World Cup fails to lift advertising industry as ad revenues plunge
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022
This year’s World Cup failed to come close to its predecessors in terms of advertising revenues, earning just 136 million baht compared to the more than 500 million baht as usual, according to Pawat Ruangdejworachai, director and CEO of Media Intelligence.
Pawat said regional and global sports events draw massive audiences in Thailand, and brands and companies spend a lot of money on advertising to reach them.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the World Cup and other global sporting events drew more than 500 million baht in advertising, Pawat said.
Prawat said the game with the highest rating was the match between Germany and Japan. Even though it was a group-stage match, its ratings were high because it was broadcast at 8pm on a single channel.
The final between Argentina and France ranked second. It started at 10pm and was broadcast on two channels – True4U and Channel 7 – simultaneously.
True4U was the biggest beneficiary, earning slightly more than 93 million baht in advertising revenue from this year’s World Cup.
Channel 7 earned 350,000 baht per minute for advertising during the final match, but per minute advertising in most other matches earned only five-digit fees.
Pawat added that most advertisements came from those who helped buy the broadcasting rights.
Only a few brands actually paid for advertising during broadcasts of World Cup matches, Pawat said, adding that Euro Cake and Pepsi were the two highest spenders.
The World Cup did not live up to its record and failed to boost the advertising industry, Pawat said.
Baht gains against dollar, but experts see limited potential for further appreciation
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022
The baht opened at 34.65 to the US dollar on Wednesday, strengthening from Tuesday’s close of 34.78.
The currency will likely move between 34.50 and 34.70 against the greenback during the day, Krungthai market strategist Poon Panichpibool said.
Poon said that the baht might strengthen due to the weakening dollar and gold sales, but it would not strengthen past its support level of 34.5 to the dollar because the currency market is fluctuating and foreign investors could sell more Thai stocks after net sales of 1.7 billion baht on Tuesday.
Moreover, foreign investors could also sell Thai long-term bonds as the global bond yield is increasing.
He believes that some of them might wait for the baht to reach close to its support level to short for profit following net sales of 8 billion baht of short-term bonds this week.
Poon also advised investors to use hedging tools, such as options, to manage risks in a highly volatile currency market.
TISTR in talk with Sydney University’s Plant Breeding Institute for agricultural technology collaboration
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022
Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR) under Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) makes a progress on the Campaign of Driving Area-based Economy Using Innovation which is sponsored by the Office of Permanent Secretary of MHESI and aimed to create an international collaboration network for the Innovative Agriculture.
The delegations from TISTR and MHESI visited Australia and discussed with Plant Breeding Institute, an organization under the University of Sydney together with the Rust Project Research Team joined, to exchange and learn the Research and Development in Agricultural Technology, especially Crops and Ornamental Plants, as well as the future collaboration between both organizations.
The Thai delegations was led by Dr. Chutima Eamchotchawalit—Governor of Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), along with Dr. Rochana Tangkoonboribun—Director of Expert Centre of Innovative Agriculture (InnoAg). Led by Prof. Richard Trethowan—Director of the Plant Breeding Institute, the University of Sydney, there was also Prof. Robert Park—Research Team Leader of Rust Project—joined the meeting.
The meeting was started by Dr. Rochana Tangkoonboribun—Director of Expert Centre of Innovative Agriculture (InnoAg) with a presentation of the overall operation of the Expert Centre, and the introduction to the Malaiwittayasatan (Malai Academy) Project. After that Prof. Robert Park—Research Team Leader presented the Rust Research Project of the Institute which has been being operated for more than 100 years. The institute discovery includes more than 15 diseases from Wheat. To prevent the diseases from spreading onto other commercial plants, the institute was relocated to Sydney because the city is not a significant agricultural area of Australia. The institute is proud of Dr. Sanjaya Rajaram—a researcher of the institute who received a world’s honored award, the World Food Prize.
