Retail News CRM

Tag: Thailand

  • Vietnamese rice prices surpass Thailand’s in global markets

    Vietnamese rice prices surpass Thailand’s in global markets

    Vietnamese 5% broken rice, which usually costs less than its Thai peers in export markets, raced past them in October to reach record levels. It fetched $425-430 per ton, $48-51, and $18-25 higher than similar varieties from India and Thailand, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

    Vietnam exported over six million tons of various kinds of rice for nearly $3 billion in the first ten months, up 17% and 7% year-on-year.

    According to local businesses, this is not the first time Vietnamese rice has fetched higher prices than Thailand’s, but its brand recognition is growing in the world market.

    “Vietnamese fragrant rice is still behind Thailand, but it is becoming increasingly popular with foreign consumers,” Pham Thai Binh, general director of Trung An Hi-tech Farming Joint Stock Company based in the southern city of Can Tho, said.

    His company exports some 30 containers of rice to Europe every month at $700-1,250 per ton, he said.

    Australia recently registered the ‘Gao Ong Cua Vietnam’ trademark for ST24 and ST25 rice varieties developed by agricultural engineer Ho Quang Cua.

    ST25 won the World’s Best Rice Contest in 2019 and ST24 came second in 2017.

    Loc Troi Group’s rice with the trademark ‘Com Vietnam Rice’ is sold at 4,000 supermarkets in France.

    Local firms expect rice exports to remain big and fetch high prices for the next three years since the world is facing climate change and the food supply is falling.

    Thailand’s rice production is declining.

    Vietnam is the world’s third-biggest rice exporter after India and Thailand and accounts for 7.8% of the global rice trade.

    Its rice is sold in 28 countries and territories worldwide, mainly in Asia and Europe.

  • Nokia and AIS Fibre Trial Fastest Broadband in Asia

    Nokia and AIS Fibre Trial Fastest Broadband in Asia

    Nokia and AIS Fibre announced the first trial of their 25G PON solution in Asia. AIS Fibre in Thailand trialed the technology using its existing optical line terminals (OLT), which have already been rolled out nationwide. The OLT was connected simultaneously to three end-user devices with a combined speed of 37.5 Gb/s using a 25G PON optical network terminal (ONT) at 25 Gb/s, an XGS-PON ONT at 10 Gb/s and a GPON ONT at 2.5 Gb/s. All services can be served with the same single fiber at the same time.

    AIS Fibre was the first operator to offer 100% optical fiber broadband services in Thailand. With this successful trial concluded, the company is set to realize its ambition to build the most future-proofed fiber optic home Internet network in the country.

    As new applications like virtual reality gaming and hologram calls enter the mainstream, AIS Fibre will be able to offer the services with super high speeds and low latency. Since AIS Fibre will be able to run GPON, XGS-PON and 25G PON services on the same fiber line, it can offer customers a full choice of speeds up to 25 Gb/s on the existing platform and without the need for intrusive excavation and laying of new fiber.

    25G PON also gives AIS Fibre the opportunity to offer enterprises a 10G + and lower latency replacement to Point to Point (P2P) connections which can be costly and are less scalable. The operator will also be able to use the technology for 5G backhaul, which will become increasingly important as it builds more cell sites required for higher frequency 5G.

    Thanit Chaiyaboonthanit, acting managing director of Fixed Broadband at AIS, said, “AIS Fibre prioritizes innovation that will provide the best services to our customers and gives us network technology which meets users’ future needs in terms of both speed and flexibility. This partnership with Nokia to trial 25G PON technology has yielded favourable results, inspiring us to believe that we can deploy it in the future.”

    Ajay Sharma, head of Thailand and Cambodia at Nokia, noted, “With enhanced speeds provided by 25G PON, fiber networks are evolving into being able to connect everything, everywhere. They play an important role in delivering any service to any endpoint, including residences, businesses and cell sites. We are proud to have been part of this important milestone.”

