“50th National Book Fair & 20th Bangkok International Book Fair 2022”
Thais love to read. The amount of individuals that attend each year’s book fair ensures this. Despite the fact that the Covid-19 stopped Thai (and foreign) bookworms from shopping at last year’s book fair, the fair’s return in 2022 indicates that we all miss it!
“50th National Book Fair & 20th Bangkok International Book Fair 2022” will be held from March 26 to April 6, from 10am to 9pm, at Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok
Huawei has unveiled a country business strategy aimed at forging Thailand’s 5G leadership in Asean.
The Chinese tech giant is deeply involved in the construction of 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G in Thailand, one of its largest markets.
“In 2022, we hope to drive 5G population coverage to 70 per cent, 5G penetration rate to 20 per cent from the current 10 per cent,” Huawei Thailand CEO Abel Deng said on Friday.
The tech firm would introduce 5G hospitals, 5G ambulances, and AI-assisted solutions in 20 hospitals.
Huawei also build 5G benchmark networks in several Thai cities and deploy 5G at 100 Eastern Economic Corridor factories, including five car-making plants, Deng said. The infrastructure would help support Thailand as this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) host, he added.
Deng said Huawei Cloud planned to release 80+ new cloud-based services to boost digital transition by banks, SMEs and online media providers this year.
Meanwhile it would continue to support the Government Cloud Service and improve data security under an agreement signed recently with the Digital Economy and Society Ministry.
Deng added the tech firm was also helping Thailand to meet its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, having launched its Asia Pacific Digital Power Regional Headquarters in Bangkok last year.
Meanwhile the Huawei Cloud Partner Network expects to increase its members from 300 to 500 while the Huawei Cloud Spark Programme was empowering more than 2,000 developers and 300 start-ups every year.
“Our net profits increased by 75.9 per cent year on year. Profit growth has made the company more productive and risk-resilient,” Deng added.
Thailand and Vietnam have pledged to tighten economic cooperation in a bid to push the value of bilateral trade to US$25 billion by 2025.
The resolution was made at a discussion between the Thai ambassador to Vietnam, Nikorndej Balankura, and Vietnam PM Pham Minh Chính in Hanoi on March 31.
The two met to discuss economic cooperation at bilateral, sub-regional and multi-national levels.
At the discussion, Nikorndej also proposed and won the premier’s promise that shipping Thai fruits to China via Vietnam would be made easier. He said the premier promised full cooperation in allowing Thailand to use Vietnam as a conduit to China.
The ambassador also asked the premier to open the door to investments in Vietnam, especially in the alternative energy sector. He said more Thais are interested in investing in Vietnam and so far, a third of the investments made by Thais have been in the energy sector.
He added that allowing Thais to invest in the clean energy sector will also help Vietnam achieve its net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2050. The ambassador said Thailand hopes to be among the top five foreign investors in Vietnam soon.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính congratulated Thailand for successfully setting up the ThaiCham, or chamber of commerce and industry, in Vietnam to assist and drive bilateral investments.
The two sides also discussed cooperation in the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS).
Nikorndej proposed that Thailand and Vietnam link up supplies for industries in both countries. The prime minister, meanwhile, also pledged support for Thailand during the hosting of the Apec Summit in November.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict and rising production costs are pressuring Thailand’s export sector, the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) reports.
Thailand’s export value in the first two months this year was US$44.74 billion, up 12.2 per cent year on year, The TNSC said on Saturday.
Exports were worth $21.25 billion in January and $23.48 billion in February, up 8 per cent and 16.2 per cent, respectively.
TNSC chairman Chaichan Charoensuk said January-February exports expanded strongly on orders made before Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.
He expects Thai exports in the first quarter to expand around 5 per cent year on year before falling below 5 per cent in the second quarter under pressure from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the resulting rise in production costs.
“The price of Thai export goods has increased by 5-10 per cent,” he added.
Chaichan Charoensuk
The TNSC, trade associations and industries concluded on March 25 that the war would drag on and continue to drive up prices of raw materials, Chaichan said.
