Bangkok--Mar 13--Francom Asia Cartoon Network has launched product licensing in Thailand featuring its hottest original cartoon properties including The Powerpuff Girls, currently the biggest retail phenomenon overseas particularly among girls aged 7-16. Leading stuffed toy manufacturer, Su Thai Sing Co, has recently launched a range of Powerpuff Girls plush dolls in Thailand. This marks the first ever toy license for Cartoon Network in Thailand. "The Powerpuff Girls merchandise has become a fashion phenomenon throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, and is gaining momentum in key Asian markets," said Levina Li, vice president, off-channel commerce group, Cartoon Network Asia Pacific. "Thailand is an important retail market and we are excited and extremely optimistic about introducing these licensed products here especially since these properties are already well-known by our Thai television audience." The broad spectrum of licensed products soon to be available in Thailand includes accessories, apparel, backpacks, books, footwear, interactive games and swimwear. Product licensees in Thailand will get their first look at prototypes of this merchandise at a special event in Bangkok today. The toy range from Su Thai Sing Co includes Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup plushes in mini, small, medium, large, jumbo and super jumbo sizes, and beanie babies. The plushes are available in Central Department Store (Hua-mark, Pin-klao, Chidlom, Bang-na), all Lotus Super Stores, Carefours, Toy & Gift shops, Robinson Department Store and Independent general merchandise stores in Thailand. With the retail price ranging from 90 to 1,200 Thai Baht. In addition, Warner Chappell Music are poised to launch a Powerpuff Girls music CD in Thailand. The CD, titled 'Heroes and Villains', will feature several tracks recorded by local Thai artists as well as comprise of seven original tracks from the United States. Thai artists 'Project H', 'Jay C' and 'Eclextic' have already been confirmed to record a song 'inspired by the Powerpuff Girls' for the CD thanks to Bakery Music, with more local artists to be confirmed in the coming weeks. The Powerpuff Girls CD is due to be released in May, 2001 Characterised by three kindergarten superheroes who save the world before bedtime, the Powerpuff Girls have been among the fastest properties to hit retail in network history by launching in retail stores in the U.S. in jus over a year after their debut. Other Cartoon Network original properties that are now available for licensing include Cow and Chicken, Dexter and Johnny Bravo. Cartoon Network Off-Channel Commerce Group develops the licensing and merchandising, publishing, theme park, special events, retail and e-commerce businesses for Cartoon Network. This includes all off-channel marketing strategies for the Cartoon Network brand including the Cartoon Network originals or Cartoon Cartoons, to popularise and leverage their appeal beyond television. Launched in the Asia Pacific in 1994, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s (TBS) Cartoon Network offers the best in animated entertainment. Drawing from the world's largest cartoon library of Warner Bros., MGM and Hanna-Barbera titles, the Network also showcases original series including Courage the Cowardly Dog, Cow and Chicken, Dexter's Laboratory, Ed, Edd n Eddy, I Am Weasel, Johnny Bravo, Mike Lu & Og, The Powerpuff Girls and Sheep In The Big City under the Cartoon Cartoons banner. Cartoon Network has emerged as one of the most popular entertainment channels among kids and is currently seen in over 23 million cable homes in the region. TBS Inc., a subsidiary of AOL Time Warner, Inc., is a leading provider of information and entertainment programming for viewers around the world. Contacts Megan Fowler Turner Entertainment Networks Asia, Inc Tel. -3128 3728 Warunee Apiraksukhumal Francom Asia Tel. 662 -233 4329-30 End.-AN-