Songkhla hotel occupancy jumps as tourism rebounds on southern border

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40018439


Tourism in Songkhla bounced back strongly last month after the government cancelled the Thailand Pass system, with about 100,000 foreign arrivals recorded last month.

Songkhla hotel occupancy jumps as tourism rebounds on southern border

The rebound has prompted Malaysian investors to buy hotels and bars in the border town of Sadao in anticipation of a boom, said Tourism Council of Songkhla president Somphon Chiwawatthanaphong.

The number of tourists visiting the province had jumped since the Thailand Pass was scrapped on July 1 – especially via the Sadao border crossings and Ban Prakorb in neighbouring Na Thawi district.

He added that official July figures had not been released but he expected them to show at least 100,000 arrivals, jumping from 40,000 in May and 60,000 in June.

Somphon said Thais are also returning in large numbers to Songkhla’s tourism hub of Hat Yai city. Many are flying in before travelling on to Yala’s Betong district, he added.

About 80 per cent of Songkhla’s 40,000 rooms in both registered and unregistered hotels have reopened, he said, adding the rate would rise to 90 per cent late this year.

His council expects about 800,000 foreign tourists to visit Songkhla this year, mostly from Malaysia and Singapore.

Pre-Covid, Songkhla received about 2 million foreign tourists per year, according to Somphon.

Pre-pandemic, most hotels and bars in Sadao were owned by Malaysian investors but they sold them following the outbreak, he said. However, many have now returned to buy back the businesses, he said.

Somphon said most hotels in Hat Yai did not change hands as banks had been lenient with them during the Covid crisis.

“Banks did not want to seize their assets and now that hotels have resumed business, they have started to repay debts,” he said, adding that occupancy rates during last week’s long weekend rose as high as 70-80 per cent in Hat Yai.

However, he said Covid-19 had shown the need to restructure tourism in Songkhla.

Among other things, tourism businesses were diversifying to lure customers from different groups and markets.

The council is trying to attract tourists from Europe by asking Bangkok Airways to open new routes to Hat Yai from Koh Samui and Bangkok.

It will also promote Songkhla Lake as a tourist destination while campaigning for Songkhla to be awarded Unesco world heritage status along with places like Penang in Malaysia. The city is among several destinations that the Thai government has selected for nomination to Unesco.

The council is also encouraging Thais to travel to Songkhla by train. Trains are running again twice daily on the 60km route from Hat Yai to Padang Besar. He said tourists could also take the Butterworth train from Padang Besar to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

The council also plans to collaborate with Prince of Songkla University to draw international sports events to the city, Somphon said.

Published : August 02, 2022

By : THE NATION

No salary slip necessary for KBank’s new ‘pay later’ service

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40018436


With K PAY LATER, KBank becomes Thailand’s first bank to help “unbanked” and “underbanked” Thais have access to buy-now-pay-later services without requiring a salary slip.

No salary slip necessary for KBank's new 'pay later' service

KASIKORNBANK has launched K PAY LATER – Thailand’s first-of-its-kind loan that allows customers to spend for their daily lives under the “buy-now-pay-later” concept.

The initiative aims to assist cash-strapped unbanked – underbanked Thais in having credit line for the purchase of necessary consumer goods while also providing them equitable access to loan in the system.

The target group includes freelancers, small merchants and wage earners who lack proof of income.

Application can be made easily by users via K PLUS. As soon as the loan is approved, customers can use it to spend at more than 100,000 participating stores nationwide.

K PAY LATER is a personal loan for purchases of consumer products that are daily necessities, based on the “buy-now-pay-later” concept, to help ease the burdens of who are short on cash.

Application is easy, as income-related documents and collateral are not required. The maximum loan limit is 20,000 Baht.

It is a revolving credit, with no limit to the number of drawdowns, although the drawdown amount must not exceed the set limit.

There is no interest payment if the loan is not used.

The minimum purchase amount is 50 Baht, and it can be repaid in installments starting at only 11 Baht per month.

The maximum installment period is 5 months. The loan can neither be withdrawn nor exchanged for cash.

Additionally, if customers use the credit limit regularly and make payments on time, KBank shall consider increasing the loan limit and offering other services to such customers in the future.  

