Tag: bangkok

  • Thai occupancy rates holding up despite Covid-19 crunch

    Thai occupancy rates holding up despite Covid-19 crunch

    Thailand’s Accommodation Occupancy Rate (AOR): Whole Kingdom data was reported at 30.400 % in Oct 2020. This records an increase from the previous number of 27.930 % for Sep 2020. Thailand’s Accommodation Occupancy Rate (AOR): Whole Kingdom data is updated monthly, averaging 66.030 % from Jan 2015 to Oct 2020, with 70 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 81.260 % in Jan 2019 and a record low of 2.260 % in Apr 2020.

    Thailand’s Accommodation Occupancy Rate (AOR): Whole Kingdom data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bank of Thailand. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Thailand – Table TH.Q004: Hotel Occupancy Rate and Average Room Rate (Monthly).

  • Central Food Hall features robots and stores in Thai stores

    Central Food Hall features robots and stores in Thai stores

    The Central Food Hall supermarket chain has turned to robots to disinfect stores as part of its fight against the coronavirus. The robots use UV-C to sterilize stores.

    The UV-C light reaches 360 degrees and destroys more than 99.99% of all pathogens nearly instantaneously. The robot currently is only disinfecting the Central Food Hall location in the central Chidlom area of Bangkok while the store is closed. The chain indicated it would be employing the robots at other Central Food Hall and Tops Market locations soon.

    The technology has been used for more than three years at Thai factories, companies, hotels, schools and hospitals. Testing indicates the light doesn’t have any harmful side effects on products or food.

    UV-C light has been approved by the Food Standards Agency in the United Kingdom, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Soil Association (Organic Lobby) as an effective method of disinfection.

  • Thai puts 34 aircraft on sale, including entire 747 fleet

    Thai puts 34 aircraft on sale, including entire 747 fleet

    Embattled Thai Airways has put up its entire Boeing 747 and its 777-200/300 fleet up for sale, as it aims to raise cash amid a long-drawn business rehabilitation process.

    The Star Alliance carrier disclosed on its aircraft trading website that 34 aircraft from its fleet will be put up for sale. Of these, 10 are 747-400s, six are 777-200s and another six are 777-300s.

    Thai Airways has 10 Boeing 747s currently in storage.

    The other aircraft include six Airbus A340-600s, which the carrier has not operated since 2015, and another three A340-500s, which it flew until 2012. Two 737-400s and one A300-600 round up the list of aircraft on sale.

    Thai states that the aircraft offered for sale are on an “as-is, where-is” condition, with most expected deliveries to take place in the second quarter of next year.

    The 10 747s (MSNs 26609, 26610, 27724, 27725, 28705, 28706, 32369, 32370, 33770 and 33771) are powered by GE CF6 engines and were manufactured between 1993 and 2003. They remain in storage, according to Cirium fleets data.

    The 777-200s (MSNs 27726, 27727, 27728, 27729, 27732 and 27733) were built between 1996 and 1998, and are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 875 engines. Thai’s 777-300s (29150, 29151, 29211, 29212, 29213 and 29214) are fitted with R-R Trent 890s and were built between 1998 and 2000.

    Cirium fleets data shows the carrier has only 11 aircraft in service, with 85 in storage. Thai has a varied fleet, ranging from A330s, A380s and 787s.

    Thai filed for business reorganization in May, as it acutely felt the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Already in a precarious financial situation, the pandemic saw travel demand collapse and widened the airline’s losses.

    Thailand’s central bankruptcy courts gave the troubled carrier the green light to reorganize in September, allowing it to appoint its rehabilitation organizers.

  • Lu Launches Wealth Management Platform in Thailand

    Lu Launches Wealth Management Platform in Thailand

    Lu International, a Singapore-based subsidiary of leading Chinese retail fintech Lufax, is expanding its reach in the region via a strategic partnership with Kasikornbank.

    The FinVest digital investment platform aims to cater to the growing market of retail investors in Thailand by providing access to a full spectrum of onshore and offshore investment products with low minimum investment amounts and management fees, according to an announcement on Tuesday.

    The partnership was previously announced in August. The platform currently offers investors access to more than 600 funds from 15 asset management companies in Thailand, with a minimum of 1,000 baht ($35).

    Established in 1945, Kasikornbank is the fourth-largest commercial bank in Thailand, with 17.3 million customers. The bank also works closely with Geneva-based private bank Lombard Odier, which manages global investment funds on behalf of its private clients. Lombard Odier also acts as an exclusive offshore custodian for Kasikornbank clients, using Singapore as a booking center.

