Outstanding value of bonds issued by Thai firms as of September 2021 is recorded at THB14.9 trillion, increasing 57 per cent comparing to the same period last year, the Thai Bond Market Association (ThaiBMA) revealed on Friday.
“Total value of bonds issued by Thai firms in the first three quarters amounted to THB817.5 billion,” said Ariya Diranaprakit, deputy managing director at ThaiBMA. “The top five businesses that issued the most bonds are energy (20.6 per cent), property (15.1 per cent), finance (13.6 per cent), commerce (12.8 per cent) and food (11.8 per cent).”
Ariya added that ThaiMBA also found that increasing number of sellers having been using online channels and mobile applications to sell bonds during Covid-19 lockdown to facilitate investors.
“The total buying value of foreign investors in nine months of 2021 is recorded at Bt66 billion, with total bond holding value among foreign investors as of end of third quarter recorded at Bt915.9 billion, or 6 per cent of total outstanding value of Thai bonds,” she said. “About 90 per cent of these are long term bonds with average holding period of 9.4 years”
ThaiMBA estimates that in the last quarter of 2021 the yield of long-term bond of up to 10 years will rise marginally following the trend of global market, but could still fluctuate depending on a number of economic factors that have yet to be revealed.
Limited-Time Deals & The Chance to Access Extraordinary Experiences in Incredible Destinations Inspire Members to Rediscover the Wonder of Travel
Marriott Bonvoy – Marriott International’s award-winning travel program – is reigniting wanderlust by introducing its second annual members’ week, Week of Wonders, featuring exceptional travel offers available exclusively for Marriott Bonvoy members.
From October 7 to October 14, members will have access to a variety of Wonders centered on themes including escape, delight, adventure, comfort, luxury, discovery and more. These offers will be available across Marriott Bonvoy’s extensive portfolio of extraordinary brands in Asia Pacific. Members can participate in multiple offers, providing more opportunities for them to take advantage of everything in the Marriott Bonvoy travel program – whether that’s hotel stays, bonus points, redemption offer, or member’ discount. The promotions are available to all members – even those who enroll during the window of the promotion.
As well as giving members the chance to accelerate the number of points they can earn, Week of Wonders provides them with the chance to truly reward themselves. Members can take advantage of exclusive deals on stays at luxury hotel properties and also enjoy retail opportunities with Marriott Bonvoy’s online store, Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques.
“We’re excited to show appreciation for our loyal members through Week of Wonders, allowing travelers to reignite their spirit of discovery and unlock the power of travel with Marriott Bonvoy,” said David Flueck, Senior Vice President, Marriott Bonvoy. “With these rich offers, members have more reasons to plan and book their long-awaited dream vacation, cross off bucket-list items with terrific experiences, or reward themselves with some much-needed luxury.”
Members can explore through Marriott Bonvoy’s expansive portfolio of hotels with 25% off at participating hotels across Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China).
Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card holders can register from October 7 through October 14, 2021 and earn 2,000 points after booking and completing an eligible stay at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy by November 21, 2021. The stay must include one paid night. Terms apply.
Travelers eager to discover new places, cultures, and people near and far can book their next hotel redemption stay for up to 33% fewer points during Week of Wonders.
During Week of Wonders, members will receive a 50% bonus and Elite members a 55% bonus on purchases of 2,000 or more points – making it easier and quicker for them to get to that next dream vacation.
Members seeking to elevate their travel experiences can do so in style by booking the Week of Wonders Escape to Luxury offer. As part of this offer, guests booking a 2+ night stay will receive up to $300 in folio credit to be used on a variety of amenities during their stay at some of the most magnificent luxury hotels within the EDITION, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and The Ritz-Carlton portfolios.
Members can enjoy 20% off when they shop at Marriott Bonvoy’s online store Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques, making every day feel like a vacation. From the iconic Westin Heavenly® Bed, to the EDITION signature scent, to sumptuous bathrobes from The Ritz-Carlton, travelers can experience the joy of good travel from the comfort of their homes.
