Silom street vendors told to move following complaints from pedestrians
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2023
Bangkok city officials are negotiating with street vendors in the Silom area to get them to move from their present locations on the pavement to four nearby “hawker centres”.
Deputy Bangkok Governor Jakkapan Phiewngam told a press conference at the City Hall on Saturday that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has prepared the hawker centres on Convent Road, a spot opposite Sri Maha Mariamman Temple (also known as Wat Khaek), inside Soi Sala Daeng, and at Patpong Night Market.
Rent is 150 baht per day, Jakkapan said.
There are 69 street vendors on sidewalks in the Silom area, most of whom sell food, Jakkapan said. Thirty operate at night while the other 39 start serving customers from 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm.
He said that the BMA started “seeking cooperation” from the Silom street vendors to move on January 17. Some have started moving to the new locations provided.
“From January 17, the management of street vending in the Silom became stricter. All sides have agreed on the need for that so that the city can be lively and orderly while the vendors can survive,” Jakkapan said.
The BMA has cancelled permission for street vendors to operate on the stretch of Silom Road leading to Rama IV Road following complaints that they made it difficult for pedestrians to use the pavement, he said.
Police chief orders probe into ‘siren service’ for Chinese tourist
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2023
Thailand’s national police chief has ordered an investigation into claims by a Chinese tourist that she received “special services” from Thai police – for a price – during a visit to Pattaya with her mother, following a video clip that went viral on TikTok.
National police chief Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas is aware of the video and has ordered an investigation to find out if the people in the video clip are Thai police officers, Royal Thai Police spokesman Maj-Gen Atchayon Kraithong said on Saturday.
Atchayon said his boss wants the results of the investigation delivered to him quickly.
In the video clip that went viral in China, the young woman who posted it says she was offered a police escort while booking transport from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Pattaya.
A police escort from Thailand’s largest airport to one of its most popular seaside resorts costs 7,000 baht for a car and 6,000 baht for a motorcycle, she says in the video.
“I have never seen anything like this so I decided to try the service,” she explains.
Atchayon said the investigative team would determine whether such services were available to tourists.
In the video, the woman says she was surprised when a bespectacled man in a dark jacket and khaki trousers was waiting to greet her as she disembarked from her plane. The man led her to a fast-track line to get her passport stamped.
“I didn’t have to use the queue and [the process] just took five minutes,” she says in the video.
The man also picked up her luggage for her.
Just outside the arrival hall’s exit, a silver police car and a black-and-white police vehicle were parked, with two men in Thai police uniforms waiting for her, the tourist said.
She gave a 200 baht tip to a man wearing a vest with the words “Traffic Police” emblazoned on it.
One of the “officers” opened the door to the car to allow her to sit inside it.
The siren was used during the ride from the airport to Pattaya.
It took her only one hour to arrive at her hotel in the resort town. The drive – without a police siren – can often take up to three hours.
It is unclear when the tourist received such a welcome from Thailand’s finest, or men impersonating them.
Thailand has seen an influx of Chinese tourists since Beijing relaxed its zero Covid-19 policy on January 8.
Atchayon said on Saturday that special immigration treatment for ordinary tourists was prohibited.
Police escorts, he said, were available only for certain groups of people, including politicians and official guests.
Police escorts are also available for school trips to ensure safety reasons and for senior state officials who are in a rush, he added.
Unnecessary use of police escorts can affect road safety and further taint the reputation of Thai police.
“If the relevant laws and regulations were not followed, all those involved will be punished,” he said.
New overbridge aims to reduce traffic jams at Bangkok’s Premier Intersection
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2023
A new overbridge in Bangkok opened to traffic on Saturday above Premier Intersection on Srinakarin Road.
The 850-metre-long bridge, with two lanes on each side, is located below the elevated tracks of the Yellow Line light rail mass transit system, which connects Bangkok’s Lat Phrao area and Samut Prakan province’s Samrong area.
The newly completed bridge, built by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand during the construction of the Yellow Line, sits beneath an area between its Suan Luang and Si Udom stations.
The bridge was built to ease traffic congestion at the junction, which has two shopping malls nearby.
Its opening ceremony on Saturday was attended by senior officials from the transit authority, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Metropolitan Police Bureau, and the Transport Ministry.
Construction of the Yellow Line was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic but is expected to start operating later this year.
