Blythe is bliss for some, but top celebrities Khemanit "Pancake" Jamikorn and Sukollawat "Weir" Kanarot are happier with your basic, cuddly teddy bear.
They caused a buzz in Siam Square last week when they opened a branch of Teddy House, the shops that specialise in cute teddies and the cute clothes they wear.
They even designed Teira Zeira, the star of the store, who's available in a "Party" mood, looking a whole lot like Weir in a smart black tuxedo, and resembling Pancake in a beautiful silk evening dress.
Or you can get the "Sport" Teira in eye-catching outfits ready for golf, and "Casual" Teira in fashionable plaid shirts and blue jeans.
Part of a chain with more than half a dozen outlets in Thailand, this store is the biggest so far, occupying three storeys.
The first floor is piled high with fluffy teddy bears in brown and white, varying in size from five to 60 inches. There's a dressing corner where you can choose a skirt, shirt, dress, jeans, trousers, shoes, bag, eyeglasses glasses, sports equipment and even underwear and a bikini for you bear.
Teddy collectors head straight for the second floor to admire the limited-edition Teira Zeira and the Mohair Bear collection, made of soft wool from Germany.
The shelves are filled with Teirz Zeira accessories - white T-shirts, ceramic ware, handbags, cosmetic bags and pencil cases - and there's a coffee corner with comfy sofas that serves pancakes and strawberry smoothies.
Up on the third floor, the younger crowd gathers to chat, dance and sometimes act. Workshops on making teddy bears are held there, but if a little bear shows up who's been injured, he's rushed to the store's Teddy Clinic.
IT'S BEAR, EDWARD BEAR
Teddy House is at 424/7-8 Siam Square Soi 11 and open daily from 10 to 9. Call (02) 658 3932 or visit www.TeddyHouse.com.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
JETTING AWAY, A BROKEN HOME, ONLY SKIN DEEP, BIG TROUBLE IN THE LITTLE HOUSE
The media is working overtime to establish links between a pop star's plans to buy a lavish home with its own private runway and golf course,and her ties to wealthy former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
News that R&B singer Saranrat "Lydia" Wisutthithada is buying a 40 million baht home with its own golf course, airstrip and small private plane, has set off a storm of speculation that Thaksin, a family friend, gave her the money.
When that line of attack - oops,inquiry - failed, they tried another one on hapless Lydia, who plans to take flying lessons so she can get about in her new private jet: So, will you make any flying trips to see him?
Lydia denies it all patiently - no,she didn't ask Thaksin for the money,and nor does she intend taking her plane to visit the fugitive former leader - but adds she is getting tired of living her life in the man's shadow.
"My parents are unhappy about the idle speculation linking us back to Thaksin, as my family made its own money. My grandparents started a road construction business, and for them 40 million baht would be easy to find."
The media's response?"Lydia brags she's worth at least 40 million baht", crowed the anti-Thaksin Manager ASTV newspaper.Lydia said she is bored with such one-eyed coverage."Everything we do gets linked back to Thaksin. Even my boyfriend [singer Matthew Dean]has been besieged by journalists,"she complained.
"We're not paying such a large amount of money up front. All you can see at the moment is a vacant plot of land.
"If we decide to buy, we will pay it off in instalments, like anyone else."
Her family has signed an expression of interest, but has yet to stump up any money.
"My parents run a golf course business, so they were interested in the golf. And they've thrown in a private aircraft as part of the deal,which I like, as it could be the transport mode of the future. I start flying lessons next month," said Lydia.
Her home, to be built on a 1,600 square metre plot, and known as Airborne 1, will include three bedrooms, three bathrooms,servants' quarters, a swimming pool,two-car garage and parking space for a small private jet.
Best Ocean Air Park, a 10,000 million baht development in Rama II Road, Samut Sakhon, has a housing village, sports complex, hotel,58-hole golf course,airport and private runway.
Not quite home free
The mother of model,actor and DJ Pakorn "Dome" Lum is on the warpath against crooked house builders.
Rattanaporn Koophirom is taking legal action against a building company after the firm failed to finish construction of her six million baht home as contracted.
The company left the job half done,scarpered and changed its name,forcing her to hire another contractor to finish the job, at a cost of an extra three million baht, or 8.3 million baht in total.
