A Nielsen 2018 survey of Chinese mobile payments in outbound tourism shows that about 60 per cent of Chinese tourists travelling to various countries relied on mobile payment, while about 90 per cent of them asked local shops whether they would accept payment for products via smartphones. The survey shows that the behaviour of today’s Chinese tourists reflect the fact that their society has become largely cashless.

“Ksher is a fintech company that started with providing financial transaction services between Thai shops and Chinese e-wallet applications WeChat Pay and Alipay,” said Ksher Payment president Premchai Kusolrerkdee. “Ksher solutions make it easy for Thai shops to receive payments from their Chinese customers. Chinese tourists can pay in yuan while merchants receive baht.”

In addition, Ksher has promotion campaigns to boost sales all year around, such as bonus and rebates to customers to encourage Chinese buyers to make purchases more easily or increase per-bill amounts, he said.

“Ksher has also developed a new system that includes e-wallet payment platforms used by Thai customers such as PromptPay and TrueMoney, with the aim of supporting SMEs amid an increasingly cashless society,” Premchai said.

According to the company, Ksher provides six types of payment services in the country, based on current platforms and needs of the retail business:

1. Static QR code signs for customers to scan and make instant payments.

2. Ksher’s EDC machines, which are best for medium-sized shops with many branches that need to print out receipts for customers.

3. A POS integration system that manages operations at point of sale and other front-office tasks of the shop in a convenient way with reduced errors. The system also allows for an easy management of multiple outlets of the shop chain.

4. A dynamic QR code solution that connects APIs with shop websites, allowing customers to make online payments by scanning QR codes on the websites.

5. An API integration and mobile payment system that caters to shops with their own mobile applications. Customers make purchases by clicking the payment button and entering a password without having to scan a code.

6. A Ksher Boss mobile application for the back-office cashier system.

Ksher said it provides financial transaction solutions to a host of businesses, including large shopping malls such as King Power, MBK, Premium Outlet and Asiatique the Riverfront, as well as renowned retail shops and restaurants such as Jim Thompson, Boyy, Charles & Keith, Anello, Miniso, Godiva, Iberry, Kub Kao Kub Pla and After You.

The first six will be condominiums worth Bt11 billion, chief operating officer Uthai Uthaisangsuk said on Thursday.

He said the company’s ambitious goal is to be Thailand’s top developer of single-detached houses within three years and its No 3 developer of townhouses.

The plan is to build up a broad product portfolio to cater to all consumer segments and strengthen all of its housing brands with “industry-defying features and functions”, Uthai said.

Its Burasiri single-detached homes selling for between Bt8 million and Bt20 million will now include “the resort-style living experience of a true private sanctuary”, he said, with a feature called New Garden Connect that links interior to exterior.

Siri Place, a successful “best-in-class townhouse brand”, will be introduced in more locations to cater to younger purchasers and will now feature a Modern Loft design.

Uthai expressed confidence that Sansiri’s aggressive plan for the housing segment and its high service standards will generate sales of Bt15 billion, and, coupled with earnings from ownership transfers on new nine condominium projects, would boost its total revenue from ownership transfers to Bt32 billion by year’s end.

The firm expects more than 50,000 people to attend the expo  at the Khon Kaen International Convention and Exhibition Centre from Thursday to Sunday.

“Recognising the importance of Thai retailers, or ‘shohuay’, as a key driving force to generate and distribute income within local communities, Makro has organised the expo each year as part of its Makro Retailer Alliance Project to provide insights and practical tools that our professional customers can use to run and expand their businesses,” Siam Makro PCL chief corporate communications officer Siriporn Dechsingha said. “A variety of products from more than 200 suppliers will also be offered at very special prices,” Siriporn added.

“Makro is determined to strengthen the capability of local retailers and create an advantage for them so they continue to grow in a sustainable way. Makro is therefore introducing its new community kitchen service to help retailers generate more income. Throughout the four days of the event, retailers are guaranteed to discover not only new business tips but also a creativity boost they can put to good use,” Siriporn said.

Retail stores are an integral part of the community and can be found in every corner of Thailand. The number of the stores is growing each year. According to a survey by the Thong Fah (Blue Flag) Pracharat scheme under the Commerce Ministry’s Department of Internal Trade, retailers are growing at 7 per cent, which is considered impressive, particularly in provincial areas.