Digital ID now valid as government moves to make services more efficient
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2023
Thais can now get access to services from government agencies by using their digital identification on a mobile device instead of a physical ID card, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Saturday.
The development flows from Section 14 of the Digital Public Service Act, which took effect on January 10. It allows digital ID to be used to access government services, Anucha said.
The law aims to improve the quality of government services and make it more efficient by using cutting-edge technology, Anucha said, adding that the shift to digitalised government services is a global trend.
An application – D.DOPA – has been developed by the Department of Provincial Administration for registering a digital ID. It can be used on both the iOS and Android platforms.
To register, a citizen must present their physical ID card to their district office’s registry division and then open the D.DOPA app. They will then need to enter a 13-digit ID number, accept the terms and conditions, scan a QR code, and fill out a Personal Data Protection Act consent form.
Anucha said people can show their digital ID on their devices when contacting government agencies or when an official requests an ID check.
“The digital ID has the same validity as physical ID and must be accepted by all agencies and officials,” he said.
Prayut, Prawit pepper Chinese New Year greetings with electoral promises
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2023
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha posted a Facebook message wishing all Thai-Chinese people good fortune, health and wealth on the occasion of Chinese New Year.
The message posted on Friday also urged people travelling upcountry to be careful and kind to others.
The prime minister added that his government will continue strengthening ties with China and promote bilateral cooperation, especially on economic and social aspects, for the happiness and prosperity of people from both countries.
Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, meanwhile, attended the Pak Nam Pho Chinese New Year festival in Nakhon Sawan province on Friday.
The festival, which kicked off on Monday, will run until next Thursday.
Prawit wished the festivalgoers a happy and wealthy 2023, as he promoted his Palang Pracharath Party’s new slogan: “Rising above conflict, solving problems and improving Thailand from all sectors”.
He also highlighted the party’s key policies, namely raising the monthly state welfare payment to 700 baht from the current limit of 300 baht for people earning less than 30,000 baht a year.
Prayut will run in the upcoming May general election as the PM candidate for the United Thai Nation Party, while his brother-in-arms Prawit will be the PM candidate for Palang Pracharath Party.
‘Spiral Garden’ inventor Atsada: Outstanding Thai National Youth Award 2023
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2023
Stephanie Adair
Atsada Israpanich, a 17-year-old student from International School Bangkok who invented the “Spiral Garden”, has been honored with the prestigious 2023 Prime Minister’s Award (PM Award) for “Outstanding Thai National Youth who brought recognition to Thailand”.
The PM Award was granted in recognition of Atsada’s Spiral Garden innovation, which has received accolades, gold medals, and special awards in international competitions from the UK, Canada, South Korea, and Turkey.
The Spiral Garden – a device for growing fresh vegetables in less space – was inspired by Atsada’s passion for natural surroundings after he moved to a city condominium.
The unique design and function enable those living in small spaces, such as apartments, to grow their own food conveniently and effectively.
Atsada is also responsible for the “CO2 Capture” project – a system that turns carbon dioxide into plant fertiliser – which won gold medals and special awards in Indonesia and China last year.
His projects aim to help Thailand achieve the four dimensions of Food Security laid out at the 1996 World Food Summit:
– Food Availability: Via sufficient school gardens for local Thai schools with technology
– Food Accessibility: Via Spiral Garden
– Food Utilisation: By developing healthy, low-cost menus for impoverished communities in Bangkok
– Food Stability: Via the Seed Bank Set Project in Chiang Mai to support Hilltribes (www.theseedbanksetproject.com).
As well as being an innovator, Atsada is also an entrepreneur of a social enterprise. He is the founder and CEO of Boon for Life (www.boonforlifethailand.com), an online platform that provides a bridge between the underprivileged and benefactors.
“When you have a passion, drive for it, and you will reach it. I would like to invite all interested and passionate youths to join,” said Atsada.
KTC achieves a new all-time high profit of THB 7.14 billion
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2023
The company boasts receivables portfolio exceeding 100 billion baht, ready to drive the organization towards a strong foundation.
KTC announces its operating results for the year 2022 which better than expected and achieves a new all-time high profit once again. Net profit in the separate financial statements equaled to 7.14 billion baht, increased by 14.2% and in the consolidated financial statements equaled to 7.079 billion baht, increased by 20.4%, while total receivables portfolio equaled to Baht 104.194 billion. KTC is preparing to drive the organization towards a strong foundation under the concept of “A Transition to the New Foundation”, emphasizing its reputation as a trusted organization among all group of stakeholders.
