Savings bonds worth THB10 billion were snapped up in less than an hour after they were launched via the Paotang application at 8.30am on Monday, the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) said.
Both the five-year and 10-year “Happy Savings” bonds, offering annual interest of 2.90 per cent and 3.60 per cent, respectively, were snapped up in around 40 minutes. The interest will be paid every three months.
The five-year multiple-step-up bonds’ annual interest will increase from 2.50 per cent in the first two years to 3.00 per cent in the third and fourth years, and 3.50 per cent in the fifth year.
The 10-year multiple-step-up bonds’ annual interest will increase from 2.50 per cent in the first two years to 3.50 per cent from the third to sixth years, 4.00 per cent in the seventh and eighth years, and 4.50 per cent in the ninth and 10th years.
PDMO director Patricia Mongkhonvanit said the office will offer “Happy Savings” bonds worth THB45 billion via four banks, namely Bangkok Bank, Krungthai Bank, Kasikornbank and Siam Commercial Bank.
She explained that the bonds will be offered in two periods:
June 15-19: Both five-year and 10-year bonds worth THB40 billion will be offered to the general public, subject to a maximum investment of THB10 million per individual.
June 20-30: Bonds worth THB5 billion will be offered to non-profit entities specified by the Finance Ministry. These 10-year bonds have annual interest of 3.30 per cent, while the interest will be paid every six months.
Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said on Monday that he will soon propose that the Cabinet approves his ministry’s plan to start collecting tax on revenue earned from the sale of shares.
The minister did not provide a specific timeframe for the implementation but said he would propose it to the Cabinet soon so a Royal Decree can be issued allowing the ministry to start collecting the tax.
However, Arkhom said he will wait for the right time.
“We won’t start collecting the tax while the stock index is falling daily,” he said. “But we can’t announce it in advance either, so all sides should be aware of the plan and make preparations accordingly.”
He said it is still uncertain when the planned Royal Decree will be issued, but it will give brokers a 90-day grace period to adjust.
“The new system will not be difficult to implement, but we must give them to make adjustments,” he said.
Arkhom had said earlier that the tax rate would be 0.1 per cent of the earnings from stock sales. This tax has been waived since 1991.
He had also announced that this tax would be applied to every single baht earned from the sale of stocks and that brokers would have to deliver the collected tax to the Revenue Department every month. He said the government would earn more than 10 billion baht a year from the tax and collection should start within the 2022 fiscal year which ends on September 30.
The baht opened at 34.82 to the US dollar on Monday, weakening from Friday’s close of 34.77.
The Thai currency is expected to move between 34.70 and 34.90 to the dollar during the day and between 34.40 and 35 during the week, Krungthai market strategist Poon Panichpibool predicted.
He said the baht may test the resistance level at 34.80 to 35 as the dollar is strengthening.
However, the weakening of the baht may be limited by the selling off of gold. Meanwhile, exporters are also waiting to sell their dollars at the baht’s resistance level.
Poon added that the baht should not go beyond 35 to the dollar if the market is not affected by lockdown measures enforced in several parts of China. The lockdown may encourage investors to sell off a lot of stocks and bonds in emerging Asian markets.
As for the dollar, Poon said it is strengthening because the US Federal Reserve has signalled that it will increase the interest rate.
If the Fed does not increase the rate as high as expected (the market expects the rate to reach 0.75 per cent by September), it may cause the dollar’s value to drop once the Fed announces its latest decision.
The value of Thai exports to Asean rose 17 per cent in the first four months from the same period last year, the Trade Negotiations Department reported on Sunday.
Thailand’s exports to the region between January and April were worth US$24 billion.
Asean is Thailand’s largest export market, accounting for 24.7 per cent of the Kingdom’s total exports.
The first four months saw “satisfactory growth”, said the department, with exports up 60 per cent to Singapore, 34 per cent to Indonesia, 24 per cent to Myanmar, 11 per cent to Malaysia, 8 per cent to Laos, 7 per cent to Cambodia, and 0.4 per cent to Vietnam.
