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Tag: Thailand

  • Thailand’s Central declares $89.6 mln tax on Big C Vietnam deal

    Thailand’s Central declares $89.6 mln tax on Big C Vietnam deal

    Thai retail giant Central Group has declared around VND2 trillion (US$89.6 million) in tax on its acquisition of Vietnam’s biggest foreign-owned supermarket chain Big C, local media reported.

    Big C Vietnam, which declared the tax on behalf of its new owner, has paid VND380 billion ($17.03 million) of the amount, Tuoi Tre newspaper said on Monday, citing an unnamed source from the Ministry of Finance. The rest is expected to be collected later.

    The source did not comment on why the sum was much lower than the official estimate of VND3.6 trillion ($159 million) by the ministry’s General Department of Taxation.

    In June the department sent letters to Central Group and France’s Casino Group, the chain’s former owner, demanding them to pay tax on the $1.04 billion deal and threatening to block the ownership transfer.

    It reportedly said in the letters that the companies were far behind their tax obligation. According to the department, Vietnam’s laws stipulate that businesses have 10 days to pay taxes on the sale of their holdings after their negotiation is completed. The Big C deal was made public on April 29.

    At the end of last month, the tax authority reminded the companies of the tax again, saying they will be fined 0.05-0.07 percent per day for late payment.

    Big C is the largest foreign-owned retail chain in Vietnam with 33 supermarkets and 11 convenience stores. Many big players such as Vietnam’s largest retailer Co.op Mart, Japan’s Aeon, Thailand’s TCC and South Korea’s Lotte were interested when Casino announced its sale plan at the end of last year.

    Vietnamese electronics retailer Nguyen Kim, 49 percent owned by Central Group, also joined the Thai conglomerate in the acquisition of Big C. Their respective stakes have not been disclosed.

  • Thailand’s Dtac calls for frequency act amendments

    Thailand’s Dtac calls for frequency act amendments

    Dtac’s new chief corporate affairs officer Paradai Theerathada gave evidence at the National Legislative Assembly committee on the new National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Act.

    Paradai joined Dtac from TMB (formerly Thai Military Bank) on June 26.

    Dtac has called for an early auction clause with the new licence taking effect the day after the old licence expires.

    This would solve the problem of uncertainty for operators and users alike who fear that their SIMs may be rendered dead after an auction.

    Paradai pointed out that without a provision for an early auction, Thailand has ended up with extension after extension in the name of consumer protection that benefits nobody. An early auction would also mean that the state gets the licence fees earlier too.

    Dtac also calls for the law to enable spectrum trading. The current draft only allows for spectrum sharing and spectrum leasing. Paradai said that spectrum trading would allow a new entrant to enter the market without waiting for an auction and would allow for a graceful exit with the spectrum sold off if need be.

    Paradai said that spectrum trading would keep incumbents on their toes and lead to better service as a new entrant with a better business plan could enter the market at any time.

    He said that rules would need to be put into place to prevent someone bidding for spectrum to sell off with no intention of operating a business.

    Finally Dtac reiterated its call for a clear spectrum roadmap going forth.

    Thailand still has an acute shortage of spectrum. Of the 1960 MHz of spectrum the ITU has earmarked for data by 2020, Thailand only has 320 MHz available today. Paradai called for clear, five year plans, open to the public so that operators can plan their investments in advance.

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  • ICONSIAM teams up with True Group to build True ICONSIAM Hall

    ICONSIAM teams up with True Group to build True ICONSIAM Hall

    ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., the developer of ICONSIAM – the iconic new landmark of Thailand, and True Group, the convergence lifestyle leader which offers a full range of communication services and solutions, today, is building “True ICONSIAM Hall” , an advanced world-class venue complete with the best innovation and technology and world-class international standard design worthy of being called 1 of the 7 Wonders of ICONSIAM – a first-in-Thailand and a first-in-the-world phenomenon.

    True ICONSIAM Hall was born out of the vision of ICONSIAM and True Group, one a leader in the real estate and retail industry, and the other a leader in technology, which never ceases to introduce innovations to their national-scale projects and businesses in order to promote Thailand’s reputation on the world stage.  This time, they joined together to bring the best of Thailand to the world with the creation of “True ICONSIAM Hall”, an advanced, world-class international conference and exhibition centre, the first of its kind on the Chao Phraya River, in the ICONSIAM project.