Members seeking adventure can earn 1,500 bonus points on each stay now through December 21, 2021 when they register here for the global promotion, which will continue to run during Week of Wonders.
Tourism Council of Thailand collaborates with IsWhere on digital marketing platform open for all Thai businesses.
The Tourism Council of Thailand (“TCT”) President Chamnan Srisawat recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore based IsWhere for use of IsWhere’s digital marketing platform for all its members to easily reach both domestic and international travelers and speed up travel recovery.
The Thai Government has announced the reopening of certain provinces to tourism over the next quarter and although there is a huge pent-up desire to travel, travelers are wary of committing to a destination not knowing how safe the Covid-19 situation is, and what services are open and available upon arrival. IsWhere digital marketing platform allows all Government Authorities, travel merchants and any other retail merchants to register their locations completely FREE informing tourists of the updated COVID safety situation in their shops and that they are open for business. The updated COVID and travel information on the IsWhere platform will provide comfort to potential travelers and increase the likelihood of them booking and traveling to Thai destinations.
TCT President Srisawat stated “This COVID-19 crisis has affected all business groups across the country. Tourism is a vital economic sector for Thailand and a speedy recovery is imperative to help members and the local community recover quickly. TCT recognizes the importance of enhancing the capacity of the holistic tourism industry under the Travel Recovery Project and by partnering with IsWhere digital marketing platform technology, TCT members can instantly promote their services. Members can make their own marketing content and invite customers to visit their shop via online”. President Srisawat is encouraging all TCT members to sign up and register for free on IsWhere.com and start promoting their business. IsWhere will not charge members for GP fees or OTA commissions from sales revenue, “No GP, No OTA” he exclaimed.
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Phuket Tourism a member of TCT, which reopened under the Government Sandbox scheme on 1st July, is seeing a steady climb in inbound numbers and the Association is encouraging all its members to now register on IsWhere.com platform and begin marketing promotions for the upcoming high season to increase advance online bookings.
Likewise, TCT member – Thai Medical and Wellness Tourism Association, who’s members shops have been particularly severely hit by the COVID-19 business closure, are informing all its members about IsWhere digital marketing platform and President K. Prapa Wongphet stated “better online promotion of medical and wellness tourism services and COVID-19 safety measures offered by our members facilities will give confidence for travelers to stay longer and enjoy Thai hospitality as well as receiving medical treatments for health or beauty.”
Registration on the digital marketing platform is FREE for all Tourism Council members, who are also eligible for a special fifty percent discounts in October, on digital promotions using IsWhere platform. Merchants from all travel and retail sectors – hotel, restaurants, Spa, wellness & medical, shopping etc., can run and manage their own unlimited online digital campaigns and advertise special deals and services for tourists from as low as Baht 1,500 per month per location, significantly lower than normal pay per click online ads and the high percentage OTA’s fees charged for bookings.
IsWhere has formed relationships with Huawei to reach its 600 million digital customers across the globe, and consumer digital marketing channels in Singapore and Taiwan where Thailand is a favorite travel destination search. Huawei also provides IsWhere multi-lingual capability, technology, and connectivity enhancements for international travelers.
Terence Mak, CEO/Founder of IsWhere said “Thailand is a global top tourist destination with lots to see and do for both foreign and local travelers. IsWhere is the only platform where Thai people across the country can find information and promotions for all types of businesses such as hotels, restaurants, food and beverage outlets, shopping, Health spa and massage shops and tourist attractions plus more than 42,000 Thai Buddhist temples across the country – including making online donations. The TCT deal is very timely as Thailand reopens and competes with many other countries to capture cautious travelers. IsWhere platform will allow travel merchants to digitally advertise and connect to both local and global travelers letting them know all is open, safe, and welcoming them to “rediscover Thailand’s beautiful destinations again”.