Growth was driven by exports of sugar (up 140 per cent), wheat and instant foods (12 per cent), animal and vegetable fat/oil (81 per cent), animal feed (21 per cent) and tapioca (72 per cent). Agricultural products accounted for 16 per cent of all exports to Asean.
Industrial products, which made up 72 per cent of Thai exports to Asean, also rose, including vehicles and auto parts (up 1.4 per cent), plastic pellets and chemicals (14 per cent), electronic circuits (27 per cent), machinery and parts (21 per cent) and electric appliances and parts (8 per cent).
Free-trade agreements with Asean members played a major role in export growth, the department said.
It expects exports to Asean will grow further in the second half of 2022 following relaxation of Covid restrictions and export bans of key foods such as chicken by other Asean countries.
Thailand is in a worrisome financial situation due to high public debt created by the government and its mistaken economic projects, a member of the opposition Pheu Thai Party warned on Sunday.
The concerns were aired by deputy Pheu Thai secretary-general Paopoom Rojanasakul, who is a member of the panel vetting the 2023 budget bill.
He said the ad hoc House panel has been scrutinising the bill for a week now and he has been able to pinpoint several concerns.
First off, he said, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s government has generated public debts worth 4.4 trillion baht, while there is another 1 trillion baht worth of debt not accounted for in the budget.
He said these hidden debts were incurred by subsidies offered to farmers and the amount was growing every year.
Paopoom said the subsidies were channelled through allocations given to the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, but there were no written records on how the money has been spent. Pheu Thai is demanding that the bank provide documents detailing the spending, he said.
Secondly, he added, the budget to service public debts has skyrocketed. According to the budget bill, the Public Debt Management Office will be allocated 192.13 billion baht to cover interest and loan fees, which is three times higher than the portion of the capital it has to pay back this fiscal year.
This shows that a lot of the taxpayers’ money will be used to service public debts, he said. Worse yet, he added, the government will continue creating public debts, and its recent borrowing will not contribute to the country’s revenue in any way.
The third issue, he pointed out, was that the proposed spendings by government agencies were based on daydreams about the economic outlook. While the panel sees a negative outlook, government agencies think otherwise.
“It’s like we’re living in different countries,” he said.
Paopoom added that the 2023 budget bill was based on projected GDP growth of 3.7 per cent. However, he said, these figures were calculated several months ago before many negative factors hit the country, such as rising inflation and the US Federal Reserve hiking policy rate.
Fourthly, he said, the Revenue Department has been missing its revenue target every month this year. So far, he said, it has missed the target by 26.5 billion baht.
What is worse, he added, is that the department will harm the investment atmosphere by going ahead with its plan to collect taxes from the trading of shares and digital assets, and not collect any inheritance tax.
The fifth point Paopoom said was the fact that state banks had failed to help small and medium enterprises as they should have done. Instead, he said, they were more focused on making profits and lowering non-performing loans.
The sixth, and most worrying sign, Paopoom said, was that this budget bill will create a deficit that will near the ceiling due to the government’s inflated figures of possible revenue and GDP. He said the situation would worsen if the Finance Ministry is forced to raise the policy rate due to external negative factors.
The government should cap the margin enjoyed by oil refineries and slap a “windfall tax” on them as part of measures to survive the oil crisis, Kla Party’s secretary-general Korn Chatikavanij said on Sunday.
Korn, a former finance minister, held a press conference to propose three measures to help Thailand pull through the oil crisis.
Apart from capping the margin and slapping a windfall tax, Korn urged the government to become more serious about enforcing energy conservation measures.
He especially named PTT Plc in his call for action against oil refineries to bring down prices, saying the Finance Ministry holds shares in PTT, which owns up to 70 per cent of refineries in Thailand.
Korn told the press that the Oil Fund is now struggling and will not be able to shoulder more financial burdens as the debt it incurred from oil subsidies will hit 100 billion baht by the end of June.
He said the government should cap the refining margin because Thais have been “robbed” for over a year by refineries collecting high margins, resulting in high oil prices.