    H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said, “In Thailand, MICE is a service sector that brings in a lot of quality tourists and generates enormous revenues for the country.  It also has a major role in income distribution to related sectors such as hotels, restaurants, conference centres and exhibition centres.  Foreign travellers for MICE activities in Thailand, on average, spend two to three times more than tourists in general.  The partnership between ICONSIAM and True Group to build “True ICONSIAM Hall” is a good sign that the private sector has joined the government sector to support and promote tourism and MICE in order to stimulate revenue generation for the country and give the economy a driver in line with the government’s policy to synergize all stakeholders to make Thailand a MICE destination of the region and the world.”

    Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul, Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., said, “ICONSIAM has a commitment to give Thailand an important position on the world stage. ICONSIAM then joins forces with True Group to create “True ICONSIAM Hall” aiming to promote and elevate the standard of MICE and show business in Thailand as we work to make the country a hub for world conference and show performance – a fully integrated one with the highest potential and the most outstanding in Asia.

    “True ICONSIAM Hall” which is worth more than Bht 2,000 million investment has an area of 12,000 square metres and a capacity of 3,000 seats and is situated on ICONSIAM’s Floor 7 and 7M overlooking the beautiful scenery of the Chao Phraya River. It will be an advanced world-class venue for international conference and show performance complete with the best innovation and technology comprises:

    – The First Time Ever Retractable Seating System in Thailand:  seats are automatically folded away by the latest advanced technology to suit all ranges of customer’s venue requirements and save time for all event arrangements. Each seat has the best view and is equipped with all sorts of communication such as advanced translation system, Wifi system, Microphone etc.

    -The Best Acoustic Tri-wall Panel System, the First Time in South East Asia: With automatically adjustable wall panels and ceiling panels in 3 types being equipped with the aesthetic sound absorbing system to accommodate all types of performance and assembly such as conference, world class performance, and concert will offer each audience seating enjoyable experience for watching and listening to the most sophisticated ever seen before.

    – Stage Rigging System for scene changes of the world’s performance and special wall which is movable to meet the platform edge of the stage to create the most completed atmosphere of the performance and to provide a different experience every time it shows.

    “True ICONSIAN Hall” will be an international conference hub of Asia and will attract world-class performances to Thailand supporting all event arrangements as follow:

    1. International Conference such as G20 Summit, ASEAN Summit, APEC, OPEC, medical meetings and conferences, to accommodate up to 3,000 attendees. There are also medium and small meeting rooms to accommodate small meetings.
    2. World Class Performance such as Broadway show, musical show, Opera, ballet and Thailand’s cultural performance which is Royal Khon Performance.
    3. World Class Concert such as Orchestra and concerts by leading Thai and international artists.
    4. International Exhibition After conference chairs are kept automatically supporting by fully public utility system, this will be the first time in Thailand to accommodate proudly a global fair such as Maison Object, Millionaire Show, Luxury Lifestyle Exhibition.
    5. Special Event such as major sporting tournaments (sport show), Haute couture fashion shows, international competition, awards ceremony, product launches, international film festival etc.
    6. Catering can accommodate all types of catering up to 3,000 attendees and is fully equipped with food preparation rooms and banquet facilities such as various party occasions, wedding receptions etc. among the spectacular views of the Chao Phraya River.

    “True ICONSIAM Hall” is situated on a prime landmark location of the world on the Chao Phraya River surrounded by 3-5 star hotels with more than 10,000 rooms and is connected with the most complete transportation (road-rail-river) system in Thailand, which will make it convenient for a large number of visitors.  In particular, waterway transportation on the Chao Praya River from the surrounding hotels is easily reached “True ICONSIAM Hall” in a short time, within no more than 20 minutes and is also commuted from Siam Area by BTS Sky Train’s Green Line and Gold Line with less than 18 minutes.

    Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont, Chief Executive Officer of True Corporation Plc, said the partnership is one True is proud of because it allows True to play a part in strengthening the country’s MICE industry to make it outstanding and a pride of the nation in the world community. “True ICONSIAM Hall” clearly reflects the vision of the two organizations, both ICONSIAM and True Group, in committing to bring their expertise and leadership in the business to jointly create the best thing to happen in Thailand. “True ICONSIAM Hall” will open a new dimension for the era’s most advanced world-class centre for international conferences and exhibitions with exceptional location, special and superior functions, the most modern technology in communication and the content leader and wide variety of media of True Group will combine experience and impression for exhibitors and visitors. We are confident that “True ICONSIAM Hall” will be able to attract the exhibitors for MICE and tourists from around the world in order to stimulate revenue generation for the country and give the economy a driver in line with the government’s policy to synergize all stakeholders to make Thailand a MICE destination of the region and the world. Moreover, it will also reflect the potential of Thailand with its readiness to be a hub of regional tourism helping drive Thailand to be an outstanding country in Asia in hosting all kinds of world-class events.

    True ICONSIAM Hall will be ready to open within 2018.

  • Uniqlo Thailand launching online store

    Uniqlo Thailand launching online store

    Japan’s global fashion label Uniqlo Thailand is launching an online store, offering its full Thai range.

    The online store will help strengthen the firm’s “made for all” brand promise, says Uniqlo Thailand marketing and PR director/head of eCommerce Chanvit Khieonavavongsa.

    After nearly five years in Thailand, Uniqlo has 32 branches in nine provinces, covering about a third of the population. The eCommerce channel will meet the demand from customers in areas where the brand does not have an outlet.

    Exclusive to the Thai online store, Uniqlo will offer a cash-on-delivery service to cater for consumers who are still not confident about using credit cards for online transactions.

    Chanvit says the online channel will not affect Uniqlo’s expansion in the kingdom.

    “As long as there are good locations and customers, we will open a store,” he says. “There is no intention of reducing the opening of branches.”

    Two branches opened in the first half of this year, with two more to follow in September, at Blu Port in Hua Hin and at the Mall Korat.

    The online store is the brand’s 12th worldwide, with similar stores launching in Singapore in 2014 and in Malaysia last year.

    Uniqlo has assigned Singapore Post to handle logistics and deliveries for online orders, with guaranteed nationwide delivery of between one and three days. There is no delivery fee, while the packaging charge is waived for orders of Bt1500 (US43) or more. Customers have 30 days to return their goods to the company if they are not satisfied.

    Scheduled to go live on Friday, the online store will offer exclusive items and collections such as Kaws companion t-shirts and the HeatTech line of thermal wear. The mark the launch, there will also be special prices for popular items.

    Chanvit says the eCommerce expansion is part of Uniqlo’s global target to have 30 per cent of its sales derived from the online channel by 2020. The brand has already built awareness online in Thailand through Line, where it has 12 million subscribers, and Facebook, where it has had more than 1 million likes. Further awareness will be built through an integrated marketing communication plan across offline and online channels nationwide.

  • AEON Brings Exclusive Privileges and Unbeatable Promotions

    AEON Brings Exclusive Privileges and Unbeatable Promotions

    AEON Thana Sinsap (Thailand) Public Company Limited line up the financial services and exclusive privileges             that cover consumer needs at the 10th Money Expo Korat 2016 including Personal loan, Your Cash, AEON credit cards and membership cards application service. AEON customers who make financial transactions in the expo will get a chance to win a 1-Baht gold necklace and other various premium such as John Lang Ford Bag and                     AEON umbrella. Moreover, AEON consumer who has the financial transaction of every 20,000 baht will receive Big C gift voucher valued at 200 – 2,000 Baht maximum. Additionally, AEON is offering a special interest 0% installment on gold.

    Customers can enjoy other plenty of activities and mini concert featuring a host of popular celebrities including Typhoon – KPN and Tom – Room 39. The 10th Money Expo Korat 2016 will be held on 5th – 7th August 2016                at AEON’s booth A7, The MCC Hall, The Mall Korat. For more information, please visit www.aeon.co.th.

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  • ClouDee set to disrupt businesses in Thailand with cutting-edge cloud telephony technology

    ClouDee set to disrupt businesses in Thailand with cutting-edge cloud telephony technology

    ClouDee cloud telephony services is being brought to the country for the first time through Thailand’s leading provider of international voice telephony services, SawasdeeShop, in partnership with Asia’s largest cloud-based communications provider, Knowlarity Communications.