Russia’s ban on exports of crude oil, natural gas and rare minerals, as well as economic sanctions on Moscow, were affecting many industries, he added.
However, five major Thai exports – rubber and rubber products, foods, cassava products, sugar and rice – would help lift revenue amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
“Meanwhile, tyres, textiles, auto parts, plastic beads and electrical appliances will also boost Thai exports,” he added.
Chaichan warned, however, that the microchip shortage in the automobile industry should be tackled urgently as Russia’s ban on exports of chip materials would exacerbate the issue.
TNSC cut its forecast for Thailand’s export growth this year from 5-8 per cent to no more than 5 per cent. Thai exports would drop further if the Russia-Ukraine war drags on and sparks further inflation and contraction of the global economy, Chaichan added.
Thailand exported 149,284 cars in the first two months this year, down 2.8 per cent year on year due to a microchip shortage, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reports.
The prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict will exacerbate shortages in microchips and auto parts as Russia has halted exports of nickel, palladium and other raw-material metals, said Surapong Paisitpattanapong, FTI vice president and auto chapter chief.
Also, western countries were boycotting goods from Russia, he added.
The chip shortage came after Covid-19 sparked rising demand for electronic devices, Surapong explained.
“It will take two years for microchip manufacturers to expand production, so we expect the shortage to be resolved in 2024.”
The FTI forecasts Thai car exports in the first quarter and first half of this year will drop, Surapong said.
However, the FTI has retained its 2022 export target of 1 million cars compared to 950,000 last year. Thailand’s car production has dropped from 170,000 per month to 150,000 per month, he said.
The FTI was monitoring the Russia-Ukraine conflict’s impact on the economy and trade, as well as the impact of rising inflation on daily living costs, he added.
The Revenue Department has issued guidelines on the waiver of income tax on revenue earned from the transfer of cryptocurrency or digital tokens.
The guidelines focused on three points, namely:
1. Revenue or loss incurred from the transfer of cryptocurrencies or digital tokens must be calculated by an authorised digital assets exchange. The calculation of profits or losses must be based on the entire tax year. The price of cryptocurrency or digital tokens on the last day of the tax year will be applicable to the following year.
2. Earnings from the transfer of cryptocurrencies or digital tokens calculated by an authorised digital assets exchange must be recorded and checked by a related official. The report must contain the following information:
a. Initials of the cryptocurrency or digital tokens
b. Date and time of the transfer
c. Transaction type
d. Number of cryptocurrencies or digital tokens transferred
e. Price of the cryptocurrency or tokens transferred
f. Value of the cryptocurrency or digital tokens transferred in Thai baht
g. The cost of the transfer in Thai baht
h. The cost of the cryptocurrency or digital tokens
3. These regulations are effective from May 14, 2018.
Mikimoto, the No 1 pearl jewellery brand from Japan, captures the captivating beauty of pearls and exquisite craftsmanship with its Spring Collection 2022.
Mikimoto, the No 1 pearl jewellery brand from Japan, captures the captivating beauty of pearls and exquisite craftsmanship with its Spring Collection 2022.
For this spring, Mikimoto draws its inspiration from the cherry blossom, Japan’s national flower that symbolises achievement and strong willpower.
The delicate, ethereal cherry blossom petals are transformed into precious jewellery such as matching earrings, pendant and bracelet with lustrous Akoya pearls and sparkling diamonds – a perfect gift that represents eternal love for any woman.
Spring-time cherry blossoms are an inspiration for exceptional jewellery fit for ladies in search of timeless gracefulness.
The set, which comprises earrings, ring and pendant with lustrous, perfectly round South Sea white pearls and exquisite diamonds on a white gold setting, brings luxurious and charming air to the wearer.
Understated elegance and stylishness are Mikimoto’s renowned authenticity.
Earrings and a pendant featuring round and lustrous white Akoya pearls adorned on a rose gold setting make this collection exquisitely timeless and a match for sophisticated, modern women with minimal style.
Another matching set in the Spring Collection 2022 that draws inspiration from flowing lively blooms, the Dancing Lines, comprises earrings, ring and pendant constructed with white South Sea pearls on a white gold setting – an analogy to a strong, intertwined bond.
