Thai Vietjet launches new Ubon Ratchathani flights by offering Bt50 fare to all local destinations
Sep 07. 2020
By The Nation
Thai Vietjet is launching its new Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani flights by offering a Bt50 fare, excluding taxes and fees, on all its domestic flights for travel between October 6 and March 31, 2021 (excluding public holidays).
Bookings need to be made before Friday (September 11) at SkyFUN.vietjetair.com, the airline’s Facebook page or mobile app.
The promotion is applicable to all domestic Thai Vietjet flights, including Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Udon Thani, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen and Nakhon Si Thammarat. The promotion is also applicable to Phuket-Chiang Rai, Udon Thani-Chiang Rai flights, as well as flights to Surat Thani, which start from November 4, and Chiang Rai-Hat Yai, which start from November 1.
Thai Vietjet is expanding its flight network within Thailand and neighbouring countries. Apart from its 13 domestic routes, it also flies to eight destinations in the region, including China.
CP Foods opts for renewable energy to meet its emissions target
Sep 04. 2020
By THE NATIONChareon Pokphand Foods (CP Foods) is introducing renewable energy in its manufacturing facilities with the aim of achieving the target of cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 25 per cent in the next five years.
Wuthichai Sithipreedanant, senior vice president for corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, said CP Foods was applying the “circular economy” concept to minimise its negative impacts on the environment, society and economy, and maximising its positive impacts.
For instance, all waste meat will be developed into a new product, water used in shrimp farms will be recycled to ensure zero discharge into natural water resources, while renewable energy will be used to cut down on the use of electricity and petrol.
CP Foods also aims to become a coal-free operation by 2022.
Wuthichai said that with renewable energy and a balance with nature, CP Foods can realise its dream of becoming the “kitchen of the world”.
CP Group’s chairman urges private sector to help revive economy through sustainable means
Sep 03. 2020
By THE NATION
Suphachai Chearavanont, president of Global Compact Network Thailand and CEO of Charoen Pokphand Group, told the recent “GCNT Forum 2020: Thailand Business Leadership for SDGs” that the world is facing several crises at present, including Covid-19, income disparity, human rights, environmental and economic issues.
However, he said, collaborations between Thailand and the other 60 GCNT members will help realise Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as member companies in each country work alongside their governments, civil society organisations and the private sector.
By linking up the world’s largest sustainability network, first-hand experience and knowledge can be shared, especially in relation to responsible and sustainable operation of the private sector’s supply chain.
Suphachai said once the Covid-19 crisis is over, the private sector will play a key role in mitigating the impact of the pandemic on people’s lives and the nation’s economy.
Cooperation will be necessary to develop sustainability and improve the livelihoods of millions of people.
At this time, new graduates are finding it difficult to secure jobs. Hence, the private sector needs to participate in reviving the economy in the fallout of Covid-19 by continuing to invest and expand their businesses with a view to creating new jobs.
Suphachai added that the approach toward creating awareness among the next generation of sustainability leaders should be via action-based learning. As part of the Leadership for Sustainable Education Development (Connext Ed) learning model, 100 schools are teaching students economic discipline; creating social understanding; and understanding the environment, public health, how to plant trees and reduce toxic pollution in water systems.
Lessons on analysing problems and offering solutions will help create a next generation of responsible and sustainable adults.
Paisan Chirakitcharern, chief finance officer of Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF), has been named “Best CFO in Thailand 2020” at the Alpha Southeast Asia Magazine’s 10th Annual Institutional Investor Awards for Corporates.
The award was based on the magazine’s “Southeast Asia’s Institutional Investor Corporate Poll”.
“I’m delighted, not for myself but for the organisation,” said Paisan, attributing his award to support from “all CPF people around the world”.
He identified finance and human resources as the two keys to successful business operations.
A company could only succeed if it had both money and the right workforce, he added, giving credit to CPF management for emphasising these two in tandem.
“We need to know the business we are in and its key success factors. The finance department’s duty is to provide funding to help the organisation reach its targets. Meanwhile, as operational details change on a daily basis, we must stand ready for changes and dare to change.
He said it was also crucial to bridge the generation gap at work.
“Working with new generations, we must be their role models and understand them. Young people today perceive things differently from people my age. People my age find it very difficult to quit as they fret about criticisms. But young people are ready to change jobs. We must realise the difference and there must be a stage where they can show their capabilities. This is the most important.”
The poll saw CPF win four more awards: Best Senior Management IR Support, Strongest Adherence to Corporate Governance, Most Consistent Dividend Policy, and Best Strategic CSR.
Households urged to install solar panels, sell power back to MEA
Sep 02. 2020
By THE NATION
The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) is inviting households in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan to install solar panels on their roofs to generate electricity for personal use or to sell back to the MEA.
“Users who wish to install solar panels for personal use should integrate their solar generators into MEA’s power grid, and the MEA will send out technicians to ensure their equipment is safe and the current is stable,” MEA public relations director Phasuk Sampunnachote said. Interested users can study the MEA’s power integration guidelines and register at https://www.mea.or.th/minisite/vspp/about/846 with no deadline.