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Thai AirAsia to Launch Flights from Bangkok to Dhaka

    Thai AirAsia to Launch Flights from Bangkok to Dhaka

    Thai AirAsia has unveiled plans to launch flights from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport in Bangkok to Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, as well as to the city of Lucknow in northern India.

    The airline will operate four flights per week to Dhaka commencing 24 November, and thrice weekly to Lucknow from 4 December 2022.

    Promotional fares for the Don Mueang-Dhaka flights start from 3,590 THB per trip for AirAsia members, while the Don Mueang-Lucknow flights are available from 3,290 THB per trip. The special fares can be booked up to 16 October 2022 for travel between Don Mueang-Dhaka from 24 November 2022 and 25 March 2023, and Don Mueang-Lucknow from 4 December 2022 to 25 March 2022, via the airasia Super App.

    “The travel appetite has improved since COVID19 restrictions were relaxed. The South Asian markets have grown rapidly in the recent period and AirAsia now operates six routes to the region, flying Don Mueang to Kolkata, Kochi, Jaipur, Bangalore and Chennai in India and to Maldives. All of the routes have been well received, especially by Indian travelers who have been connecting across Thailand.

    Data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand show the fast growing number of tourists from India and South Asia have so far visited Thailand this year and the inflow is expected to continue into 2023,” said Santisuk Klongchaiya, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Thailand. “Dhaka and Lucknow are new and exciting destinations AirAsia will be flying direct to for the first time with these additions. On top of attracting tourists to Thailand, the unique and magnificent architecture of these two cities should make them another popular aspiration for avid Thai travelers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Ikano Retail posts record revenue growth

    Ikano Retail posts record revenue growth

    Ikano Retail has recorded its highest turnover yet for the financial year to August 31, reaching US$1 billion across the five markets in which it operates Ikea stores – Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Mexico, equivalent to 41.2 per cent year-on-year growth.

    The increased sales were driven by the return of visitors to physical stores after two years of Covid-19 disruptions. CEO of Ikano Retail, Christian Roejkjaer, said there were 113 million visits to the group’s stores and shopping centres.

    In Malaysia, where the group operates four shopping centres, the company recorded $361.8 million in sales. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, where earlier this year it opened the world’s largest Ikea store in Pasay City, turnover reached $113.6 million.

    Sales in Singapore and Thailand reached $255.4 million and $276.6 million respectively.

    “Our shelves were not fully stocked as we would have liked it and our costs went way up,” said Roejkjaer. “Still, we are leading our markets for affordable, quality home furnishing solutions – and our customers appreciate that.’’

    The retailer is also accelerating its expansion plan after the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, planning to open its first compact city-centre concept store in Thailand later this year at The Emsphere, along with its third Mexico store.

    Lees ook:

  • Thai beauty e-commerce platform Konvy bags $10 million in series A

    Thai beauty e-commerce platform Konvy bags $10 million in series A

    Founded 10 years ago, Konvy is now Thailand’s top beauty e-commerce platform. It plans to accelerate its omnichannel and international distribution with a new Series A of $10 million from Insignia Ventures Partners.

    Konvy was launched in 2012 by Chinese entrepreneur QingGui Huang, who previously managed fashion e-commerce platforms in China. It now works with more than 1,000 brands, representing SKUs of more than 20,000. Its brand portfolio includes L’Oréal, Shiseido, Sulwhasoo, Eucerin and La Roche-Posay.

    “Konvy had the advantage of starting in Thailand when there were no really significant e-commerce players there at the time,” Huang told TechCrunch. “We’ve since leveraged our first mover advantage in Thailand to become a leading e-commerce player in the market.”

    Konvy founders Leon Huang, Pornsuda Vangvidhayakul and QingHui Huang

    Konvy’s goal is to help local and international beauty brands take advantage of two major trends. The first is that health and beauty purchases are a priority spending category for Thai consumers and the second is that Thailand sees high rates of e-commerce purchases and social media usage, meaning that young people in Thailand spend an average of about two hours and 55 minutes on social media each day.

