“We are now actively cooperating with 27 authorised dealers in Myanmar, and will cooperate with an additional 34 dealers in the near future,” he said in an exclusive interview with The Nation on Wednesday. “By 2024, we will be cooperating with at least 84 authorised dealers. This means we aim to expand our distribution network by more than three times than the existing portfolio.”

The firm mainly aims to improve the sales of power tillers and diesel engines under the brand KubotaPem. Chalermchai is confident that the firm will enjoy stronger growth in Myanmar.

“This market is really important to us. We place special attention on Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, as they are all agriculture-based countries. We see a bright potential in these countries,” he said.

Chalermchai said the firm would focus on the mass market rather than supplying its machinery to enterprises. Though the firm is yet to be involved in any of the government projects in Myanmar, he foresees room for cooperation when the opportunity comes.

“Our aim is to ensure the best quality in all the machinery we import to this market. We foresee a higher demand for power tillers and diesel engines here. We are here to fulfil the needs of this market,” he said.

The company has been in Myanmar since 2011, and has expanded its distribution network throughout the nation in cooperation with local dealers who know the market well. Having manufactured diesel engines and power tillers for nearly four decades, the firm recently developed the ZT engine Pro model by adding a turning signal to enhance safety when customers use the engine as transport.

Chalermchai said the firm aims to achieve at least 50 per cent of the market in Myanmar over the next 12 months. It expects to triple the growth in sales of its power tillers as well as sell at least 10,000 diesel engines in Myanmar within a year. The revenue is expected to increase further, as the firm projects to sell 50,000 to 80,000 diesel engines over the next five years.

“In terms of our sales revenue in Myanmar, we have been growing at between 15 and 20 per cent on a monthly basis since the past few years,” Chalermchai said.

The firm has more than 6,000 customers in Myanmar that are using Kubota machinery on their farms. In order to ensure the effective use of the machinery, the firm has been carrying out awareness-raising activities on the ground every month.

“Our aim is to facilitate farmers for mutual benefits. We systematically train our dealers and customers on how to effectively use our products,” he said.

“The majority of Myanmar farmers know a lot about the strengths of our machinery. We specialise in agricultural machinery with the aim for the customers to have efficient products to use in farming and other applications.”

He said farmers can reduce the number of workers as well as other costs to a large extent by utilising the machinery.

“What makes our diesel engine different from the others in the market is that our life span is longer. It can be used for up to 10 years. We can guarantee our diesel engine is more durable and saves more fuel to help farmers save more money in the long term,” he said.

Chalermchai said the firm wants to play a role in bringing “smart farming” products to Myanmar, particularly in the production of rice, corn and sugarcane.

The company aspires to become the number one manufacturer and distributor of air conditioners with plans to deepen its reach in the Southeast Asian market.

Takeshi Konishi, president of Daikin Chemical South East Asia Co Ltd, said the company has always been trusted by customers as a global standard refrigerant manufacturer. It has policy to expand the market and established Daikin Chemical South East Asia in Thailand. To carry on its high standard, the firm is constantly evolving with new technology and innovation to produce merchandise and efficient, environmental-friendly refrigerant, while at the same time offers high quality products that cater to the consumers’ need with environmental friendliness at the core.

This year, we are ready to present a special refrigerant that reduces greenhouse gas effect, which is packed in a refillable cylinder that can be considered as environmentally friendly, and the establishment of refrigerant station especially for production in response to customer demands and to reduce impact on the environment. At present, we are aiming to increase market share in Thailand and ready to expand our presence in Southeast Asia , a market with potential and demand for air conditioners that are constantly growing, “said Konishi

Not only air conditioner and residential products, the firm is looking to expand to the automotive market, protective coating for petrochemical industry and construction, water and oil proof for fabric and paper for food container, as well as electronic boards where the firm has strategised market penetration plans for each product and target group.

As for refrigerant, Daikin Chemical has imported and supplied a variety of refrigerants such as R32 R410 R407C R404A and other refrigerants for air conditioning, including refrigerant R407H for refrigerator.

Daikin Chemical also sees the importance of environmental-friendly containers. It has introduced cylinders to control fluorocarbon emission, which helps reduce the evaporation of the remaining gas to the atmosphere for safety and environment-friendly reason.

For refilling and logistics, we place our trust in Thai Special Gas (TSG), a manufacturer and distributor of industrial gas with more than 20 years of experience in the gas business and international recognition. This is the first collaboration between the two companies. For controlling system, TSG is using computerised control with First In First Out (FIFO) filling system.