“MEA has also created the Community Solar Power programme, which is available to type 1 customers [residential users] who installed solar panels for domestic use and have left over electricity to sell,” she added. “MEA will buy the electricity from users at Bt1.68 per unit, under a 10-year contract. Applicants can register at the website https://spv.mea.or.th before December 2020.”
For more information customers can contact the MEA at its call centre on 1130, via Twitter at @MEA_news, Line at @meathailand, and Facebook การไฟฟ้านครหลวง MEA.
Asia Pacific ranked top area for expansion by European, American companies
Sep 01. 2020
By The Nation
Research published today by Standard Chartered Bank reveals that while corporations in the West are prioritising their home regions of Europe (84 per cent) and North America (74 per cent) as a source of growth, Asia Pacific (55 per cent) remains a target for their international expansion strategies.
The survey of CFOs’ and treasurers’ ambitions, concerns and goals shows how the Covid-19 pandemic has reshaped many Western organisations’ focus. Over half (51 per cent) were worried about its impact on growth outside the home region, with supply chain failure identified as the top challenge to liquidity.
The most significant perceived challenge to expansion is the ability to understand and comply with local regulations (32 per cent), which was cited especially by technology companies (52 per cent).
When it came to financing international growth, equity capital markets (76 per cent) were the preferred choice of funding. Alternatively, 44 per cent of American respondents were inclined to use cash from across the business for funding, compared with 39 per cent among Europeans. Likewise, use of venture capital, such as private placements, was more common, with a more established private placement market in the United States than Europe.
Almost one-third (32 per cent) of respondents said their top supply chain priority was to diversify their supplier base beyond their home market. This was followed closely with the need to digitise trade (28 per cent). The lowest priority cited for trade and supply chains outside the home market was environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria and sustainability issues. Only 2 per cent nominated it as their top supply chain priority.
“During what is a challenging time for corporations all over the world, expansion into new markets remains a key way for corporations of all sizes and industries to diversify and grow their business, both through new customer and supplier relationships,” said Tracy Clarke, Standard Chartered’s regional CEO for Europe and Americas.
“This research has shown, by exploring ambitions, concerns and priorities, how the Covid-19 pandemic has reshaped plans for today and the future, and with it, the knock-on impacts for liquidity, trade and even digitisation. What is clear though is that significant opportunities remain.”
Said Mike Vrontamitis, head of Trade for Europe and Americas: “International trade is a cornerstone of companies expanding their client base and increasing the resilience of their supply chains by diversifying outside of their home market creating prosperity and jobs.
“In a world where resilience is more important than ever companies are focusing on managing foreign exchange volatility as well as digitisation and vertical integration of their supply chains. It is no surprise given the increased geopolitical tensions that companies are also highlighting the need for local advice from experts. It is disappointing to see how few companies have ESG issues as a top priority given the opportunity of a ‘green’ recovery.”
The survey was conducted from May 25 to June 5 on 300 respondents equally split between Europe (UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Turkey, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway) and the Americas (US, Canada, Brazil).
Indorama Ventures takes back used PET bottles to make PPE suits
Sep 01. 2020
By The Nation
Global chemical firm Indorama Ventures (IVL) is transforming PET bottles into PPE (personal protective equipment) to donate to local hospitals and help with the fight against Covid-19.
Initiated by Less Plastic Thailand in May this year, the “Separate PET Bottles to Help Doctors” project ensures complete end-to-end waste separation and PPE production process. As the world’s largest PET (polyethylene terephthalate) producer, Indorama’s plastic recycling expertise and infrastructure is key to the project’s operation.
Under the project, some 360,000 PET bottles were recycled and converted into high-quality yarn at Indorama’s recycling facilities in Nakhon Pathom and Rayong, before being cut to produce more than 16,000 PPE suits. The project’s aim is to provide these suits to more than 200 hospitals nationwide to help protect medical personnel working on the Covid-19 frontline.
Meanwhile, HSBC Thailand became the first commercial bank to participate in the project by calling on all its staff to collect and donate their used water bottles to the cause.
Richard Jones, senior vice president and chief of corporate communications at Indorama Ventures, said: “IVL is delighted to bring onboard key partners such as HSBC to take part in this much-needed recycling project during the Covid-19 crisis. The bottles collected by HSBC’s employees will be converted into recycled yarns to produce PPE suits made from 100 per cent recycled PET bottles sourced in Thailand. By utilising our facilities, IVL aims to minimise the amount of waste sent to landfills and promote the efficient use of resources through recycling, which is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs] fostering sustainable consumption and production.”
HSBC has provided more than 200 kilograms of used bottles for the production of 650 recycled PPE suits that will be used when treating low-to-medium risk patients. This translates to a reduction of carbon emission by 300 kilograms.