Chargé d’Affaires Michael Heath and Director-General Witchu Vejjajiva of the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with other distinguished guests, broke ground today on a new Embassy annex that is emblematic of the U.S.-Thai relationship: rooted in history and forward-looking.
Chargé d’Affaires Michael Heath commented, “In 2017 we marked 200 years of friendship between our two nations. In 2020 we celebrated both the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Consulate General in Chiang Mai, as well as the groundbreaking of a new Consulate compound.
I am proud to break new ground with you today on this latest example of our commitment to a shared future with Thailand.”
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U.S. Embassy and Distinguished Guests Celebrate Start of Construction of New Building
“All the U.S. Embassy office buildings in Thailand represent so much more than bricks and mortar; they embody the amity and spirit of cooperation – symbolizing the commitment to forging ahead with Thailand through thick and thin and on the basis of our shared values and mutual interests,” said Director-General Witchu. “This new building will both symbolize and synergize our common aspirations and joint efforts in the future,” he continued.
U.S. Embassy and Distinguished Guests Celebrate Start of Construction of New Building
The design of the building and grounds reflect Thai cultural heritage, with areas that resemble Thailand’s chaan style of shaded gathering spaces and Lanna design features inspired by traditional Northern architecture.
At the same time, the state-of-the art building, which is expected to be completed in 2025, targets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification and incorporates environmentally friendly design elements, such as a rainwater and storm water management system and energy recovery air conditioning systems. These design features and construction technologies will reduce our demand for non-renewable energies and ease the burden on the city’s utilities.
U.S. Embassy and Distinguished Guests Celebrate Start of Construction of New Building
To honor Bangkok’s history and the site’s beautiful flora, the new annex incorporates green space to showcase the natural beauty of Thailand, while reducing the heat-island effect associated with urban development. With the restoration of the two historic Salas, we are providing additional space to gather outside and to respect our shared history.
U.S. Embassy and Distinguished Guests Celebrate Start of Construction of New Building
This new building, which will be housed on the existing U.S. Embassy compound, will centralize Embassy operations, modernize our platform for diplomacy and consular services, and strengthen the foundation of cooperation and collaboration between our nations.
Vietjet plans to resume domestic services connecting Vietnams transportation hub of Ho Chi Minh City with Quy Nhon, Thanh Hoa, Tuy Hoa, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang with a daily return flight each from October 10, 2021.
Vietjet plans to resume domestic services connecting Vietnam’s transportation hub of Ho Chi Minh City with Quy Nhon, Thanh Hoa, Tuy Hoa, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang with a daily return flight each from October 10, 2021. The airline also looks to operate two services from Thanh Hoa to Nha Trang and to Phu Quoc with two return flights per week. All services will implement seat spacing in accordance with the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam’s regulations between October 10-19, 2021.
Detailed information of flight schedule and ticket booking will be updated at www.vietjetair.com and Vietjet Air mobile app as well as ticket offices and official agents once approved.
All of Vietjet’s aircraft are equipped HEPA filter system that filters up to 99.7% of dust particles, bacteria and viruses. All frontline staff serving passengers have been fully vaccinated, regularly tested for Covid-19 and fully equipped with the high-standard protection equipment.
To comply with the pandemic prevention regulations while enjoying safe and convenient flights, passengers are required to practice 5K principles, including wearing a face mask, disinfecting, keeping a distance, no gathering, and declaring health. Within 24 hours before their scheduled departure time, passengers are expected to carry out online check-in via www.vietjetair.com or Vietjet Air mobile app as well as declaring regulated medical information at https://vnkm.yte.gov.vn.
The annual Global Compact Network Thailand (GCNT) Forum 2021 will this year be held online on October 11, 2021.
The Global Compact Network in Thailand, in partnership with the United Nations in Thailand is organizing the GCNT Forum, which brings together a broad range of delegates to discuss strategies on maximizing the positive contribution of business to Thailand’s climate leadership and chart a path to a more inclusive future.