“The 11th Makro Retailer Expo has a number of educational and informative activities, from seminars and workshops for professional customers to fun activities everyone can enjoy,” said Orawan Larpumnuayphol, chairwoman of the expo working committee. “We hope retailers will be inspired to continue growing and develop their shops to become a driving factor of the economy.”

The bank’s net profit in the first half stands at Bt6.03 billion, he said. This covers 67,248 loans, of which 45,682 are mortgages taken by the lower- and middle-income market for homes priced at no more than Bt2 million per unit.

As of June 30, the bank’s outstanding loans stood at Bt1.14 trillion.

The bank managed to maintain its new loan target of Bt203 billion for the entire year by focusing on the lower-income market with the campaign of providing 1 million homes, while other mortgage loans stood at Bt106.45 billion as of the end of July 2019.

Its non-performing loans stand at 4.68 per cent of total outstanding loans at the end of June or up 0.51 per cent from 4.17 per cent at the end of last year.

AOT initially announced it was targeting 5-per-cent tourism growth this year, but the number of arrivals in the Kingdom has been disappointing over the past seven months.

“From January, we have only seen a 1.5 per cent growth in passengers compared to the same period last year,” said AOT president Nitinai Sirismatthakarn.

Though he believes the last quarter of this year will be stronger due to the low base of last year’s fourth quarter, he admits that the 6 per cent target growth may be a bit unrealistic.

“Last year’s Phuket boating accident lead to a drop in Chinese tourists. While the figures have not recovered as significantly as we hoped, we still expect passenger growth in the fourth quarter to be better,” he said. “This year, passenger numbers continue being affected by external factors.”

The US-China trade war and the global slowdown has had clear impacts on passenger figures this year, while the the Hong Kong political unrest is also affecting the tourism industry, the AOT president said.

However, Nitinai reckons revenue growth this year will be between 5 and 6 per cent, and will continue to be stable in 2020. Profit levels this year should also be stable compared to 2018.

In 2018, AOT’s total revenue stood at Bt62 billion, with net profits of Bt25 billion. As of July 30, 2019, the company reported a total year-to-date revenue of Bt48.9 billion and profits of Bt19.9 billion. To maintain this profit level, the AOT will have to earn an additional Bt5.1 billion by year end and to achieve this, it plans to focus more on its non-aeronautical businesses.

Currently, 43 per cent of its total revenue comes from areas such as concession revenue, office and property rents as well as service revenue.

Hence, Nitinai said, by next year non-aeronautical revenue should make up to 45 per cent of AOT’s total revenue thanks to the digital transformation process it is currently undergoing.

On August 21, AOT launched its digital platform, “Living Airports”, for six airports across the country, starting with Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

On the management side, the application can be used to facilitate traffic management by providing real-time reports on the number of passengers at specific locations, while passengers can use it to access information on their flights, check-in rows, transportation services, shopping and dining options at the airport as well as flight alerts.

Once the application has been successfully applied at Suvarnabhumi, it will also be made available at Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket and Chiang Rai airports.

A Watsons survey of 14,000 consumers in seven markets found that Asians travel to other Asian countries an average of 1.7 times per year and Thais 1.2 times per year, with Hong Kong and Singapore among the top destinations for shopping and leisure.

Watsons One Pass is now available in Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Cardholders simply their membership card (or the virtual card in the Watsons application when paying and receive normal reward points and special discounts.

“Watsons One Pass will provide members with a pleasant shopping experience with no borders and they’ll enjoy greater value,” said Watsons Thailand general manager Pasitt Munkongkuntivong.

About 86.1 million Watsons members are entitled to One Pass privileges, earning points while travelling.

The channel has reinforced its seven main areas of content – Main News Programme; Economy, Finance, Investment; World Society and Politics; World Environment; World Innovation; Food & Health; and Sports – and promises economic news “presented from a different perspective”.

Veteran journalist Suthichai Yoon has been invited to host the programme along with news anchors Jake Rattanatungtrakul, Pat Jungkankul, Kwanchanok Rojananin, Banphot Thanapermsuk, Monchai Wongkittikraiwan, Siratthaya Isarabhakdi, Taweerat Jiradilok, Thanchanok Jongyotying and Monai Yenbutra.