K PAY LATER customers can easily use the credit limit to purchase goods and services by scanning, tapping and paying via K PLUS at participating stores.

They can also choose a payment period of either 1 month, 3 months or 5 months.

Presently, there are more than 100,000 participating merchants nationwide covering multiple categories, including department stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, petrol stations, restaurants, home product stores, and mobile phone and IT accessory shops.

These include Tops, MaxValu, Big C, Makro, Central Department Store, Lawson, Family Mart, CJ Express, IKEA, Dohome, Boonthavorn, Jaymart, IT City, Banana IT, as well as other shops having KBank’s electronic data capture (EDC) device.

Interested persons can apply for K PAY LATER easily by themselves via the K PLUS application and get an approval result instantly with just three screen taps.

For more information, please call the K-Contact Center at 02-8888888 or visit https://kbank.co/3SdRtJd.

Published : August 02, 2022

By : THE NATION

Ageing office buildings feeling stronger impact from rising competition

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40018420


With growing competition in the Bangkok office market, fueled by a large amount of new supply that is coming, ageing office buildings are losing their ability to retain and attract occupiers.

Ageing office buildings feeling stronger impact from rising competition

This trend is putting pressure on landlords of these buildings to become more proactive and find ways to enhance the value and competitiveness of their assets, according to property consultancy JLL.

“JLL’s leasing activity data shows that the majority of new leases are being signed within modern office buildings, showing a clear preference amongst occupiers. Consequently, buildings that are built before 2002, which are referred to as ‘ageing’, are typically struggling to attract new occupiers,” says Jeremy O’Sullivan, Head of Research and Consulting at JLL.

“Compared to the top-grade new supply coming to market, ageing buildings generally have an inferior design, facilities and technology. Some were previously prime grade buildings that have been downgraded to the secondary tier in recent years,” he adds.

The latest study by JLL reveals that the total stock of office space in Bangkok is standing at 9.97 million sqm at present, of which nearly 70% are buildings aged over 20 years. Findings from the study also show that office buildings aged not more than 20 years saw the average vacancy rate at 17% and the average rental at THB821/sqm/month at the end of the first quarter of 2022, while older buildings witnessed the average vacancy rate at 26% and the average rental at THB654/sqm/month over the same period.

Between now and 2026, the Bangkok office market will see an additional 2.2 million sqm of new space. Of this, more than 1.7 million sqm or 81% will be from prime grade developments. JLL expects this to raise vacancies and put further downward pressure on rents in ageing, secondary-grade office buildings.

Thananun Ruengveeravich, Head of Office Leasing Advisory at JLL, says “The growing availability of new prime office supply means that occupiers now have more options when it comes to site selection for their workplace. We have seen an increasing number of occupiers taking this opportunity to review their office efficiency and considering relocation to newer buildings.”

Findings from JLL’s study show that between the second quarter of 2021 and the first quarter of 2022, the Bangkok office market saw a negative net absorption of -82,000 sqm. However, office buildings whose construction was completed in 2011 or later continued to see positive net absorption of 99,000 sqm in total versus -181,000 sqm of negative take-up in older buildings.

“In response to the flight-to-quality trend of occupiers, some landlords of older, secondary-grade buildings are considering to offer rental discounts to maintain or boost occupancy while more proactive landlords are looking for a strategy to enhance their ageing assets to stay relevant and meet evolving demand from occupiers in the long term,” says Thananun.

Natcha Taepongsorat, Head of Asset Enhancement at JLL, says “Other than a pricing strategy, landlords of ageing office buildings can consider an asset enhancement as a longer-term solution to improve the performance of their assets, reduce operating costs, increase revenue and avoid obsolescence. This includes a wide range of strategies from operational efficiency improvement, property management and sustainability enhancement through to revitalization.”

JLL’s observations show revitalization has gained popularity among well-located secondary-grade office buildings whose landlords look to improve cash flow and net operating incomes of their assets. Investment costs typically range from THB 30 million to 200 million, depending on each individual asset and renovation scale. Some landlords may also get their ageing office buildings renovated to become more sustainable or meet green building standards such as LEED or TREES in order to attract a growing number of corporations with a net-zero target and reduce utility bills in the long run.