With the theme ‘Thailand’s Climate Leadership Summit 2021: A New Era of Accelerated Actions’, this year’s event will focus on the role private sector leadership can play to move towards carbon neutrality in Thailand against the grim backdrop of the climate crisis. General Prayuth Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand, will deliver opening remarks.
Thanyaporn Krichtitayawuth, Executive Director at GCNT, said that climate change is a more serious threat to humanity than the COVID-19 crisis, which may eventually disappear. Climate change is one of the most pressing and challenging issues in sustainable development as has been confirmed by recent scientific reports. Our world is experiencing worsening global warming: intense wildfires, rising sea levels, melting Polar ice caps and reduced snowfall all culminating in the year 2020 being the world’s warmest year on record.
The central objective of the Paris Agreement is to hold the increase in global average temperatures to 1.5-degree Celsius from pre-industrial levels. Despite this, the year 2020 saw a 1.2-degree Celsius of warming, pointing to the severity of the current situation. The former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said: “There is no Plan B because there is no Planet B” – all this means we must take serious action now to preserve tomorrow as there is no spare planet.
Normally held in Bangkok, the Forum this year is virtual, with more than 70 GCNT members, private sector organizations and stakeholders in Thailand mobilized to work together through a “solutions-oriented” approach to mitigate the climate challenge. At the same time, they will take stock of progress made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country since last year’s forum, focusing on responsible business commitments and the role Thai private sector can play in charting the next steps to address climate change.
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The opening segment will be chaired by high-level delegates including General Prayuth Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand; H.E. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand; Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact; Suphachai Chearavanont, Chairperson of GCNT; Gita Sabharwal, UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand; Dr. Pakorn Peetathawatchai, President of Stock Exchange of Thailand; and Ruenvadee Suwanmongkol, Secretary-General, Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand.
Global Compact, United Nations to accelerate Thailand’s business leadership on climate action
Leading companies in Thailand which are expected to take part in the event include Charoen Pokphand Group Company Limited., Thai Beverage Public Company Limited., CP ALL Public Company Limited., Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited., HSBC Thailand., Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Company Limited., NR Instant Produce Public Company Limited., True Corporation Public Company Limited., Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited., BCPG Public Company Limited, C.P. INTERTRADE Company Limited., Charoen Pokphand Produce Company Limited., IRPC Public Company Limited., Ek-chai Distribution System Company Limited., Siam Makro Public Company Limited., Oklin (Thailand) Company Limited., Pranda Group, PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited, PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited, PTT Public Company Limited., Thai Oil Public Company Limited. and Krungthai Bank Public Company Limited. Representatives from the United Nations will also be speaking at the GCNT Forum, including UNIDO, UNEP, and UNDP.
Exclusive Travel Guides Offer Insider Intel On What’s New/Next In Design, Music, Fashion And Wellness In Nine W Hotels Destinations
There are no strangers when you travel, only friends you haven’t met yet. W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, today announced an exciting collaboration with LUXE City Guides – to curate a series of print and digital travel guides packed with insider information for W Hotels guests in nine W Hotels destinations including Bali, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Osaka, Shanghai, Singapore, Suzhou and Xi’an. The look of the W Hotels LUXE City Guide is influenced by Spring/Summer 2022 trends, with fabulous, eye-catching colours and layouts brimming with the know-how of a savvy local pal.
“The W brand’s mission has always been to fuel our guests’ lust for life by providing them with access to the latest trends and immersive experiences unique to each city, and the W Hotels LUXE City Guide is the latest example of what we do,” said Jennie Toh, Vice President Brand Marketing and Management, Marriott International Asia Pacific. “As everyone gets ready to jetset once again, the guide will be the perfect resource for new/next discoveries for those waiting to rediscover the joy of travel.”
The W Hotel LUXE City Guide provides a plethora of quick, to-the-point travel tips in a 24-hour timeline format, including where to go, what to see and which eateries are not to be missed in each destination. The guide taps into the W brand’s DNA by inspiring guests to connect with each city and culture through the approaches of great music, design, fashion and FUEL – the brand’s unique take on wellness. By directing visitors to the best spots for interesting art, delectable eats and local fun, the guide empowers guests to make the most out of every trip.
