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  • Deliveroo Seeks Hong Kong Government Support on Urgent Action to Further Aid Restaurant Sector hit by COVID-19

    Deliveroo Seeks Hong Kong Government Support on Urgent Action to Further Aid Restaurant Sector hit by COVID-19

    Deliveroo is calling on the Hong Kong Government to build on recent measures and further aid the restaurant sector, in the face of continuing and unprecedented challenges posed by the third wave of COVID-19. Brian Lo, General Manager of Deliveroo Hong Kong and Board Director of the HK Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, has written to Chief Executive Mrs. Carrie Lam on the matter, asking for urgent action.

    Brian Lo said, “The Government has taken a number of steps to support Hong Kong’s restaurant industry this year, including the Employment Support Scheme, the Food Licence Holders Subsidy Scheme and the Catering Business (Social Distancing) Subsidy Scheme. These one-off subsidies have prevented thousands of restaurants from going out of business and protected many people from losing their jobs – but the crisis is far from over. Restaurants continue to see significant revenue losses under the current dine-in ban and 50% reduced capacity; and while these measures are critical for public safety, urgent action is needed to protect the sector.”

    Deliveroo partners with close to 8,000 restaurants in Hong Kong, representing around 40% of the city’s licensed food providers. A recent survey of Deliveroo’s small and independent restaurant partners revealed that more than 50% are facing the prospect of immediate business suspension. Many predict that if the current situation continues, within the next three months they will be forced to permanently close or even pushed to bankruptcy.

    Lo added, “Restaurants have seen significant revenue losses during the lockdown even if they are able to remain open for delivery business. The growing contribution of delivery sales to their total revenue is not sufficient to cover cumulative fixed costs such as rent obligations. The precipitous drop in dine-in sales means restaurants are finding it close to impossible to operate and cover their day to day costs. Since last week, we saw close to 1,000 restaurants on our platform alone temporarily shut their doors. Many of these are small and medium sized businesses with no foreseeable date to reopen.

    As the leader in the food delivery sector and as an important stakeholder in the F&B industry, we have invested over HK$30 million in a number of measures in the past 6 months including commission reduction, payment delay, funding promotions and rider COVID-19 testing kits, to support our restaurant partners and the industry, as well as our rider community. However, without further Government support to help restaurants to generate revenue and cover costs, more than 5,000 restaurants may be forced to permanently close their doors in the coming months, putting at risk over 80,000 jobs in the industry itself, as well as the loss of income and jobs in businesses providing goods and services to the F&B industry.”

    In its detailed submission to the Government, Deliveroo, based on extensive consultation with a large proportion of its 8,000 restaurant partners in Hong Kong, has formulated a series of key policy proposals which would help the industry to recover through this challenging period, adapt to the new economic environment and thrive in the future. These include:

    1. Subsidy Scheme Extensions: Following on from the success of the first Licensed Hawkers Subsidy Scheme and Food Licence Holder Subsidy Scheme back in March 2020, Deliveroo proposes the provision of incremental HK$200,000, HK$80,000 or HK$5,000 payments per licensed outlet for every three months of continued enforcement of social distancing measures. This will be vital in allowing restaurants to pay rent, supplier bills and staffing costs; and to stave off immediate liquidity concerns.
    2. Action on Rents: Rent costs in Hong Kong are equivalent to around 20-25% of a restaurant’s usual revenue, compared to the 10-15% range in major European markets, the UAE, Australia and Singapore. The recent drop in sales of 50% or more due to COVID-19 means that rent as a percentage of sale has increased even further, squeezing Hong Kong operators’ margins to the breaking point. Deliveroo proposes a series of measures including waiving rental fees for four months, introducing an evictions moratorium, and encouraging landlords to use turnover leases.
    3. Action on Staffing Costs: The unemployment rate for the F&B industry rose from 8.6% in Q1 to 14.7% in Q2, according to Government Census data. Deliveroo’s data shows further signs of deterioration, indicating a 300% increase in restaurant closures in July alone compared to the same period last year. Deliveroo therefore urges the Government to extend the Employment Support Scheme for at least six more months or as long as social distancing measures prevent restaurants operating at full capacity. This will potentially safeguard tens of thousands of jobs.