Mr. Rathian Srimongkol, President & Chief Executive Officer, “KTC” or Krungthai Card Public Company Limited, states “The recovery of tourism sector and private sectors consumption from 4Q22 until now causes the Thai economy to expand accordingly, employment and labor income risen. As a result, the overall picture of the credit card and personal loan businesses resumed to grow continuously. This reflects consumer confidence and demand for personal loan still has room to grow.”
“In 2022, KTC operated its main business according to strategies and targets in various areas and the operating performance was better than expected accordingly compared to the same period of 2021. Both credit card receivables portfolio expanded by 15.4% and personal loan portfolio expanded by 10.4%, as well as KTC credit card spending volume with a noticeable growth of 21.7%, amounted to 238.257 billion baht, higher than the same period of 2019, which was the pre-COVID-19 period. It is likely that credit card spending volume will continue to increase in 2023. The new booking of “KTC P BERM CAR FOR CASH” receivables portfolio equaled to 1.055 billion baht after the announcement of the adjusted target in 3Q22. Nevertheless, KTC will focus on cooperating closely with KTB so that “KTC P BERM CAR FOR CASH” portfolio will achieve the new booking target of 9 billion baht by the end of 2023.”
“Although KTC’s credit card and personal loan portfolios have expanded in the past year, KTC still pays attention to the strict criteria for acquiring new customers from the beginning in order to maintain the quality of portfolio with low NPL ratio. Moreover, provisions and write-offs were adjusted properly according to portfolio nature in each business as it should be which cover risks that may occur in the future. The Company also managed to lower its finance costs, while the administrative expense increased from recruiting new members and marketing promotional campaign was also higher in order to invest in portfolio building. Total revenue grew mainly from an increase of interest income and fee income which expanded in response to an increase in business volume. Consequently, the Company was able to achieve the new highest profit record once again.”
“KTC’s operating results as of December 31, 2022; KTC has a total member base of 3,289,839 accounts; total loans to customers and accrued interest receivables amounted to 104.194 billion baht; NPL Ratio (% of total NPL) was at 1.8%. Credit Card Business has a total of 2,550,592 cards; credit card receivables equaled to 69.462 billion baht, NPL of credit card was at 1.1%. Personal Loan Business has a total of 739,247 accounts; personal loan receivables equaled to 32.283 billion baht; NPL of personal loan was at 2.8%. KTBL Lease Receivables amounted to 2.449 billion baht; NPL of lease receivables was at 8.9% which decreased significantly due to the written-off of existing debt with full provisions. The Company also focuses more on acquiring new commercial loan customers in 2023. The number of new booking portfolio by the end of 2022 equaled to 1.372 billion baht.”
“In 2022, KTC’s total revenue equaled to 23.231 billion baht, increased by 8.3% compared to the year 2021 mainly from an increase of interest income (including credit usage fee) and fee income by 5.6% and 15.8% respectively. Total bad debt recovery equaled to 3.421 billion baht, increased by 4.7%. Total expense equaled to 14.377 billion baht, increased by 1.3% due to administrative expense increased by 10.8% mainly from an increase of marketing expense by 34.5% and an increase of fee expense by 16.2%. Expected credit loss decreased by 10.8% and finance costs dropped by 1.6%.”
“KTC still focuses on efficient cost of fund management. At the end of 2022, KTC’s total borrowing equaled to 61.635 billion baht, increased from 2021 by 13.3% whereas sources of fund structure were both from short-term and long-term borrowings at the ratio of 24%:76% respectively, comprising of loans from KTB amounted to 6 billion baht, from other financial institutions and related financial institutions amounted to 10.179 billion baht and debentures amounted to 45.456 billion baht. Cost of fund stood at 2.4%. Debt-to-equity ratio stood at 2.2 times, which is well below the bond covenant limited at 10 times and available credit lines equaled to 20.709 billion baht.”
“The business direction for 2023 is to drive KTC towards a strong organizational foundation under the concept of “A Transition to the New Foundation” where KTC will make a big change in terms of organizational structure, strategies, processes, technologies and services in 3 core dimensions which are 1) Enterprise Architecture – manage and align the whole business structures, IT systems and operating systems together 2) Enterprise Skill Assets – encourage KTC employee to develop important skills in various areas in order to move forward with the Company and 3) Enterprise Data Assets – manage information from planning, storing, accessing as well as data destruction, focusing on safety, accuracy and transparency so that KTC has a quality database supporting efficient operations.”