“The optimal building upgrade helps futureproof assets and allows them to remain competitive in the challenging market, which is reflected in the rental improvement and reduction in operation costs. With higher income and building quality, enhanced projects are generally appraised with higher values, benefiting landlords and forthcoming investors,” says Natcha.

“Asset enhancement strategies and scales vary. It is critical for landlords and investors to evaluate their asset performance, expectation of their target occupiers and their own expectation of return on investment before making any asset enhancement decision. This will help ensure the most impactful and cost-effective option and prevent overinvestment,” she concludes.

About JLL

JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. JLL shapes the future of real estate for a better world by using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable real estate solutions for our clients, our people and our communities. JLL is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $19.4 billion, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of more than 100,000 as of March 31, 2022. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com

Published : August 02, 2022

Baht to remain stable as few factors backing greenback

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40018406


The baht opened at 36.12 to the US dollar on Tuesday, weakening from Monday’s close of 36.08.

Baht to remain stable as few factors backing greenback

The currency is expected to move between 36 and 36.20 during the day, Krungthai Bank market strategist Poon Panichpibool predicted.

He said the market is being cautious and may pressure the baht to weaken, especially if foreign investors sell Thai stocks for profits.

However, the baht will not weaken much as there are no factors strengthening the dollar. Moreover, the baht is supported by gold-selling transactions.

In the short term, the baht’s key support level is at 36 to the dollar as some importers and Japanese multinational corporations bought the dollar and Japanese yen recently.

Meanwhile, most exporters are waiting to sell the dollar at 36.40, the baht’s resistance level.

Poon also advised investors to use hedging tools such as options to manage risks in a highly volatile currency market.

Published : August 02, 2022

By : THE NATION

‘Thailand Survival’: How can the country escape global crisis?

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40018404


Economic leaders from the private and government sectors shared their visions on how the country can survive the global crisis, at the “Thailand Survival” forum organises by Nation Group in Bangkok on Monday.

‘Thailand Survival’: How can the country escape global crisis?

“Thailand still faces inflation of 7.7 per cent and rising,” Shine Bunnag, CEO of Nation Group, said. Risk factors from the Russia-Ukraine war were worsening and prolonging the inflation problem, he added, so “Thailand Survival” solutions must be found.

Shine Bunnag, CEO of Nation GroupShine Bunnag, CEO of Nation Group

Kobsak Pootrakool, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organisations (FETCO), said Thailand faces seven economic challenges. These were international conflict, the energy price crisis, impacts of globalisation, the global food crisis, financial market volatility, recession in the United States and elsewhere, an emerging markets crisis, and China’s economic problems.

He noted that the US Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 75 basis points on July 27, the latest in a series of rate hikes aimed at cooling the US economy and lowering inflation. However, impacts from the rate hikes are being felt around the world, including in emerging economies like Thailand.

“One thing to keep an eye on now is the crisis in emerging countries or the Emerging Market, which started with small countries like Sri Lanka,” Kobsak said.

He said the economic crisis will deepen over the next two years as emerging markets come under more pressure from three factors.

These were: rising interest rates as major countries fight inflation; global energy and food crises driven by rising prices; and the global economic slowdown hitting exports.

Kobsak Pootrakool, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organisations (FETCO)Kobsak Pootrakool, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organisations (FETCO)

However, the good news was that Thailand had suffered relatively minor impacts from the global food crisis. Meanwhile, the Thai agricultural sector and tourism industry could potentially rescue the economy while the weak baht was beneficial to exports, he said.

“All of this means that the tail of the monsoon in emerging markets will eventually collide everywhere, including Thailand. But if we prepare well, we can be good, different, and immune starting today,” Kobsak concluded.

Kriengkrai Thiennukul, vice president of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), offered more reasons to hope as he recounted how Thailand had rebounded from recent economic shocks.

“In the last 10 years, we’ve seen global challenges, starting with digital transformation or disruption,” he said. Noting that even the strongest businesses can collapse quickly due to this rapid change, he said that Thai companies were busy trying to figure out ways to survive disruption.

After digital disruption came the China-US trade war, catching Thailand in the crossfire as a trade partner of both countries and an important link in the global supply chain. But one Thai industry that flourished, said Kriengkrai, was air-conditioner manufacturing because the US was ordering from Thailand instead of China.

