Viriyah Insurance reveals its strategy for the year 2022 highlighting “Data-driven Innovation: Standing by your side with complete understanding and in-depth knowledge of all your risks”

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The Viriyah Insurance announced its 2022 roadmap with the concept of “Data-driven Innovation: Standing by your side with complete understanding and in-depth knowledge of all your risks”. Maintaining its prestigious status as the number one non-life insurer, the company continually introduces state-of-the-art products and service with top-notch protection service in mind.

Viriyah Insurance reveals its strategy for the year 2022 highlighting “Data-driven Innovation: Standing by your side with complete understanding and in-depth knowledge of all your risks”

As for this year’s motor insurance strategy, new products will be launched to meet the individual needs of customers in each region with various conditions and premiums. The company opts for personalized marketing when it comes to health insurance, offering products which respond to every unique demand. The past year’s objective was achieved with a gross earned premium of 38.8 billion Baht which contributed to a 1.56% growth. The company’s financial position remains strong with 77.5 billion Baht in total assets and a liquid asset ratio of 600.51%. A capital fund of approximately 41.4 billion Baht not only covered all COVID-19 claims that must be paid but also every one of the COVID-19 insurance policy issued by the company.

Mr. Amorn Thongthew, Director and Deputy Managing Director of The Viriyah Insurance Public Company Limited, admitted that, in 2021, most of non-life insurance companies had to face a critical issue of the Coronavirus crisis that continued into its second year. The Viriyah Insurance, with many years of competent management and continuous development of technology, managed to overcome this dilemma with strength and stability. As can be seen from the trust of the insured, The Viriyah Insurance continues to be the leader with the largest market share in the non-life insurance business for the 30th consecutive year. In 2021, the company gained a gross earned premium of 38.8 billion Baht, a growth rate of 1.56%, including the motor insurance premium of 33.4 billion Baht and non-motor insurance premium of 5.4 billion Baht, as well as a net profit of approximately 500 million Baht.

Viriyah Insurance reveals its strategy for the year 2022 highlighting “Data-driven Innovation: Standing by your side with complete understanding and in-depth knowledge of all your risks”

At the end of 2021, the company had total assets of 77.5 billion Baht and a liquid asset ratio of 600.51%, with a capital fund of approximately 41.4 billion Baht, while the capital adequacy ratio was 170% higher than the standard set by the OIC.

Mr. Amorn further revealed that the pandemic situation was likely to be more severe, that was why The Viriyah Insurance constantly evaluated and controlled both potential risks and even the worst possible ones. As a result, the company had enough liquid assets and capital to pay all COVID-19 insurance claims. This was all thanks to the company’s business philosophy: “Fairness is Our Policy”.

Regarding the 2022 action plan, The Viriyah Insurance will implement the strategy of “Data-Driven Innovation: Standing by your side with complete understanding and in-depth knowledge of all your risks.”, a concept developed by the company’s management team. The team recognized how people’s lifestyle had dramatically changed during these past two years of the coronavirus outbreak. Thailand’s economy had also suffered dramatic falls of purchasing power. Hence, The Viriyah Insurance places emphasis on developing products that will respond promptly to the needs of the customers by taking the Data-Driven Innovation approach.

Viriyah Insurance reveals its strategy for the year 2022 highlighting “Data-driven Innovation: Standing by your side with complete understanding and in-depth knowledge of all your risks”

Founded more than 75 years ago, The Viriyah Insurance is a largest insurance company, ranked as the market leader. The company can make the most of a large database of nearly 8 million customers providing relevant information used to find appropriate coverage and reasonable premiums for various insured groups. The company is ready to provide protection, together with fairness, throughout the term of the policy under any circumstances. Our products provide protection for the health of the people and their property as well as deal with liability. There are more than 60 products the consumers can utilize for risk management. For this reason, the customers will feel that we are always standing by their side, concluded Mr. Amorn.