In addition, the news team of True4U channel has collaborated with TNN 16 to offer an engaging, complete and reliable news experience for businessmen, executives and entrepreneurs with the introduction of “AI Recommendation” technology that analyses viewing data to improve content offerings and better respond to the needs of viewers.

People will be able to consume news faster and in advance via Omni-Channel, offering 24-hour live streaming via the TrueID application, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Line Official.

Ongard Prapakamol, co-managing director of Thai News Network (TNN) Co Ltd, said TNN 16 News Station has been a crucial voice in helping develop Thai society continuously for 11 years.

New highlight programmes include “The Conversation (JKN-CNBC)” based on CNBC’s popular show and hosted by veteran journalist Suthichai, who will talk with policymakers about current issues.

“Main News Programme now has more emphasis on quality and content that’s updated every hour,” Ongard said.

“Economy, Finance, Investment is doubled in time and focuses on current domestic and international economic outlooks as well as the EEC. World Society and Politics brings insights and updates on all political movements around the world. World Environment keeps viewers abreast of environmental issues around the globe.

“World Innovation features new trends that are transforming the world in the digital age. Food & Health offers knowledge on the latest health trends and popular foods. And Sports showcases local and international sport news, delighting all types of sport fans.

“These seven groups directly cater to the needs, tastes and preferences of the channel’s target audience, making TNN 16 a unique news channel that offers a superior viewing experience.”

The company aims to become a multinational corporation in order to boost corporate potential, increase staff capabilities, create business opportunities and support global marketing through overseas offices. The group aims to initiate three major changes – the “3Cs” – change of namely office, work approach and technology at a cost of some Bt1.3 billion.

“At a time when everything is being disrupted, we need to adapt and be ready to deal with fast changes in the industry. It is crucial to prepare people to drive our organisation. TCP’s vision is clear. As a Thai company which owns world-class brands, runs overseas offices and works with business partners around the world, we have to operate at the highest standard to guarantee a good reputation and prestige for Thailand. It is a huge responsibility. The corporate transition to a digital platform is part of our 5-year business plan to enable employees at all levels to handle ever-changing technological challenges. We are looking to triple our sales to Bt100 billion and become a Thai-owned multinational corporation,” said Saravoot Yoovhidhya, the group’s chief executive.

Prakun Chanthong, TCP Group’s director of Human Resources and Administration Division, also commented, saying: “TCP Group is a large organisation that employs people from different backgrounds. Getting both experienced employees and younger staff to collaborate seamlessly is one of our priorities. That’s why we have designed a new approach to work. Utilizing the 3Cs concept will enable everyone to transition from the old framework to an innovative platform, which integrates technology with work process. Our goal is to uplift and modernize people’s capabilities while also attracting new generations of talents to support global business growth.”

C 1 – Change of Office to Innovation Hub

TCP Group has invested Bt740 million in building a new company headquarters on a property adjacent to its existing head office. The new building has been designed to include work space supportive of the new approach. The work space will be more open and relaxed with partition areas between departments allocated for talks or meetings. On individual floors, each department will focus on creating a positive ambience among employees. The amount of common areas to be used for staff activities and recreation, will increase by 30 per cent. Modern technology will be installed to connect the equipment of employees at the head office, at provincial offices and at overseas branches to enable fast and convenient operations.

The new headquarters will be built on an area of 6 rai and will be 4 stories high. Construction will begin in 2019, with completion and operation slated for 2021. Following the opening of the new headquarters, the existing head office will be renovated, following the same concept as the new headquarters.

“We know how important it is to create a good atmosphere in the workplace. Offices need to be more than a workplace. They should be places where everybody comes together in casual meetings to brainstorm and collaborate. This will allow employees to mingle and promote creativity and innovation. When the new headquarters are completed, we will hire 250 additional employees,”. Prakun said.

C 2 – Change of Work Approach and Building a Powerful, Resilient Organisation

“Today, innovation is crucial to driving business. To ensure that we stay ahead with the wave of change in the industry, technology is an essential tool to increase agility. Our staff will be able to work from a virtual office which functions like a mobile workplace. You simply need a notebook computer and the Internet, or hold video conferencing as needed. This allows people to be more agile and productive without being bound to the office. TCP staff may work at home or in a co-working space provided by the company in cities, upcountry and abroad. This will allow the organisation to truly operate as a global company,” Prakun said.