Krisda Phatcharoen, chief of HSBC Thailand’s commercial banking division, said: “HSBC is one of many corporations that have been assisting people affected by the pandemic as well as working with partners to benefit the society constructively. We are thrilled to play a part in IVL’s efforts to create a circular value chain.”
To bring this end-to-end initiative to life, Less Plastic Thailand – a local environmental conservation network – has brought together a range of partners including Indorama Ventures, Thai Taffeta, Thong Thai Textile, TOA Paint and GoWith20.
New partnership sees guests insured on every night spent at an OYO hotel
Aug 31. 2020
By The Nation
OYO, an Indian hospitality chain, signed a strategic partnership with insurance firms Chubb Samaggi and Qoala on Monday (August 31) to provide complimentary insurance coverage to guests who book rooms at any of the 800-plus OYO partner hotels in Thailand.
This is the second time that OYO and Qoala have partnered in Southeast Asia. The first such partnership was signed in Indonesia a few weeks ago.
The insurance coverage – Hotel Protection – is underwritten by Chubb Samaggi, a member of the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company, and powered by Qoala, the fast-growing and leading multichannel insurtech in Southeast Asia.
The policy covers hotel guests for personal accidents, emergency hospitalisation, loss of luggage or personal effects and other benefits for every night they spend at an OYO partner hotel.
Krungsri Group has appointed Nayanee Peaugkham as head of Krungsri Consumer Group, effective from Tuesday (September 1).
Nayanee was managing director of Ayudhya Capital Services Co Ltd, where she managed the support functions and operations of Krungsri Consumer Group, including the brands Krungsri Credit Card, Krungsri First Choice, Central The 1 Credit Card, and Tesco Lotus Visa Card, the company said.
Seiichiro Akita, Krungsri president and chief executive officer, said: “Nayanee has
long-standing experience and unparalleled expertise in consumer finance. As managing director of Ayudhya Capital Services Co Ltd, her role in spearheading the operations and support functions of Krungsri Consumer Group including operations, finance and accounting, risk management, internal audit, legal and compliance, HR, corporate communications and AEC business development, has helped propel Krungsri Consumer’s growth in recent years. She has played a vital role in driving Krungsri Consumer’s business to become the leader in credit card and personal loan industry, with over 9 million accounts of customers and the biggest market share.”
“In her new role as Head of Krungsri Consumer Group, Nayanee would definitely take Krungsri Consumer to the next level of success,” he added.
As head of Krungsri Consumer Group, Nayanee will be responsible for overall strategic direction, and management of the credit card and personal loan businesses, as well as embracing innovation for new products and services of Krungsri Consumer Group.
Nayanee graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Assumption University, and a master’s degree programme in marketing (International Programme) from Thammasat University.
Dentsu Aegis Network tops Thai ad industry ranking for size and quality
Aug 31. 2020
By The Nation
Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN) Thailand has once again been named Thailand’s top media and advertising firm, with a 33 per cent share in the Thai ad industry and a No 1 ranking for quality.
Carat, DAN’s media arm, contributes the strongest to these successes after achieving a growth rate of five times the industry average while also acquiring the highest quality marks.
The assessment was made by RECMA, the leading research company evaluating media agencies worldwide.
R3, another global independent consultancy firm, also named Carat as the highest achiever in its June 2020 New Business League rankings for Thailand.
Parithas Moongprasittichai
Parithas Moongprasittichai, Carat Thailand’s chief executive officer, commented: “The media industry and technology have evolved so quickly. And so have our consumers! To ensure our clients’ enhanced competitiveness, we cannot just keep up with the industry’s offerings. To win, we must defeat standards. The growth we achieved and the positions we earned are simple proofs that our policy produced pleasing results – especially in growing our digital activities by winning new prominent partners such as Minor Food Group, Estee Lauder Companies, SCB Abacus, to name a few.”
Wisarn Sirijantanon, Carat managing director, added: “To maintain our leadership positions and continuously widen the winning gap, it is essential that our people are empowered to deliver at a pace much faster than the industry’s, despite growing economic difficulty. Data-powered, Local Focal, Startup-Minded Ecosystem, Academy Cloud, Talent First – these are some of the strategies we deployed to excel growth.”
Parithas concluded: “Competing as the winner will be tough as people will look at you with an expectation. This year we’ve laid a strong future-proofing foundation, so going forward, we’ll focus more on client servicing and services integration. The future is clear. We’ll continue to create value for our clients through our data-driven, ideas-led, tech-enabled solutions through profound service of specialists.”
About Carat
Carat (Thailand) Co Ltd is an independent media and communications specialist, a member of Dentsu Aegis Network, headquartered in London. Dentsu Aegis Network consists of a group of world-class marketing communications specialists: Creative – Dentsu, Dentsu One, Media communications – Carat, dentsuX, Vizeum, Digital marketing – Columbus, iProspect, Isobar | Out-of-Home – Posterscope.
Nayanee Peaugkham 
SootinClaimon.Com 