Viriyah Insurance reveals its strategy for the year 2022 highlighting “Data-driven Innovation: Standing by your side with complete understanding and in-depth knowledge of all your risks”
Mr. Sayom Rohitasathira, Deputy Managing Director, revealed the past year’s success of the claim¬¬ service as The Viriyah Insurance had set up several claims operation centers in shopping malls, gas stations, commercial buildings within the community, and high traffic areas prone to frequent our clients’ car accidents. The company also made use of innovative technology in its VDO CALL system (Vclaim on Vcall) facilitating online claims with only a single call from a customer.

The most important aspect of the claims service that helps enhance the company reputation are insurance surveyors, also known as claims service representatives. No matter how advanced the technology is, service-minded personnel is the heart and soul of the business. At the scene of a road accident, it is crucial the insured has confidence in the surveyors. We, at The Viriyah Insurance, attach particular importance to the recruiting and training processes of insurance surveyors. We are meticulous in every step:  setting qualification, conducting a test, performing selection process, implementing training courses on traffic laws, coverage according to policy conditions, and related laws. There are additional courses developed from long-term experiences of senior claim service staff.

Furthermore, Mr. Sayom revealed the company’s readiness to support electric vehicles (EV) by stating that The Viriyah Insurance is currently offering EV insurance. We have been preparing to support electric vehicle insurance for 4 years ever since EVs were only plug-in hybrid vehicles. We are to collaborate with leading manufacturers and distributors so that EV users’ every need will be met.

By organizing insurance premium structure as well as repair and spare part service, we hope the electric car users will feel more confident behind the wheels and take part in creating a cleaner environment with electric power.

As for the sales channel development guidelines of The Viriyah Insurance, Mr. Dondech Satchawirakun, Deputy Managing Director, clarified that insurance agents and brokers, with a total number of nearly 10,000, are the company’s powerful sales channel seeing that over 50% of all premiums received are derived from these dedicated and hardworking personnel. Accordingly, the company pays attention to promotion and personal development to regularly raise professional standards. We enthusiastically encourage them to adapt to the information age and the digital society so they can make the most out of technology, especially the use of social media to support sales and PR and to provide insurance knowledge to our customers and the public.

Viriyah Insurance reveals its strategy for the year 2022 highlighting “Data-driven Innovation: Standing by your side with complete understanding and in-depth knowledge of all your risks”

In terms of both online and offline sales channels, the company offers a full range of services to meet the needs of customers with different lifestyles. Those living in big cities can easily spot our service point in a department store. As for those preferring the online world, also known as digital natives, they can find us on http://www.viriyah.com and other online platforms.

Mr. Dondech added that, in 2022, the company will give the opportunity to people who are interested in becoming first-rate insurance agent with the aim of expanding insurance services nationwide. We also aim to boost business collaboration between companies in all areas. Henceforth, customers can find our agents and brokers in every province, every district, and even every sub-district across the country.

Concerning the non-motor insurance roadmap, Mrs. Thavikan Techataveesup, Assistant Managing Director, revealed that the last year’s performance of non-motor increased to 12.17%, regardless of a severe COVID-19 crisis, with a total written premium of 5.415 billion Baht. The company also achieved its goal by being able to expand its non-motor insurance growth rate to 13.98%.

Viriyah Insurance reveals its strategy for the year 2022 highlighting “Data-driven Innovation: Standing by your side with complete understanding and in-depth knowledge of all your risks”

Mrs. Thavikan added that during the last year the health insurance premiums of  851 million Baht have grown by 102%, bringing the market share to 5.7% compared to the previous year which was only 3.3%. We would like to express our gratitude to all customers for trusting our company, allowing us to soar to the fifth place within the health insurance business of Thai non-life insurance.

To achieve the principal goal for non-motor insurance in 2022, Mrs. Thavikan said the company will increase the ratio of non-motor insurance by putting a spotlight on product and service development. New innovations are implemented to help manage individual risks and assets. The company seeks to extend its protection to the vehicle health besides overseeing health insurance products and customer service. 