The saga has dragged on more than three-and-a-half years, and the house is still not finished. She has paid the company 5.5 million baht.Mrs Rattanaporn wants her money back from the company, formerly known as Queen House Ltd.
When she heard that the firm had treated other clients in the same way, she encouraged them to sign their names to a joint fraud action,which elevated the dispute from a mere civil matter to a criminal case.Dome's mum and 10 other homeowners have now laid a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division police. They say they are out of pocket by 50 million baht.
Mrs Rattanaporn said the company offered to build homes with no-cost extras such as a water tank,automatic doors, air conditioning and closed-circuit television security system. She saw them advertise in magazines and home and garden shows.
She signed a contract for a twostorey home on Kaset-Nawamin Road."The job was supposed to take one year, but after 18 months the company's builders had finished just 50%. They just upped and left, with
no explanation," she said.
She had visited the company, where staff were unwilling to meet her gaze and were reluctant to help.
Dome said he wanted to build the place for his mum, and was disappointed when the company failed to finish the job."If we wanted to take legal action against them for breach of contract,we would have to do it in the civil court.
"Mum thought this was not enough, and has gathered evidence from other damaged parties, so we are now able to lay a criminal complaint of fraud," he said.
The CSD says it will contact the company's principals to get them to acknowledge the complaint.
Storm in a teacup
Actor Arak "Pae" Amornsupasiri will have to watch his words more carefully, after a throwaway remark about the superior beauty of Thai girls compared to those in Laos resulted in a film project in the neighbouring country being shelved.
Pae, a rising star in the Thai film industry, was cast to play the lead in a joint Thai-Laos production,Sabaidee Luang Prabang II . However,it's now on hold indefinitely after producers feared a backlash as a result of Pae's remarks.
The fuss started in late July when Pae was asked whether his girlfriend,Ratchawin "Koy" Wongwiriya, would get jealous while he was away.
"She has no reason to worry. I have met Laos girls. Thai girls are much prettier," he said, sparking an angry response on the net, with some Lao teens threatening to do him harm if he ever set foot in their country.
Pae said all he can do is say sorry."All I meant to say was that Koy had no reason to get anxious. I didn't mean it to come out the way it did,and would like to say sorry to the production crew who as a result cannot carry on work," he said this week.
In earlier news coverage, Pae attributed delays in shooting to the poor weather in Laos. But when repeatedly questioned about it this week, Pae changed his tune and admitted that his gauche remarks about superior Thai beauty also played a part.
He doubts whether many Lao people really are that upset.
In Laos a month ago to prepare for the shoot, Pae says he walked into a market but met no trouble."People asked for my autograph.They weren't giving me a hard time."
Still, the star of The Body ,The Last Moment and Slice says he regrets his comments, and feels sad about the missed opportunity.
Pae said his schedule is fully booked for the rest of the year, so if the film does go ahead, producers may have to find a new lead to replace him.
Far from blithe
All is not well in the doll's house for actress Araya "Chompoo" A Hargett,accused of shunning an actress she has never met as a potential member of the Blythe doll fanclub.
Imported Blythe dolls, which can sell for more than 10,000 baht each,are popular among the celebrity set.
In an item run by several Thai dailies, Chompoo denies she set her face against actress and presenter Sudarat "Tookie" Bootprom joining her "gang" of Blythe doll collectors.
The story, which originated on a webboard, and was spread by unkind hands, said Chompoo and close friend, actress Pattaratida "Tangmo"Patcharaveerapong, poo-pooed the idea of letting Tookie play in their doll's house, as she was too ugly.
"With a face like that, she should be playing with ghouls and goblins,"the pair are said to have remarked.
Wisely, Tookie told reporters to go away and check their sources, to make sure Chompoo really said what was claimed. Tangmo said she knows who spread the rumours, and is unimpressed."I stopped playing with Blythe dolls more than a year ago,"she said.
Chompoo, who has collected more than 100 of the big-eyed, Gothlooking dolls, has also opened a shop called the Doll House, for Blythe doll admirers.
"I never said these things about Tookie. I have never even met her.If Tookie admires Blythe dolls, great.It's all good promotion," she said.