Another highlight is the Akoya pearl brooch with diamond and pink gemstone where perfectly round white Akoya pearls are placed with a delicate bee and petals of dazzling diamonds with precious pink gemstones – truly an accessory for every occasion.
Experience the refined beauty of the seasonal vibrance of the Spring Collection 2022 at Boutique Mikimoto, located at Level M of Siam Paragon.
B.Grimm Power Pcl (BGRIM) and True Corporation Plc have joined hands to pursue cooperation in digital innovation development for the energy business.
B.Grimm Power Pcl (BGRIM) and True Corporation Plc have joined hands to pursue cooperation in digital innovation development for the energy business.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the two leading firms in their respective fields will prepare digital transformation to create a new economic ecosystem that aims to promote production potential and increase competitiveness for the private sector and new-era startups. They would work towards uplifting the energy industry in the digital age along with taking care of society and the environment in a sustainable manner.
BGRIM’s President, Dr Harald Link, said it is an honour to collaborate with the True Group, a robust partner in telecommunication infrastructure and digital ecosystem. He said they aim to tap the benefits of the True 5G intelligent network and digital technology to create cutting-edge innovations to boost efficiency in the management of electric power and clean energy that would not only help drive the Thai economy but also create value for society and the environment.
This cooperation conforms to one of BGRIM’s strategies of striving to develop various business models to support digital transformation in cooperation with leading local and international partners undertaken by a new generation of personnel to create long-term growth, and create value for society as well as elevate BGRIM to become a world-class energy producer, he noted.
Natwut Amornvivat, President of True Corporation Plc, said that the collaboration with BGRIM offers a great opportunity for the firm to expedite the transformation of Thailand’s energy business into a truly digital age and enhance the Thai energy industry to grow strongly and sustainably. The cooperation will see BGRIM and True working together in an integrated manner to exploit the potential of True Group’s comprehensive telecommunication and digital infrastructure, and the intelligence of the True 5G network to develop digital innovations.
These forthcoming innovations will bring about business opportunities and meet the needs of energy consumption in the household, business and industrial sectors to meet the rising energy demand while taking care of society and the environment, he said. The innovations are meant to achieve energy conservation, promote clean energy, mitigate environmental impacts from the generation and usage of electric power for a better quality of life for Thai people, thus fulfilling BGRIM’s mission to create energy security that will drive the economy and industry nationally and regionally, he noted.
The BGRIM-True collaboration will be in four key areas:
1. Development of Digital Infrastructure with Smart Energy
The two parties will jointly study and develop digital infrastructure, connecting the process of electricity trading in all sectors in a drive to realise the Smart City and Smart Energy-Smart Building concepts. BGRIM’s smart and energy-saving buildings are to serve as prototypes for system testing, which will be extended to serve external customers in the future.
In addition, a complete solution for energy-saving buildings will be developed, starting from power generation derived from renewable clean energy, applying optimum energy efficiency management technologies, such as the Property Integration System and True Smart Energy solutions that connect Internet of Things (IoT) devices via True 5G smart networks. Also covered in the work programme is designing buildings’ interior systems to be user-friendly, convenient and safe while reducing the carbon footprint or greenhouse gas emissions from various activities.
2. Development of 5G technology innovation projects and Smart Grid
This development is aimed at creating a knowledge base, studying and exchanging new technologies, and Smart Grid innovations through the True 5G network that will enhance the quality of Thai power plants under the concept of Industrial 4.0, Facility 4.0 and Smart Industrial Estate. The mission is to provide quality and stable energy supplies within offices and industrial estates under the supervision of BGRIM.
The Smart Grid System combines communication technology and digital technology with a circuit power system in stages from production to transmission and distribution of electricity to household, business and industrial sectors. The IoT technology is applied in the production, installation and maintenance phases. There is also a digital platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to analyse predictive analytics to provide early warning.
Meanwhile, Machine Learning technology helps prevent parts or equipment from being damaged and raises production efficiency. This will lead to good management, in terms of convenience and speed, and can also be applied to suit the needs and benefit the people, the government, and the industrial sectors effectively.