He explained that crude oil recently stood at about 25.92 baht a litre on average, but the retail price was about 34.48 baht per litre. This means, refineries enjoy a margin of 8.56 baht per litre, while the actual refining cost is about 0.87 baht a litre, he said.
“So, the refining margin rose to 10 times the real cost, yet their [refineries’] cost has not increased. This is blatant robbery and the government has not provided any explanations,” Korn said.
“The question is who owns the refineries? PTT owns more than 70 per cent of the country and yet the government has nothing to say.”
He added that the Commerce Ministry has the power to control prices, but has failed to act. Also, he said, the Energy Ministry is directly responsible, yet it failed to act.
“The energy minister was with PTT before, so he should know this well. This is not the time for him to worry about his friends [at PTT]. There are steps he can take for the good of the country and the people. He should hurry up,” he said.
Korn also pointed out that the Finance Ministry does not just have the windfall tax to use as a tool, but can also take action as a shareholder of PTT. He said it’s time refineries were slapped with a windfall tax because they have been enjoying a high margin for too long.
Chic beachfront resort unveils a month-long series of celebrations, including rainbow illuminations, “Loud & Proud” music events and a special package
HUA HIN, THAILAND, JUNE 2022: The Standard, Hua Hin, the stylish Thai resort where chic beach vibes meet mid-century style, will fly the flag for diversity and equality this June with a series of fabulous activities to mark Pride Month!
Running from 1-30 June 2022, Pride Month is important and symbolic occasion for the LGBTQ+ community. Marked with parades, parties, concerts and workshops all around the world, this annual event celebrates inclusivity in all its forms, highlights the ongoing struggle for equal rights and honors the impact of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people throughout history.
To mark Pride Month in Thailand, The Standard, Hua Hin will be illuminated in the colors of the rainbow with light shows, interior decorations and installations that reflect the resort’s deep commitment to freedom of expression. Guests will also be invited to unwind and enjoy two days of “Loud & Proud” DJ parties, featuring special guest stars.
From 8-11pm on 17th June, Amita Tata Young, the Thai pop sensation turned DJ, will play an exclusive session at the Beach Bar! Then on 18th June, a full day of fun activities awaits at The Lido Bar. DJ Gramaphone Children will get the party started at 2pm, followed by DJ Rhunrun on the decks from 4.30pm. Then, when the sun sets, a performance by the ever-glamorous Pat Chanudom. Revelers can then get their groove on late into the night with a live set of upbeat tunes from DJ Tob until 11pm. Gene Kasidit will be there to make your night more memorable.
To help everybody experience the joy of Pride Month, The Standard, Hua Hin has crafted its “Pride in Paradise” package. Enjoy an amazing stay with your loved one, including breakfast for two, a sweet turndown surprise, two Pride cocktails, a Mud Lounge session for two, and a 15% discount at the resort’s restaurant and spa. And that’s not all; couples who book a Superior Suite or Villa will be treated to a blissful bubble bath! Pride in Paradise is valid for stays taken throughout Pride Month, between 1st and 30th June 2022. To book, please visit www.standardhotels.com/hua-hin/specials/pride-in-paradise.
“Pride Month is such an important occasion, when the world’s LGBTQ+ community stands up and celebrates its rich diversity, culture and heritage. At The Standard, we strive to promote equality and inclusivity every single day, so we are delighted to be able to mark this major event with a series of vibrant activities. Proudly wearing the colors of the rainbow flag, The Standard, Hua Hin will look fabulous throughout June! We look forward to welcoming all our guests to Thailand’s glittering gulf coast during Pride Month,” said Mr. Amar Lalvani, Executive Chairman of Standard International.
The Standard, Hua Hin brings a cool Miami vibe to Thailand’s tropical shores. With 199 rooms, suites and villas, the mid-century design Lido pool and bar, a beachfront Thai izakaya restaurant and juice café, this chic seafront retreat is a haven for curious global explorers. It was recently named on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Hot List” for 2022, a highly exclusive selection of the world’s most exciting new hotels.