Chompoo also had a few words for journalists."The media should think twice before publishing such unsubstantiated reports. Thais can explain these things to themselves much better than they can to foreigners, who if they read such reports might take a dim view of our ability to represent Blythe dolls here,"she added.
News that R&B singer Saranrat "Lydia" Wisutthithada is buying a 40 million baht home with its own golf course, airstrip and small private plane, has set off a storm of speculation that Thaksin, a family friend, gave her the money.
When that line of attack - oops,inquiry - failed, they tried another one on hapless Lydia, who plans to take flying lessons so she can get about in her new private jet: So, will you make any flying trips to see him?
Lydia denies it all patiently - no,she didn't ask Thaksin for the money,and nor does she intend taking her plane to visit the fugitive former leader - but adds she is getting tired of living her life in the man's shadow.
"My parents are unhappy about the idle speculation linking us back to Thaksin, as my family made its own money. My grandparents started a road construction business, and for them 40 million baht would be easy to find."
The media's response?"Lydia brags she's worth at least 40 million baht", crowed the anti-Thaksin Manager ASTV newspaper.Lydia said she is bored with such one-eyed coverage."Everything we do gets linked back to Thaksin. Even my boyfriend [singer Matthew Dean]has been besieged by journalists,"she complained.
"We're not paying such a large amount of money up front. All you can see at the moment is a vacant plot of land.
"If we decide to buy, we will pay it off in instalments, like anyone else."
Her family has signed an expression of interest, but has yet to stump up any money.
"My parents run a golf course business, so they were interested in the golf. And they've thrown in a private aircraft as part of the deal,which I like, as it could be the transport mode of the future. I start flying lessons next month," said Lydia.
Her home, to be built on a 1,600 square metre plot, and known as Airborne 1, will include three bedrooms, three bathrooms,servants' quarters, a swimming pool,two-car garage and parking space for a small private jet.
Best Ocean Air Park, a 10,000 million baht development in Rama II Road, Samut Sakhon, has a housing village, sports complex, hotel,58-hole golf course,airport and private runway.
Not quite home free
The mother of model,actor and DJ Pakorn "Dome" Lum is on the warpath against crooked house builders.
Rattanaporn Koophirom is taking legal action against a building company after the firm failed to finish construction of her six million baht home as contracted.
The company left the job half done,scarpered and changed its name,forcing her to hire another contractor to finish the job, at a cost of an extra three million baht, or 8.3 million baht in total.
The saga has dragged on more than three-and-a-half years, and the house is still not finished. She has paid the company 5.5 million baht.Mrs Rattanaporn wants her money back from the company, formerly known as Queen House Ltd.
When she heard that the firm had treated other clients in the same way, she encouraged them to sign their names to a joint fraud action,which elevated the dispute from a mere civil matter to a criminal case.Dome's mum and 10 other homeowners have now laid a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division police. They say they are out of pocket by 50 million baht.
Mrs Rattanaporn said the company offered to build homes with no-cost extras such as a water tank,automatic doors, air conditioning and closed-circuit television security system. She saw them advertise in magazines and home and garden shows.
She signed a contract for a twostorey home on Kaset-Nawamin Road."The job was supposed to take one year, but after 18 months the company's builders had finished just 50%. They just upped and left, with
no explanation," she said.
She had visited the company, where staff were unwilling to meet her gaze and were reluctant to help.
Dome said he wanted to build the place for his mum, and was disappointed when the company failed to finish the job."If we wanted to take legal action against them for breach of contract,we would have to do it in the civil court.
"Mum thought this was not enough, and has gathered evidence from other damaged parties, so we are now able to lay a criminal complaint of fraud," he said.
The CSD says it will contact the company's principals to get them to acknowledge the complaint.
Storm in a teacup
Actor Arak "Pae" Amornsupasiri will have to watch his words more carefully, after a throwaway remark about the superior beauty of Thai girls compared to those in Laos resulted in a film project in the neighbouring country being shelved.
Pae, a rising star in the Thai film industry, was cast to play the lead in a joint Thai-Laos production,Sabaidee Luang Prabang II . However,it's now on hold indefinitely after producers feared a backlash as a result of Pae's remarks.