    Thailand is one of the fastest-growing markets in Southeast Asia and continues to see rapid wealth growth and economic development,» Greg Gibb, CEO of Lufax Holding, said in the announcement.

    Thailand’s total outstanding capital market value stands at around 44 trillion baht ($1.46 billion), of which 4.8 trillion baht, or around 10 percent, is invested in mutual funds, Kasikornbank noted.

    Of late, the younger generation has shown increasing interest in mutual funds, preferring to conduct transactions via digital channels and seeking products related to Thai and foreign equity instruments. Moreover, open-architecture investment is growing every year, Patchara Samalapa, Kasikornbank CEO, said.

  • Thai shoppers put trust in card payments when paying online during

    Thai shoppers put trust in card payments when paying online during

    As we pass the halfway point of 2020, the world today looks very different from when we started the year. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than our health, as our daily habits have changed, and how we use goods and services has transformed. We do more online than ever before, buying things we’d never imagined buying remotely: from shopping for groceries to ordering break-time bubble tea from our favorite shop. And not being present in the store means we have changed the way we pay too.

    In reality these changes were already in progress, but the pandemic has accelerated new customer habits. According to a recent study conducted by Visa, the global leader in digital payments, many Thai consumers turned to eCommerce for this first time, with two-thirds saying they were most likely to increase their online shopping.  Similarly, two-thirds said they intended to stick with digital payment methods, including contactless card and ecommerce, instead of reverting back to cash when the situation returns to normal. For digital payments, the new normal is here to stay.

    As more Thai consumers shop and pay with digital payments, KASIKORNBANK and Visa have been working closely to pioneer new ways and solutions to secure digital payments and eCommerce experiences during and after your payment is made.  These are some of the behind the scenes security measures we carry out that will allow you to have more peace of mind when transacting digitally, and will shine a light onto why you should never look at digital payments the same way again.

    One-time password, or OTP, may be familiar. This is most commonly used when you receive a unique password sent by SMS to your phone that you use to authorize your payment.

    EMV CHIP is the small chip you see on your plastic card, and every time you pay this chip generates a dynamic one-time use code for each transaction. Using EMV CHIP cards means we are able to provide an additional layer of security known as dynamic authentication in addition to the real-time fraud scans conducted when the transaction is authorized by the issuing financial institution.

    Visa Advanced Authorisation is a service that uses predictive analytics combined with machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse more than 500 unique risk attributes and allocates a risk score for each transaction.  This score is then shared with KBank Credit Card so we can make an informed decision on whether to approve or decline a transaction.  On average, Visa analyses more than six billion pieces of data every day.  When data analytics is used with authentication methods like biometrics to verify the cardholder, payment security is enhanced.

    Visa Tokenization will help ensure no sensitive data is transmitted during an online transaction. It replaces sensitive account information, such as the 16-digit account number, with a unique digital identifier called a token.  This token then allows payments to be processed without exposing actual account details that could potentially be compromised.  This means your card number and expiry date is not shared and your account is kept secure.

    Although most sales transactions are processed, posted and paid for with few problems, you may see a charge on your card that is unfamiliar or incorrect. To settle any disputes, KBank Credit Card has a chargeback policy.  The purpose is to protect cardholders from fraud and unfair billing practices.  This allows cardholders to feel more confident using cards freely, knowing that they will not be held responsible for the actions of identity thieves, deceptive merchants and other fraudsters.

    You can also imagine if your wallet gets stolen with cash in it, it can be virtually impossible to replace that money, unless the wallet is retrieved.  On the other hand, with cards, the process to replace lost or stolen cards is relatively seamless.  All you have to do is contact your card-issuing bank and they will work with you to disable the card and prevent your funds from being exploited by fraudsters.

     

  • UnionPay Makes Waste Reduction Fashionable with Jay The Rabbit Collaboration

    UnionPay Makes Waste Reduction Fashionable with Jay The Rabbit Collaboration

    UnionPay, a global payment brand, collaborates with Jay The Rabbit, one of Thailand’s favorite cartoon characters with over 1 Million followers across social media platforms to produce re-usable bags aim at reducing one-time plastic bags usage.

    UnionPay Cardholders with a minimum spend of 1,500 Baht* can redeem a UnionPay x Jay The Rabbit canvas bag worth 899 Baht from now till 6 December 2020 at 10 participating department stores in Bangkok which include Central Chidlom, Central @ Central World, Central Ladprao, Central Bangna, Central Pinklao, Siam Paragon Department Store, The Emporium and EmQuartier, The Mall Bangkapi, and The Mall Bang Khae. There are over 4,000 bags to be redeemed. UnionPay X Jay The Rabbit on-ground activities will also take place at Central World on 14 & 15 November 2020.

