BBL : NVDR holding in BBL rose to 23.64% from 23.1% last Friday. If it continues to approach the 25% limit, the SET may temporarily suspend purchases of BBL-R, as seen 3–4 times in the past. Foreign headroom remains ample at 55.7m shares.

Comment: This happens every now and again…

BPP/BANPU : Banpu Power is reportedly set to merge with its parent BANPU to streamline operations as the group accelerates its transition towards clean energy. A new entity will be established to manage the combined businesses. (Bangkok Post)

BTS : Top management reaffirmed plans to proceed with the U-Tapao Aviation City project, pending the EEC’s final decision on investment privileges before moving ahead with detailed plans and roadshows. (The Nation)

Comment: They’d only start building once CP and friends can fund the railway project…

CPN : Positive on 4Q earnings outlook, backed by higher occupancy at Central Park retail and office complexes, the completion of two new condos (THB 2.2bn), and stronger holiday-season foot traffic.

GFPT : Maintains positive earnings momentum, driven by stronger domestic chicken demand, improved selling prices supported by the government’s co-pay stimulus, and lower feed costs, which continue to support margins.

ORI : Expects a strong 4Q, supported by the transfer of seven newly completed condo projects worth THB 10.5bn, and solid contributions from hotels in Bangkok, Sri Racha, and Phuket.

Comment: It’s a quiet little secret that the government is backing consumers with cheap loans to buy up residential projects – if the consumers can pass the bank requirements of course…

SCC : The company is preparing for what it describes as a “tiring year” ahead, citing challenges from both economic uncertainty and the ongoing political vacuum. Overseas markets now contribute 50% of total revenue, with the remainder from domestic operations. SCG aims to strengthen overseas production bases through greater use of AI and robotics to manage costs. (Bangkok Post)

Comment: Greater use of AI? SCC’s strategy is to buy cheap machinery from China to cut costs and then wonder why half the time it doesn’t work…or perhaps they’ve finally learnt that overpaying for crap projects isn’t worth it…watch as they continue to sell off non-core assets and pay shareholders higher divvys

Tourism: Thailand’s New Year countdown celebrations will proceed as usual, but the iconic Wat Arun fireworks in Bangkok will move to Phayao province to promote second-tier destinations. The event is expected to draw over 250,000 visitors and boost tourism across northern Thailand. (Bangkok Post)
The Pheu Thai Party will hold a meeting at 10am to elect a new party leader and executive committee.

Norse Atlantic Airways will launch a new Manchester–Bangkok route on Nov 26, following this week’s start of services from London Gatwick–Bangkok. Stockholm–Bangkok flights will double to four per week from Dec 5, while Oslo–Bangkok will increase from three to four weekly flights from Dec 3.

Comment: The number of flights in the skies are still lower than 2019.