Daikin Chemical has constantly developed quality products with emphasis on Solution Business that uses new technology to cater to various needs of the customers and environmental friendliness. We hope this collaboration will satisfy our diverse target groups including those in the residential and industrial segments, both in Thailand and beyond.

Models and configurations of air conditioners are vital factors in the refrigerant market. In Thailand, 70 per cent of air conditioners use R410A refrigerant, and the rest uses R32 with the trend for R410A to be replaced by the more environmental-friendlier R32.

Even though R32 is not yet widely distributed in the market, it sees increasing demand as Daikin’s R32 has low GWP as a result of reduction in HFC use. It can be said that Daikin Chemical’s refrigerants are environmental-friendly and refillable, which reduces the emission of the remaining gas to the atmosphere.

AIA has been ranked the Asia-Pacific’s top insurance brand by Campaign Asia-Pacific, which calls itself the authoritative voice of the media, marketing and advertising community in the Asia-Pacific.

The award was received for recruiting David Beckham as AIA’s global brand ambassador to launch its new brand promise, “Healthier, Longer, Better Lives”. Moreover, this brand ranking emphasised the AIA promise to deliver protection to customers, as well as continuously support their well-being through various health and wellness programmes across the Asia-Pacific.

Alger Fung, chief executive officer of AIA Thailand said, “AIA is proud to be recognised as Asia-Pacific’s number one insurance brand, which emphasises the leading role in Asia’s insurance market. As AIA Thailand is one of the AIA major markets, we aim to operate our business for Thai people and society by offering various products and services to meet customers’ needs in [each person’s] lifespan. We also develop our products, innovations and new services for our customers to create wealth and financial security for all of our customers.”

BMW delivers hybrid vehicles for Asean chiefs

BMW Thailand recently delivered BMW 530e Highline and BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport plug-in hybrid vehicles to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the exclusive transportation of the Asean leaders and ministers attending the 34th Asean Summit, which is being held June 20-23 in Bangkok.

The plug-in hybrid BMW 530e Highline offers low fuel consumption and is one of the lowest CO2-emission vehicles in its segment at 41g/km, while the 740Le xDrive M Sport emits CO2 just 49g/km, highlighting BMW’s attempt to establish a solid foundation for the sustainable future of electric mobility in Thailand, said a company release on Wednesday.

The 34th Asean Summit will see the participation of the bloc’s leaders, foreign ministers, along with the Asean secretary-general, and senior officials from all 10 member countries. As the Asean chair for 2019, it is an important opportunity for Thailand to showcase its visions and take part in laying a strong foundation to propel the region towards growth throughout the year on the theme of “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability”.

This aims to promote sustainability in all its dimensions, strengthen partnerships amongst the countries and help them move forward as one, said the company release.

Siam Makro marks 30th anniversary

On the occasion of its 30th anniversary , Siam Makro Public Company Limited has launched a new loyalty campaign “Buy More, Get More” with its popular e-Stamp and Luck Draws to encourage higher spending and sales growth. The campaign, with a Bt30-million budget, targets consumers of the 4.0 era through the use of Big Data analysis.

Siriporn Dechsingha, Chief Marketing Officer of Siam Makro Public Company Limited, the largest wholesale membership distributor in Thailand, said the company aims to establish itself as “Makro 4.0 Enhancing People’s Lives” under the new concept of “The Creative Companionship towards Sustainability”. “Through Big Data analysis of over three million registered customers, Makro wishes to celebrate this special occasion and also express our gratitude to customers by launching the new digital campaign “30 Years 30 Million”, from 19 June to 28 August 2019, at Makro stores nationwide.

“With a budget of Bt30 million, Makro launches e-Stamp (worth Bt20 million) and Lucky Draw (worth Bt10 million) programmes as a way to pay back to its customers. And to best serve all the customers, from entrepreneurs to shop owners and HoReCa professionals, the company used its Big Data Analytics to dissect their needs and behaviours as to effectively accommodate to their demands.”

Lin sugar maker hosts cake design contest

Thai Rungruang Sugar Group, manufacturer and owner of ‘Lin’ sugar, recently hosted a competition “Lin Thailand Sweet Creation 2019” in conjunction with the launch of new products for cake design.

At the event, the company launched two products – modelling paste and natural caster sugar – aimed at promoting the Thai cake designers and sugar artists. The winners of Lin Thailand Sweet Creation competition for this year will join the Cake International 2019 competition in Birmingham, England. The winner for Best in Show at this year Lin Thailand Sweet Creation 2019 is Dechokul Singampai, a cake designer from Thailand. His work piece is “Pure Power”.

This is the largest sugar sculpture competition in Thailand , held for the 4th times in Thailand, with more than 50 work pieces from competitors from both Asia and Europe. There were more than 20,000 visitors at the event, held between June 8 and 10, at Eden Zone on the first floor of CentralWorld shopping complex.

Bangkok Airways celebrates its recent world-class achievements which are World’s Best Regional Airline & Best Regional Airline Awards 2019 from Skytrax by offering exclusively-made and designed chocolate bites for passengers at its passenger lounges (domestic and international), Suvarnabhumi Airport during June 19-21.

Moreover, the airline also launches the “Thank You for Your Love” promotion that offers special fares on both domestic and international routes. Booking can be made from today until June 23 and can be used for travels until December 31.

The “Thank You for Your Love” promotion fares start from just Bt1,100 per one way for domestic routes (except domestic in/out Samui).

For domestic routes in and out of Samui, the fare starts from just Bt2,550 per one way.

For international routes, the fare starts from just Bt1,390 Baht per one way or Bt2,190 per roundtrip. The offered fares are not inclusive of taxes and surcharges.

Passengers can see more information about the promotion and/or make a reservation at http://bit.ly/2XjvAP3 or contact Bangkok Airways Call Center tel 1771 or +66 (2) 2270 6699 (24hrs.) or at Bangkok Airways Ticketing Offices nationwide.

As part of this, they planted 1,500 big and small-leave mangrove trees at the Bangpu Nature Education Centre built in commemoration of the 72 th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, in 2005 in Samut Prakan province.

This activity is part of “Panasonic Environment Vision 2050” to achieve “A Better Life” and “A Sustainable Global Environment.”

Panasonic will work towards creation and more efficient utilization of energy which exceeds the amount of energy used, aiming for a society with clean energy and a more comfortable lifestyle. It can be considered as an extension of Panasonic’s conservation effort and serves as a good opportunity for employees to better appreciate nature, and to preserve, restore, and sustain the balanced ecosystem of mangrove forest.

Sirirat Yongcharoenchai, General Manager of Panasonic Management (Thailand), said, “Panasonic in Thailand had conducted activities destined to preserve the environment annually. Each year we adjust the content of an activity to be aligned with the current environmental issues facing the society and the specific matter where our employees are most interested in.

These are, for example, the preservation and restoration of tropical forest and mangrove forest and the making of artificial saltlicks as well as the collection of beach garbage. This year, we consider that mangrove forests are ecologically valuable to the coastal ecosystem as they provide shelter for various species of plants and animals, protect shorelines, and prevent erosion.

Mangrove forests also provide a barrier against damaging storm and waves at the estuary and help protect the lives and properties of coastal inhabitants from natural disasters. Therefore, this kind of natural resource delivers countless economic and environmental value to the country.”

She also said, “Panasonic first planted mangrove trees in Bangpu District 11 years ago. This year again is a precious moment for us to take along our employees and their families to participate. Apart from expanding the reforestation area, we monitor the results of what we have done 11 years ago. We are very excited that the trees have grown impressively as the overall mangrove forest area is increasing amidst an abundance of the natural ecosystem.”

“By planting 1,500 big- and small-leaved mangrove trees, we expect the nature here and in surrounding areas to be restored and expanded in the near future. It will certainly become a well-preserved and futile green area in a sustainable way. In the long run, this mangrove forest will become an important source of energy and food, a natural tool that helps maintain the balance of the coastal ecosystem and a place where carbon dioxide is effectively reduced,” said the general manager.

Juraporn Khonyai, an employee of Panasonic Group in Thailand who participated in the activity, commented, “I am very delighted that Panasonic is working on a conservation effort like this and happy to see my family taking part in and enjoying the company’s outstanding contribution to the environment.

In addition to sharing a constructive time spending with my family and colleagues, I have a wonderful moment taking along my children to experience the beauty of nature and learn more about the biological diversity in a different way. Most of all, I expect this participation creates greater awareness of the importance of Nature and fosters an eco-friendly attitude in them by starting from their childhood years.”

Panasonic is always committed to creating a better quality of life and a better world. We will continue to contribute and give back to the Thai society in whatever part we can do, especially in preserving and maintaining the valuable nature in a more sustainable way through fostering an eco-friendly attitude in its employees and people.

The outlet is located at Siam Piwat Tower Bangkok, near Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. It comprises around 200 stores including dining, leisure, and entertainment options, covering an area of 50,000 square meters.

On Wednesday morning, representatives of all three operators, AIS, DTAC, and True Corp, submitted their applications for licences to the NBTC.

The NBTC today put on sale three slots of the 700MHz spectrum at a price of Bt17.584 billion each. Each slot features a 10MHz bandwidth. The licence lasts 15 years with payments to be made in 10 instalments.

The applicants will select their targeted spectrum slot this afternoon.

DTAC’s board on Wednesday gave the green light for DTAC TriNet to submit the application for one block of the 700MHz spectrum to the NBTC.

DTAC chief executive officer Alexandra Reich said, “DTAC believes that this investment will provide significant benefits to all stakeholders as the 700 MHz spectrum can be used for 5G. The opportunity to acquire an additional 2×10 MHz of low-band spectrum brings our total bandwidth up to 130 MHz [including 2300 MHz in partnership with TOT].”

Reich also stressed that despite the possibility of using 700MHz for 5G services, the NBTC has yet to develop a clear 5G spectrum road map for both high- and low-band spectrum.

She said, “Thailand is moving towards a full digital society, in which the readiness of 5G is a key element. Therefore, a clear spectrum roadmap is critical to the industry because it helps us create effective long-term investment plans to build infrastructure that can help boost the country’s economy.”

The company said the 700MHz spectrum would boost DTAC’s network coverage nationwide, resulting in an improved mobile internet experience in remote areas in addition to higher capacity for urban users.

The NBTC will use proceeds from the slot sales to help ease the financial burden of digital TV broadcasters.

The sale of the 700MHz spectrum stems from the junta’s recent launch of relief measures to ease financial pressures on the three 900MHz telecom operators as well as digital TV companies.

The three 900MHz operators are subsidiaries of Advanced Info Service (AIS), Total Access Communication (DTAC) and True Corp.

Under the relief measures, the NBTC will also ease the burden on the three holders of the 900MHz spectrum licence by increasing the number of instalments from four to 10.

However, the relief measures include a condition that any 900MHz licence holder taking up the relief measures must also purchase a 700MHz spectrum slot from the NBTC.

If they decline to buy the slots, the longer instalment plan is cancelled and they would have to pay as per the original payment schedule.

According to the original schedule, AIS subsidiary Advanced Wireless Network and True Corp’s subsidiary TrueMove H Universal Communication are scheduled to pay hefty final instalments of Bt59.574 billion and Bt60.218 billion, respectively, for their 900MHz licences in 2020.

DTAC subsidiary DTAC TriNet is due to pay its Bt30.024 billion final instalment for the 900MHz band in 2022.

Phongsthorn Thavisin, president and chief executive Officer of PTTEP, said: “This official declaration of FID confirms that the Mozambique Area 1 project will now advance to the construction phase, a significant step closer to making Mozambique’s first onshore LNG facility a reality. The project will help add to PTTEP production volumes and petroleum reserves for our long-term growth. We are also looking forward to the project’s contribution in meeting the global demand for clean energy.”

Mozambique Area 1 will initially consist of two LNG trains with a total nameplate capacity of 12.88 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to support the development of the Golfinho/Atum field located entirely within Offshore Area 1. The project, meanwhile, has successfully secured 11.1 MTPA of long-term LNG sales from key buyers in Asia and Europe, with the first cargo expected in 2024. Mozambique Area 1 will add total estimated proved reserves of approximately 140 million barrels of oil equivalent to PTTEP’s portfolio.

Designated as the “First Mover” by the Mozambique government, Area 1 will also be responsible for constructing support facilities to be shared by the adjacent Area 4 project, which will include the materials offloading facility and the LNG marine terminal. Works on the construction of a resettlement village, camp expansion, airstrip and the Palma-Afungi Highway are also progressing.

The project expects soon to issue notices to proceed under the terms of the previously executed engineering, construction, procurement and installation contracts.

Strategically located off the east coast of Africa, Mozambique Area 1 is among PTTEP’s key natural gas projects and reflects the company’s strategy to invest in new areas with competitive cost structure.