The fuss started in late July when Pae was asked whether his girlfriend,Ratchawin "Koy" Wongwiriya, would get jealous while he was away.
"She has no reason to worry. I have met Laos girls. Thai girls are much prettier," he said, sparking an angry response on the net, with some Lao teens threatening to do him harm if he ever set foot in their country.
Pae said all he can do is say sorry."All I meant to say was that Koy had no reason to get anxious. I didn't mean it to come out the way it did,and would like to say sorry to the production crew who as a result cannot carry on work," he said this week.
In earlier news coverage, Pae attributed delays in shooting to the poor weather in Laos. But when repeatedly questioned about it this week, Pae changed his tune and admitted that his gauche remarks about superior Thai beauty also played a part.
He doubts whether many Lao people really are that upset.
In Laos a month ago to prepare for the shoot, Pae says he walked into a market but met no trouble."People asked for my autograph.They weren't giving me a hard time."
Still, the star of The Body ,The Last Moment and Slice says he regrets his comments, and feels sad about the missed opportunity.
Pae said his schedule is fully booked for the rest of the year, so if the film does go ahead, producers may have to find a new lead to replace him.
Far from blithe
All is not well in the doll's house for actress Araya "Chompoo" A Hargett,accused of shunning an actress she has never met as a potential member of the Blythe doll fanclub.
Imported Blythe dolls, which can sell for more than 10,000 baht each,are popular among the celebrity set.
In an item run by several Thai dailies, Chompoo denies she set her face against actress and presenter Sudarat "Tookie" Bootprom joining her "gang" of Blythe doll collectors.
The story, which originated on a webboard, and was spread by unkind hands, said Chompoo and close friend, actress Pattaratida "Tangmo"Patcharaveerapong, poo-pooed the idea of letting Tookie play in their doll's house, as she was too ugly.
"With a face like that, she should be playing with ghouls and goblins,"the pair are said to have remarked.
Wisely, Tookie told reporters to go away and check their sources, to make sure Chompoo really said what was claimed. Tangmo said she knows who spread the rumours, and is unimpressed."I stopped playing with Blythe dolls more than a year ago,"she said.
Chompoo, who has collected more than 100 of the big-eyed, Gothlooking dolls, has also opened a shop called the Doll House, for Blythe doll admirers.
"I never said these things about Tookie. I have never even met her.If Tookie admires Blythe dolls, great.It's all good promotion," she said.
Chompoo also had a few words for journalists."The media should think twice before publishing such unsubstantiated reports. Thais can explain these things to themselves much better than they can to foreigners, who if they read such reports might take a dim view of our ability to represent Blythe dolls here,"she added.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Key Islamic leader urges forgiveness
A key Islamic leader is urging angry Muslims to forgive students who published images of the Prophet Mohammed in a sexual situation.
Leaders of 22 southern Islamic organisations had accepted a public apology from the college students when they were found to be "unaware of the sensitivity around the issue and had no ill intention behind their action", said Imron Maluleem, vice chairman of the Central Islamic Committee of Thailand.
The computer-manipulated image of fake LEGO toy packaging shown in a magazine produced by a group of Kasetsart University students has been circulated over the internet since 2006.
Danish toymaker LEGO said it had no involvement in the image.
The image depicts the Prophet Mohammed in a sexual situation and features English text.
The Sex No Go magazine - 1,500 copies of which were printed with financial help from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation - is intended to create sexual awareness among youths.
"There shouldn't be a further row about the issue because we have sought an explanation from the publishers,"Mr Imron said.
The Foreign Ministry had expressed concerns the matter might be inflamed overseas, he said.
"I urge all discontented Muslims to forgive them [the students] because they have already apologised in accordance with the right principles," he said."We shouldn't use our emotion to further justify our actions."
The students published the image because they were not aware of the sensitivities of Islam, especially about the Prophet Mohammed, he said.
The situation also reflects a lack of public understanding about Islam and Muslims, which is part of the cause of the violence in the South, he said.
Islamic organisations became aware of the publication last week through a copy obtained in Yala, even though the magazine had been available since January. They went to meet the foundation's officers in Bangkok and demanded an investigation and corrective measures.