In addition, agile performance and scrum are adopted to allow cross-functional and cross-generational co-working to create seamless teamwork, especially in international collaborations or global marketing when local employees work with marketing teams of other countries. This will lead to the integration of a global-standard approach to work for staff located in different countries, enabling a borderless culture of high performance.

“This new approach will bring our staff a positive work experience, as it will simplify and provide effective solutions to day-to-day hiccups. It is designed to make our organisation stronger and more agile,” Prakun said.

C 3 – Change of Technology

“New developments like the Internet of things, virtual reality, AI, cloud computing or robotics will eventually change the way businesses operate,´ Prakun continued. “That’s why we have invested more than Bt560 million to introduce technology designed to help our team work, such as the introduction of a virtual office and the use of an AI chatbot to communicate with our employees and customers. We have also set up an internal ‘incubator’ team to help our staff learn and experiment with prototyping product and service ideas, which could leads to deeper understanding of consumers and the marketplace.

“Our plan is for TCP Group to become an innovation hub that continuously keeps us on the leading edge in terms of product and service development, propelling our organisation forward in line with our vision. In addition, equipping our people with skills for the new world is of extreme importance. For that reason, we have invested Bt80 million into staff training to ensure our people are up to speed and that no one is left behind. With this transformation, it is our commitment to retain all employees and not have any lay-offs. Our investments are aimed to uplift capabilities, bolster job security and open the organisation up for new high-performing talents.

“The corporate transformation will be completed in 2022. By then, we will have a strong foundation needed for sustainable growth which will make TCP Group a Thai-owned multinational corporation,” Prakun said.

“The Living Airports software platform links the information technology systems of all airports and is part of our goal to become a full-scale digital organisation in the future,” said Nitinai Sirismatthakarn, president of the AOT at a press conference today.

If the application proves successful at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the platform will then be implemented at Don Mueang International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Hat Yai International Airport, Phuket International Airport, and Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport.

In management, the software can be used to facilitate traffic control through giving real-time reports on the numbers of passengers at specific locations.

Passengers will be able to gain access to information on flights, check-in rows, transportation services, shopping and dining as well as flight alerts.

AOT has also partnered with the CAT Telecom Plc (CAT) to offer free wifi at the six major airports in Thailand.

“This move is in line with the government’s agenda to make Thailand the leading hub for global aviation through digital transformation,” said Dhanant Subhadrabandhu, senior executive vice president of marketing and services at CAT.

Design of the Bt5 billion facility will highlight Thai architecture and cultural identities, and shoppers will find at least 130 well-known international luxury and lifestyle brands.

More than half of these brands are opening their first outlet shop in Thailand, and over 60 have chosen to open their “exclusive outlet store” only at Central Village, with discounts of 35 per cent to 70 per cent every day.

Dr Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, the executive vice president for marketing at CPN, said: “Central Village is pioneering the new segment of ‘Luxury Outlet’ for the first time in Thailand. We intend to establish this new retail platform, filling the gap in the market, by making it one of the world’s leading shopping destinations, similar to other popular tourist cities such as Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong, which also have leading outlets in Asia. Central Village is Bangkok’s high potential luxury outlet for Southeast Asia and we are expecting to attract customer traffic of 6-10 million visitors per year, which can be divided into 65 per cent domestic focusing on the young and mass affluent nationwide, and 35 per cent international tourists focusing on those who fly into Bangkok.”

The facility will also boast restaurants, a Tops Market, a children’s playground and tourist service points.

In addition, CPN plans to promote creative Thai brands at the Thai Pavilion Zone, where Thai products and contemporary art fairs will be held throughout the year, promoted as “Thai Signature Cultural Events”. CPN will join hands with governmental organisations led by the Ministry of Culture and the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) to hold events in a modern Thai theme presenting gifts and souvenirs, and local handicraft or OTOP items will be on sale.

Central Village will also provide convenient transportion to and from the facility, which located near Suvarnabhumi Airport, using a shuttle-bus service available at three pick-up points: CentralWorld, Udomsuk BTS Station and Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. Tourists will be at ease in dropping by at Central Village on their way to and from the airport, according to a release on Wednesday.