    SawasdeeShop, established since 1999, is licensed by the National Telecommunication Commission of Thailand (NTC). With a registered capital of 150 million Baht, Sawasdeeshop has telecom switches operating in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and New York and is interconnected to over 100 global telecom carriers.

    Cloud telephony provides telephony services on a cloud-based platform, redefining communication and is fast disrupting conventional telephony systems.  Within minutes of subscribing with ClouDee, users will receive a business phone number and have access to a feature-rich, enterprise-level communication system that has primarily been exclusive to Forbes 500 enterprises or large corporations.  ClouDee eliminates the need for hardware, installation and the high costs associated with a traditional PABX business communication system, making getting a 02 number for Thailand-based business, or over 60 international numbers for global businesses as easy as setting up a business email address.

    At a press conference held today, SawasdeeShop Founder and CEO Aswin Phlaphongphanich and Knowlarity Communications’ Founder and CEO Ambarish Gupta introduced SuperReceptionist and Smart IVR, two innovative communication solutions provided by ClouDee for Thailand’s growing business community.

    SuperReceptionist is a virtual receptionist service, or a smart operator, which activates a cloud-communication center with a powerful CRM for SMEs and start-ups. With its flexible API structure (Application program interface), Smart IVR provides customizable solutions for enterprise-grade communication requirements, which are unique to every organization.  Each product helps start-ups, SMEs and corporations to improve their revenues, save costs, generate leads, increase conversion rates, as well as enable greater mobility.

    According to the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP), there are around 2.7 million SMEs in Thailand, accounting for 37% of national GDP. ClouDee will initially aim to target 1000 customers across SMEs and enterprises and has invested Thai Baht 10 million in the partnership with Knowlarity Communications.

    Aswin believes that cloud telephony is the first step towards the future of business communications in Thailand.

    “The cloud is changing the way businesses operate and communicate. To simply put it, we are replacing aging PABX systems so that business owners can work smartly and leverage new technologies to their advantage. What ClouDee is doing to business telephony is what Yahoo and Hotmail did to email.

    “ClouDee is user-friendly, highly scalable and extremely affordable, appealing to emerging and established Thai businesses looking to maximize capacity and productivity by integrating SuperReceptionist  and Smart IVR.

    “We want to help SMEs and start-ups in Thailand drive a robust and effective sales and marketing process, and communication is key.  ClouDee can be applied to a wide variety of industries including logistics, healthcare and e-commerce, as well as travel and tourism.  With AEC, there has been rapid growth of businesses within Thailand and in the region. We also plan to roll out ClouDee to the CLMV region which is also experiencing a great rise in business development,” added Aswin.

    With headquarters in Singapore, Knowlarity Communications has a solid reputation for capturing the market share wherever it sets its sights and Ambarish has high expectations of the success of ClouDee in Thailand.

    “We are proud to be part of introducing cloud telephony to Thailand with ClouDee. This is an exciting market to be part of and many businesses are ready to utilize smarter, more streamlined and integrated communication tools,” Ambarish points out.

    Clients using ClouDee in Thailand as their business communication system currently include StockRadars, a Thai stock market management app, and Thailand based money transfer platform, coins.co.th.

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  • TOT said to plan TD-LTE trial next month

    TOT said to plan TD-LTE trial next month

    Thai state-owned operator TOT reportedly plans to launch trial TD-LTE services over the 2.3-GHz band early next month.

    The operator is waiting for permission from regulator NBTC to use network equipment for the non-commercial trial service.

    Private operators AIS, Dtac and True Corp have been invited to join the trial, which is scheduled to begin on August 4, which is National Communications Day in Thailand.

    The trial will be conducted in Bangkok and Ratchaburi. TOT plans to install 20 2.3-GHz base stations along parts of the routes of Bangkok’s Skytrain public transport service. The trial in Ratchaburi will meanwhile use Huawei equipment.

    TOT holds 60 MHz in the 2.3-GHz band, and plans to invite international network suppliers and local operators to jointly introduce wireless broadband services over the spectrum, the report states, citing sources.

    The report states that TOT has already approached Huawei, Nokia, and Ericsson to discuss the project and plans to select the supplier with the best proposal to roll out the network.

    According to the sources, TOT plans to initially wholesale the 2.3-GHz bandwidth to local operators, and use the revenue from this agreement to finance its own 2.3-GHz rollout.