We launched a new product at the beginning of this year: “Extended Warranty Insurance for Auto Parts” or simply “Extended Warranty”. The concept is that if a motor insurance covers accidents, it should protect the health of a car as well. This plan is designed to provide continuous protection as soon as the manufacturer’s warranty period has expired. It provides protection for up to 14 main parts and parts groups.

As for service development, the company strives to develop the Core System to support continuous growth of health and accident insurance. We focus on developing a CRM system and using Data-Driven Innovation to help us better meet the needs of individual customers. This includes launching ‘Get Healthy’ campaign to promote preventive health care, focusing on encouraging consumption behavior adjustment under close supervision of nutritionists and medical personnel. This activity is part of the Health Advisory program that aims to improve the quality of life of our customers before, during, and after treatment.

Mrs. Thavikan concluded that these are part of the company’s upcoming events. With a holistic approach in mind, The Viriyah Insurance intends to take great care of every customer’s health. We sincerely hope that these developments not only satisfy the customers’ needs but also motivate them to adopt a worry-free living filled with peace and happiness.
 

Published : May 20, 2022

By : THE NATION

Court accepts bankruptcy plea of Covid-hit Thai AirAsia X

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40015728


Thai AirAsia X, a Bangkok-based long-haul budget airline, has filed for bankruptcy with the Central Bankruptcy Court. Hearing will commence in August, it was disclosed on Thursday.

Court accepts bankruptcy plea of Covid-hit Thai AirAsia X

The company filed its case with the court on Tuesday and the court resolved to accept the plea the following day.

The court has scheduled hearings on August 22. The carrier’s creditors can submit their opposition to the plea at least three days before the hearings begin.

Thai AirAsia X is a joint venture of Malaysia carrier AirAsia X and Thai AirAsia airline.

Thai AirAsia X shareholder Tassapon Bijleveld, who is executive chairman of Thai AirAsia, said on Thursday that entering the business rehabilitation process is an option for the financially troubled airline to undergo financial restructuring.

“Now is the most suitable time. The airline has had to suspend its flights for two and a half years,” he said, adding that it plans to resume flights on June 1 to Seoul and Tokyo.

Court accepts bankruptcy plea of Covid-hit Thai AirAsia X

The carrier stopped all flights from March 16, 2020, after the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

Thai AirAsia X is the third Thai airline to seek rehabilitation through the Central Bankruptcy Court, after Thai Airways International and Nok Air.

Published : May 19, 2022

Data more valuable than oil in digital era, says Huawei chief

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40015713


The digital economy is growing quickly in many aspects and will be a key to driving the economy after the Covid-19 era, Huawei’s top executive said.

Data more valuable than oil in digital era, says Huawei chief

Speaking at the “Thailand Digital Fast Forward” seminar, Huawei (Thailand)’s chief executive officer Abel Deng said on Wednesday that the digital economy will increase flexibility and facilitate faster economic recovery.

According to International Data Corporation in 2020, the worldwide economy was slowing down and the gross domestic product dropped by 2.8 per cent but IT expenditure rose by 5 per cent, reflecting the significance of the digital.

IDC has forecast that some 50 per cent of businesses around the world will be driven by digital this year. In 2023, the cloud computing workload will grow to 72 per cent while 5G applications unlock an additional US$13.2 trillion by 2035. By 2025, the digital economy will also create 60 to 65 million new jobs.

However, connectivity and computing will be the bedrock of the digital economy, with the power of technologies including 5G, Internet of Things, IPv6, AI, cloud, etc. They will strengthen the management including driving the overall digital economy, the Huawei CEO said.

Data more valuable than oil in digital era, says Huawei chief

He said digital technology adaptation should not be overlooked, as it was used completely to connect many sectors and it will increase digital competitiveness.

Deng said Thailand is the 5G leader in the region and among the top in the world, as reflected by the usage in the industrial sector. Thailand also has the most 5G users in the region with almost 5 million users.

