PM'S AWARDS GO TO 34 OUTSTANDING EXPORT FIRMS

       Thai exporters who won this year's Prime Minister's Awards say creativity, packaging development and social responsibility have been vital for their business success amid the global economic downturn.
       Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday rewarded 34 outstanding exporters with 40 of the prestigious awards in a ceremony at Government House.
       Abhisit said he strongly believed Thai exports would soon return to positive growth, because there were good signs of economic recovery in many countries.
       "Exports in the fourth quarter should increase, and that will result in a lower fall in export growth, averaging a 10-per-cent contraction for the full year," he said.
       The prime minister said economic growth dropped 4.5 per cent year on year in the second quarter. However, he is confident the economy will recover in the second half and that Thailand's economic growth will contract only 3-4 per cent for the full year.
       To ensure smooth export growth, Abhisit said the government would tighten collaboration between government agencies and support creative economic policies as keys to promoting a higher value for exports.
       This year's PM Awards were made in five categories. Five companies were named Best Exporterl; five firms were recognised for Thai-Owned Brands; two awards were made to Best Service Providers; five awards were made for Otop Export Recognition; and 23 awards went to 19 firms for Design Excellence.
       Thammasak Jittimaporn, managing director of Green Spot, which won a Best Exporter award, said despite some negative factors, including the strengthening of the baht and slowing economic growth, the company's exports still increased 20 per cent in the first half.
       Moreover, the firm has contracted soybean farmers in the North as a strategy to lower fluctuations in world soybean prices, as well as support Thai farmers.
       Pakinee Jiwattanapaiboon, marketing and research and development manager of Xongdur Thai Organic Food, which won a PM's Award for Otop Export Recognition, said his firm created and launched new products, with good packaging design, every six months.
       Healthy food products are on high demand, and the company has set up many training programmes for its contract farmers, so they can better understand organic farming systems, she said. "The company's turnover has increased 30 per cent year on year despite the global economic downturn," Pakinee said.
       Dhanabadee Art Ceramic won a PM's Award for Design Excellence. Managing director Panasin Dhanabadesakul said his firm had spent 5 per cent of its revenue of Bt65 million on innovations.
       The company also adds valued to its products by adapting local wisdom and raw materials for its design creativity.
       Bangkok International Preparatory and Secondary School was named one of the country's Best Service Providers. Headmaster Keith Wecker said the school concentrated on increasing opportunities for Thai students to study international progrkammes by setting medium fees.
       Normally, international schools charge Bt600,000 to Bt700,000 per year, but Bangkok Prep's fees are Bt250,000 to Bt400,000 for three semesters.
       Napatr Morin, director of Tia Ngee Hiang, a producer of processed food, meat and rice crackers under the Chaosua brand, said his firm won a Thai-Owned Bran Award by focusing on creating brand recognition and quality development.