The executives of Plant Breeding Institute took the delegations of TISTR to visit the Rust Research Program and another Institute Research Project of Agriculture and Crop Cultivation. There are the Missions to promote the research to improve the Plant Genetics both Crops and Ornamental Plants for benefits, profits, and sustainable production with the best technology. The research focuses on the Genetic Development of Cereal and Crops, the Development of Food Quality and Farming System, the Agricultural Digitalization, and the Adjustment for Climate and Natural Change.
Dr. Chutima revealed that the operation of the Plant Breeding Institute of the University of Sydney has a very close direction to the Missions regarding Agricultural Research of TISTR. Therefore, the delegations of TISTR had seek for a further collaboration or a co-research project among institutes in the future, and now the institute is waiting for a reply from the Plant Breeding Institute of Australia.
Ericsson & depa Join Forces to Drive 5G Digital Transformation in Thailand
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022
Ericsson and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate towards driving 5G-based digital transformation in Thailand.
The collaboration entails sharing best practices, advanced understanding and Ericsson‘s state-of-the-art technology to accelerate Thailand’s journey towards becoming a digital economy.
As part of the MoU, Ericsson and depa will establish an innovation lab (Innolab) in depa’s Thailand Digital Valley in Chonburi province that will serve as a 5G testbed and service centre for trials of new wireless and network technologies, spectrum sharing, as well as new applications and services in Thailand.
“Ericsson will continue to work closely with key stakeholders to drive the vision of Thailand 4.0 and support the development of the 5G ecosystem. As the global 5G technology leader, Ericsson will bring its state-of-the-art technology and solutions together with our global experience and expertise to realize Thailand’s goal of becoming a digital economy and society,” states Igor Maurell, Head of Ericsson Thailand.
“We will be working with Ericsson as our strategic partner in driving the ecosystem development in Thailand. Our key mission is to partner with stakeholders in the industry to come up with strategic plans to enhance the digital economy together with fostering innovations that are relevant to depa’s goal of creating better living and bolstering the competitiveness of the country,” said Asst. Prof. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, depa’s President & CEO.
The collaboration also aims at creating new opportunities for business development, capability and skill development and encouraging foreign direct investments, while strengthening the role of Thailand Digital Valley in the development of next-generation 5G products, services, and applications.
Both organizations share their common goal of supporting 5G-based innovation and applications across sectors ranging from manufacturing, service, smart city, and agriculture to social development. They also aim to bolster knowledge sharing and develop training programs in terms of technology, applied cases and regulations.
“Digital infrastructure plays a critical role in our society, with communication technologies helping to address social, environmental, and economic challenges all across the globe,” Igor said. “We are working to ensure that the robust 5G network platform of today continues to evolve towards the 6G era, delivering new capabilities and superior performance.”
Ericsson is a global 5G leader and today powers 134 live 5G networks in 59 countries with 17 live 5G standalone networks across the world.
Thai government partners UN agency to help end violence against women
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has joined hands with the Thai government and partner organisations to stop all forms of violence and harmful practices against women.
The aim is to support the creation of an equal-opportunity society without leaving anyone behind.
The UNFPA reports that one-third of women worldwide have been physically abused by their husbands. The report confirms that Thai women are also increasingly likely to be subjected to violence.
In Thailand, violence against women and girls is a major cause for concern. Since its negative effects can have a direct impact on families’ capacities to function.
The Department of Disease Control, which sits under The Ministry of Public Health, reported that, between 2019 and 2021, 51 hospitals across the country found that on average 8,577 women were victims of physical abuse each year, having received more than 7 women per day as patients. Moreover, there were 30,000 complaints related to sexual violence each year, including requests for access to recovery programs.
Siriluck Chiengwong, UNFPA Head of Office said “The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the United Nations agency for sexual and reproductive health. It is committed to working with partner organizations, academics, the media, and the public sector to promote rights and choices in reproductive health and family planning. It works to end gender-based violence and to encourage teenage pregnancy mothers to reach their full potential. UNFPA is working to ensure that expectant mothers are safe throughout their pregnancy until childbirth.