He said Thailand is also the leader in fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) access with 58.96 per cent while the worldwide accessibility percentage is 56 per cent.

Moreover, cloud optimisation increased from 59 to 78 per cent. 
Many industries are also adopting AI technology, especially for digital transformation.

He explained that the most valuable resource is no longer oil, but data. The trend is growing significantly because digital platforms, digital services, and new technologies will change daily lives and businesses, especially metaverse.

However, the important thing is managing and using it to create the most benefits possible.

Data more valuable than oil in digital era, says Huawei chief

He said Thailand is moving forward well as government agencies are giving importance to managing information, privacy, and cybersecurity.

Deng said that the worldwide recent trend is developing technology while conserving the environment, leading to green technology.

To reach that point, digital technology must be used to create carbon neutrality. By using only 2 per cent of ICT technology, it will reduce up to 20 per cent of CO2 emissions.

It is an important subject for every sector to join hands, to move to a smart and low carbon world in the future, he said.

Published : May 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

PTT and PTTEP sign an agreement to collaborate on Oman crude oil to ensure Thailand’s energy security

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40015711


Mr. Auttapol Rerkpiboon, President and Chief Executive Officer of PTT Public Company Limited (PTT) has presided over the signing ceremony of the Sale and Purchase Contract of Oman crude between PTTT and PTTEP Oman E&P Corporation (POC) and PTTEP MENA Limited.

PTT and PTTEP sign an agreement to collaborate on Oman crude oil to ensure Thailand's energy security

The contract has been signed by Mr. Disathat Panyarachun, Senior Executive Vice President, International Trading Business Unit, PTT, and Mr. Montri Rawanchaikul, Chief Executive Officer, PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP). Mr. Kris Imsang, Chief Operating Officer, Downstream Petroleum Business Group, PTT, also witnessed the signing ceremony.

Mr. Disathat Panyarachun, Senior Executive Vice President, International Trading Business Unit, PTT said Oman crude oil is widely recognized as one of the most important crude benchmark in the world. With the accomplishment of Joint Collaboration Agreement with PTTEP, PTT International Trading Business Unit is proud to entering into the Crude Sales Agreement with PTTEP Oman E&P Corporation and PTTEP MENA Limited for the approximate 9 million barrels per year of Oman crude oil. Besides, the collaboration is another milestone of successful synergy among PTT Group between upstream and downstream. Furthermore, such collaboration guarantees energy security of Thailand as well as enhances the efficiency in managing supply/demand base and strengthens competitiveness of the Group in international territories.
 

Mr. Montri Rawanchaikul, Chief Executive Officer, PTTEP said PTTEP has the investments in 3 producing projects in Oman – the Oman Block 61 Project, the PDO (Block 6) Project and the Mukhaizna (Block 53) Project – which are recognized as ones of the largest petroleum assets in Oman. Through the investment in these 3 projects, PTTEP has established a strong foothold, creates the company’s long-term growth in the Middle East as well as generates revenues for Thailand. 

PTTEP has participating interests through its subsidiaries in the Oman Block 61 Project, the PDO (Block 6) Project and the Mukhaizna (Block 53) Project at 20%, 2% and 1%, respectively. By combining equity portion of the 3 projects, PTTEP holds approximately 24,000 barrels per day of Oman crude oil.
 

Published : May 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

Charoen Pokphand Group and True Corporation present 3.9 million Baht of donation made by customers through “Let Them See Love 2021” project to Thai Red Cross Society

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40015703


On May 18, 2022, the Thai Red Cross Society, led by Secretary-General of the Thai Red Cross Tej Bunnag, together with Visist Dhitavat, M.D., Director of the Thai Red Cross Organ Donation Centre, and Assistant Professor Lalida Pariyakanok, M.D., Director of the Thai Red Cross Eye Bank, receive 3,937,554 baht of donation from the Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) and True Corporation, presented by Mrs. Rungfa Kiatipoj, Executive for Special Projects, Charoen Pokphand Group Co., Ltd. & Executive Assistant to Chairman of the Execuitve Committee, True Corporation.