“After that, we faced the Covid-19 crisis, which was horrible, but it was an opportunity for [Thailand’s] medical textile industry, where products such as reusable and washable PPE suits made from automotive parts could be exported.”

Next came the Russia-Ukraine war that sent costs soaring for SME businesses, with inflation hitting the price of fuel and consumer goods.

“In the global market, demand for food is high and Thailand ranks as the world’s 13th food exporter and looks set to reach the top 10 by the end of 2022,” he said.

“After inflation comes recession, which is expected to happen soon, but on the bright side, the baht will weaken which will give us an advantage.”

The final challenge would be climate change, which Kriengkrai described as “humanity’s biggest problem”.

Sangchai Theerakulwanich, Chairman of the Federation of Thai SMEsSangchai Theerakulwanich, Chairman of the Federation of Thai SMEs

Sangchai Theerakulwanich, Chairman of the Federation of Thai SMEs, said that although the fundamental economic structure had improved, problem-solving had decreased. With income falling, Thailand’s only chance of survival was to increase GDP.

“The Covid-19 epidemic is in its third year and will continue to affect businesses, particularly SMEs,” he added.

He called for more domestic investment via low-interest financing for small and medium-sized enterprises, and skills training to meet current and future demands. Meanwhile, Thailand’s bio-circular-green (BCG) economy should be boosted to help SMEs.

Reducing debt (bad, informal and household debt) would enable the SME rehabilitation fund to offer more low-cost funding sources for entrepreneurs, reducing unemployment and lowering the government spending burden, he added.

Chaichan Chareonsuk, chairman of Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC), noted healthy figures for Thailand’s main food export, with 3.5 million tonnes of rice shipped in the first six months, which is expected to rise to 7 million tonnes by the end of this year. He added that the Russian-Ukraine war and global crisis had driven up Thai food exports.

And although Thai exports to China only grew 0.8 per cent in the first half thanks to its zero-Covid policy, exports to Asean rose 28 per cent and 24 per cent to CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam).

TNSC forecasts Thai exports to grow 6.2 per cent overall this year. Chaichan said Thailand’s export strategy should focus on emerging markets such as India, the Middle East and Asean. The target should also be to reduce costs and boost liquidity, he added.

Thai Agriculturist Association president Pramote Charoensilp said the outlook for Thailand’s agro-export industry was bleak. Farmers were struggling with low market prices, productivity, and competitiveness in the global market, despite the falling baht.

Thailand was benefiting from higher exports of fertiliser after the Russia-Ukraine war hit global supply. But on the downside, Thai rice was losing out to Vietnam’s cheaper product on the world market.

Pramote urged the government to help the farm sector with production costs so that it could survive and advance.

Furthermore, the event included a session topic on “How the Thai economy will evolve?” from representatives of the country’s various political parties to demonstrate their vision such as Suwat Liptapanlop( President of the Chart Pattana Party),Dr. Pisit Leeahtam(The Democrat Party),Supant Mongkolsuthree(Chief of the Thai Sang Thai Party),Sontirat Sontijirawong(Secretary-general of Palang Pracharath Party),Attawit Suwanpakdee(Secretary-general of Kla Party,Paopoom Rojanasakul(Deputy Secretary -General of the Pheu Thai Party)

Published : August 01, 2022

By : Varunsuda Karunayadhaj

NE India festival opens in Bangkok as Delhi eyes Asean gateway

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40018355


Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit hosted India’s foreign minister at the launch of the second Northeast India Festival in Bangkok on Saturday, tightening trade ties between the two countries.

NE India festival opens in Bangkok as Delhi eyes Asean gateway

Speaking at the launch, Jurin said Northeast India was close to Thailand both geopolitically and culturally, adding that the Thailand-Myanmar-India highway project would boost trade and investment between the two countries.

The highway, being built under India’s Look East policy, will link Moreh in India with Mae Sot in Tak province.

“The festival will play a significant part in tightening the ties,” said Jurin, who is also deputy prime minister.

Northeast India is home to the Tai peoples, who share ethnic and language roots with Thai people. Jurin noted they also celebrate versions of Thailand’s Songkran festival – known as the Sangken festival in Arunachal Pradesh and Bohag Bihu in Assam.NE India festival opens in Bangkok as Delhi eyes Asean gateway

Thailand would sign a mini-free trade agreement (FTA) with Assam and other India states, said the commerce minister.