Moving forward with the UNFPA Thailand 12th Country Programme (2022-2026), UNFPA aims to support the use of empirical data through its development frameworks ensuring Thailand be a society of opportunity that leaves no one behind”.
Asa Torkelsson, Country Representative Malaysia and Country Director of The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations agency for sexual and reproductive health, said “UNFPA held the event “Orange Night: Strategic Partnership for Rights and Choices for all”, and to thank and celebrate the achievements of UNFPA, to recognise its partner projects as well as sparking new partnerships”.
She said that “the new partnerships would support the organisation’s efforts towards strengthening all people’s rights and choices and unite all voices as one on the occasion of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence against women and girls’ campaign.” UNFPA joined together with supporters from allied organizations, governments, the private sector, media, and activists from across the Asia-Pacific region including from Thailand, the Ministry of Public Health, and the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) along with other partners.
Torkelsson concluded that “It is important to focus on strengthening and developing human capital to keep developing people’s potential throughout life to support the growth of the country and support for diverse family structures as well as the expansion and development of maternal and reproductive health of working women. The promotion of quality educational opportunities and working conditions conducive to women and gender equality is paramount. In family settings, it is important to divide responsibility between women and men and provide more flexible employment.”
UNFPA works closely with UN Women and other partners. Together, They develop standards of services needed for victims of sexual violence including psychosocial therapy, law, housing and health consequences. These standards are derived from violence-related incidents such as unwanted pregnancies.
Thailand has an important legal framework for such pregnancies which is called the ‘Act on the Prevention and Solution of Adolescent Pregnancy Problems B.E. 2559‘. This framework promotes an integrated mechanism between various ministries together with all stakeholders including young people to ensure the delivery of sexual and reproductive health services to all women of reproductive age, including girls and adolescents.
According to NESDC, Thailand has a population of over 71 million and the world recognised that 8 billion people were living on the planet by November 2022. Fortunately, the number of children born in the digital age is decreasing which it is hoped will lessen the strain on human resources for better future development.
At the same time, while rapid urbanization has changed the traditional family structure, as in many countries, that structure is being further modified by an ageing society. Whilst the number of children and the population of working age is decreasing, the number of older people is increasing leading to a slowdown in the country’s growth. Thailand’s demographic structure is in a transition period too. Thailand has an ageing population which will affect both growth and economic development in the future.
Orange Night held a keynote event covering human rights and gender inequality. At the exhibition, the role of women fighting for women’s rights was exhibited. An inspirational talk was given to encourage committed women to achieve success and support sustainable development. Saysunee Jana, Paralympic Gold medalist in wheelchair Fencing and Christina Aguilar, Queen of Dance of Thailand discussed issues relevant to their human rights and to their achievements relating to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Saysunee Jana, a Paralympic Gold medalist in Wheelchair Fencing who has a mobility disability said that after an accident she made life-changing decisions which gave her the strength to fight again. She spoke of the importance of a government rehabilitation centre which supports and trains professionals in sports for people with disabilities. The centre enabled her to have the opportunity to become a professional athlete and win the first gold medal for Thailand.
Later, she became pregnant and had a family. Many people were concerned and recommended an abortion. “But we wanted to have children”, she said, “and were ready to accept everything that might happen. I kept taking good care of myself until finally, I gave birth to a healthy baby. It’s the most wonderful thing. I want to tell everyone that I have fought for motherhood. Everyone has the right to choose and the right to have equal access to opportunities for everyone.”
“The use of violence also has implications at the policy level in Thailand and at the global level as it is an act that blocks us from achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 or SDG 5 focusing on gender equality”, said Christina Aguilar. “It is essential that we “end or eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls. In addition”, she said, “I would like to recognise all Survivors or those who have experienced violence for reasons of gender and reaffirm the view that Gender-based violence should never be tolerated – to any fellow human beings.”
