The seven major tips for cutting your bill are:

1. Set air-conditioners to 26 degrees Celsius, and use electric fans to increase cooling airflow in the room.

2. Unplug electric tea-kettles when you don’t need hot water. Keeping the water hot all day can increase your power bill by up to Bt123 per month.

3. Do not overstock the refrigerator, and keep the door closed after use. Also, place the fridge at least 15cm from the walls to reduce heat.

4. Use computer components that are certified with the Energy Star standard to save electricity. A laptop also consumes up to three time less power than a desktop computer.

5. Some appliances still consume electricity in standby mode, so make sure to unplug them when not in use for prolonged periods.

6. Avoid ironing in air-conditioned rooms as the heat will make the A/C work harder. It is also recommended to iron a lot of clothes in one session to save power.

7. Switch to LED bulbs, which are 50-75-per-cent more energy efficient than other types. An 18-watt LED lamp can be as bright as a 32-watt fluorescent lamp and save Bt14 per month if used five hours per day.

For more information, visit the MEA facebook page, www.mea.or.th, or contact the call centre at 1130.

The campaign is part of the government’s strategy to help ease people’s financial burden during the Covid-19 crisis which MEA has set up online and telephonic channels since March 25 for users to apply for refunds.

Electricity users in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakarn area can simply go to http://measy.mea.or.th and click on the plus icon to register and submit the evidences. Registered users who have not been approved for refund can also submit additional documents online by clicking on the magnifying glass icon.

Users who pass the verification process will get their refunds within three working days via PromptPay or over the counter at 7-Eleven, or within seven working days via accounts at Krungthai Bank, Bangkok Bank and Siam Commercial Bank, and within 10 working days for Kasikorn Bank account holders.

The online registration will stay open indefinitely to accommodate users and reduce the risk of Covid-19 spreading that might happen if users come down to MEA branch offices.

For more information, consult https://www.mea.or.th/content/detail/87/5353.

“This will help the credit spread of high-yield bonds to rise from 4 per cent to 12 per cent,” he said, adding that the current credit spread for high-yield bonds was between 8 and 9 per cent.

“Hence, we expect investors who hold high-yield bonds to gain more than 20 per cent from interest and price differences,” he added.

Kiattisak said Krungsri Asset Management has also started the Krungsri Diversified Income Fund (KFDIVERSE), which will be up for offer from May 19 to 26.

“This global bond fund will focus on investments in high-yield bonds in emerging markets,” he said. “PIMCO, a global investment management fund, will be responsible for finding returns on investments that are higher than the market, while individual investors can add this fund to their investment portfolio.”

Matthew Livas, senior vice president and credit product strategist at PIMCO, said investing in a global bond fund will help cut down on risks and offer a high return on investment now that global markets have become volatile due to the pandemic.

“We will focus on investment in line with the economy by analysing the worst situation and considering the liquidity of each investment assets to reduce risks and create high return on investment,” he said.

“Currently, PIMCO has created return on investment at 6.3 per cent per year.”

Its collaboration between Think Bit Company has prompted “TIP COIN by THINK BIT”, which is a premium returning campaign for customers who had previously purchased COVID-19 Insurance via digital currency, TIP Coin, which is equivalent to 100% payment. The coverage of insurance purchases through regular payment and that purchases through digital currency purchase are identical. The customer can use TIP Coin to buy goods or use as a discount for insurance policies according to the condition immediately, which can be one way to help facilitate customers and reduce their cost. The application can be downloaded and registered today only through Android OS at https://bit.ly/2zZMecj and Play Store. It can be downloaded nationwide by all OS types on May 14 and the registration is due on June 30, 2020.

Dr. Somporn Suebthawilkul, the Managing Director of Dhipaya Insurance Co., Ltd. (TIP) reveals that, according to COVID-19 outbreak; which affects people’s daily life in many aspects including earning, Dhipaya; working together with Think Bit Co., Ltd. (THINK BIT), launches “TIP COIN by THINK BIT”, an application designed for returning the premium to customers purchasing COVID-19 Insurance through the digital currency TIP Coin, which is equivalent to 100% of the premium paid though regular method. The coverage of insurance purchased through digital currency and regular method are the same, which is considered to be insurance industry breakthrough and also a new normal in this coming future. You can just download “TIP COIN by THINK BIT” Application. In the first period, it can be downloaded only through Android OS. For the IOS, the Application can be download from May 14 onwards. After the download, just follow a few simple steps. TIP Coin that you gain has no expiration date. You can find more information at Dhipaya Insurance Facebook Fanpage or 02-113-1818.

Customers can use TIP Coin digital currency in buying several insurance products of Dhipaya according to the Company’s condition or as an exchange for COVID-19 protection Kits, such as, hygienic mask, face shield, alcohol cleaning gel, through TIP COIN by THINK BIT and http://www.tipinsure.comimmediately.

Moreover, customers can earn other privileges from the Application from the promotions which will be arranged regularly, such as use as an exchange for souvenirs or discounts at the shops joining many upcoming lifestyle projects.

“The launch of TIP COIN by THINK BIT represents a good care and gratification for the customers who trust Dhipaya Company Co., Ltd and also a way to alleviate the customers’ cost burden through privileges granted to the customers. It helps customer finish many transactions without leaving home, which in turn reduces risk to get infected with COVID-19 during the current outbreak. Additionally, the Application helps reduce the customers’ transportation cost as well.” Dr. Somporn added.

The airline has set up contactless payment options including AliPay and WeChat Pay at Kuala Lumpur airport, and will roll them out at other airports gradually. Other options such as BigPay and Touch N Go will also be available soon.

