PRESS DIGEST - Thai newspapers May 13

BANGKOK, May 13 (Reuters) - These are some of the leading stories in Thai newspapers on Tuesday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

TOP STORIES

- The United States delivered its first relief supplies to Burma on Monday as the United Nations urged the reclusive nation to open its doors to foreign experts who could help up to two million cyclone victims facing disease and starvation (BANGKOK POST)

- The ban on rice farmers selling their grain across restricted zones will be lifted to ensure they get a fair price for their harvest, commerce minister Mingkwan Sangsuwan said (BANGKOK POST)

- Thailand-based companies are expected to come up with about 100 carbon-dioxide reduction projects by the end of this year, said Sirithan Pairote-boriboon, director of the Thai Greenhouse Gas Organisation (THE NATION)

- Newly elected House Speaker Chai Chidchob promised to reconcile all political parties, despite criticism by Chart Thai party leader Banharn Silpa-archa of his ability to control meetings (BANGKOK POST)

BUSINESS

- Economic uncertainties and oil prices are a greater concern than politics, according to Finance Minister Surapong Suebwoonlee (BANGKOK POST)

- Thailand should establish an upstream steel smelter to accommodate increasing local demand, despite strong opposition from environmentalists, said Industry Minister Suwit Khunkitti (BANGKOK POST)

- The Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand warned the government that multinational steel makers may turn to neighbouring countries to site their steel blast furnace projects (THE NATION)

- Long-time pick-up truck market leader Isuzu has been unable to make a comeback and Toyota has retained its lead in local pickup sales (BANGKOK POST)

- Krung Thai Bank KTB.BK has extended two billion baht in credit to Siam Indiga Co, a former affiliate of the ailing President Agri Trading Group, president Apisak Tantiworawong said (BANGKOK POST)

- The government bond yield curve is expected to rise in the second half of the year as a result of the massive issuance of government bonds and corporate bonds led by commercial banks (THE NATION)

** Looking for more information from local sources? Factiva.com has eight Thai sources including the Bangkok Post and Business Day.