3. Developing a new economic ecosystem and promoting startups in Thailand
True Digital Park, billed as the largest tech and startup hub in Asean, will be instrumental in promoting startups through hackathon activities that promote innovations in the fields of energy, environment and sustainability. True Digital Park will facilitate knowledge-sharing events and seminars. Its ecosystem also opens up investment opportunities for startups in a drive to turn Thailand into a digital innovation hub to uplift the Thai energy industry for sustainable development.
4. Infrastructure development and energy management solutions
This collaboration is aimed at developing infrastructure and solutions to provide primary or backup power, an efficient cooling system for True IDC’s data centres. The two sides will create solutions to support energy management technologies, raising the proportion of renewable or clean energy, increasing energy consumption efficiency, while curtailing carbon footprint in various activities related to the businesses. This reinforces True IDC’s commitment to be the leader in providing green data centres and cloud services in Thailand with sustainability in delivering services to customers in the public and private sectors.
The collaboration between BGRIM and True will not only help drive the economy and society but also promote environmental stewardship. This is in line with BGRIM’s goal of becoming a net-zero carbon emissions organisation by 2050, in line with the company’s vision of conducting its businesses with compassion to create sustainable benefits for Thai society.
As clouds drift by in a blue sky, laden with flowers abloom in the beauty of spring, let TWG Tea delight you with its limited edition 2022 blend of Sakura! Sakura! Tea and enchanting Cherry Blossom Teatime Set for Two.
As clouds drift by in a blue sky, laden with flowers abloom in the beauty of spring, let TWG Tea delight you with its limited edition 2022 blend of Sakura! Sakura! Tea and enchanting Cherry Blossom Teatime Set for Two.
Beautifully handcrafted with notes of wild Rainier cherry and sweet rose petals, Sakura! Sakura! Tea is a green tea blend that yields the most aromatic and elegant infusion, enveloped by soft lingering hints of floral sweetness. Encased in the soft, luxuriant hues of pink and gold in a collectable tea tin, this marvellous blend rejuvenates and refreshes your mind and body with vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
To celebrate the blossoming Sakura season, indulge in a Cherry Blossom Teatime Set for Two at TWG Tea Salons & Boutiques from March 16 to April 30. Enjoy the flavours of spring with two Sakura! Sakura! Tea infused mocktails, accompanied by a choice of cake and two tea-infused macarons, served with a selection of hot or iced tea including Paris-Singapore Tea, Summer Palace, and Festive Night Tea.
A tin of Sakura! Sakura! Tea goes for 1,490 baht and is available at all TWG Tea Salons & Boutiques throughout April.
The Cherry Blossom Teatime Set for Two, priced at 590++ is available until April 30 at TWG Tea Salon & Boutique on the ground floor of The Emporium, Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM.
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) appointed new CEO Kris Chantanotoke to oversee the strengthening of its financial business and ensure sustainable growth. Kris steps in from August 1 onwards.
SCB chair Vichit Suraphongchai said the appointment aims to ensure the company will achieve its target of becoming a regional financial group with good corporate governance in line with its “Mothership” strategy.
The appointment has been approved by the Bank of Thailand.
He said Kris was suitable for the job thanks to his experience and reputation in the finance, banking, sustainable management and insurance areas. Also, he said, as a new generation leader, Kris is armed with the vision to apply technologies to create changes in the business.
“Kris will bring knowledge and experience to help SCB become a better bank, as well as create sustainable growth for the company,” he said.
Kris will replace Arthid Nanthawithaya, who will step down as SCB CEO on July 31 but will continue as CEO of SCBX.
Vichit said the three SCB presidents – Sarut Ruttanaporn, Apiphan Charoenanusorn and Arak Sutivong – will also step down on July 31. They are currently CEOs of Card X, Auto X and SCB Securities, respectively.
“This change in top management aims to upgrade the organisation to becoming a regional financial technology group that can meet the new needs of consumers and can compete with world-class competitors,” he concluded.
Chaichan Charoensuk
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