    Other areas for proposed action include helping restaurants meet the cost of becoming COVID-secure, launching a government-led campaign making clear that restaurant food is safe, and providing a subsidy for restaurants to conduct deep-cleaning

    Restaurants such as Mini Bangkok, Man Kee Cart Noodle, Chilli Fagara, Golden Monkey, Holy Eats, nood food, La Rotisserie, Limewood, Sip Song, Mott 32 and Pololi are in support of the suggestions Deliveroo has put forward.

    Mark Lam, Owner of Mini Bangkok, a popular Thai restaurant in Kowloon City, said, “Like many others in our industry, we’ve had to make major readjustments to cope with this extremely difficult time. It’s tough not knowing from day to day if we will be able to maintain our operations – and the situation continues to become increasingly urgent. While delivery and takeaway is an important part of our business, the revenue lost through minimizing dine-in truly challenges us, preventing us from being able to support fixed costs that we can’t escape. We need further support from the government to safely sernoodve customers, maintain our workforce, ensure a steady supply chain, and so on. We hope that further action will be taken to help us and others in the industry to weather the ongoing storm.”

    Tracy Wong, Owner of Chilli Fagara, a modern Sichuan restaurant in Lan Kwai Fong, said, “While we completely understand the need for social distancing measures, the unfortunate truth is that our business has suffered heavy losses as a result of the downfall in foot traffic, especially as a restaurant located in Lan Kwai Fong when alcohol selling and dine-in are prohibited. If we were to cut losses and close the business today, we would still continue to lose money, as a result of forgoing the rent deposit. It has truly become a desperate situation for our restaurant and from what I understand, for many other operators in our same position. We strongly urge the Government to further bolster support for the industry at this difficult time.”

    Lo concluded, “We are proud to be a part of Hong Kong’s restaurant sector, renowned as one of the most vibrant and dynamic food scenes in Asia and indeed around the world. We are glad to support our restaurant partners via increased delivery sales during this time, but we recognise that more and urgent action is necessary to counter the financial effects of yet another wave of COVID-19. We believe the measures that Deliveroo is today proposing to the Government can help to ensure that Hong Kong’s restaurant industry survives this pandemic and rebounds after it; and we look forward to further opportunities to discuss and aid the sector during these difficult times.”

  • Thai super-star singer Ying Lee’s concert in the sky spices up Thai Vietjet’s inaugural Bangkok – Khon Kaen flight

    Thai super-star singer Ying Lee’s concert in the sky spices up Thai Vietjet’s inaugural Bangkok – Khon Kaen flight

    Thai Vietjet today inaugurated its maiden flight VZ210 from Thailand’s capital airport of Suvarnabhumi to Khon Kaen, the country’s commercial and political centre in the Northeastern region. Celebrating the new service, Thai Vietjet gave passengers a memorable surprise with a ‘Ying Lee’ concert in the sky, complete with a full team of dancers and cabin crew, along with nice corporate souvenirs.

    In celebration of the new route, the airline also launched a mega promotion from just THB 5 for a one-way ticket (approx. US16 cents) (*) for booking throughout the five golden days of 1st – 5th August 2020 at their website or Vietjet Air mobile app. The special promotion tickets are applied for all Thailand domestic flights of Thai Vietjet traveling during 1st August – 30th September, 2020.

    Aiming to facilitate domestic travel in Thailand, Thai Vietjet has constantly increased its flight frequency and destinations from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Currently, the carrier serves 8 flights/day to Phuket/Chiang Mai, 3 flights/day to Chiang Rai, 2 flights/day to Udon Thani/ Krabi/ Hat Yai/ Khon Kaen in which the flight frequency for Suvarnabhumi – Hat Yai service will be increased to 3 flights/day from 15th August 2020. The airline will also inaugurate the Suvarnabhumi-Nakhon Si Thammarat flight on 6th August 2020. It has also introduced on-line check-in service for domestic passengers traveling out of Suvarnabhumi airport for more convenience.