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Discovering Xi’an’s Other Underground Scene
The bold and bright W Xi’an tantalizes with step-out balconies offering fantastic panoramas of the historic city, welcoming guests with inspired culinary offerings at its three dining spots, as well as bespoke cocktail selections at its signature WOOBAR. The LUXE guide’s advice for 24 hours in Xi’an starts with grabbing street snacks for breakfast and a scenic bike ride around the city walls, whizzing past Xi’an old and new. A Shaanxi cuisine lunch is recommended behind the local market in a casual alfresco courtyard, while the evening is dedicated to cocktails and beers in underground-style speakeasies and local taprooms, or a refreshing soak and scrub at a classic local bathhouse.
Detox And Retox In Osaka
W Osaka blends Japan’s cultural heritage with bold contemporary designs in an atmosphere of playful chic and seamless luxury, immersing guests in extraordinary social and culinary experiences. A day in Osaka can begin with an onsen hot spring experience in the morning, followed by a visit to a local indie art gallery and people-watching at Orange Street, lined with boutiques and cafés. Night owls can sample chicken sashimi at Osaka’s only Michelin-starred yakitori joint, or party the night away at the city’s clubs and nightspots which are open till 5:00 AM.
On The Go In Melbourne
Holding the back-lane entrance keys to what’s new/next in the city CBD and taking its design cues from the streets of Australia’s cultural capital, W Melbourne is a playground where the early risers to the late-night revellers can mingle. In Melbourne, guests are encouraged to take a bicycle trek into the Australian outback, cycling along the Yarra River before refueling at an Edwardian-era boathouse showcasing contemporary Australian cuisine. Guests can make a quick stop for a refreshing dip in the pool back at W Melbourne before setting off again to sample the city’s fantastic bars, eateries and nightlife in the evening.
“LUXE City Guides are a trusted source for ultra-researched travel and lifestyle information curated by expert teams of locals,” said Simon Westcott, CEO and Owner of LUXE City Guides. “The super-charged energy of W Hotels celebrates its guests’ endless appetites to discover what’s new/next in design, music, fashion and wellness. With the theme of UNLEASH YOUR CURIOSITY, the W Hotels LUXE City Guide sets the scene for next-level travel knowledge, providing valuable destination-insider info through the vibrant lens of W.”
Throughout October, pop-up events celebrating the launch of the W Hotels LUXE City Guide will take place in W Hotels across Singapore, Suzhou and Xi’an. The pop-ups will showcase the nine destinations in the guide and feature scrumptious bites and sips that are virtual passports to the fun, charm and magic of each city.
The W Hotels LUXE City Guide is available in English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese. For more information, guests can connect with the W Insider at any W hotel for a copy of the guide, or access the destination content available at https://www.whotels-asiapacific.com/luxecityguides. Guests are invited to join the conversation on Instagram @whotels @luxecityguides and hashtag #UnleashYourCuriosity #WLuxeCityGuides.
The webinar will be joined by industry experts from FTI, SET, KPMG in Thailand and SUNSWEET PCL.
KPMG in Thailand, together with the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), the Market for Alternative Investment (mai), and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is hosting a webinar “LiVE Exchange on New Alternatives for Thai SMEs and Startups in the Capital Market” (ทางเลือกใหม่ของ SMEs และ Startups ไทยในตลาดทุน). The webinar, opened to interested SMEs and Startups, will be on Thursday, 7 October 2021, 10:00-12:00.
The webinar will be joined by industry experts from FTI, SET, KPMG in Thailand and SUNSWEET PCL.
Phuket’s local authorities and marine department have now announced sandbox visitors are no longer restricted to the use of public piers for their tour departures.