Finally, UNFPA has announced a plaque of appreciation to partner agencies that have successfully implemented important projects this year, namely the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council. National Statistical Office Ministry of Digital Economy and Society Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development Ministry of Social and Human Development, Department of Health and Ministry of Public Health.
In addition, it has announced a partnership with Reckitt to strive for and drive a world free from violence against women and girls. UNFPA will continue to campaign until the violence is eliminated.
“Singha”, German Embassy continue the “Dual Vocational Training” project to prepare Thai students for working in Europe
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2022
Boon Rawd continues the “Dual Vocational Training” project by joining the German Embassy and cooperating with the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce to increase the standard of education from Germany, a country with a vocational education curriculum that is recognized worldwide as a guideline for developing and enhancing the capabilities of Thai vocational children with Real-studying and Real-learning by being an internship with the factory “Pathumthani Brewery” to train a good foundation and get a German standard certification that indicates the ability to work in Germany and many other European countries.
Mr. Piti Bhirombhakdi, Duputy First Senior Executive Vice President, Boon Rawd Brewery Co., Ltd., who leads the management of all Boon Rawd Brewery factories, informs that Germany is one of the world’s leading countries in industrialization and is also recognized for its high standards of vocational education. Over the past 3 years, Boon Rawd Brewery has worked with the German Embassy, the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce, and the Don Bosco Technological College to jointly bring standards of knowledge to improve skills in vocational education. However, to develop Thai youths in the education system to have the capability to become professionals in the global job market. To get to that point, curriculums have been designed according to German standards along with real learning and working with Boon Rawd Brewery’s production plant to ultimately build Thai youths to become more and more talented. And at the end of the course, Thai youths will receive a certificate approved by the German Ministry of Education, which can be used as evidence when applying for jobs in Germany and Europe countries.
This year, the program has expanded the success from the previous year, developing vocational education and training courses in the Mechanic field. Previously, personnel were created for the High Vocational Certificate in Electronic control specialization. This is because it is a field that coordinates with the needs of the industrial sector and that expands in the future to increase the job opportunities for Thai vocational youths. More significantly, the company is also the first Thai private company in the ASEAN to receive Level A accreditation from the German Ministry of Education.
However, the training program endures for 2 years according to the standard of German education or GTDEE (German -Thai Dual Excellence Education) and Thailand. Besides, studying theory in the classroom, students will accomplish actual work training at Pathumthani Brewery Co., Ltd. in the Boon Rawd Brewery Group, an organization that has been in business for more than 89 years to gain experience, grow the knowledge and abilities of Thai vocational youths and international skills to ready for work in the future, specifically in Germany, which is a developed country and its industry is excellent advanced that it gains worldwide recognition.
For the production of vocational students who will become professionals under the training program “Dual Vocational Training” in 2023, up to 10 Thai youths will be enrolled for training and ready to join the Thai and European industries in the future.
InnovestX reveals investment strategies for 2023 with SET Index targeted at 1,750 points
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2022
InnovestX believes that economic activity will continue to deteriorate in 2023 due to a gradual increase in interest rates, which increases the likelihood of a recession in developed countries such as the United States and Europe. The company anticipates that the Federal Reserve will slash interest rates in 2023 as demand is expected to decline, resulting in a dollar depreciation.
This will boost emerging markets such as the Thai stock exchange, which is anticipated to profit from capital inflows. In addition, the Thai economy is still on the path to recovery from domestic consumption with economic stimulus measures as a supporting factor, as well as positive expectations for China’s reopening in 2Q23. However, InnovestX is cautious about economic growth and earnings prospects in 2023, as well as rising risks to financial stability. The company suggests investing in top equities in 1Q23 which will gain from China’s reopening and the reviving Thai economy, namely AOT, BBL, BCP, CPALL, and MINT.