  • Eagle Gates Group plans Asia expansion

    Eagle Gates Group plans Asia expansion

    Eagle Gates Group plans to further expand its Asian retail business in the next five years. Eddy McClough, chief executive officer at Eagle Gates Group, says the group will continue to look at retail opportunities in Asia, with possible plans to establish new offices in the region.

    Eagle Gates Group’s history spans almost a decade and through careful stewardship and intelligent investment, the group has expanded to become one of the leading financial services groups across America and Europe.

    Eddy is positive about the outlook for the Asian market.

    “I see tremendous growth opportunities in the Asia Pacific region, especially the likes of China and Thailand. A number of partnership discussions are already underway. The foray into the Asian market reflects our commitment to growing the global footprint of Eagle Gates Group and gives us access to such an important investment market,” he said.

    Eagle Gates Group provides exchange traded funds and other products investing in indices, infrastructure and real estate. Eagle Gates Group also serves institutional investors who need to invest insurance or pension funds.

    In Asia, Eagle Gates Group has a Tokyo office which has been operational since 2013 but Eddy admitted its Asia business should be bigger.

    “The business in Asia Pacific now represents only single digits of our global business asset size. We are targeting a double digit in the next five years. Asia has a young population and a growing segment of wealthy individuals which would support future growth for the asset management industry,” he said.

    SOURCE Eagle Gates Group

  • Thailand’s TOT and CAT won’t be merged

    Thailand’s ICT minister has insisted that there will not be a merger between the two state-owned operators TOT and CAT even as the companies are under pressure to consolidate their operations.

    Minister Uttama Savanaya has ruled out a merger on the grounds that the organizational structures of the two companies are incompatible.

    But he said the two companies will partly consolidate some of their similar core businesses to help avoid duplication of investment spending.

    Thailand’s State Enterprise Policy Commission has ordered both TOT and CAT to restructure to survive, terminating their unprofitable businesses and focusing on their core operations.

    Both are under pressure now that the nation has moved from a concession model – whereby private operators paid a share of their revenue to the state operators in exchange for use of spectrum assets – to the conventional licensing model.

    The commission has approved in-principal proposals involving consolidating the operators’ transmission, fiber, subsea cable network and internet data center operations.

    But Uttama said that other core areas of the two operators, including fixed broadband, mobility and network rental services, will remain separate.

    He noted that TOT and CAT will need to quickly adjust their organizational and business structures to ensure their survival. TOT has revealed it expects to face an operating loss of 1 billion baht in 2016.

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  • ‘Thailand Shopping Festival’ to offer discounts

    ‘Thailand Shopping Festival’ to offer discounts

    “The economy in the second half should grow more strongly than in the first half. The government will launch many measures to stimulate growth, including the shopping festival to provide discounts for shoppers, and organise a low-price fair to help lower the cost of living,” Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn said.

    The Thailand Shopping Festival will be set up at department stores, modern trade outlets, and retail and wholesale shops nationwide. Discounts of 20-40 per cent will be offered to consumers.

    Meanwhile many Otop (One Tambon, One Product) items and those made by small or medium-sized enterprises will be on sale at tourist destinations including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Phuket, Surat Thani and Songkhla.

    The ministry will also organise a “Thong Fa Therd Phra Kiat” low-price fair to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 84th birthday at Impact Muang Thong Thani. The event will offer discounts of 20-40 per cent for consumer goods, food, fresh fruits and vegetables, Otop and SME products, and those from projects initiated by His Majesty the King.

    The low-price fair will take place from August 4-7.

    Moreover, the ministry’s Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand will hold an “Innovation Craft Fair” as part of the Queen’s birthday celebrations from August 4-12 at SACICT in Bang Sai, Ayutthaya.

    Also next month, in a further bid to promote economic growth as well as help lower the cost of living, the ministry will work with the Employee Council of Thailand to conduct events selling cheap food and fast-food dishes at factories, industrial estates and government agencies.

