Alex Morgan
- Business News
Thailand’s DES ministry to propose cell broadcast emergency system plan
A plan to introduce a cell broadcast emergency warning system will be submitted to the Cabinet next month by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES). Major mobile operators are expected to invest approximately 300 million baht (US$8.3 million) each to establish their cell broadcast centres, while the ministry may need around 400 million baht (US$11 million) to set…
- Business News
Indonesia reassures no rice shortage despite retail restrictions
The Indonesian government affirmed today that there is no shortage in the country’s rice stocks, despite increasing restrictions on sales in mini markets and supermarkets that have been in place since the close of 2023. Arief Prasetyo Adi, the Head of the National Food Agency (NFA), made this assurance following a coordination meeting with the president. He also highlighted the…
- Business News
Japanese to invest 10 billion baht in Thailand’s S-curve industries
Two Japanese corporations are set to inject a total of 10 billion baht into Thailand’s S-curve industries, according to the Thai Industry Ministry. This initiative encompasses 12 industries earmarked for development by the Thai government, including smart electronics. Air and compressor manufacturing are the sectors that have particularly piqued the interest of the two firms, said Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul.…
- Business News
Thai govt to set up asset management firm to tackle household debt
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin today announced that an asset management firm is to be established by the Thai government in the first quarter of the year to address the persistent issue of high household debt. The initiative confronts numerous challenges, including the reluctance of some creditors to participate in the process. With 90.9% of its GDP equalling household debt…
- Business News
Carabao Group earns spot in Sustainability Yearbook 2024
The Carabao Group gained recognition for its superior sustainable business practices, earning a place in The Sustainability Yearbook 2024. This accomplishment highlights the company’s vision of World Class Product, World Class Brand, demonstrating its exemplary sustainable management across environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) areas. Out of over 9,400 participants in the S&P Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) for the year…
- Business News
Chin-a new look: CGS-CIMB now CGS International after takeover
Following the complete acquisition by China Galaxy Securities in December 2023, CGS-CIMB Securities (Thailand) has rebranded to CGS International Securities (Thailand) (CGSI). The move solidifies China Galaxy Securities’ regional presence. Backed by the Chinese government, China Galaxy Securities is the second-largest securities company in China, boasting over 500 branches nationwide. The rebranding is a direct result of China Galaxy Securities’…
- Business News
Nectec develops open-source cybersecurity for small manufacturers
Nectec, the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre, is in the process of creating an open-source Security Operation Centre (SOC) as a service for potential partners. This initiative predominantly targets small businesses in the manufacturing industry, offering them affordable cybersecurity options. This service model requires partners to invest in cloud computing and threat intelligence data. It is designed to be…
- Business News
Thailand’s BAAC plans to acquire 510,000 tonnes of carbon credits
The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) seeks to acquire 510,000 tonnes of carbon credits over the next five years, according to Chatchai Sirilai, the bank’s president. This move aligns with Thailand’s ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and its net-zero target, which aims to equalize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and absorption by 2065. Chatchai revealed that the…
- Business News
Thailand’s economic crisis feared amidst digital wallet dispute
The Bank of Thailand and the government have been at odds for months, with tensions escalating last week when the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) kept interest rates at 2.5% despite political pressure for a reduction. This disagreement came to the fore during discussions about the digital wallet scheme, a 560 billion baht (US$15.58 billion) project which the central bank has…
- Business News
Commerce Ministry plans to expand GI product list to boost sales
Aiming to boost sales from geographical indication (GI) products to 60 billion baht (US$1.6 billion) by 2024, the Commerce Ministry is set to expand the GI product list by an additional 20 items this year. Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang highlighted the plan as a strategy to enhance the competitiveness of the agricultural sector. By utilising GI as a tool,…
- Business News
Stark Corporation’s interim CEO detained amid corporate scandal investigations
Stark Corporation interim CEO Vonnarat Tangkaravakoon has been apprehended amidst ongoing investigations into a series of corporate scandals. Vonnarat, presently detained in a private hospital under the authority of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), was initially taken into custody at the hospital where he was receiving medical care. A warrant issued by the Criminal Court facilitated his arrest yesterday,…
- Thailand News
AOT announces 4.4bn baht plan to boost Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports
Airports of Thailand (AOT) revealed an ambitious investment plan of 4.4 billion baht for enhancements at Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport. These plans were made public by AOT Deputy Director Keerati Kitmanawat, who shared the vision of increasing service and security standards at Suvarnabhumi Airport to meet the passenger traffic that is expected to bounce back to…
- Business News
Thai industrial authority partners with Japanese firms for green utility project
The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) is collaborating with Japanese firms, IHI Corporation and IHI Asia Pacific (Thailand) Co, on a green utility project at the Smart Park Industrial Estate in Rayong. The initiative, aimed at encouraging eco-considerate manufacturing, will involve a feasibility study on the development of renewable energy and green infrastructure. The study marks the first phase…
- Business News
Thai AirAsia boosts flights to visa-free Japan and China
In response to robust demand, Thai AirAsia is set to increase flights to coveted travel destinations like Japan and China, which offer visa-free access to visitors. The airline also plans to introduce a fresh route to Okinawa. The initiative comes from Thai AirAsia’s chief executive, Santisuk Klongchaiya, who also helms SET-listed Asia Aviation (AAV). According to him, the surge in…
- Business News
Chamber of Thailand calls for cut in interest rates to boost recovery
The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) expressed its expectations for the Bank of Thailand to consider a reduction in interest rates in its forthcoming meeting. The TCC argues that although the economy is on a recovery trajectory, it remains susceptible to various challenges. Sanan Angubolkul, the chairman of the chamber, acknowledged the decisions made by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)…