The Standard hotels are present in the most desirable of destinations, from Miami Beach to the Maldives, London to New York, Hua Hin, Ibiza and very soon, Bangkok.
Connect with the hotel via: Facebook: The Standard Hua Hin Instagram/Line: @thestandardhuahin Web: www.standardhotels.com/hua-hin
Consumers’ behavior in the contemporary world is crucial in deciding the direction of new product development in the market, particularly the healthy diet trends, which have been increasingly popular recently.
Mr. Prachak Tangkaravakoon, Chairman of the Executive Committee of TOA Group, has recognized the importance of health and food consumption trends in Thailand and has decided to expand business by having SWC or Sherwood Corporation (Thailand) Public Company Limited, which manufactures and supplies household products under TOA Group launch a new subsidiary named LottoFood (Thailand) Company Limited to conduct business related to plant-based food by appointing Mr. Sitthirat Watcharaporn as the CEO of LottoFood.
“I have noticed that the plant-based food trend has grown steadily in Thailand over the past few years,” Mr. Sitthirat mentioned about the growing popularity of plant-based food in Thailand. “This growth pattern corresponds to the consumer trends in the international market. Consequently, more plant-based items are available on the market, and Dr. Prachak Tangkaravakoon saw an opportunity to grow in this industry. This is the first time that he has decided to invest in a plant-based food business, and he has entrusted it to me to oversee and manage operations in this section of ready-to-eat plant-based meals, consisting of LottoFood Plant-Based Tonkatsu, LottoFood Plant-Based Hamburg, and LottoFood Plant-Based Sausage. The products are exceptional in terms of the great tastes, the fine selection of quality ingredients, and the manufacturing processes paying attention to detail.”
Moreover, he added, “We also have excellent commercial partnerships with DAIZ Inc. and Tanaka Ai Co., Ltd., leading Japanese food startups, acting as agents to obtain premium-grade plant-based raw ingredients. This gives us more confidence that LottoFood products are extraordinary and unique in the market, with the concept of “being delicious, healthy, and made from premium quality Japanese ingredients” responding to the lifestyle of the new generation of health-conscious consumers, and thus becoming a new choice in line with food consumption trends in the future world as well.”
In terms of Marketing objectives, Mr. Sitthirat, CEO of LottoFood, revealed that “I have set a target of 50 million baht in the first year – 2022. It is anticipated that, within three years, the number will move closer to 500 million baht as a result of the variety of plant-based food products launched into the market continuously, including both Ready-to-Eat meals and Ready-to-Cook, raw materials sent to our restaurant partners. We intend to become the number 1 of the plant-based food market in the near future, the goal we must strive for.”
Dr. Prachak Tangkaravakoon, Chairman Member of the Executive Committee of TOA Group, said, “SWC, a robust non-food and food business for the market, is the flagship of expanding new businesses with potential under TOA Group. We are open to new feasible business ideas, and we are ready to provide funding as an Angel Fund for startups to start strong under the support of the TOA Group. We believe that this will create a Growth Engine that accelerates growth for the TOA group.”
Ms. Kuanlee Pan, the Co-founder of Devers Food Co., Ltd., added that the firm has a clear position in enforcing animal welfare, and it is the channel through which customers can conveniently acquire plant-based food. We have numerous choices of over 600 SKUs, which can satisfy customers’ needs. At the same time, we surveyed Thai consumers’ needs and concerns with plant-based food and concluded that the scent and texture are important factors influencing customers’ decisions. However, LottoFood employs innovative and specific techniques to remove the unpleasant smell to the point where almost none is left. The texture will be nice, similar to meat, and low in sodium, giving consumers satisfaction.
Furthermore, with the same vision, objectives, and goals, Devers Food has decided to collaborate with LottoFood to be a channel to bring tasty plant-based food to a growing number of customers. There are also two key partners, DON DON DONKI Thailand and Vistro Bangkok, serving as distribution outlets. LottoFood product movement can be followed at www.facebook.com/LottoFoodThailand.
MICE offerings are crucial to engaging clients and establishing team bonding. Creating unique experiences is pivotal for success despite potential uncertainties.