    Huiming Cai, General Manager of UnionPay International Southeast Asia said, “We hope that these specially designed limited-edition re-usable bags enhance the shopping experience of consumers while raising awareness on reducing the usage of single-use plastic bags.”

    In Thailand, UnionPay partners Bangkok Bank, Bank of China, ICBC Bank, Kasikorn Bank, Kiatnakin Bank, Krungthai Bank, LH Bank and Krungthai Card Company to provide a wide array of payment products and services.

     

  • Thai Airways offers ‘semi-commercial’ flights to 7 international destinations

    Thai Airways offers ‘semi-commercial’ flights to 7 international destinations

    After a major slowdown in both international and domestic travel due to coronavirus travel restrictions, Thai Airways is now offering flights to and from 7 international destinations over the next 2 months, according to the airline’s chief executive Wiwat Piyawirot.

    These flights are “semi-commercial.” Wiwat says return flights are intended for Thais returning home from overseas, those with families in Thailand, those traveling to Thailand on business, students, and travelers with connecting flights.

    Departures in November and December

    • London – Sundays
    • Frankfurt – Fridays
    • Copenhagen – Sundays
    • Hong Kong – Wednesdays (expect November 11 and 25)
    • Tokyo – Wednesdays and Saturdays
    • Taipei – Fridays and Wednesdays
    • Sydney – Sundays (Must inform the Australian Embassy in Thailand)
  • Tokyu department store leaves Thailand

    Tokyu department store leaves Thailand

    Japanese department-store chain Tokyu is to exit Thailand, the third Japanese retailer to withdraw from the country this year.

    Tokyu aims to close its last store at Bangkok’s MBK shopping center next January, ending 35 years of trading in the city. The retailer closed its second, newer store at Paradise Park last year.

    The department store has been struggling in the shopping center competition due to the launch of a series of new developments in Bangkok. However, the tourism depression resulting from Covid-19 proved a fatal blow to the company, forcing it to retreat home.

    The closure came suddenly, with the management of MBK saying just two weeks ago that the store would undergo a renovation after the lease agreement was extended for another nine years.

    Tokyu’s withdrawal follows the departure of Japan’s upmarket department store Isetan in September. That company pulled out of Thailand after 28 years of trading there, saying it was unable to continue to compete with other retailers.

    With Tokyu leaving Thailand, Takashimaya will become the only Japanese department-store chain left in the country.

    Another Japanese retailer, FamilyMart effectively withdrew this year after selling its stake to local partner Central Retail, effectively becoming a franchisor.

  • Line Launches Social Banking Platform in Thailand

    Line Launches Social Banking Platform in Thailand

    Thailand is the first market where Line has integrated banking services on its main mobile platform. Japan-based Line, which operates one of Thailand’s most popular social media platforms, has rolled out banking services in the kingdom in partnership with Kasikornbank.

    The Line BK service allows users to customers to transfer money, open savings accounts, apply for loans, and make payments directly from the messaging platform. It also promises high-interest rates for saving accounts and a range of banking services, including personal loans for freelancers and individuals without fixed incomes, according to an announcement on Tuesday.

    The company said it plans to expand banking services into other countries, including Japan, Taiwan, and Indonesia.

    The Line messaging app launched in 2011 and since then has grown into a diverse, global ecosystem that includes AI technology, fintech and more.

    In Thailand, LINE introduced its messenger service in 2012, and quickly grew into the country’s leading social media platform.

  • DHL Supply Chain partners with Shopee to provide world-class delivery services for the exciting ‘Shopee 10.10 Brands Festival’

    DHL Supply Chain partners with Shopee to provide world-class delivery services for the exciting ‘Shopee 10.10 Brands Festival’

    DHL Supply Chain Thailand, the global market leader in contract logistics solutions, is partnering with ‘Shopee’, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, to support  ‘Shopee 10.10 Brands Festival’. In anticipation of the expected spikes in online sales, DHL Supply Chain will extend its logistics support to include the transportation of large and bulky items directly to its customers.

    Kevin Burrell, CEO DHL Supply Chain Thailand Cluster said, “Our partnership with Shopee extends beyond logistics. We see ourselves as a strategic partner who can provide a full range of end-to-end services from warehousing to handling and delivering white goods. With DHL’s innovative technology that is integrated throughout our warehouse and transport services, I am convinced that we are best placed to manage the increased volume with ease and demonstrate our value in ensuring that all of Shopee’s customers receive the best shopping experience.”