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  • aCommerce Builds World-class eCommerce Fulfilment Capability with Manhattan Associates

    aCommerce Builds World-class eCommerce Fulfilment Capability with Manhattan Associates

    Manhattan Associates, Inc., (NASDAQ: MANH) today announced that Southeast Asia’s leading ecommerce service provider and online distributor aCommerce has selected the Manhattan SCALE™ product suite to support its continued expansion in the Southeast Asia region. Manhattan SCALE will deliver an improved warehouse management capability across aCommerce’s warehousing estate in Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand, enabling an easier and faster integration of new aCommerce customers. The system will also provide the required degree of scalability for the business’s projected growth in the years ahead.

    warehouse_49

    While the initial implementation of Manhattan SCALE at aCommerce’s distribution centre (DC) in Thailand will be conducted by a joint team from Manhattan, aCommerce and Manhattan’s Thai GeoPartner Logiciel Consulting and Development Co., aCommerce expects its own team will manage subsequent deployments at its other DCs in the region.

    Paul Srivorakul, Group CEO at aCommerce, commented: “Over recent years, local e-tailers and international retail brands expanding into Southeast Asia have focused on building their websites and supporting front end systems but today their ecommerce strategies are increasingly structured around order execution and fulfilment processes. With the Manhattan SCALE solution, we’re aiming to drive improvements in revenue and profitability for our clients through higher service levels to the end consumer as well as give them a more efficient outsourced logistics capability.”

    warehouse_200

    Richard Wright, managing director at Manhattan Associates, Southeast Asia, commented, “Our unique platform will allow aCommerce to deliver on its customer service, distribution efficiency and enterprise growth goals, as well as create exceptional value for its retail customers and the consumers that they serve. We are honoured to be selected by aCommerce and excited to play such a key role in furthering its success as the leading integrated ecommerce services platform in Southeast Asia.”

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  • Thailand retail growth predicted at 6%

    Thailand retail growth predicted at 6%

    Thailand’s retail market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 6 per cent from now until 2020.

    This was revealed in the latest market study by global technology research and advisory company Technavio.

    Its research report, Thailand Retail Market 2016-2020, offers an analysis of the market in terms of revenue and emerging trends, as well as forecasts for six major product segments – grocery, apparel and footwear, beauty and personal care, personal accessories, home and garden, and consumer electronics.

    Grocery

    Valued at US$103 billion last year, the grocery market in Thailand is forecast to reach $145 billion by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 6.92 per cent. The segment is largely driven by the modern retail sector, while increasing urbanisation and changing consumer lifestyles are playing a significant role in the market’s development.

    Supermarkets and convenience stores have shown the fastest year-on-year growth rates with 9.5 and 10.5 per cent respectively last year.

    “Even though hypermarkets offer attractive prices, consumers are increasingly preferring supermarkets for the convenience factor and the availability of a wide product range,” says Technavio lead retail goods expert Poonam Saini. “Unlike supermarkets, which are in urban zones, hypermarkets are generally in bordering areas, catering almost exclusively to nearby consumers.”

    Apparel and footwear

    The second-largest market segment last year, apparel and footwear is expected to reach $9.19 billion by 2020, growing at a CAGR of more than 3 per cent.

    Several foreign companies are competing with local companies in the segment, says the report. International brands have fair penetration rates, offering stylish designs and a wide product range through modern retail stores. Local brands have also been successful with their long-established presence along with customer loyalty and trust.

    “The popularity of the online channel is growing, and players are actively using social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram for promotional campaigns and marketing activities,” says Poonam.

    “Websites such as Zalora.com are becoming popular for apparel and footwear products, as these sites offer promotions and discounts.”

    Beauty and personal care

    One of the fastest-growing segments, beauty and personal care (BPC) is having more than 3 per cent CAGR and is expected to reach $5.53 billion by 2020. A continuous exposure to western beauty and grooming trends has helped maintain the growth of the market over the past few years.

    International BPC companies have a nearly 50 per cent share of the market, with comprehensive product portfolios and innovative products. Thai retailers are expanding and attracting new consumers, says the report, citing cosmetics brand Sephora, which opened two new stores in 2014 after entering the market late the previous year.

    Top vendors

    Technavio’s research analysts name five top vendors for Thailand in the report.

    Topping the list are supermarket Big C and retail conglomerate Central Group. Then follow CP All, which has a chain of 7-Eleven stores, and homewares stores Global House and Home.