    The new route Bangkok- Khon Kaen marks the airline’s 7th route from its Suvarnabhumi hub and is operated 2 flights daily, with a flight duration of around 1 hour 5 minutes per leg as per the schedule below:

    Flight No. Departure from Suvarnabhumi Arrival at Khon Kaen Flight No. Departure from Khon Kaen Arrival at Suvarnabhumi
    (Local time) (Local time)
    VZ210 07.30 08.35 VZ211 09.05 10.15
    VZ212 15.45 16.50 VZ213 17.20 18.30
  • Taco Bell Joins Hands with foodpanda to Beat Your Hunger

    Taco Bell Joins Hands with foodpanda to Beat Your Hunger

    Taco Bell, the world-famous Mexican food chain join hands with foodpanda, the first online food delivery service in Thailand, launched its exclusive “Beat Your Hunger” promotional campaign, offering a 20% discount for Taco Bell special bundle sets: Couple Set, Family Set and Party Set, starting from 5 August to 30 September 2020.

    Mr. Chalermchai Mahagitsiri, President and CEO of TTA and Director of Siam Taco Co., Ltd., said “Partnering with foodpanda combines both companies’ strengths and excellent service, which customers will perceive as valuable benefits.   The “Beat Your Hunger” promotional program will enable Taco Bell to attract new customers and encourage repeat orders from existing customers.  We believe that our customers will feel greater convenient to place order with foodpanda, thus, our sales volume from delivery order will be increased.”

    Come Reward Yourself with delicious Taco Menu from Taco Bell. Currently, Taco Bell operates 6 branches in Thailand: The Mercury Ville @Chidlom, Siam Paragon, Central Pinklao, Samyan Mitrtown, Central Westgate, and Sukhumvit Soi 11. Every store adheres strictly to safety measures in accordance with government policy and guidelines set by the Centre for the Administration of the Situation due to the Outbreak of the Communicable Disease Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). For further details on Taco Bell activities, news and promotions, please visit Facebook: facebook.com/TacoBellTH, IG: @TacoBellTH, Twitter: @TacoBellTH, and Line: @TacoBellTH.

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  • King Power Thailand sales axed 50 percent

    King Power Thailand sales axed 50 percent

    Thai duty-free retailer King Power is anticipating a drop in sales revenues of 50 percent in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

    The firm has attempted to drum up business while international travel is largely frozen via an online sales strategy, but it has not been able to offset the steep fall in business with online revenues contributing just 10 percent of total business, far short of the hoped-for 20 percent.

    Just two King Power outlets out of 11 nationwide have reopened since the Covid-19 outbreak.

    “Despite the huge sales drop, we don’t have any plans to lay off any of our 11,000 staff,” said King Power CEO Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha. “Instead, we assigned them to sell King Power products via their own social media accounts and via King Power online.”

    Aiyawatt is a participant in the Thai government’s Thailand Smiles with You campaign, promoting the nation’s image and economic prospects during global recovery via the English Premier League team Leicester City FC, which Aiyawatt chairs.

    “As Thais, we are proud to cooperate with the government in mitigating the adversity and supporting projects that will both, directly and indirectly, benefit our country’s economic and social wellbeing,” said Aiyawatt, “hoping that it will lead us through this crisis safe and sound”.

    The campaign will see the phrase “Thailand Smiles With You” on Leicester City football team jerseys and signboards throughout the 2020–21 season.

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  • Opening date revealed for Apple Thailand’s second Bangkok store

    Opening date revealed for Apple Thailand’s second Bangkok store

    Apple Thailand’s second retail store in Bangkok will open at the CentralWorld shopping center this week. A reliable local source says the opening date is scheduled for Friday, July 31. However, Apple’s Thai website has posted a colorful version of the brand’s logo with Thai lettering inside, teasing that the Apple CentralWorld store is “coming soon”.

    The website also features a tagline ‘Intersection of the creative idea and inspiration’, which refers to the Ratchaprasong intersection where Apple’s new space is located.

    Earlier this year, photos of the Apple Thailand’s second store were leaked on Twitter, showing a preview of what the store will look like. Apple Thailand’s second store features a unique design with a whirling cylinder of glass and curved timber radiating in concentric circles. It is located on part of a large courtyard outside the mall.