“KTC also foresees opportunities and strives to grow its payment business and retail lending business by paying special attention to increase “KTC P BERM CAR FOR CASH” receivables portfolio in order to acquire new customers to generate strong profit base. Meanwhile, credit card and personal loan businesses will grow at the accelerated rate by emphasizing on acquiring new customers as well as creating marketing activities in accordance with the changing circumstances. As a result, marketing expense and provisions may increase in accordance with the expanding portfolio. For the upcoming economic conditions, KTC may face higher cost of fund, as well as higher expense from marketing expense and provisions according to portfolio quality. For the loyalty platform “MAAI by KTC” (My by KTC) which was categorized in a constant developing business model, it may not generate income in the early stage. Nevertheless, KTC is confident that it will achieve growth target in terms of credit card spending and receivables portfolio expansion.”
“For KTBL’s business, the Company focuses on commercial loans acquisition such as trucks, etc., with a target of new booking for the year 2023 equaled to 3 billion baht. The company will also continue to offer loans to retail customers; however, the Company will grant loan according to the credit quality of customers. Thereby, this business expects to generate profit in 2023.”
SCBX Announced 2022 net profit of 37.5 billion baht
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2023
SCB X Public Company Limited reported a net profit of 37.5 billion baht in 2022, a 5.5% YoY increase, mainly due to strong net interest income growth, cost management discipline, and lower provisions. Nevertheless, it was offset by a fee and investment-related income decline.
For 2022, net interest income rose 13.3% YoY to 107.9 billion baht, following an increase in net interest margin under the growth strategy towards quality loans and an upward interest rate trend. Meanwhile, overall loans expanded by 3.3% from the previous year.
Fee and other income stood at 44.9 billion baht, down 4.7% YoY due to the slowdown in the wealth management business. Investment and trading income also dropped 79.1% YoY to 1.7 billion baht due to extreme monetary and capital volatility.
Operating expenses increased 10.0% YoY to 69.9 billion baht, mainly on the back of increasing business activities and restructuring efforts under the ‘Mothership’ strategy. However, the cost-to-income ratio remained at an appropriate level of 45.2%, a slight increase from the previous year.
The Company set aside provisions of baht 33.8 billion for 2022, down 19.5% YoY, thanks to proactive measures and a prudent approach to credit quality management implemented since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the recovery in business sectors. The non-performing loan (NPL) coverage ratio increased to 159.7%.
The NPL ratio eased to 3.34% at the end of 2022, from 3.79% at the end of 2021, largely due to a comprehensive debt restructuring program under the Bank of Thailand’s framework and effective NPL management. The capital adequacy ratio also remained strong at 18.9%.
Arthid Nanthawithaya, Chief Executive Officer of SCBX, said “In the next 1-2 years, we will emphasize leapfrogging of digital-lending businesses, following talents and business strategies preparations. For SCB Bank, we will continue to proceed with the ‘Be a Better Bank’ strategy, to achieve quality growth at a lower cost base. Our technology and digital asset businesses will adopt a prudent investment approach, taking into consideration market conditions. Regarding financial performance in 2022, SCBX continued its growth momentum and maintained financial stability by adopting appropriate risk management under extreme volatility in the capital market. Looking forward, we believe SCBX and its portfolio companies can enjoy significant growth potential thanks to the ‘Mothership’ strategy and overall business recovery.”
DHL Express kicks off 2023 with Top Employer achievement for Asia Pacific
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2023
DHL Express has started 2023 on a positive note with the achievement of Asia Pacific Top Employer 2023 for the ninth consecutive year.
Additionally, the Top Employer Institute also awarded 10 countries and territories across the region the Top Employer certification. These include Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
DHL Express also wrapped up 2022 with more than 50 HR awards won by individual national companies. These include recognitions for workplaces celebrating diversity while creating a positive and happy environment. The accolades are also aligned with the company’s annual Employee Opinion Survey. Employees gave a score of 97 out of 100 for “Employee Engagement“, indicating their overall satisfaction with the company.
“This is great news to start the new year,” said Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific, DHL Express. “The Top Employer recognition is a massive pat on the back for all of us. I am also incredibly proud of our team and the number of awards they have won. We’ve always focused on our people’s well-being and will continue to do so.”