    Other prominent vendors in the market are Adidas, Aeon, Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings, Lazada, Nike, Sephora, Seven & I Holdings, Tesco, The Mall Group and WearYouWant.

    Technavio develops more than 2000 reports every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. It has about 300 analysts globally.

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  • AIS to offer family safety services

    AIS to offer family safety services

    Thai operetor AIS has awarded a contract to Gemalto covering the company’s LinqUs Mobile Protection solution.

    Gemalto will provide integrated sophisticated safety-checking features for digitally connected consumers, allowing mobile users to seek real-time location information and online protection for their loved ones.

    AIS expects to use the capability to enhance customer engagement by offering services aimed at keeping subscribers safe and connected to their families. Gemalto will also provide support services to AIS.

    Gemalto partners with iMobileMagic, a provider of cloud based family location and protection products, to offer a service which will allow users to receive real-time notifications when their kids, elderly or other relatives arrive, leave, or stray away from designated areas.

    Families can expect to be able to instantly locate their loved ones or send panic alerts during emergencies. Parents will have the additional ability to put restrictions on their children’s device usage.

    This cloud-connected mobile application, which runs on a wide range of devices and wearables, can help AIS customers to stay close to their families and even pets, in a simple and cost-effective way.

    “Safety and security are the key issues on everyone’s mind these days, and Gemalto’s LinqUs Mobile Protection solution allows us to meet the rapidly changing needs of our society, with lower cost of ownership,” said Titipong Khiewpaisal, SVP for consumer marketing and sales at AIS.

    “It is easy to deploy, scalable, and even available on wearables, making it easy for our customers to stay up to date with the status of their family members, anytime and anywhere,” he said.

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  • Welcoming Australian FreakShakes in Asia

    Welcoming Australian FreakShakes in Asia

    Milkshake treats known as FreakShakes, devised by suburban cafe in the Australian capital of Canberra, have started making inroads to Asia.

    Patissez became a social-media sensation last year when it introduced its signature milkshakes piled with cookies, pretzels and even slabs of cake. Also known for its cakes and desserts, the family-owned patisserie was besieged by queues, so a second store was opened in the centre of the city.

    Now its first store outside Australia has been attracting crowds since opening in Kuala Lumpur last month.
    “We’re thrilled. The team in Kuala Lumpur is excellent,” says owner Anna Petridis. “The store is on Jalan Talawi, Bangsar Village, and it’s beautiful – everything a Patissez store should be. I plan to use that store as the model for all future outlets.”

    Patissez has also just opened in Singapore, in the new Raffles Holland Village. “It’s totally different to Kuala Lumpur but has its own flavour, which definitely suits the area and local market,” says Petridis.

    Now the company is planning more store locations in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, plus expansion into Bangkok, Beijing and Shanghai. As part of this growth, it is setting up the “Patissez Exchange” which will enable staff members at any level to have the chance to work in the international stores.

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  • Bangkok commerce group launches WeMall

    Bangkok commerce group launches WeMall

    Bangkok company Ascend Commerce has spent more than Bt300 million (US$8.555 million) branching into eCommerce by developing WeMall, which it hopes will feature more than 1000 brands next year.

    Ascend Group CEO Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa says the ASEAN eCommerce industry has outpaced the global growth rate. Thailand’s share of the $15 billion online retail market in the region is around $2 billion, with the country ranking fourth behind Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.

    appwemall

    Ascend GM Seubsakol Sakolsatayadorn says online shopping now accounts for 2.3 per cent of the total retail-market value in Thailand, with the growth rate for developed nations ranging between 10 and 12 per cent.

    He says WeMall will focus on end-to-end services and promote itself as the branded marketplace with trusted mechanics for online shoppers. The outlet offers two forms of partnerships, full-scale services and self-formulated services.

    “Brands can run their own online outlets via ready-to-use features. When the business climate turns increasingly competitive, they will be able to adjust their strategy in a timely manner.”

    WeMall has been running trial services for a month, during which it attracted more than 2 million visitors, and more than 60,000 products were sold and delivered.

    “In its pivotal phase,” says Seubsakol, “WeMall features more than 15,000 items from more than 1100 brands in nine main product categories: beauty and healthcare, home appliances, electronic devices, computers and laptops, lifestyle, mums/kids/babies, cellphones and tablets, and cameras and gadgets.”

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