    Huang said he confirmed his assumptions about Thai spending on beauty products through conversations with brands, which drove his desire to start Konvy.

    “This opportunity of health and beauty being a priority spending category for Thai consumers is a function of both demand and supply circumstances favoring this consumer behavior over the past decades,” he said. “On the supply side, Thailand has been a manufacturing hub for a lot of international brands for more than 40 years. This has spawned as well a thriving local industry. On the demand side, we see that Thai consumers are plugged into this mindset of ‘upgrades’ when it comes to health and beauty, that is to say, it’s not just about accessing such products but actually looking for the best products and high willingness to spend on the latest trends.”

    Konvy taps into the high rate of social media usage by developing a feedback loop, where engagements on its partner brands’ not only helps Konvy’s existing portfolio, but also helps more brands in the future. For example, as more Gen Z consumers bought products they saw on TikTok during the pandemic, Konvy made itself more present on that channel.

    In a statement, Insignia Ventures Partners founding managing partner Yinglan Tan said, “While there may be stronger competitors from horizontal marketplaces in the future, we believe Konvy is best positioned to be the market leader in the online beauty segment given its long-standing brand equity, brand-centric and community-led approach.”

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Thailand’s Central Retail to double Vietnam stores in 4 years

    Thailand’s Central Retail to double Vietnam stores in 4 years

    Thailand’s Central Retail plans to double more than the number of its stores in Vietnam from the current 340 to 710 by 2026 to capitalize on a growing market.

    The main retail arm of Thai conglomerate Central Group will spend 30 billion baht (US$790 million) for the expansion, which it hopes will make it Vietnam’s biggest food and property retail platform.

    “We always put ourselves in the center of consumers’ lives,” Olivier Langlet, CEO of Central Retail Vietnam, said.

    The company eyes sales of 100 billion baht following the expansion, up from the current 38.6 billion baht, he added.

    Central Retailed first came to Vietnam 10 years ago and now has ten retail brands, including Go! Mall, Nguyen Kim, SuperSports, and Top Market, which sell a range of products from food to electronics.

    Other foreign retailers who have announced plans to expand in Vietnam include Japan’s Aeon and South Korea’s Lotte.

    Aeon Mall, which has six outlets, plans to open 16 more, including three or four in Hanoi.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Jim Thompson enters a new era with reimagined flagship in Bangkok

    Jim Thompson enters a new era with reimagined flagship in Bangkok

    Jim Thompson, Thailand’s iconic global lifestyle brand signals a new era with the opening of Bangkok’s must-visit landmark the Jim Thompson Heritage and Creative Quarter. Inclusive of the original Jim Thompson House Museum, it features a new “Museum About the Man”, a Home Furnishings Exhibition, a café and a new Iconic Store.

    Local and international visitors will get to soak in the rich history and stunning architecture of what was once the residence of Jim Thompson and explore the beauty of Thai culture, silk traditions and the Thai spirit of innovation as well as discover exhibitions about the life and work of the “Silk King”.

    Frank Cancelloni, Group CEO at Jim Thompson explains, “We are excited about this new chapter. This is not just any lifestyle brand; it was founded by an iconic man who revived the Thai silk industry. The project will be 100% completed by April 2023 with the opening of a restaurant, a bar and a multifunctional hall, all reflecting the spirit of Jim Thompson.”

    Jim Thompson House Museum

    Comprising of 6 teak houses sourced by Jim Thompson from all over Thailand, his residence also became home to an extensive collection of Southeast Asian art. After his disappearance in Malaysia in 1967, his home was carefully preserved and turned into a museum.

    Museum About the Man

    Drawn from the archives of The James H.W. Thompson Foundation, “The Man Himself” highlights the critical milestones in Thompson’s life, from his early years to the last day that he was seen. The exhibition also charts the journey of Jim Thompson fabrics from Vogue to Broadway and on to becoming Thailand’s only global lifestyle brand.