The contactless kiosks are available at all operating airports across Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and Japan from today, where guests making their essential travel can print their boarding pass and baggage tag after checking-in online at airasia.com or through the mobile app, ensuring a full contactless check-in process.

Another contactless travel procedure will be the gate check at Kuala Lumpur airport, followed soon by other airports in Malaysia where AirAsia operates. Guests will need to scan their boarding cards themselves.

A feature added to AirAsia’s mobile app later this month will allow guests to scan their passports via the app itself, facilitating a more efficient contactless self check-in process. Other features such as travel visa scanning capabilities will be added in the near future.

“In addition to the existing strict safety measures on-ground, such as social distancing markers and Allstars wearing personal protective equipment, we are pleased to introduce our updated contactless procedures to deliver a more secure, safe, efficient, and contactless experience for our guests across the region,” said AirAsia Group chief operations officer Javed Malik.

“The safety of our guests and Allstars is our utmost priority and these additional enhancements demonstrate our continued commitment to keeping flying safe in the new normal environment for air travel.”

The term of his predecessor Chansin Treenuchagron ended on May 12.

PTT and its subsidiaries posted a consolidated loss of Bt1.554 billion in the first quarter this year against net profit of Bt29.312 billion over the same period last year.

May 12, 2020 – As part of its “dtac fights back against COVID-19” project, dtac is providing in-kind support to Siriraj Hospital by bringing its expertise of customer care to connect clinicians and patients via the “Siriraj Connect” mobile app. dtac’s support includes both staffing resources and connectivity services – SMS, MMS and IVR (Interactive Voice Response) or automated telephony technology – to benefit Siriraj Hospital’s telehealth program to monitor and prevent the spread of COVID-19. In addition, the app alleviates the need for some patients to visit the hospital, benefiting social distancing and supporting medical personnel at a time of stretched resources.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Visit Vamvanij, Director of Siriraj Hospital, said, “The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic had an immense impact on various sectors, particularly medical and public health services. Providing the usual public health services during the current crisis is a key mission for Siriraj Hospital. This is why we developed “Siriraj Connect”, a telemedicine solution, providing a range of medical services via online consultation to drug delivery by postal service. There are three simple processes – preparation, online consultation, payment and drug delivery. Qualified patients to use Siriraj Telemedicine Service must hold a medical record with chronic symptoms at Siriraj Hospital.”

“The Siriraj Connect application has a range of features including appointment, medical records, referral, payment, drug information and mapping system. Patients are worry-free from coronavirus infections and transmission, particularly for the elderly. People should practice social distancing and stay at home during this unprecedented time,” he added.

Sharad Mehrotra, chief executive officer at Total Access Communication PLC or dtac, said: “dtac strongly believes mobile technology can help us win the fight against COVID-19. Siriraj Hospital’s mobile app can reduce physical contacts at the hospital and limit the spread of the virus. Through our call center and connectivity services, thousands of hospital patients will be encouraged and instructed on using the Siriraj Connect application whenever they want to seek medical advice.”

dtac is now ramping up capacity to ensure Siriraj Hospital patients are both notified of the app’s existence and supported in using it. Using the app, dtac call center agents will help patients connect to medical staff without necessarily having to visit the hospital.

The facilities are aimed at ensuring energy security in that region.

PTT chief executive officer Chansin Treenuchagron said both organisations will capitalise on their energy management expertise to develop and ensure the national energy security is in line with the Energy Ministry’s policy.

The award was in the category “Best Deal – Transport and Infrastructure”.

BTS’ Bt13-billion multi-tranche senior and unsecured green bond offering to institutional and high net worth investors is the first Thai green bond. It is also the largest and longest tenor green bond offered in Thailand.

The proceeds will be mainly used for debt repayment of Eligible Green Projects, which are the Pink Line (Khae Rai to Min Buri; 34.5km, 30 stations) and Yellow Line (Lat Phrao to Samrong; 30.4km, 23 stations) currently under construction.

These two electric train systems will provide a sustainable and convenient mode of public transportation to communities along their path, leading to reduced carbon emissions in Bangkok.

This is part of the government’s strategy to help ease people’s financial burden during the Covid-19 crisis

“Don’t expose yourself to the virus by coming down to the MEA branches. The MEA has set up online and telephonic channels since March 25 for users to apply for refunds. As of April 30, Bt4.5 million has been spent to refund more than 1.6 million users,” he said.

To register, call (02) 256 3333 or visit http://measy.mea.or.th.

All applicants must provide:

 A signed copy of their ID card;

 If the application is being submitted by a proxy, then signed copies of the user’s and the proxy’s ID cards as well as a proxy appointing letter from the user;

 Evidence of name change if any;

 Signed copy of the user’s bank passbook;

 Receipt of electricity deposit if any;

 For foreigners: A signed copy of the passport and certificate on alien status;

 For juristic persons: Certificate from the Department of Business Development or the Land Department;

 Additional evidence may be required in other cases. Consult https://www.mea.or.th/content/detail/87/5353 for more information.

Only accounts at Krungthai Bank, Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank and Siam Commercial Bank will be accepted for juristic persons.

These documents can be mailed to MEA or uploaded to the website. Users who pass the verification process will get their refunds within three working days via PromptPay or over the counter at 7-Eleven, or within seven working days via accounts at Krungthai Bank, Bangkok Bank and Siam Commercial Bank, and within 10 working days for Kasikorn Bank account holders.

The online registration is open indefinitely.