Investing in people and providing development opportunities
Each year, DHL Express invests more than EUR300 ( 10,663 baht )per employee to ensure they have access to learning and career development opportunities. To foster a sense of belonging and enable leadership development is the internal training initiative “Certified”, where employees gain the knowledge and skills needed to perform their job competently.
The investment also goes to taking care of people’s well-being and needs. For example, the company organizes yoga and meditation workshops to help employees manage their physical and mental health. Employees can also dial a 24-hour employee assistance hotline hosted by professional counsellors whenever they need a listening ear.
“We are honoured to be the Top Employer as it shows that we have robust policies and initiatives. As we navigate the changing workplace landscape, we continue to make things right and treat people with respect,” said Mateen Thiruselvaam, Human Resources Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific, DHL Express. “Awards may be important, but our people are an indispensable asset. Our employees see us as an HR trusted partner. We must continue to find ways to engage our people in open and meaningful conversations, to drive positive change across the organization.”
As a global company with an international network, DHL Express employs about 120,000 specialists worldwide, covering hundreds of professions such as parcel delivery, hub operators, aircraft maintenance, network planning, IT, and more. Last year, 27% of females in Asia Pacific (excluding China) are in middle and upper management. The aim is to increase the share of women in leadership positions to 30% by 2025.
DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 81 billion euros ( 2.8 trillion baht ) in 2021. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.
Flagship launch brings Jetts Thailand to 40-club milestone
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2023
Brisbane, January 2023 – Jetts Fitness has reached the 40-club milestone in Thailand with the opening of a flagship club in the town of Si Racha, on the country’s eastern seaboard.
The new club, which opened on 1 January 2023, is located in Central Si Racha – the year-old megamall, owned by global retail giant The Central Group, that’s set to become the area’s largest mixedusedevelopment over the next few years, with the addition of a hotel and residential complex alongside the already-constructed convention hall.
The club occupies a high footfall, high visibility location on the second floor of the shopping mall, with 19m of Jetts-branded internal frontage. Meanwhile, 1,105sq m of floor space make this latest club around 35 per cent larger than the Jetts 24 Hour Fitness average, resulting in an expansive offering that incorporates signature elements from the chain’s two premium clubs, Jetts Black. Pricing is, however, in line with the Jetts 24 Hour Fitness norm, with membership starting at THB1,500 a month (US$43 / £35).
The mould-breaking addition at Si Racha is The Playground: a 100sq m functional training amphitheatre with enough space for multiple PT sessions to take place simultaneously. Laid with artificial turf, it’s equipped with a great range of ZIVA kit, from core bags to dumbbells to kettlebells. Usually only available at Jetts Black, Si Racha is the first Jetts 24 Hour Fitness-branded gym to incorporate The Playground concept.
There’s also a dedicated zone for Jetts’ signature J Series group HIIT classes; an extra-large free weights area with enough space for multiple units of high-demand equipment; a large group exercise studio that can accommodate around 50 participants; and a four-lane, 10m sled track –only the second in the 40-club estate. All of this sits alongside a comprehensive cardio and strength floor equipped by Matrix.
“We’ve hit another home run with this fantastic new club, which opened with 800 members,” said Mike Lamb, CEO of FLG Thailand; the Jetts brand and operation in Thailand is wholly owned by APAC health club giant Fitness & Lifestyle Group (FLG). “We’re confident we will reach our 1,500-member capacity within six months of opening.”
He added: “Jetts is delighted to cement its strong relationship with The Central Group, with the opening at Si Racha following on closely from our 1 December 2022 launch at Central Chanthaburi.“It’s great to see our gyms progressively move into higher traffic zones within Central’s malls, reflecting the value and energy our well-recognised international fitness brand brings to these world-class malls.”
Already Thailand’s #1 gym chain by number of locations, Jetts currently has three more clubs in the advanced pipeline – including one under construction – and plans to end 2023 with at least 45 locations.
“We believe Thailand, with its population of around 60 million people – including around 10 million in Bangkok – can ultimately support 100 Jetts clubs,” said Greg Oliver, Group CEO of Fitness & Lifestyle Group. “We’re excited by the opportunity to serve this growing market, and with the fantastic team we have in place, are ready to seize that opportunity and cement our position as Thailand’s #1.”
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