    The Apple CentralWorld store reflects the brand’s confidence in the Thai market, despite the Covid-19 situation in the country.

    Apple Thailand opened its first store at the IconSiam shopping center in Bangkok in November 2018.

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  • Off-White opens doors in Bangkok’s EmQuartier

    Off-White opens doors in Bangkok’s EmQuartier

    Italian luxury fashion label Off-White has opened a new monobrand store in Bangkok’s EmQuartier.

    Located on M Floor, the Off-White EmQuartier store occupies a 174sqm space, offering a selection of Off-White’s menswear and womenswear collections.

    The store facade features gray walls with the Off-White’s logo in yellow. The store’s interior is dressed in curved wood, creating a soft and elegant design.

    Off-White’s products are displayed under the wooden wall, which according to the company works as “racking systems and modules for product display”, a feature specially created for this location.

    Several grey granite tables with hole detailing stand in the centre of the store, reflecting the Off-White’s fresh, new logo concept. Velvet benches and carpets add a touch of sophistication to the design.

  • Tops unveils new supermarket retail format in Bangkok

    Tops unveils new supermarket retail format in Bangkok

    Bangkok’s Tops Market Westgate has undergone a major renovation designed to position the supermarket as the “most complete premium lifestyle supermarket in Thailand”.

    The revamp features six “magnet” zones introducing more than 40,000 globally sourced products and focused on meeting a broad range of target consumer trends, in a move to match Central Plaza Westgate’s own development plans and ambitions to become a Western Bangkok shopping hub. The zones include a bakery, health food store, international snacks market, a beauty and lifestyle zone, a dine-in section, and a pet accessories store. The renovation also features a farmers’ market.

    “The complete transformation of Tops Market Westgate is part of our strategy to move our business forward to meet changing consumer trends,” said Central Food Retail COO Sujita Phengoun. “We aim to elevate the shopping experience by offering a premium lifestyle supermarket for our customers to enjoy a new experience and have more fun while shopping.

    “Tops Market Westgate is a blueprint store for our premium lifestyle supermarkets in 2020, offering the most complete products and services in Thailand. There are six new zones that will serve as magnets that draw all customer groups. The renovation is in line with the expansion and increased purchasing power of consumers in Western Bangkok, and resonates with Central Westgate’s strategies to expand our customer base in eight provinces, in order to be the number one destination in Western Bangkok.

    Tops Market Westgate also features a fresh-food zone, a parenting zone, a fashion zone and a promotions zone.

  • Royal Enfield To Compete In American Flat Track Series

    Royal Enfield To Compete In American Flat Track Series

    Royal Enfield has announced that the brand will be competing in the American Flat Track (AFT) starting August 2020. Royal Enfield will be fielding specially-prepared versions of their production bikes. For the Production Twins class, meant for motorcycles with twin-cylinder engines, Royal Enfield will be entering a specially-made model called the FT Concept, based on the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. The FT Concept has been built in collaboration with chassis specialists, Harris Performance, also owned by Royal Enfield’s parent company, Eicher Motors Limited.

    The new machine is going to be based on the bike built as a design exercise between Royal Enfield and Harris Performance. The bike’s frame is a classy looking brazed steel tube, with an adjustable steering head angle to customize the bike’s handling according to individual riders. The frame, 41 mm front forks featuring Ohlins internals, as well as the Ohlins TTX rear shock, as well as the 19-inch wheels machined from forged billet Aluminium, are all made specifically for the bike. Johnny Lewis, Royal Enfield Slide School Instructor in the US, and AFT racer will be piloting the bike on August 28 and August 29.

    “The Royal Enfield FT Concept has already shown promise so far. We’re already seeing great results from the motorcycle. The team at Harris Performance and Royal Enfield have done a great job with the chassis, and we’ve already begun working through small adjustments based on my feedback. With the way the schedule is shaping out with small tracks, we could surprise many people,” said Lewis.

    Royal Enfield already has a FT411 based on the Royal Enfield Himalayan, to be used for Slide School flat track lessons, both in India and in the US. Later in 2020, four lady builders of the ‘Build Train Race’ program will also hit the track along with Lewis with their modified Interceptor 650 motorcycles alongside Lewis. The events for the all-women flat tracker are scheduled for October 2-3 at the Dixie Speedway event and at the Daytona Beach on October 15-16.