    Home Furnishing Exhibition

    ‘The Evolving World of Jim Thompson Textiles’ is an exhibition that unveils the story of the Thai Silk Company Limited and the prominent creative figures behind the company’s successes in the textile and fabric world after the mysterious disappearance of Jim Thompson in 1967.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • AIS and ZTE to Launch ‘5G A-Z Center’ in Thailand

    AIS and ZTE to Launch ‘5G A-Z Center’ in Thailand

    ZTE and AIS have jointly launched Thailand’s first 5G innovation hub, named “5G A-Z Center.” Both parties have signed an MOU of a strategic partnership to develop 5G tech and enhance the digital infrastructure construction, to bring excellent 5G experiences to Thailand, and strengthen the country’s competitiveness on 5G.

    “We are here because 5G is a technology to power the country,” said Somchai Lertsutiwong, CEO of AIS. “As the network service provider with the most frequency spectra and the best network coverage in Thailand, we prioritize sustainable innovation for the country.”

    Currently, AIS has strategically partnered with ZTE on three components. Firstly, they are upgrading Thailand’s 5G network, not only in terms of speed, but also intelligence, to make the network control itself in real-time. At the same time, both parties have jointly developed solutions for business sectors and enhanced competitive capabilities under Thailand 4.0. In addition, they have delivered a vast range of 5G services to improve the quality of people’s lives in Thailand.

    “Towards the well-being of individuals and industries, the value-based digital development provides Thailand with soil of innovation,” said Xu Ziyang, CEO of ZTE Corporation. “The center is a seed of hope, and the alphabet ranging from A to Z also represents the end-to-end coverage. We will be dedicated to satisfying the needs of people and industries and creating a 360-degree digital and intelligent world.”

    At the center, ZTE has released a series of next-generation RAN products. The AAU (Active Antenna Unit) for 5G mmWave bandwidth, first jointly developed by ZTE and AIS, can support 1.2GHz and increase data throughput by 50%. The power consumption of the next-gen sub-6GHz TDD massive MIMO has decreased by 25%, reflecting the demand of Thailand to provide excellent user experiences. Moreover, the next-generation FDD 3G/4G/5G multi-mode Massive MIMO, with its performance improved by 100% compared to the previous generation, is going to be verified in the center and will be deployed in the network of AIS.

    In terms of 5G industrial applications, ZTE and AIS, with the aim of empowering various industries and promoting digital transformation through 5G, have demonstrated several industry application scenarios at the “5G A-Z Center,” including 5G AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle), 5G machine vision, 5G XR, 5G Holography and so on.

    In addition, both parties have launched the new 5G ZTE Blade A72 handset, which is expected to hit the market in October 2022, alongside other smart terminals such as 5G CPE and 5G Pocket Wifi.

    The cooperation between AIS and ZTE is a crucial step in achieving the goal of becoming a Cognitive Tech-Co by developing the 5G smart autonomous network. Moving forward, both AIS and ZTE will be committed to delivering better user experiences and bringing opportunities to the industries, thereby boosting the digital economy of Thailand.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Thai food delivery app Lineman Wongnai bags $265 million

    Thai food delivery app Lineman Wongnai bags $265 million

    hai food delivery app Lineman Wongnai on Monday said it has raised US$265 million from Singapore’s GIC, PTT Oil and Retail Business, Taiwan Mobile, and other investors.

    The startup said the investment round puts the company’s value at over US$1 billion, making it a ‘unicorn’ firm.

    The announcement comes as competition heats up among food delivery apps in Thailand, including the homegrown Robinhood, which is backed by Thai lender Siam Commercial Bank Pcl, and AirAsia Superapp.

    The capital injection will help Lineman grow from “a local Thai start-up to a regional tech platform,” said chief financial officer, In Young Chung.

    He added the company plans to have an initial public offer (IPO) but did not provide a timeframe.