Royal Phuket Marina is pleased to announce our efforts have been successful in convincing the local authorities and Phuket’s Committee of Communicable Disease, that Phuket’s SHA Plus+ approved marinas are safe and secure departure points for boat tours and yacht charters, taking Sandbox visitors to enjoy Phuket’s beautiful surrounding waters and islands.
Phuket’s local authorities and marine department have now announced sandbox visitors are no longer restricted to the use of public piers for their tour departures. With immediate effect, Royal Phuket Marina is an approved pier and destination for speedboat excursions operated by SHA Plus+ certified tour boat operators, and day trips aboard luxury yachts.
A pioneer in sustainability in Phuket, the 5 Gold Anchor award-winning Royal Phuket Marina was the first marina in Thailand to switch to renewable energy, using the latest solar technology. It was also the first in Thailand to be awarded the ‘Clean Marina Accreditation’, meeting the strict requirements of the ‘Clean Marina Program’ of the Marina Industries Association.
This MoU was concluded in order to strengthen the cooperation between Japan and Thailand in digital-related fields. The cooperation that will occur under this MOU includes promoting opportunities for Thai startups to be known internationally and supporting startups from Japan and abroad to be recognized in Thailand.
Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya PCL) and Krungsri Finnovate continue to support investment in Thai startups toward innovation technology domestically and globally by synergizing with MUFG and MUFG Innovation Partners to collaborate with the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa). The partnership aims to maximize potentials and support Thai startups in building their growth to expand to the international market. The cooperation also includes business activities to draw Japanese and international startups to Thailand.
The virtual signing ceremony for this Memorandum of Understanding was held on October 6, 2021. On this occasion, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO, The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) together with Mr. Nobuya Kawasaki, Executive Officer, Managing Director and Head of Global Commercial Banking Planning Division, MUFG Bank; Mr. Nobutake Suzuki, President & CEO, MUFG Innovation Partners; Mr. Seiichiro Akita, Krungsri President and Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Yoshiyuki Horio, Krungsri Head of Japanese Corporate and Multinational Banking (JPC/MNC Banking); and Mr. Sam Tanskul, Managing Director at Krungsri Finnovate, participated as the representatives of each organization in this virtual signing ceremony.
This MoU was concluded in order to strengthen the cooperation between Japan and Thailand in digital-related fields. The cooperation that will occur under this MOU includes promoting opportunities for Thai startups to be known internationally and supporting startups from Japan and abroad to be recognized in Thailand. The MoU also includes encouraging potential startups and entrepreneurs to participate in business matching and seminars, sharing challenges and seeking solutions with business partners, expanding investment candidates for Krungsri Finnovate and MUFG Innovation Partners, and regularly exchanging information in ASEAN countries and Japan. With the signing of this MOU, business opportunities will also be expanded to investors through Krungsri and MUFG’s network both domestically and internationally.
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Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO, The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), said “depa intends to take this opportunity for supporting potential Thai digital startup entrepreneurs to participate in the international exhibitions for building connection, such as foreign government agencies and Venture Capital (VC) and expanding their market through various projects under this MOU. We will also encourage potential digital startup partners to participate in Krungsri-MUFG Virtual Business Matching, and expand business opportunities to investors both in Japan and aboard. In the first year, we emphasize on investing in Agri-tech, Ed-tech and Fin-tech, which we have potential 26 digital startups to participate in this promotion.”
Krungsri President and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Seiichiro Akita, said “Krungsri and MUFG are pleased to collaborate with The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) to reinforce cooperation between startup companies that can help support the digital networking and growth of startup businesses in Thailand and Japan, which will contribute to the economic and industrial development of both countries.”
“As part of Krungsri’s 2021-2023 Medium-Term Business Plan, we aim to build the ecosystem and partnership, and develop digital and information technology. The collaboration through this MOU resonates with our vision and mission to strengthen the Thai startup ecosystem by supporting a new generation of Tech-startup and tech industries in this country as they thrive. We believe that our expertise together with MUFG strong network can support business expansion for startups in Thailand and abroad and ultimately reinforce the continuation of Thailand’s economic growth.”