Nothing like 1997
The world economic crisis is expected take a heavy toll on Thai exports and, because exports contribute 70% of GDP, on the entire economy.

Resilience solidifies foundation
Even though Siam Cement Group cleared the huge debt problems that had threatened its survival during the 1997-98 economic crisis more than a decade ago, the group's chief executive has since maintained a policy of moving with utmost precaution at any step of the way.

Challenges at home and abroad
The industrial sector is currently the focus of major concern about the impact of the global economic slowdown. Recent headlines in Thailand have warned of up to one million industrial job losses - not all executives agree with the figure - and reports of production cuts, overtime reductions and even layoffs have become commonplace.

Building for an early recovery
Rocketing prices for steel over the past two years helped the world's steelmakers enjoy record profits. Their bullishness was reflected in massive production expansion to tap demand that seemed insatiable and never-ending in big growing economies such as China.

Comfort in cash
Zero debt is the key for Hana Microelectronics to weathering the global financial and economic meltdown that is expected to put the brakes on the steady revenue and profit growth the SET-listed company has seen over the past four years.