Charoen Pokphand Group and True Corporation present 3.9 million Baht of donation made by customers through “Let Them See Love 2021” project to Thai Red Cross Society

The donation is raised through “Let Them See Love 2021” campaign that encourages True Move H customers to donate via SMS and TrueYou customers to redeem True Points to support expenses for organs and eyes donation processes at the Thai Red Cross Society. 

Charoen Pokphand Group and True Corporation, in collaboration with the Eye Center and the Thai Red Cross Society Organ Donation Center, have been operating the “Let Them See Love” project for 16 consecutive years. The project generates awareness and emphasizes the importance of the organs and eyes for Thai people. The primary objective is to extend the lives of recipients who are waiting for donations. This year alone there are currently 23,015 potential recipients on the waiting list. We have implemented a digital system – This years “Transfer Organs” edition is presented with the goal of creating an easy to understand concept, as everything is transferable. Just like organ-eye donation, everyone can easily express their intention to donate once we no longer use the organs in order to help other people’s lives.
 

Charoen Pokphand Group and True Corporation present 3.9 million Baht of donation made by customers through “Let Them See Love 2021” project to Thai Red Cross Society

In this regard, people who wish to participate in helping degenerative organ patients can also donate to fund the expenses of the organ and eye donation process continuously throughout the year. Donation can be made through the bank account “Eye Center, Thai Red Cross Society”, account number 045-231390-2, Siam Commercial Bank, Thai Red Cross Society branch and “Thai Red Cross Society Organ Donation Center”, account number 023-1-25888-7, Krung Thai Bank, Surawong Branch.

For True customers, donate via SMS, TrueMove H, type 10 to donate 10 baht* or type 100 to donate 100 baht* (*excluding VAT) without deduction and send to 91255 or make the donation through TRUE Money Wallet Application.

Please visit www.letthemseelove.com or https://www.facebook.com/CPGroupSustainability for more information.

Published : May 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

Government to focus on agricultural research for sustainable growth

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40015727


The Agriculture Department plans to establish a research team on economic crop breeding and genomic technologies to ensure the sustainability of Thailand’s agriculture.

Government to focus on agricultural research for sustainable growth

The department would make this proposal during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) ministerial meeting on agriculture and food, director-general Rapeepat Chansriwong said on Thursday.

He added that many laboratories need to be improved to boost the country’s agricultural potential.

“If we have plenty of research centres and laboratories, this business will become sustainable,” he said.

Rapeepat said the export value of durians since last year was more than THB800 billion, adding that durian is considered Thailand’s identity and soft power.

This year, Thailand would be able to harvest 1.2 million tons of durians, 270,000 tons of mangosteens, 1.5 million tons of longans and 280,000 tons of rambutans, he said.

He added that the country and farmers have many opportunities to generate revenue.

Government to focus on agricultural research for sustainable growth

Rapeepat added that the Covid-19 pandemic, including China’s Zero Covid policy, had severely impacted Thailand’s logistics.

“In this regard, the department has cooperated with agriculture ambassadors worldwide, especially in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, on improving regulations to facilitate export,” he said.

He added that the department is working closely with related agencies on agricultural promotion, especially in Chanthaburi, Chumphon, Rayong and Trat provinces where durians are grown in large quantities.

Provincial agencies have issued announcements to control the quality of durians, such as Covid-19 and unripe durian harvest prevention measures, he added.

Published : May 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

Baht might continue to fluctuate, weaken: market strategist

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40015697


The baht opened at 34.60 to the US dollar on Thursday, unchanged from Wednesday’s closing rate.

Baht might continue to fluctuate, weaken: market strategist

The currency is expected to move in a range between 34.50 and 34.70 on Thursday, predicted Krungthai Bank market strategist Poon Panichpibool.