They said they feared the publication could stir chaos, similar to 2006 when there were worldwide protests against a Danish newspaper which printed cartoons satirising the Prophet Mohammed.
The concern prompted the foundation to put a five-day public apology advertisement in seven Thai-language dailies.
It will also publish 50,000 copies of a book about the Prophet Mohammed to educate the public.
Last Friday, the foundation burnt 400 recalled copies of the magazine and an original CD.
It also decided to end project funding for the students as punishment for their failure to follow editorial procedures.
Leaders of 22 southern Islamic organisations had accepted a public apology from the college students when they were found to be "unaware of the sensitivity around the issue and had no ill intention behind their action", said Imron Maluleem, vice chairman of the Central Islamic Committee of Thailand.
The computer-manipulated image of fake LEGO toy packaging shown in a magazine produced by a group of Kasetsart University students has been circulated over the internet since 2006.
Danish toymaker LEGO said it had no involvement in the image.
The image depicts the Prophet Mohammed in a sexual situation and features English text.
The Sex No Go magazine - 1,500 copies of which were printed with financial help from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation - is intended to create sexual awareness among youths.
"There shouldn't be a further row about the issue because we have sought an explanation from the publishers,"Mr Imron said.
The Foreign Ministry had expressed concerns the matter might be inflamed overseas, he said.
"I urge all discontented Muslims to forgive them [the students] because they have already apologised in accordance with the right principles," he said."We shouldn't use our emotion to further justify our actions."
The students published the image because they were not aware of the sensitivities of Islam, especially about the Prophet Mohammed, he said.
The situation also reflects a lack of public understanding about Islam and Muslims, which is part of the cause of the violence in the South, he said.
Islamic organisations became aware of the publication last week through a copy obtained in Yala, even though the magazine had been available since January. They went to meet the foundation's officers in Bangkok and demanded an investigation and corrective measures.
They said they feared the publication could stir chaos, similar to 2006 when there were worldwide protests against a Danish newspaper which printed cartoons satirising the Prophet Mohammed.
The concern prompted the foundation to put a five-day public apology advertisement in seven Thai-language dailies.
It will also publish 50,000 copies of a book about the Prophet Mohammed to educate the public.
Last Friday, the foundation burnt 400 recalled copies of the magazine and an original CD.
It also decided to end project funding for the students as punishment for their failure to follow editorial procedures.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
And baby comes too
There's good news for parents of infants and toddlers living in Bangkok, especially in apartments or hotel rooms, where space to store children's toys and accessories can be a problem.
After toursing the US a few years back, Kwanjai Lertpeon was inspired to build up her very own toy library and today she's runing Tinytots on busy Soi Sathorn 11, which is stacked with a m ountain of innovative toys and cute layette items, all of them for rent. And while she understands that mothers might be worried about lots of hands touching the toys, Kwanjai guarantees that all the items are clean and absolutely safe for the little ones to handle.
Kwanjai was in the furniture business before taking over a sued toy store from her friend five years ago. She launched her business by importing a selection of cute second-hand toys from Japan, and sold them at fairs all over Bangkok.
In 2006, Kwanjai started stocking innovative toys from America and France under the Tinytots umbrella but rather than putting them up for sale, she offered them for rent only.
"The used toys from Japan were becoming harder to find and a trip to America gave me a new idea. There, rental toy stores are very popular," says Kwanjai. "My main customers hall from Singapore, America and the Arab world."
Tinytots stocks most of the goodies available at leading shoping malls and the toys are of high quality by such well know brands as Graco, Fisher Price and Frist Years. Some collections have won desing awards and become best sellers on Amazon.
Kwanjai focuses mainly on the larger toys as well as essential baby equipment that costs a small fortune to buy, Rental of a car seat, for example, is a very reasonable Bt250 per cay while a multifunction chair leases for Bt1,500 per week.
"I place emphasis on quality, innovation and non toxic materials," says Kwanjai "I'm also planning plan to open a toy library in a shopping makk, which has proved very popular in many countries."
Aimed at children up to four years of age, the store offers car seats, strollers, bassinets, play pens, foldable wooden cribs with mattresses, prams, pushchairs, swings and activity tables.