Northeast India comprises the eight states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim.

NE India festival opens in Bangkok as Delhi eyes Asean gatewayThe Indian government plans to use the Northeast as a gateway to Asean, with the three-country highway serving as the new trade link.

Thailand-India trade in the first six months of this year was worth 314.196 billion baht, up 34.26 per cent from the same period last year, according to the Department of International Trade Promotion. Thai exports to India were worth Bt185.94 billion.

NE India festival opens in Bangkok as Delhi eyes Asean gatewayThe two-day festival, which also commemorates the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Thailand and India, is being held at Centara Grand Hotel in CentralWorld, Bangkok.

Published : July 31, 2022

By : THE NATION

Innovation necessary to keep supply chains running, says Jurin

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40018306


The application of digital innovations and technology is necessary to boost supply chain liquidity, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said on Friday.

Innovation necessary to keep supply chains running, says Jurin

Jurin was speaking at an Asean Plus Three (APT) summit hosted by China on Friday, which he attended virtually.

APT comprises 10 Asean members, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, plus China, Japan and South Korea. The meeting on Friday was held to address the disruption to global supplies due to the Covid-19 crisis and political problems.

“Asean Plus Three should cooperate closely to maintain liquidity in the supply chain, such as reducing reliance on single production sources, etc,” Jurin said.

To achieve this, he listed four options that countries can adopt to boost supply chain liquidity. They are:

• Developing digital infrastructure for seamless, transparent and effective supply chain connection.

• Boosting the potential of human resources to further develop the technology industry.

• Promoting ease of trade by applying an electronic system in customs procedures.

• Strengthening cooperation at the regional level to strengthen supply chain connection and promote regional trade through pacts like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

He added that RCEP was one of the most concrete achievements that have helped create connections and expand supply chains in the region.

Trade between APT countries in the first five months of this year came in at US$563.53 billion (20.40 trillion baht), up 14 per cent year on year.

Published : July 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

Court plea in Singapore ‘won’t affect Zipmex customers in Thailand’

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40018298


Crypto-trading platform Zipmex Thailand confirmed on Friday that investors in Thailand will not be affected by the move of its headquarters to plead for moratorium relief in a Singapore court.

Court plea in Singapore 'won't affect Zipmex customers in Thailand'

Zipmex had said earlier that it had submitted moratorium applications in Singapore for all Zipmex entities, including Zipmex Co Ltd (incorporated in Thailand) on July 22.

Read the full statement: https://zipmex.com/th/en/moratorium-20220727/

The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ordered Zipmex to explain to customers on Thursday before 5pm so they would be able to attend the case conference on Friday.

Zipmex Thailand CEO Akalarp Yimwilai explained on Thursday that the process was initiated by Zipmex Asia Pte Ltd, headquartered in Singapore, and Zipmex Pte Ltd (affiliate in Singapore).

The objective is for both companies to be able to continue their business operations and secure investment for the business group. Akalarp assured that investors will not be affected by the decision as it is a strategy to solve the current issue.

He said the process was done under Singapore law and would not affect companies in Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia.

Akalarp said that the company is willing to cooperate with the SEC, other regulators, and Zipsters (Zipmex users) to solve the current situation.

He added that the company is determined to resolve the issue and rebuild trust among customers and investors.

Akalarp had said on Sunday that it would take legal action against crypto lenders Babel Finance and Celsius Network to retrieve its customers’ digital assets.

Zipmex Thailand had suspended trading for two hours last Wednesday, as a result customers were unable to withdraw coins from its ZipUp+ service, which is linked to Babel Finance and Celsius. The latter, a crypto lender, has now reportedly filed for bankruptcy in the US.

Published : July 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

Land expropriation for smart city in Chon Buri to start at year-end

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40018265


The government will start expropriating land in a tambon in Chon Buri province late this year for the construction of a smart city and EEC business hub with a budget of 1.34 trillion baht, a senior official said.

Land expropriation for smart city in Chon Buri to start at year-end

Kanit Saengsuphan, secretary-general of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO), said the office would start expropriating Sor Por Kor land in four villages of Tambon Huay Yai in in Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung district either late this year or early next year.