Poon said the currency market is still fluctuating as it tends to close to risks quickly, leading to a strengthening of the dollar and pressuring the baht until the market opens for more risks.

He said the Thai currency might fluctuate and weaken while its resistance level in the short term is between 34.70 and 34.80.

He suggested close monitoring of foreign transactions to see if international investors offload Thai stocks or buy them when prices head down.

Poon feels foreign investors might tread carefully and will not purchase Thai stocks until new factors emerge to support the baht. If they do not buy the currency, it might not strengthen soon, he pointed out.

Poon advised businesses to use hedging tools such as options to manage risks in the highly volatile currency market.

Published : May 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

SMK files for bankruptcy protection after failing to pay massive Covid claims

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40015671


Syn Mun Kong Insurance (SMK) has filed for protection with the Central Bankruptcy Court after it failed to pay a whopping THB164 billion to 1.95 million people who purchased its Covid insurance.

SMK files for bankruptcy protection after failing to pay massive Covid claims

SMK managing director Reungdej Dusdeesurapoj informed the Stock Exchange of Thailand that the company filed for bankruptcy protection on Tuesday in accordance with the decision of its board of directors.

Reungdej said the SMK board had earlier agreed to have the company submit the bankruptcy filing and the board’s decision was sent to the Insurance Commission for approval on May 10.

Reungdej said the commission approved the decision and SMK was required to file for bankruptcy within five days of being notified, so the company submitted the filing to the Central Bankruptcy Court on Tuesday.

In the filing, the company promised to restructure its massive debt by seeking more investment funds.

SMK would also seek permission to restructure its debt by extending the payout datelines and would negotiate with some creditors to turn the debts into shares.

The lawsuit states that its restructuring plan is aimed at allowing it to repay debts to Covid insurance purchasers and to pay buyers of its vehicle, fire, and marine insurance as well as petty insurance.

SMK reportedly sold 1.95 million Covid-19 insurance policies and ended up with a massive liability of some THB164 billion.

On July 16 last year, at the height of the pandemic, the company announced it would cancel all its Covid-19 insurance policies and would return the money to buyers.

However, the Insurance Commission put a brake on the cancellation, saying SMK had to honour the policies it had sold.

At the beginning of this year, a large number of Covid insurance buyers swarmed SMK’s head office to register claims, prompting the authorities to step in to help organise registrations.

SMK promised to pay the money in installments.

Some 61,000 buyers of SMK’s Covid insurance policies have joined a Facebook group to help one another monitor and seek their insured sum from the company.

Published : May 18, 2022

By : THE NATION

Electrical-electronic device sector provides highest salary: JobsDB

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The Electrical and electronic device business provides the highest salary for employees followed by the IT business, JobsDB said on Tuesday.

Electrical-electronic device sector provides highest salary: JobsDB

The job-search platform was revealing the top ten businesses with the highest salaries amid the Covid-19 crisis this year.

Its survey, which included the years 2020 and 2021, aims to boost opportunities for job seekers amid digital disruption and political instability.

JobsDB managing director Duangporn Promon said many government and private businesses have adapted to cope with the Covid-19 crisis, such as applying technologies and improving operations to cope with changes in consumer behaviour.

This has led to an expansion of the computer and IT industry and an increasing demand for employees in the sector, she pointed out.

“In 2021, computer and IT industry firms announced they would recruit more than 12,200 workers,” she said.

She added that there is a possibility new graduates would get salaries of THB30,000 depending on their potential.

Duangporn said demand for employees in the tourism industry has also increased in response to a recovery in tourism.

“However, employers in the tourism industry have not increased salaries as high as the IT industry has,” she said.

Duangporn added that the report also indicated that organisation size is not an important factor in determining salaries as some industries that need skilled employees offer salaries higher than large organisations.

The insurance industry had the highest salary increase percentage of 33.3 per cent, followed by hotels and restaurants at 18.2 per cent, she said.