Singapore – June 2022. A new Asia Pacific survey by Marriott International revealed that over 81% of respondents believe that in-person engagements with clients is vital for business recovery. Launched earlier this year, the survey, which reached more than 300 business travellers and MICE professionals, is part of Marriott International’s continuous effort to better understand local market needs and demand.
The findings also revealed that 53% of respondents felt face-to-face activities were important to motivating and establishing bonding among teams and building company culture. Over 60% of the respondents elaborated that restrictions on social gatherings and uncertainties regarding international travel remain a concern. A further 40% also stated that providing unique meeting activities and experiences pose a challenge when faced these restrictions.
Ramesh Daryanani, Vice President of Global Sales, Asia Pacific, explains: “The desire to stay connected with each other has always been there in the past two years. When travelling and meeting face-to-face were not possible, the industry adopted to hybrid meetings and other virtual activities to keep people engaged. With the ease of travel and social gathering restrictions, the pent-up demand for face-to-face meetings is set to accelerate.”
To support business recovery within Asia Pacific, Marriott International recently launched The 5Gs of Human Connection – a campaign that aims to remind people of the warmth of human connection and encourage people to meet face-to-face again. The 5Gs – representing Gather, Global, Gratitude, Giving and Gourmet – are moments when people connect with each other in meaningful and memorable ways. Each pillar is designed to meet the evolving requirements of professionals and support meeting planners in crafting a memorable experience for their attendees:
Gather – Meeting international hygiene standards and safety regulations, Marriott International’s company-wide ‘Commitment to Clean’ empowers guests to travel, and professionals to gather together with confidence, from large conventions, incentives to leadership retreats.
Global – As borders begin to open across Asia Pacific, Marriott Bonvoy welcomes travellers with its diverse portfolio of hotels and resorts across the region, including on-demand destinations like Singapore, Japan, Maldives, Australia, and many more. Each hotel is able to craft unique experiences for guests based on their destination of choice.
Gratitude – Over 70% of professionals feel expression of gratitude is better conveyed through face-to-face interaction, according to Marriott International’s survey. Supporting organisations that want to rebuild team belongingness and togetherness again after a long travel standstill, Marriott Bonvoy delivers a wide array of offsite meetings and corporate retreats.
Giving – Recognising the growing demand for purpose-driven travel, Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy™ offers guests the opportunity to create a positive impact in the communities they visit. Experiences range from planting mangroves in Langkawi, to temple preservation in India to caring for fish species in China, and more
Gourmet – The survey also revealed more than 66% of respondents agree that curated food & beverage experiences can help create memorable moments for the meetings or event attendees. Marriott Bonvoy provides planners with the convenience of seamless booking from a varied array of world-class restaurants and bars, including six establishments that have been awarded a total of seven diamonds in the recently announced Black Pearl Restaurants Guide 2022, as well as 25 MICHELIN recognised restaurants in Greater China.
Additionally, to better support recovery of MICE in APAC, Marriott International is offering enticing rewards through its “The Time Is Now – Where Can We Take You?” group offer. The rewards can be redeemed when booking an eligible face-to-face meeting or event at participating hotels and resorts. Learn more about ‘The 5Gs of Human Connection’ in the campaign video here and official website here.
For more information about Marriott International, please visit www.marriott.com.
Bangkok, June 8, 2022 – Bitkub Blockchain Technology (Bitkub Chain service provider and Blockchain Total Solution), Finstable (the developer of CeDeFi platform) and Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus, together sign MOU at Block on the Beach event Phuket on June 2, 2022 to strengthen the blockchain industry and provide financial knowledge to Thai educational institutions.
At this MOU signing, there are 3 purpose related to the cooperation between educational institutions and private sectors, which are 1. Thrive personnel by using blockchain technology to support the development of software 2. Standardized blockchain technology by organizing Blockchain Consortium training course 3. Enhancing blockchain technology research by using real experience from software industry
There are several sectors on this MOU signing including 1) Educational Institutions 1.1. College of computing, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus