digit growth. (Company press release)

Comment: This is really only one of the few strongly growing large cap co’s in Thailand

BH expands in Mongolia, Phitsanulok – Bumrungrad Hospital Plc (BH), the country’s second-largest listed hospital operator, plans to spend up to Bt5bn to acquire sizeable stakes in hospitals in Phitsanulok province and Mongolia. Chairman Chai Sophonpanich said the company is conducting a feasibility study for a stake in a Mongolian facility, for which it expects to pay Bt2bn. (Bangkok Post, 19/08/13)

Comment: I love the idea of investments in both locations, Mongolia is booming and phitsanulok will be a huge new centre of Thailand in the coming decade

DEMCO Lower orders leads to target cuts — DEMCO revised down its target revenues from Bt7bn to Bt6-6.5bn after orders for 3G steel structures were lower than expected. However, the company is to bid for more projects in 2H13 worth Bt5.5bn to add to its backlog of Bt5.1bn. DEMCO also expects WEH to be listed at the end of 2014 or beginning of 2015. (Tun Hoon, 19/08/13)

LALIN 2H13 to be strong — LALIN expects a strong 2H13 with the launch of 10 new projects worth Bt4bn in 2H13, booking revenue of Bt1.5bn. It plans to issue bonds for sale to institutional investors and big retail investors. (Tun Hoon, 19/08/13)

PREB Expects new highs in second half — PREB expects net profits for 2H13 to reach a new high after net profits for 1H13 reached Bt183.45mn, close to profit for the entire year of 2012. It will be revising its initial revenue target of Bt5bn for 2H13. Current backlog stands at Bt10bn and the company expects to recognize 20% of that this year. (Khao Hoon, 19/08/13)

PTT plans in-house financing – PTT Plc, the national oil and gas conglomerate, is following in the footsteps of multinational firms by setting up an “in-house bank” to secure financing, as regular banks are unable to serve its massive investment needs. (Bangkok Post, 19/08/13)

TMB Maybank expects to buy 31% of TMB — The new CEO of Maybank announced that it is to acquire a 31% stake in TMB worth US$1.2bn from ING Group to help increase its target proportion of foreign income of 40% by 2016. At the same time, ICBC Bank has also said it wants to buy TMB shares held by the Thai Ministry of Finance and ING Group. (Khao Hoon, 19/08/13)

Comment: Wow! it finally happened!