    E-commerce is fast becoming a popular choice for savvy shoppers in Thailand, who expect to receive their purchases in pristine conditions and on time. The total value of Thailand’s business-to-consumer sector is valued at about USD 5.5 billion this year up by about 14% as compared to 2019. In reports by App Annie, Shopee continued to rank first in the ‘Shopping’ category by downloads in Southeast Asia in Q2 2020, and was among the top three worldwide in the same category.

    Eric Bui, Head of Operations, Shopee (Thailand) said, “With online shopping growing day by day in Thailand, it is our priority to consistently provide a seamless shopping experience for our users, from the moment they go online, to the purchase, and then delivery. That is why we teamed up with a world-class expert. DHL’s wealth of experience and innovative systems exceeded our expectations from day one, ensuring that we continue to maintain our good reputation with our users. With the previous Shopee double date campaigns, we encountered a spike in demand but DHL was able to meet our customers’ expectations, which made the campaign a resounding success. They will once again be an important partner for us during the Shopee 10.10 Brand Festival.”

    DHL Supply Chain utilizes its expertise to ensure products sold on Shopee are delivered to customers effortlessly. In particular, leading brands on Shopee Mall, which carry many types of products including large and bulky items will benefit from this partnership given that DHL excels in the transportation of such items which require extra care and precision.

  • Shopee launching premium portal Shopee launches Shopee Premium, an exclusive destination for premium brands to connect with digital-first shoppers

    Shopee launching premium portal Shopee launches Shopee Premium, an exclusive destination for premium brands to connect with digital-first shoppers

    Shopee’s press release said the Mall offers 100 percent authenticity guarantee, free shipping and 15 days return on all products, with an additional wave of unbeatable deals and promotions during the grand launch.

    Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, has officially launched ‘Shopee Mall’, a new dedicated portal featuring thousands of products sold by leading brands and Shopee’s top sellers, revealed the press statement.

    The Mall will give users direct access to a variety of prominent brands such as Loreal, Unilever, Huawei, Nestle, Phillips and many more. All products on Shopee Mall come with 15 Days Return Policy, 100 percent Authenticity Guarantee, and Free Shipping nationwide.

    Terence Pang, chief operating officer of Shopee said that following the tremendous growth of Shopee Thailand in the recent years, it has taken a major step to officially launch Shopee Mall as a way to cement our position as the one-stop-shopping platform of choice in the market, and also to expand and diversify our product assortment to cater to users all across Thailand.

    “Moving forward, Shopee will continue to establish more strategic partnerships with leading brands, and to work closely with them to further provide an unprecedented choice of products and services to enhance users’ overall shopping experience, and to drive forward the growth of Thailand’s e-commerce industry.”

    The Mall was conceptualized to solve shoppers’ concerns about product authenticity, which is a major concern among buyers when shopping online. The newly launched portal caters to the demands of Thai shoppers where they can shop for their favorite brands and products from the brand owners themselves.

    Additionally, with more Thai brands embracing e-commerce, Shopee Mall provides a platform for traditional brands and retailers to tap on to expand their digital presence, according to the statement.

    This reflects Shopee’s commitment to constantly innovating and enhancing its platform, features, and services to adapt to the rapidly-changing e-commerce scene and consequently, the needs of users.

    To identify the product listings, shoppers can look out for the distinctive red ‘Mall’ label while browsing. Shopee ensures a premium online shopping experience with the following benefits:

    15 Days Return Policy: Shoppers can enjoy hassle-free returns within 15 days at zero cost for all Shopee Mall products.

    100% Authenticity Guarantee: Serves to eliminate buyer concerns about product authenticity. Any shopper who receives a counterfeit product when purchasing from Shopee Mall is entitled to a 200% refund.

    Free Shipping nationwide: Shoppers can enjoy greater cost savings with free shipping nationwide on every order, subject to a minimum spend of 200 baht.

    Get ready for a series of super deals and promotions during Shopee Mall Grand Launch

    During Shopee Mall Grand Launch campaign happening from 5 to 11 March, users can look forward to endless irresistible deals including multiple daily flash sales, discounts of up to 80% off, surprise voucher codes and up to 12% Shopee coins cashback across all product categories on Shopee.

  • Thai Airways to open flight simulators to public

    Thai Airways to open flight simulators to public

    Thai Airways is opening up its Boeing and Airbus flight simulators to the public this October in its latest bid to boost business amid the drop in travel demand due to the coronavirus crisis.