    The company was formed last year after Lineman and restaurant aggregator Wongnai formed a joint venture and raised US$110 million from BRV Capital.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Vietnam crypto trading second highest in ASEAN

    Vietnam crypto trading second highest in ASEAN

    Vietnam is the second biggest cryptocurrency market in ASEAN behind Thailand with a transaction value exceeding $100 million a year, a new report has found.

    It was followed by Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia, according to a report by cryptocurrency data provider Chainalysis.

    Vietnam, along with Thailand and the Philippines, also record high web traffic to non-fungible token marketplaces, which could be explained by the large number of blockchain gamers, it added.

    An estimated 25% of Filipinos and 23% of Vietnamese have played a play-to-earn game, and at one point, players based in the Philippines made up 40% of Vietnam-based Axie Infinity’s playerbase.

    In an earlier report, Chainalysis said that this is the second year that Vietnam ranks highest in its cryptocurrency adoption index.

    Lees ook:

  • AirAsia offers 5 million free seats to celebrate its rapid comeback

    AirAsia offers 5 million free seats to celebrate its rapid comeback

    Asia’s low-fare carrier, AirAsia, is reportedly offering five million free seats to its passengers to celebrate its rapid comeback. The airlines launched a sale on tickets on September 19. The customers can buy tickets with offers till September 25.

    The report further said that the offers will be valid if the travel dates lie between January 1, 2023, and October 28, 2023.

    The offer can be availed on the airline’s website and mobile application. It can be availed by clicking on the “Flights” icon on the app or website.

    “ We wish to thank our loyal passengers who have had our back through thick and thin with the biggest ever FREE Seats* campaign. Not only have we resumed many of our much-loved routes, but we’re also introducing new and exciting ones for greater value and choice,” Karen Chan, group chief commercial officer, AirAsia.

    “This extra special sale was also put together to celebrate our 21st birthday and the gradual reopening of borders worldwide. With all of that, we encourage everyone to take advantage of our Big sale and commitment to always make air travel accessible to everyone. As always, we expect the best value fares will be snapped up fast, which is why we urge value seekers to get in quick,” Chan added.

    The offer is available to travelers from several ASEAN countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

    Two months ago, AirAsia gave away free trips to passengers.

  • Cafe Amazon plans 150 stores in Saudi Arabia

    Cafe Amazon plans 150 stores in Saudi Arabia

    Thailand’s Café Amazon has launched in Saudi Arabia, opening its first store in the region at Riyadh’s InterHealth Hospital.

    PTT Oil and Retail Business (PPTOR), which operates the Café Amazon coffee shop chain, said it is targeting expansion to 150 stores in Saudi Arabia by 2032.

    Marking the opening of the Riyadh store, Jiraphon Kawswat, CEO of PPTOR, highlighted the potential of the retail market in Saudi Arabia, especially the growth of premium coffee outlets which she noted as being driven by increasing consumer demands.

    Project Café Middle East 2019 forecast Saudi Arabia to be the fastest growing market in the Middle East (9.6%), exceeding 2,600 outlets by 2023.

    In October 2021, PPTOR said it plans grow its Café Amazon coffee chain to 1,000 international stores by 2025, a downgraded target from an earlier goal to reach 5,800 stores globally by 2025.

    Founded in 2002, Café Amazon is Thailand’s largest branded coffee chain. The company currently operates more than 4,000 stores across Thailand, Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Oman, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam.

    PTTOR said that the Café Amazon launch in Saudi Arabia represented the ‘first step to concretely restore diplomatic and trade relations’ between Thailand and Saudi Arabia. Political, economic and trade cooperation was agreed between the two nations in January 2022.

    Lees ook:

  • Thai fashion retailer Pomelo culls staff

    Thai fashion retailer Pomelo culls staff

    The online fashion retailer cut about 55 employees, or 8% of its headcount, it said in a statement on Thursday in response to queries by Bloomberg News. The company said it streamlined its processes “to move toward more sustainable growth.”