>> AT A GLANCE
Tiny tots is at 607 Soi Sathorn 11, Soi Chan 18/7 (St Louis 3). Call (02) 212 2204 and (083) 123 5420 to arrange a visit or browse what's available at www.TinyTots.com.
After toursing the US a few years back, Kwanjai Lertpeon was inspired to build up her very own toy library and today she's runing Tinytots on busy Soi Sathorn 11, which is stacked with a m ountain of innovative toys and cute layette items, all of them for rent. And while she understands that mothers might be worried about lots of hands touching the toys, Kwanjai guarantees that all the items are clean and absolutely safe for the little ones to handle.
Kwanjai was in the furniture business before taking over a sued toy store from her friend five years ago. She launched her business by importing a selection of cute second-hand toys from Japan, and sold them at fairs all over Bangkok.
In 2006, Kwanjai started stocking innovative toys from America and France under the Tinytots umbrella but rather than putting them up for sale, she offered them for rent only.
"The used toys from Japan were becoming harder to find and a trip to America gave me a new idea. There, rental toy stores are very popular," says Kwanjai. "My main customers hall from Singapore, America and the Arab world."
Tinytots stocks most of the goodies available at leading shoping malls and the toys are of high quality by such well know brands as Graco, Fisher Price and Frist Years. Some collections have won desing awards and become best sellers on Amazon.
Kwanjai focuses mainly on the larger toys as well as essential baby equipment that costs a small fortune to buy, Rental of a car seat, for example, is a very reasonable Bt250 per cay while a multifunction chair leases for Bt1,500 per week.
"I place emphasis on quality, innovation and non toxic materials," says Kwanjai "I'm also planning plan to open a toy library in a shopping makk, which has proved very popular in many countries."
Aimed at children up to four years of age, the store offers car seats, strollers, bassinets, play pens, foldable wooden cribs with mattresses, prams, pushchairs, swings and activity tables.
>> AT A GLANCE
Tiny tots is at 607 Soi Sathorn 11, Soi Chan 18/7 (St Louis 3). Call (02) 212 2204 and (083) 123 5420 to arrange a visit or browse what's available at www.TinyTots.com.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Teddy House looks to Europe
Local teddy-bear manufacturer and franchiser Teddy House plans to focus more on Europe through franchising, as the local market is saturated.
Managing director Pituphum Hirunyapich yesterday said an agent had been secured in Sweden for product distribution to European retail markets.
The company plans to open a stand-alone shop in one European country, possibly Sweden or Germany. Pituphum said Germany's strong economy and leading teddy-bear brands made it an "interesting market".
The company has its master franchise in Vietnam and one franchisee in Indonesia.
It will open franchises in Hong Kong this year.
Foreign markets account for 40 per cent of sales revenue, most of that from Europe, followed by Japan, Singapore and Taiwan.
The domestic market represents 40 per cent of revenue, while 20 per cent comes from e-commerce and original-equipment manufacturing (OEM).
He said the revenue contribution from exports would rise once it opened its shop in Europe.
Pituphum said sales growth for this year was targeted at 5 per cent over last year's Bt70 million.
"We cut the sales-growth target from 10 per cent to 5 per cent after seeing a slight declined in sales of premium products through OEM," he said.
The company has consistently posted average annual sales growth of 10 per cent in the past.
Pituphum said Teddy House would not open any more shops in Thailand, because there were already enough to meet local demand.
There are nine Teddy House shops in Bangkok and six upcountry. Six of these 15 are managed by franchisees, including one that opened yesterday: Teddy House Siam Square, run by actress Khemanit "Pancake" Jamikorn and actor Sukolwat "Weir" Kanaros.
Teddy House Siam Square is also the master franchise for the Teira Zeira collection, sold both domestically and abroad.
Managing director Pituphum Hirunyapich yesterday said an agent had been secured in Sweden for product distribution to European retail markets.
The company plans to open a stand-alone shop in one European country, possibly Sweden or Germany. Pituphum said Germany's strong economy and leading teddy-bear brands made it an "interesting market".
The company has its master franchise in Vietnam and one franchisee in Indonesia.
It will open franchises in Hong Kong this year.
Foreign markets account for 40 per cent of sales revenue, most of that from Europe, followed by Japan, Singapore and Taiwan.
The domestic market represents 40 per cent of revenue, while 20 per cent comes from e-commerce and original-equipment manufacturing (OEM).
He said the revenue contribution from exports would rise once it opened its shop in Europe.
Pituphum said sales growth for this year was targeted at 5 per cent over last year's Bt70 million.
"We cut the sales-growth target from 10 per cent to 5 per cent after seeing a slight declined in sales of premium products through OEM," he said.
The company has consistently posted average annual sales growth of 10 per cent in the past.
Pituphum said Teddy House would not open any more shops in Thailand, because there were already enough to meet local demand.
There are nine Teddy House shops in Bangkok and six upcountry. Six of these 15 are managed by franchisees, including one that opened yesterday: Teddy House Siam Square, run by actress Khemanit "Pancake" Jamikorn and actor Sukolwat "Weir" Kanaros.
Teddy House Siam Square is also the master franchise for the Teira Zeira collection, sold both domestically and abroad.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Pigeon producer sets IPO price range
Moong Pattana International, a leading trading company and distributor of the Pigeon brand of home and childcare products, expects to set its initial public offering price at 2.85 to 3.32 baht per share, says its financial adviser Asia Plus Securities.
Asia Plus said the valuation will be equal to six to seven times earnings,with an expected book value of 2.47 baht per share.
The actual offering price will be set on Sept 21. Moong Pattana will float 30 million new shares at one baht par value,with 24 million distributed to the public,4 million to company sponsors and 2 million to staff under an employee stock option programme.
The placement date for the offering is set for Sept 23-24, with the shares to begin trade on the Market for Alternative Investment on Oct 1.
Sumeth Lersumitkul, the chief executive of Moong Pattana, said funds raised from the offering would be used for debt repayment, working capital and business expansion.
Moong Pattana was founded in 1981 by Mr Sumeth, and began trading Pigeon branded products in 1988.
The company's products include maternity and childcare items, cotton buds,sprays and knives.
After the IPO, the Lersumitkul family's holding will fall to 74.69%, with public investors holding 23.33% and employees having a 1.67% stake.
Moong Pattana reported first-half revenue of 205.8 million baht, up from 196.6 million in the same period last year.First-half net profit increased to 27.5 million baht, up from 26 million in the same period of 2008.
Pigeon maternity and childcare products contributed about 75% of firsthalf revenue, while kitchenware provided about 10%and investments and dividends generated 9%.
The company's investments include 47% of Thai Pigeon,6% of Yoshino Moong Pattana (Thailand), and 2.5% of Pigeon Industries (Thailand).
The IPO underwriters are Asia Plus Securities, Thanachart Securities, Finansia Syrus Securities and Country Group Securities.
Asia Plus said the valuation will be equal to six to seven times earnings,with an expected book value of 2.47 baht per share.
The actual offering price will be set on Sept 21. Moong Pattana will float 30 million new shares at one baht par value,with 24 million distributed to the public,4 million to company sponsors and 2 million to staff under an employee stock option programme.
The placement date for the offering is set for Sept 23-24, with the shares to begin trade on the Market for Alternative Investment on Oct 1.
Sumeth Lersumitkul, the chief executive of Moong Pattana, said funds raised from the offering would be used for debt repayment, working capital and business expansion.
Moong Pattana was founded in 1981 by Mr Sumeth, and began trading Pigeon branded products in 1988.
The company's products include maternity and childcare items, cotton buds,sprays and knives.
After the IPO, the Lersumitkul family's holding will fall to 74.69%, with public investors holding 23.33% and employees having a 1.67% stake.
Moong Pattana reported first-half revenue of 205.8 million baht, up from 196.6 million in the same period last year.First-half net profit increased to 27.5 million baht, up from 26 million in the same period of 2008.
Pigeon maternity and childcare products contributed about 75% of firsthalf revenue, while kitchenware provided about 10%and investments and dividends generated 9%.
The company's investments include 47% of Thai Pigeon,6% of Yoshino Moong Pattana (Thailand), and 2.5% of Pigeon Industries (Thailand).
The IPO underwriters are Asia Plus Securities, Thanachart Securities, Finansia Syrus Securities and Country Group Securities.
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