The Sor Por Kor is land allocated to landless farmers for farming. The land cannot be legally sold.

Kanit said the first phase of expropriation would cover plots in Ban Bueng (Moo 6), Ban Mab Phuk Thong (Moo 11), Ban Nok (Moo 12) and Ban Nong Phak Kood (Moo 13) villages in tambon Huay Yai.

Most of the plots are farm lands where villagers have planted rubber trees, palm trees, coconut trees and tapioca.

He said the office has dispatched teams to conduct public hearings and the plan had garnered support but also opposition.

An EECO source said the office was still in the process of negotiating land prices with farmers as many of them thought the offered prices were too low.

A source from Tambon Huay Yai said the first lot of expropriation would be done for 2,000 rai of land in Moo 13 village and the plot would be used for building the new EEC office. The source said public hearings with local people met with both agreement and disagreement as many local people saw the prices were too low.

Although the Sor Por Kor land cannot be legally sold and bought, the source from the tambon said many investors have already bought the right to hold the land from farmers in anticipation of getting benefits from the new city project.

The source said land price has shot up after it has become known now that the construction of the new EEC city would start in tambon Huay Yai along highway No 331 — the Sattahib-Khon Chi Chan Road.

Tambon Huay Yai has been selected as the centre of the new city apparently because it is located at the spot with convenient transportation. It is located near a station of the high-speed railway that will link the Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports. The spot is also near the U-Tapao airport, Pattaya and not too far from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The EECO source said some 14,600 rai (2,336 hectares) in tambon Huay Yai would be gradually expropriated. So far, the government has allocated 1.5 billion baht for the expropriation, the source added.

The source said the project would later expand to cover some 70,000 rai of smart city covering two more tambon – Pong and Khao Mai Kaew.

The cost of the entire project was set at 1.3 trillion baht over 20 years of development, the source added.

The source said the smart city would have low-rise buildings comfortable to live in and work from. It would cater to foreigners who would come to work in the EEC during the next 20 years, the source added.

Published : July 28, 2022

By : THE NATION

Consumers turning focus on environmentally friendly products

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40018263


Consumers are paying attention to environmentally friendly products and services, as environmental issues were affecting their lives, Kasikorn Research Centre (KResearch) said on Thursday.

Consumers turning focus on environmentally friendly products

KResearch said all consumers were affected by environmental issues in some way, such as rising cost of living due to natural disasters and medical expenses due to air pollution and waste.

It said environmental issues had forced consumers to improve their behaviour in a bid to mitigate the impact on the environment, such as by using biodegradable packages and energy-saving devices.

However, it said consumers weren’t interested in using public transportation to reduce energy consumption, making it necessary to develop a transportation system that meets consumers’ demands.

Consumers also want manufacturers to launch more environmentally friendly products and services, as well as boost confidence in product and service quality and safety, KResearch said.

It said 66.3 per cent of consumers are willing to purchase environmentally friendly products and services at a price not more than 20 per cent higher than normal ones.

It added that only 3.4 per cent of consumers are willing to purchase environmentally friendly products and services at a price similar to normal ones.

“This reflects consumers’ readiness to purchase products and services at a higher price to mitigate impact on the environment,” KResearch said.

It added that 71.4 per cent of consumers are interested in purchasing foods and beverages which are environmentally friendly, followed by consumer goods, such as soap, shampoo and detergent (49.3 per cent).

“The business sector may take advantage of this issue to expand business and boost sales,” KResearch said.

It added that 95.8 per cent of investors suggest the business sector should implement ESG — environmental, social, governance — strategy in business operations to gain confidence among consumers.

It added that 85.7 per cent said they are taking ESG strategy in their investment consideration.

“In addition, 75.4 per cent of respondents are likely to sell companies’ assets that are facing ESG issues,” KResearch said.

It added that 72.8 per cent of investors were interested to invest in businesses related to renewable energy, followed by biotechnology (50.1 per cent) and food and beverages (46.7 per cent).

KResearch also suggested that cooperation among sectors, especially the government sector, is necessary to tackle environmental issues and enable consumers to purchase environmentally friendly products and services at a reasonable price.

Published : July 28, 2022

By : THE NATION