    The Bangkok-based startup is in the midst of raising external capital and has engaged banks including Morgan Stanley to help with the effort, according to people familiar with the matter. The startup in August secured about $10 million from existing investors including Jungle Ventures, regulatory filings showed, and has raised a total of at least $83 million from investors including JD.com Inc. and Provident Growth Fund.

    Representatives for Pomelo and Morgan Stanley declined to comment on the fundraising effort.

    Pomelo is joining peers in the region trying to reduce cash burn as investors become less willing to bankroll growth without profits. Launched in 2013, Pomelo sells clothing and accessories online and in its retail stores in Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, according to its website.

    Many of Southeast Asia’s e-commerce companies are facing slower growth as macroeconomic conditions sour and consumers pull back on spending amid rising inflation. Sea Ltd.’s commerce arm Shopee in June made its first major job cuts and is scaling back its overseas footprint. The Singapore-based giant has lost almost $170 billion of its market value since an October high on questions about its money-making prospects.

     

    Lees ook:

  • Thai Airasia X to Fly to Australia

    Thai Airasia X to Fly to Australia

    Thai AirAsia X (XJ) will launch new services from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport) to Melbourne and Sydney commencing 1 and 2 December 2022.

    Four weekly flights direct from Bangkok to Sydney Airport depart on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and to Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) three times a week on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

    The return flights on the same days from Australia to Thailand, start from just A$299.

    Premium flatbeds on both routes are now on sale from A$1,199.

    Thai AirASia will operate 377-seat Airbus A330 aircraft with 12 business-class reclining seats and 365 economy seats, including a quiet zone from rows 7 – 14.

    Mr Tassapon Bijleveld, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Thai AirAsia X, explained that Thailand and Australia have maintained strong relations for over 70 years, noting Australia is among the

    top three educational destinations for Thai students as well as a leading travel destination for Thai tourists.

    “Thai AirAsia X is very excited to be adding Sydney and Melbourne as two key destinations in Australia this year.

    “Thais love Australia and Australians love Thailand and we are confident that these new and direct services will prove popular.

    Mr Bijleveld added that other Australian destinations such as Perth were on the airline’s radar.

    Australia remains a key market for the AirAsia brand. Malaysia-based AirAsia X, the affiliate long haul sister airline of Thai AirAsia X, has also recently announced new direct services from Kuala

    Lumpur to Sydney commencing 9 September and to Perth, Melbourne and Auckland (via Sydney) which begin in November this year.

  • Thailand, Malaysia Among the New Google Cloud Regions in APAC

    Thailand, Malaysia Among the New Google Cloud Regions in APAC

    Google has announced that it is planning to expand its cloud services in more countries in the Asia Pacific, including Malaysia and Thailand.

    The company said in a statement that the move is to meet the growing demand for cloud services in the region.Google is bringing three new Google Cloud regions to Malaysia, Thailand and New Zealand — on top of six other regions that were previously announced: Berlin, Dammam, Doha, Mexico, Tel Aviv and Turin.

    It said that these new cloud regions represent their ongoing commitment to supporting digital transformation across Asia Pacific. It added that it will continue to invest in expanding connectivity throughout the region by working with partners in the telecommunications industry to establish subsea cables — including Apricot, Echo, JGA South, INDIGO and Topaz — and points of presence in major cities.

    When launched, these new regions will add to the internet giant’s 34 cloud regions currently in operation across the globe, 11 of them located in Asia Pacific. They deliver what Google says to be high-performance services running on the cleanest cloud in the industry.

    It added that enterprises across industries, startups and public sector organizations across Asia Pacific will benefit from key controls that enable them to maintain low latency and the highest security, data residency and compliance standards, including specific data storage requirements.

    “The new Google Cloud regions will help to address organizations’ increasing needs in the area of digital sovereignty and enable more opportunities for digital transformation and innovation in Asia Pacific. With this announcement, Google Cloud is providing customers with more choices in accessing capabilities from local cloud regions while aiding their journeys to hybrid and multi-cloud environments,” said Daphne Chung, Research Director, Cloud Services and Software Research, IDC Asia/Pacific.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook: