There is a tendency for many people to think that all computers and computer retailers are the same. “Not so,” says Dacon Computers. “Such aspects as Quality and Support will soon differentiate between the professionals and amateurs who have tried to ‘cash in’ and make their hobby their livelihood.”

Dacon are situated in Ban Chang, on Sukhumvit Road and about 300 metres past the Eastern Star turnoff outbound. Part of the Dacon Group that has been in Thailand since 1993, the computer offshoot has a very strong business base that gives it the solidarity so often lacking in other businesses that spring up, then disappear again just as quickly.

As part of their quality procedure, Dacon Computers use university trained consultant staff including those with the Master Computer Network Engineer (MCNE) degree levels. This means that they can offer hi-tech services, including fibre-optics, and the very latest in server set-ups and networking.

Another standard for this company is their use of genuine software - unfortunately a rarity in Thailand. “We believe our customers should have all the advantages such as free updates and online support and help that is available from organisations like Microsoft. For the small outlay to get genuine software, why would you bother with the copies?”

The company has now opened up its own factory in Ban Chang, producing their Dacon brand product line as well as being able to service and repair all brands, including laptops. Dacon branded equipment is also offered with one year’s free service and support, a comforting feeling for many businesses that have been left high and dry in the past.

With the Dacon Group behind them, Dacon Computers are able to process credit card payments and will shortly be able to offer credit facilities to approved purchasers.

With prices starting from only 16,000 baht for an ‘Internet ready’ computer, Dacon are aware of the competitive nature of the industry, but are adamant that quality remains in the forefront of all their dealings.

Being already a major supplier in the Maptaput industrial region, Dacon are now expanding through the Eastern Seaboard and will deliver and give support to Pattaya based companies or individuals. Again, this support is being done through professional computer engineers and not hobbyists.

Contact can be made with Dacon at (038) 880 788, or fax (038) 880 631 or email [email protected]. They are open six days, M-F 0830 - 1800 and 0900 - 1300 Saturdays. If you are looking for professionals in this area, it is worthwhile giving them a call.

The leader of Thai electrical appliances and electronics manufacturers said that the group of 148 companies submitted a request to the secretary general of BOI for import tax reduction consideration.

These companies are currently not BOI promotional projects and are facing difficulties controlling costs while competing with other promoted companies. This is largely due to the fact that these companies have to pay up to 30-40% import tax for raw materials.

The deputy secretary general of BOI said that BOI privilege can be provided only once and cannot be renewed. Companies that are no longer receiving BOI privileges cannot obtain them again, unless their businesses make major investments or undergo major expansions. In such cases, BOI will consider granting privileges case by case.

The International Institute for Management Development’s survey of countries with the highest competition capability in the world market ranked Thailand in 33rd place. The USA still holds the number 1 position in the survey, a spot it has held for the past 5 years.

Singapore was ranked #2 in the world survey, a position it has held since 1996. Malaysia was ranked slightly ahead of Thailand, in 30th place.

The political and economic range of criteria that IMD took into consideration covered areas such as government, finance, basic economic structure, science and technology management and labor force.

IMD’s headquarters are in Switzerland.

Sources from M-KSC World Dot Com said that the dispute between Jasmine and KSC, which has gone to court, is beginning to show signs of compromise. The management of both parties recently met and held talks to find the best practical way to resolve the conflict.

The dispute occurred when Dr. Srisak Jamornmarn and Dr. Kanokwan Wongwattasin, the two management and major shareholders in KSC Commercial Internet, announced the sales of their holding shares, which amounted to 40%, to MIH Asia Pacific. Jasmine International, as another major shareholder, then brought the issue to court in attempt to suspend sales of shares.

The current discussion between KSC and Jasmine is in the area of the share holding portion of each party, management positions to be allocated to Jasmine under the new company structure, and benefit issues.

Tossapas Thongnoi, website developer of http://thaitrans.hypermart.net, a website translation program from English to Thai, said he is developing the program in version 3.0. It will be a complete version called “plairthai 2000” (Thai translation 2000).

Version 2.2 of the online service web page was hacked on April 3rd; however, the source code of program development was saved from the invasion. The event has become one of the reasons for developing the new 3.0 version.

The website allows interested users to register online and receive a password, which is required for the translation service. The subscription price is currently 100 baht.

Tossapas said that the website is open for co-investment by a bigger IT company, as long as the agreement provides the developer freedom in setting its price.