    While Royal Enfield has made tremendous progress in product development and engineering, starting with the 650 Twin platform as well as the Royal Enfield Himalayan which has been increasingly gaining acceptance worldwide, the future will surely be focussed on more models, new engines and platforms. We have consistently maintained that Royal Enfield has already entered a new era in technology and product development, and the next few years will only show more evidence of shaking off an image, at least in the domestic market, of having motorcycles with technology which critics consider ancient. With the push to events like the American Flat Track series, Royal Enfield seems to have set its sights on cementing its position in the international market, and also following the old adage – “Race on Sunday, sell on Monday.”

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  • Thai Motor Show Underway In First Big Event Since Coronavirus Outbreak

    Thai Motor Show Underway In First Big Event Since Coronavirus Outbreak

    Thailand opened its twice-postponed annual auto show to the public on Wednesday in the country’s first large-scale event since coronavirus restrictions eased, with nearly all attendees wearing masks and face shields. Thailand is a major regional car production hub and its previous motor shows booked over a million people in attendance.

    Thermal scans were at the entrance to the 41st Bangkok International Motor Show and temperatures were measured as people visited booths, where waiting spots were prepared to ensure physical distancing.

    Guests were also required to check-in and out with their cellphones to allow for contact tracing. Visitors were also required to check-in and out with their cellphones to allow for contact tracing

    “I don’t come to the event every year, but I think for the first day of the event amid a pandemic, people are in quite large numbers,” said Suriya Thanakorn, 50, who was on the lookout for a new car.

    Motor shows around the world have been forced to cancel or delay due to the pandemic. But Thailand has pressed ahead having gone nearly seven weeks without local transmission of the virus, which has infected just over 3,000 people, most of which have recovered.

    Chief organizer Prachin Eamlumnow said eyes will be on how Thailand handles one of the first big global shows since the pandemic started. We take a look at the new all-electric coupe-SUV crossover from Nissan.

    “No country can arrange an event on this scale, so the other event organizers will be watching,” he said. “We have succeeded in controlling COVID-19.”

    There are 25 car brands including Nissan and BMW and 22 motorcycle manufacturers on show at booths with specific entry and exit points to prevent crowding.

    Ramesh Narasimhan, president of Nissan Thailand, said the stringent measures should be maintained to ensure good attendance throughout the 12-day event.

    “It’s really important for us to keep it for the entire show, but the first signs are very, very positive, so I’m pretty excited about that,” he said.

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  • Thai Vietjet offers super-saver fares from THB50 for all 13 routes in Thailand

    Thai Vietjet offers super-saver fares from THB50 for all 13 routes in Thailand

    In celebration of its new routes in Thailand, Vietjet has kicked off a special promotion offering 500,00 air tickets priced from THB 50 (*) (USD 1.5) starting from now to 17 July 2020 during the golden hours of 1.00pm to 3.00pm (Malaysian time).

    Here’s your chance to plan ahead for a perfect Thailand trip! The promotional tickets are applicable on all of its 13 domestic routes in Thailand and valid for travel between 1 September 2020 to 30 June 2021 (**). Tickets can be booked via Vietjet’s website and mobile application Vietjet Air.

    “We are happy to bring in more flying opportunities for the people to discover the “Smiling Land” with amazing experiences. This is a perfect chance for Thai people to go on a tour within Thailand with their families and friends. We are committed to expanding flight network in domestic Thailand and continuously provide exciting experiences to our passengers with daily promotion program”, said Vietjet Vice President, Nguyen Thi Thuy Binh.

    The recently announced six new Thailand routes expand Thai Vietjet’s domestic routes to 13, allowing tourists to travel conveniently around the country. This super promotion is applicable to all Thai Vietjet’s domestic routes in Thailand from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Udon Thani, Phuket – Chiang Rai, and Udon Thani – Chiang Rai, including new routes from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ubon Ratchathani (starting from 6 October 2020),  Surat Thani (starting from 4 November 2020), Chiang Rai – Hat Yai  (starting from 1 November 2020).