Innovest X Securities Co., Ltd. Research Group Managing Director Sukit Udomsirikul, said that during the transition period between 2022 and 2023, the world economy will exhibit three traits. To begin with, global economic growth will slow down dramatically, and the economies of developed and emerging markets will evolve differently, with the former potentially experiencing severe stagflation or at least a moderate recession. However, there is less likelihood of a severe recession in EM economies, but growth will decelerate. Second, global inflation is predicted to peak, especially in the US and EM nations, and to decline from a high base in 2023 as global demand decreases as a result of the economic slowdown. Third, Asian countries, including Thailand, are expected to continue raising their own interest rates, which means that the policy interest rate is already too high to accommodate heating inflation. Accordingly, we forecast a fundamentally driven SET Index of 1,750 points for the first quarter of 2023, with significant buying points in the zone of 1,500-1,600.
Thai markets will react favorably to China’s policy easing in 2Q23, when it is anticipated that the country will reopen because Chinese tourists account for the majority of Thailand’s tourism income and help drive net foreign inflows. Due to the ongoing energy crises and stricter monetary policy, the Eurozone will face stagflation in 2023, with economic activity declining. It is expected that inflation will continue to be over the target rate throughout 2022 and 2023. Inflationary pressures in the Eurozone, however, are likely to rise at a faster rate than previously anticipated. Exports, investments, and government expenditures will all likely slowdown in 2023, dragging down the Thai economy relative to 2022. There will be some cushioning from the worldwide economic recession thanks to the strong performance of the tourism, service, and domestic consumption sectors.
Thailand’s GDP growth will peak in the first quarter, at roughly 4%, before decelerating in the second half of the year and ending almost at 2% in 4Q23 due to 3 main reasons. First, exports will decrease as the global economy slows even further in the second half of the year. Second, while private consumption will play a significant role in propelling the economy forward, other factors like private investment and government spending will decline, both for consumption and investment. This is because the worldwide economic downturn and the slow pace of government projects’ disbursement. Third, it is projected that the tourism sector will be a major engine of economic growth, with between 21 to 25 million foreign tourists visiting Thailand, the majority of whom will remain on short haul rather than long-haul trips, generating less revenue for the nation.
Investment strategy: Under the pressure of prolonged tight financial conditions in 1Q23, risks associated with global recession, declining earnings, and financial stability are growing. The economy is still showing indications of slowing down. However, given the robustness of the U.S. economy and greater risk aversion, the dollar will continue to appreciate before reaching its top. By the end of 1Q23 to the beginning of 2Q23, the economy will likely have stabilized. In light of China’s reopening and robust domestic demands, we see opportunities to increase our position. InnovestX recommends stocks with healthy balance sheets and cash flow, profiting from China’s reopening, with increasing and recovering earnings and high growth potential. AOT, BBL, BCP, CPALL, and MINT are the top picks for 1Q23.
Summary of investment issues of individual stocks:
AOT: It is anticipated that the company will gain from China’s reopening and government tourism incentives, which will fuel domestic market growth. In 2023, the company’s earnings outlook will experience a significant turnaround.
BBL: With a planned rate hike from 1.25% to 2% in 2023, the Thai economy is poised to resume its recovery. The banking industry stands to gain from a declining US dollar because of the resulting changes in capital flows.
BCP: With the reopening of China’s markets, an uptick in demand is anticipated, which is projected to drive up commodity prices. Furthermore, it is a passive company which pays out solid dividends, both of which assist in cushioning the blow of market fluctuations.
CPALL: Domestic consumption will expand at a rate far above market predictions. Sales will continue to improve thanks to government economic stimulus measures, and the company will see more growth during the 2023 election.
MINT: The company is anticipated benefitting from China’s reopening, reduced energy costs in Europe, and a rebounding food market, aided by government economic stimulus initiatives. In addition, MINT’s stock valuation is 15-20% below those of its peers.
Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok welcomes leading Filipino film crew and cast
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022
Branded Content
Bangkok, December 21, 2022: Ms. Chidchanok Pasinpong (centre), a general manager of Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok, welcomes the Filipino film crew, which includes the winner of the best director award from the Cannes Film Festival and “Feast” film director Mr. Brillante Mendoza (left) and actor Mr. Roger Vincent Rillon (right).
Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok is proud to be one of the official hotel sponsors for international film actor and film crews that attend the 15th World Film Festival of Bangkok.
Samsung to focus on immersive marketing, catering to Gen MZ
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2022
Nongluck Ajanapanya
Thai Samsung Electronics (TSE) is planning a more intense and immersive marketing campaign aimed at Generation MZ starting next year, TSE’s corporate marketing director Paramee Thongcharoen said on Tuesday.
In an exclusive interview, Paramee said that three out four people in the Asia Pacific by 2025 would be Gen MZ. The acronym stands for Generation Y or Millennial (1981-1996) and Generation Z (born after 1996).
She believes that as Gen MZ will constitute the majority of the population, they will tend to set new social trends. They have the purchasing power to purchase a wide range of products and are willing to pay more for brands that support their life goals.
Marketing campaigns from now on should focus on them, she believes.
However, the most difficult aspect of communicating with this generation is that their tastes change quickly and constantly. So, Samsung must accelerate to keep up with the changes, Paramee noted.
According to Samsung’s research, Gen MZ will value brands that can provide innovative technology with unique design to improve their overall well-being and restore a sense of freedom, energy, and excitement.
Meanwhile, Generation MZ is not afraid to express their views on social, political, and environmental issues. Therefore, they will gravitate towards brands that are proactive and supportive of their position.
Furthermore, because Gen MZ values self-expression, they prefer to buy items that can be personalised and customised. Besides, they are loyal to the brand that consistently gives something positive back to society, such as sustainability, the environment, or work-life innovation.
Paramee said that considering the characteristics of Gen MZ, Samsung’s marketing plans must be more immersive so that the group can engage with and experience Samsung’s products.
She cited several Samsung marketing campaigns that were a huge success this year, including Flexperience, the largest event for Gen MZ at Siam Square in downtown Bangkok, Samsung’s young sports talents empowering female amateur tennis players, and Samsung Innovative Camp.
“Samsung will continue to do things like this next year, but bigger and better,” she said. “We are also in discussions with our partners to improve the efficiency of the campaigns.”
Furthermore, Samsung has promised to invest in their human capital with several supportive programme and working environment that meet the need of the Gen MZ workforce as well.
Paramee said the company would continue to improve their real-time tracking and monitoring system in order to get feedback from Gen MZ and adapt the plan to best suit them, as well as eliminate plans that will not be effective.
Pi Securities welcomes their new CEO, Bob Wouters – ready to unlock Pi’s potential and drive the digital transformation
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2022
Bangkok, Thailand – Pi Securities Public Company Limited or “Pi”, one of Thailand leading securities brokers and provider of comprehensive investment services appointed their new Chief Executive Officer Mr. Bob Wouters to drive the growth and digital transformation of the company.
Bob is a seasoned transformation leader in financial services with a strong track record of building and growing companies. He joins Pi Financial from bolttech and FWD Insurance where he was CEO of its non-life insurance company in Thailand and as country manager also responsible for Bolttech’s Thai digital insurance broker and device protection business.
Bob has over a decade of experience in the Thai market where he initially helped divesting ING Life’s operations to FWD. His experience in transforming, digitalizing and growing companies in the Thai market provides him with the background needed to guide Pi Financial through the rapidly changing landscape of securities brokerage.
“I am excited to join the team at Pi and help capture the lead in the digital disruption that has started in the Thai securities brokerage space. In leveraging Pi’s strong technical and commercial capabilities to our newly developed digital platform I believe we can provide superior support to our existing customers and win a new generation of investors.
We will continue to invest in our traditional business and aim to grow that part through “digital with a human touch” by minimizing paperwork our customers and advisors can truly focus on the opportunities in the market – both in Thailand and globally.
We are unlocking the potential of the company through our people so our “Pi Application” and platform will help grow financial inclusivity in Thailand by bringing attractive products and new ways of trading and investing,” Bob said.
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