    As part of the airline’s “Thai Flying Experience and Beyond” project, customers will get to enter a mock cockpit of an A380, B777-300ER, B747-400, and a B737-400 aircraft.

    “Pilots and co-pilots will accommodate customers throughout the entire session,” reads a statement from the carrier.

    According to Thai Airways, customers can choose from the following three packages:

    • Basic Package (30 minutes) 12,000 Baht for two users
    • Deluxe Package (60 minutes) 24,000 Baht for two users
    • Ultimate Package (90 minutes) 36,000 Baht for three users

    The flight simulator project is the airline’s latest effort to generate revenue amid the Covid-19 pandemic as flights continue to remain grounded, and the airline looks to restructure 245 billion baht ($7.83 billion) worth of debt.

    Earlier this month, the national airline converted the cafeteria of its headquarters in Bangkok into a plane-themed restaurant.

  • Central Retail to merge Central with Robinson

    Central Retail to merge Central with Robinson

    Thailand’s Central Retail group plans to merge its two department-store businesses – Central and Robinsons.

    According to CRC, the merger is part of the company’s strategy to be the first omnichannel department store in Thailand. However, the company will continue to operate Central and Robinson as independent banners.

    “The business synergy will give the combined department stores a significant acceleration to become more customer-centric, as well as to strengthen the company’s omnichannel competencies,” said Nicolo Galante, president of Central Retail.

    “Through this new chapter of our business, we want to ensure that we continue to grow and create a winning company for the long term,” Nicolo said.

    Robinson department stores focus on apparel and beauty with 74 stores across the country. Central department stores are generally larger and have a more comprehensive product category-spanning multiple categories.

    It appears from information supplied by the company that the greatest impact of the merger plan will be in the fashion and apparel categories, streamlining offers.

    CRC also said it plans to open between two and five new stores annually.

  • Thailand’s Central Group acquires OfficeMate

    Thailand’s Central Group acquires OfficeMate

    Central Retail (CRC) is to buy out COL Public Company, the parent company of Thai retail chains OfficeMate, B2S, and Meb E-Books.

    The deal with COL, which is estimated at US$390 million, will add the three brands to CRC’s existing retail portfolio and “strengthen Central Retail’s hardlines group” the company said in a statement. The move is part of the group’s strategy to expand its range of retail product categories, formats, and channels domestically and globally.

    COL is one of Southeast Asia’s largest office supplies, books, entertainment media, lifestyle products, and e-books retail business. The company’s board on Monday approved the terms of the takeover proposal which will now be put to a shareholders’ meeting. Once endorsed the company will be delisted from the Thai stock exchange.

    The company was incorporated in February 1994 by the Ounjai Family which had more than 40 years of experience in selling stationery and office equipment.

    “We are supremely confident that this plan to buy out the business and all the shares of COL will be mutually beneficial,” said Yo Phkasub, CEO of Central Retail. “It will enable both businesses to grow sustainably, and upgrade Thai retail for long-term national economic growth.”

    According to Central Retail, the deal will help the company to expand its customer base into new groups, particularly B2B and the younger customer segment. On the other hand, COL will enjoy greater exposure for its products through CRC’s omnichannel platform.

    The acquisition of 640 million COL shares is still subject to regulatory approval and expected to complete within the first quarter of next year, according to Yo.

  • Siam Piwat opens Ecotopia, Asia’s first eco-lifestyle destination

    Siam Piwat opens Ecotopia, Asia’s first eco-lifestyle destination

    Siam Piwat has unveiled Ecotopia in Bangkok, which it claims to be Asia’s first eco-lifestyle destination.

    Located at Siam Discovery, the store occupies 2000sqm and features more than 300 brands of eco-friendly and health-oriented products. Ecotopia houses eight different zones.

    A Hygienic zone offers a selection of household products made from natural and biodegradable materials, while the Zero Waste zone is a refiller where customers can take their own containers to refill everyday products or food items.

    Air-purifying plants and gardening tools can be found in a Green zone, while a Healthy zone offers organic food and a Beautiful zone a selection of chemical-free skincare and personal-care products.

    The Up-cycled zone displays products with renewed value through recycling, while a Stylish Zone features fashion items made from organic cotton and fabric scraps, and a clothing swap corner where pre-owned clothes can be exchanged for new garments.

    Finally, a Kind Zone highlights local handicrafts made from natural materials that help generate incomes for local communities.

    At Ecotopia, visitors can join regular eco-friendly workshops to learn how to turn waste into creative art or develop organic gardening skills.