The top ten businesses with the highest salaries are:

1. Electrical and electronic device business: THB37,500

2. IT business: THB32,500

3. Banking and finance business: THB32,500

4. Telecommunications business: THB32,000

5. Insurance business: THB30,000

6. Real estate business: THB25,500

7. Transportation business: THB25,500

8. Distribution business: THB25,000

9. Food, beverage and catering business: THB25,000

10. General manufacturing business: THB25,000

Published : May 18, 2022

By : THE NATION

More support needed for Thai EV market to change gear

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Despite a government incentives scheme and the entry of new players offering new electric car models, Thailand’s EV market needs more support to sustain growth and enable widespread adoption of the industry, according to a report. 

More support needed for Thai EV market to change gear

ABeam Consulting Thailand, a leading global consulting firm with specialties in digital transformation, highlighted in the report the trends and challenges for the industry in 2022. 

The report said that the adoption rate of EV cars in the country is now accelerating due to better government incentives and new market automakers offering more choices. In 2019, Thailand had only 660 electric cars on the road but in 2021 the number increased to 1,955 and is expected to reach 3,000 this year. 

However, there are more things the government and automotive companies need to do in order the make the country’s market strong and sustainable, the report said. 

The Thai government announced new incentives in February 2022 consisting of a package of import and excise duty cuts and direct subsidies. It aims to not only help increase the EV adoption rate but also commit vehicle manufacturers to begin EV production in the country in the near future. 

With new incentives in place, and with signed agreements with several automakers, the country should begin to bridge the gap with other countries, in particular China and European countries that are further ahead in their journey towards an EV future.

Supreeda JirawongsriSupreeda Jirawongsri

Supreeda Jirawongsri, principal, Head of Digital Competency at ABeam Consulting (Thailand) Ltd, said although the overall outlook for EV growth in Thailand was very promising, there were currently some global headwinds, including supply bottlenecks and significantly higher than before raw materials costs, that would block the progress of the Thai EV market.

Industry players must take appropriate actions and adjust their strategies and operations so that they can take advantage of new trends and help accelerate the industry transition, Supreeda said.

ABeam has suggested that automakers and suppliers together build intelligent supply chains utilising Internet of Things, big data, AI and blockchain that increase visibility, optimise operations and help prevent potential bottlenecks. Established automakers who still heavily rely on the production of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles can adopt flexible manufacturing systems that leverage their existing assets to make the transition to EVs less risky and less costly.

More support needed for Thai EV market to change gear

Meanwhile, suppliers, in particular those that currently rely on ICE powertrain parts, need to act fast and prepare the right strategy to pivot to other products and services and develop new partnerships.

Car retailers should play the role of educator to help customers understand the benefits and address any specific concerns. They should also aim to deliver a seamless omnichannel experience and optimise their retail footprint and operations so that they can reduce costs, ABeam said.

Also, EV charging players should investigate what partnerships with automakers, commercial fleet owners or other EV charging players they can develop to increase the number of drivers using their charging stations. Beyond that, there are opportunities to create additional revenue streams by hosting advertisements or collecting commissions from products sold to EV drivers while they charge their vehicles.

Meanwhile, ABeam Consulting has warned that Thailand needs to aggressively prepare to face more fierce competition from Southeast Asia’s neighbours, especially Indonesia and Vietnam, if Thailand still aims to be the hub of EV production in the region. Indonesia is one the major producers of nickel, an essential substance to make EV cars. Vietnam has developed its own homemade EV and has the potential to host EV factories because of their cheap labour.

More support needed for Thai EV market to change gear

Earlier this year, the Thai government set the ambitious target to have EVs account for 100 per cent of vehicles sold and 50 per cent of vehicles produced in Thailand by 2035. For a country that averaged about 1 million vehicles in annual sales and 2 million vehicles in annual production before the pandemic, analysts said it was a big task to achieve.

Published : May 18, 2022

By : THE NATION