    Currently, Vietjet is operating a stable domestic network in Vietnam and Thailand. All Vietjet’s flights are in alignment with all global standards and guidelines from the local authorities, including aircraft disinfection.

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  • Centara offers sneak preview of Centra by Centara Cha Am Beach Resort Hua Hin

    Centara offers sneak preview of Centra by Centara Cha Am Beach Resort Hua Hin

    Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, releases first details of its debut hotel in Cha-Am – Centra by Centara Cha Am Beach Resort Hua Hin.

    Opening on 24 July 2020, one week before schedule, the 190-key beachfront resort is poised to become a sought-after choice for travellers seeking a contemporary beachfront escape just two hours from Bangkok.

    The former Beach Garden Hotel was completely reimagined and underwent a full floor-to-ceiling renovation and now features brand new room types including pool access rooms and spacious seaview suites.

    Families, groups of friends, and couples have a choice of activities at their fingertips, with facilities including two swimming pools complete with fun water slides, children’s pool with water play area, a kids’ club, fitness centre and full-service spa.

    To celebrate its opening, Centra by Centara Cha Am Beach Resort Hua Hin is offering an introductory offer with rates starting at THB 1,120 net per night, plus 20% off F&B at the resort’s three restaurants and bars. 

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  • Centara donates 10,000 room nights to medical heroes

    Centara donates 10,000 room nights to medical heroes

    Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, continues its support of the country’s medical workers with the launch of its “10,000 Thanks” campaign dedicated to the heroes working tirelessly for the wellbeing of the people. 

    As a token of heartfelt gratitude for the healthcare heroes in the ongoing fight against COVID-19, Centara is donating 10,000 room nights for doctors and nurses to enjoy a complimentary one-night stay for two guests at any Centara Hotels & Resorts property in Thailand or overseas. 

    In recognition of their continuing hard work and the challenging circumstances in which doctors and nurses have been working, Centara is offering frontline medical staff across the country a chance to take a much-deserved break, completely free of charge, to recharge and reconnect with their loved ones.

    “10,000 Thanks” can be redeemed across the group’s five existing brands – Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara, and COSI – in destinations across Thailand and overseas, including a number of resort destinations such as Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket, Krabi and Samui as well as urban destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Udon Thani and Hat Yai.

    The free night offer is reserved for medical front line professionals who are doctors and nurses with Thai nationality or currently residing in Thailand only.

    Coinciding with Thailand’s lifting of all restrictions in July following months of phased re-opening, the “10,000 Thanks” offer can be booked between 1stJuly – 30th December 2020 for stays within the same period. 

    Centara is also extending appreciation to all other workers across the medical industry with an offer of 25% off every rate across the group’s entire portfolio spanning 18 destinations. “25 for heroes” bookings can be made on www.centarahotelsresorts.com between 1st July – 30th  December 2020with no restrictions on travel period. 

    The “10,000 Thanks” and “25 for heroes” medical personnel campaigns are the latest in a series of initiatives launched by Centara Hotels & Resorts to help communities and individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    Since April 2020, the group has partnered with charities and government organisations to provide 1,500 food boxes to support at-risk communities, and offered hotel rooms in Centara Grand at CentralWorld and Centara Muscat Hotel Oman to host healthcare staff and people in need. Centara’s Help the Heroes’ campaign also aims to support those in need with donations going to the Chaipattana Covid-19 Aid Fund (and other pandemics) and Thai Red Cross Society.

    “Thailand has not seen community transmission of COVID-19 for over a month now, and there’s no question of the importance the role our country’s healthcare heroes play in keeping us healthy and safe. As restrictions in the country start to ease, we invite doctors and nurses to enjoy a much-needed holiday on us, as a humble token of our immeasurable appreciation of their selfless efforts,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels & Resorts.

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  • TAT joins AirAsia to stimulating domestic tourism with new aviation safety standards

    TAT joins AirAsia to stimulating domestic tourism with new aviation safety standards

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) joined Thai AirAsia for a special activity taking place on the Bangkok-Krabi route on 29-30 June 2020, aimed at rebuilding confidence and revitalizing domestic tourism. This was done by bringing together medical workers, tourists, business operators, and the media in a trip showcasing the readiness of airline, venues, travel destinations, hotels, and restaurants, to provide safe and hygienic service.

    Governor of TAT, Yuthasak Supasorn, pointed out that domestic travel will be an important mechanism to jumpstart the economy at both the local and national levels, adding that this event will highlight traveling under the new normal, which focuses on adherence to healthcare advice, encouraging travelers and businesses alike to adapt and rehabilitate tourism.

    The TAT’s goal for this activity is supporting domestic tourism and promoting awareness of various safety practices for traveling, visiting sites, and staying in accommodation so that travelers can prepare accordingly.  The authority assures that measures being promoted are straightforward and that everyone will be able to travel conveniently in the new normal.

    Representatives from different sectors were invited to join in the activity, including medical professionals, travel companies and travel groups, all given the opportunity to experience present-day tourism using the concept “BEST, wherein B: Booking – covers before, during and after travel planning, travel companions, pre-booking and social distancing; E: Environment – covers environmental conservation and social responsibility; S: Safety – covers information for decision making as well as health and hygiene and T: Technology – incorporating the use of technology to facilitate contactless tourism and greater physical distancing.

    CEO of Thai AirAsia, Santisuk Klongchaiya remarked that travel and domestic spending in the nation is crucial at this time to stimulate the economy and tourism sector, affirming AirAsia’s support for TAT.

    From July onward, the airline will be resuming service to all 23 of its domestic destinations, including regional connections Chiang Mai-Hat Yai, Chiang Mai-Pattaya (U-Tapao), Hat Yai-Pattaya (U-Tapao) and Khon Kaen-Hat Yai for a total 25 routes, flying 68 return trips a day in support of travel and business.

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  • KBank establishes fintech company in China to be financial innovation lab

    KBank establishes fintech company in China to be financial innovation lab

    KBank has established KASIKORN Vision Information Technology Co., Ltd. It is a fintech company wholly owned by KASIKORN Vision Co., Ltd. (KVision) with registered capital of RMB 300 million. It is the first fintech company to be set up by a foreign bank in Shenzhen this year. The company’s main business will involve the design, creation and research of new technologies. It has formulated a five-year operating plan to support the future development and provision of financial technology.

    Mr. Ruangroj Poonpol, Chairman of KASIKORN Business-Technology Group (KBTG), said that KBank has established KASIKORN Vision Information Technology Co., Ltd. which is registered in Luohu district, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China. It is a financial technology, or fintech, company which is wholly owned by KVision. Its registered capital is RMB 300 million, or equivalent to THB 1,300 million. It is the first fintech company to be established by a foreign bank in Shenzhen this year. The company’s main business involves the design and creation of IT systems, research of new technologies, search for new business models conducive to digital banking and digital economic systems, as well as the development and testing of prototype products and provision of new financial technologies to KASIKORNBANK FINANCIAL CONGLOMERATE and its customers.

    KASIKORN Vision Information Technology Co., Ltd. has formulated a plan involving three steps over the course of five years: The first step, in the first year of business, is to consolidate the foundation, focusing on the completion of team building, business models and other basic work, to support KASIKORNBANK (China) Co., Ltd.’s digital strategy as the main development direction. The second step, over the second and third years, involves steady progress through in-depth integration with shareholder resources, key business group in Thailand and China + ASEAN regional institutions; and the integration of leading domestic technological achievements, especially those of Shenzhen, to provide innovative financial science and technology solutions. The third step, over the fourth and fifth years, is the acceleration of development in the course of becoming an influential fintech company in the region. At the same time, in the fields of technology accumulation, research and development, the company will join with leading international research and educational institutions to explore the establishment of financial science and technology laboratories to support the research and application of related basic disciplines.

    KASIKORN Vision Information Technology Co., Ltd. will promote the expansion of financial science and technology services to ASEAN countries, and make Shenzhen an important node for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, which is an important support pillar for the Belt and Road Initiative to reach out and connect with ASEAN countries. This would benefit ASEAN and enhance China-ASEAN economic and financial cooperation.