- Business News
AI, foldable screens, and gaming features target wealthy Thai consumers
Premium smartphones equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), foldable screens, and specialised gaming features are being aggressively marketed by manufacturers to wealthy Thai consumers in the first quarter. This marketing strategy is in harmony with the Thai government’s shopping tax incentive and the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year. M Vision’s chief executive, Opas Cherdpunt, anticipates a minimum 10% rise…
- Business News
North Korea abolishes economic cooperation laws with South Korea
North Korea’s state-run media announced today that the country’s Parliament unanimously agreed to abolish laws about inter-Korean economic cooperation. This decision is consistent with the policy declared by leader Kim Jong Un last month, where he expressed no intent for peaceful reunification with South Korea. At a session held yesterday, February, 7, the Supreme People’s Assembly agreed to scrap the…
- Business News
Thai rice exporters stir in choppy waters as challenges loom ahead
Rice exporters in Thailand are bracing for a challenging year ahead due to a host of risk factors, including fluctuating exchange rates, waning competitiveness of Thai rice, fierce price competition, the potential impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon, and India’s restrictive export policies, as reported by the Thai Rice Exporters Association. The association’s honorary president, Chookiat Ophaswongse, referred to…
- Business News
Thailand urged to speed up joint gas project with Cambodia
Energy experts urged Thailand to accelerate discussions on a joint gas production endeavour with Cambodia in the overlapping claim area (OCA). The call comes in light of the global shift towards clean energy, which could pose challenges to new petroleum projects due to their contribution to carbon emissions. Despite its initiation in 2001, the OCA negotiations have yet to progress…
- Business News
Enhancing transparency and trust: SEC’s cautionary measures
In a bid to enhance transparency and trust in the capital market, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to introduce cautionary measures for securities that fail to conform to the listing regulations. This initiative will start on April 1. The SEC is also considering a revamp of its listing rules to elevate the quality of listed companies by…
- Business News
Promising future for Thai SET in healthcare, tourism, food sectors
Despite the slow recovery of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) from last year’s significant slump, executives see a promising future in healthcare, tourism, and food stocks. They believe these sectors can offer attractive opportunities for investors and encourage more companies to enlist on the bourse. Manpong Senanarong, SET Senior Executive Vice-President and head of the Issuer and Listing Division,…
- Business News
Thailand taps Chinese influencers to boost exports
The Thai government launched an initiative to boost the country’s exports to China, the world’s second-largest economy. The plan involves inviting 30 to 50 of China’s leading social media influencers to visit Thailand in May. During their stay, these influencers will livestream their Thai experiences, promoting local products from traditional elephant pants to native sweet treats to their followers back…
- Business News
Thailand reduces foreign tech reliance with home-grown AI system
Thailand is taking proactive steps to lessen its dependence on foreign technologies, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence(AI). To this end, the nation is intensifying its efforts around the development of a home-grown version of the generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) model known as Open ThaiGPT, said Chai Wutiwiwatchai, executive director of the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (Nectec).…
- Business News
New VC funds to boost startup growth in 2024
This year, the growth of startups is anticipated to see a significant boost as several new venture capital (VC) funds emerge, following a period of slowed activity during the pandemic and recent crypto winter. Among these is the Finno Efra Fund, valued at 1.3 billion baht, co-established by EfraStructure and Krungsri Finnovate, with operations set to commence in March. Pawoot…
- Business News
Thailand’s blue flag stores to become drop-off points for postal goods
The Internal Trade Department is joining forces with Thailand Post in an initiative that will see the country’s Blue Flag (Thong Fah) affordable stores used as drop-off points for goods from farmers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the general public. The Department Director-General, Wattanasak Sur-iam, confirmed that discussions with Thailand Post had taken place and that they were in…
- Business News
Megabangna mall invests 200 million baht to boost customer spending
SF Development Co, the firm behind Megabangna shopping mall, earmarked a 200-million-baht (US$5.6 million) budget for marketing, intending to drive up customer footfall and increase spending by 10-15%. Wanwimon Ordeedolchest, the Vice-President of Marketing at the company, revealed that the funds will be channelled into numerous events, activities, campaigns, and applications to draw in shoppers to Megabangna. “We will hold…
- Business News
Chinese New Year spending in Thailand set to hit decade high
The upcoming Chinese New Year festival, set to start on Thursday, February 8, is predicted to witness the largest financial outlay by Thai locals in over a decade, thanks to the nation’s economic resurgence following the pandemic’s impact. The annual survey conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), monitoring consumer expenditure during the festival, foresees a…
- Business News
AIS in talks with PTT OR for virtual bank licence application
Potential collaborations are underway as Advanced Info Service (AIS) engages in discussions with PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and a digital platform provider. The objective is to apply for a virtual bank licence from the Bank of Thailand, revealed AIS Chief Executive, Somchai Lertsutiwong. This partnership would be an addition to AIS’s current plan to secure a license with…
- Business News
Thai bond market to remain strong with 1 trillion baht new issuances
The Thai bond market is projected to remain strong this year, with estimated new issuances totalling 1 trillion baht (US$27.9 billion), says financial advisory firm SCB Wealth. The sustained high interest rates are expected to contribute to favourable returns. Sornchai Suneta, Executive Vice President of SCB Wealth’s Investment Office and Product Function, anticipates that the bond market will continue to…
- Business News
Bangkok’s BAM anticipates drop in bad debt auction prices in 2024
Bangkok Commercial Asset Management (BAM), a prominent player on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), anticipates a decrease in auction prices for bad debt sales in 2024 due to a rising supply amid economic sluggishness. The financial institutions are expected to face increased challenges with the escalation of distressed debts, influenced by depreciating auction prices for both non-performing loans and…