    Luohu district is a newly developed area in Shenzhen, a central business district which houses the headquarters of more than 70 licensed financial institutions and first-line branches, or the approximate equivalent of one-fifth of the city’s licensed financial institutions. Thus, Luohu district serves as a frontrunner in terms of development, with technological innovation serving as the primary driving force. Additionally, the district has been able to attract new investment and new talent, which will comprehensively improve the scale and quality development of its emerging industries. KASIKORN Vision Information Technology Co., Ltd. is expected to receive the full benefit of being located in this region.

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  • Eight in ten Thais use contactless payments more often as they become uncomfortable with cash

    Eight in ten Thais use contactless payments more often as they become uncomfortable with cash

    Visa, the world’s leader in digital payments, today released findings from its Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes study (the “Study”), that show almost eight in ten Thais (79 percent) are using contactless payments more often than they did two years ago.

    The study, which tracks consumer habits and attitudes towards payments across Southeast Asia, also revealed three in four Thai respondents (75 percent) who are not using contactless payments today, are interested in doing so in the future.

    Suripong Tantiyanon, Country Manager for Visa Thailand, said: “It is heartening to see Thai consumers embracing new payment technologies, especially the use of contactless cards for payments.  The shift in behavior and the rise in confidence can be attributed to an industry effort to educate the general public on the benefits of contactless and an increasing acceptance points.  Contactless payments are still in the early stages of adoption in Thailand, but we are optimistic for their growth due to its speed, convenience, security and global acceptance wherever Visa contactless is accepted across the world.

    The top reasons consumers cited for adopting contactless payments are: not needing to carry cash (68%), desire to use an innovative way to pay (58%), and faster payment compared to other methods (55%).

    When it comes to frequency of using contactless payments, over four in five respondents (82 percent) use their cards at least once to more than four times a week.

    The top places where respondents use their contactless cards to make payments are during overseas travel (17 percent), followed by at supermarkets (12 percent), and retail shops (11 percent).

    The Study also delved into usage between demographics.  While Gen Y is more likely to use contactless cards (55%), use among older Gen X users was significant (45%).  The younger generation uses contactless payments more frequently, with three in ten making payments more than four times a week, while only one in five Gen X users will make the same number of payments.

    State of the Nation: Cashless Society

    Based on the findings, over two in five respondents (43 percent) said they carry less cash now than they did two years ago.  Their top reasons for carrying less cash are: carrying cash around is unsafe (65 percent), using more contactless payments (62 percent), and cash withdrawals are easily accessible (62 percent).

    In addition, more than four in five respondents (82 percent) have moved away from cash and tried living daily life relying on cashless methods.  Almost three in four (70 percent) managed to live cashless up to a few days.  Twenty-one percent managed to live more than a week but short of one full month on cashless modes of payment.  The remaining nine percent could live their lives without cash for one month or more.

    When asked about their inclination towards adopting cashless payments in the future, seven in ten Thai respondents (72 percent) said they expect to increase their usage of cashless payment methods next year.  Their top reasons for intention to displace cash include convenience (69 percent), the hassle of carrying cash (62 percent), and an increase in their comfort paying with cashless methods (51 percent).

    Increasingly, Thai consumers are confident in going cashless.  Two in five (38 percent) believe they can last more than a month without cash.  On the other end of the spectrum, nearly six in ten (58 percent) hold the belief they could only get by for 24 hours without paying by cash.

    When asked how long it would take for Thailand to become a cashless nation, 40 percent of the people surveyed believe it will take between two to five years, 27 percent thought it would take between six to ten years, and interestingly seven percent believe it could happen next year.

    Respondents to the survey believe the top benefits for Thailand being a cashless nation are convenience (58 percent), ability to track financial records easily (56 percent), lower risk of theft (55 percent), and promoting financial inclusivity (44 percent).

    “It is evident that payment innovations can accelerate the transformation into a cashless society.  However, it is equally important to continuously stay in touch with the end consumer to better understand their existing needs as well as anticipating their future demands.  We hope the Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes Study, already in its sixth edition, will help our clients and partners grow business and support the government in shaping measures that will benefit the people and enable the Thai economy to thrive,” Suripong concluded.