Maybank Kim Eng launches new service “Investment Management”, investment planning service #SootinClaimon.Com

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40002372

Maybank Kim Eng launches new service “Investment Management”, investment planning service


Maybank Kim Eng Securities (Thailand) ready to launch a new service, Investment Management, by investment specialist Team

Maybank Kim Eng launches new service "Investment Management”, investment planning service

Maybank Kim Eng Securities (Thailand) ready to launch a new service, Investment Management, by investment specialist Team, a team of investment experts, to provide investment planning services to organize investment portfolios for clients both Goal Based Investment & Tailor-made Portfolio for all investment styles. We have a wide range of investment products and a full range of investments, including stocks and mutual funds, both domestic and international, offshore investments and bonds. Especially in the fund part, there are up to 16 asset management funds to choose with unbiased, trustworthy and reliable advice from our investment planning specialists who are ready to serve a superior privileges under the concept of “Build Wealth Confidently” to all clients

Mr. Arapat Sangkhara, CEO (Officer in Charge) of Maybank Kim Eng Securities (Thailand) Mr. Arapat Sangkhara, CEO (Officer in Charge) of Maybank Kim Eng Securities (Thailand)Mr. Arapat Sangkhara, CEO (Officer in Charge) of Maybank Kim Eng Securities (Thailand) said that “The current investment behavior of investors has changed from investing in securities to investing in various products. Therefore, it is imperative that we have to change our strategy to become a leader in providing complete investment services. and to reinforce strategy of the organization from “Trading” to “ Investing”. The company has launched a portfolio planning service called “Investment Management” and we have a team of experts directly to manage under the leadership of Ms. Panadda Tanchanchiwin, Managing Director of Investment Management with experience in wealth management from many reputable financial institutions for more than 15 years, together with a team of Relationship Manager or RM, a team of experts in portfolio planning who will closely take care our clients and help increase the investment potential to be more efficient.”

“With the company’s financial strength as a leading securities company in the market and with Maybank, the largest bank in Malaysia and the 4th largest in ASEAN as a major shareholder, we focus on a wide range of financial products. We have a team of analysts and strategists for both domestically and internationally market covering more than 7 countries around the world that will assist select products and open the new investment perspectives which is beneficial to all clients. Our Investment Management service requires a minimum investment of only 5 million baht. You can use the Investment Management service with various benefits which will increase according to the investment value of the clients.

“We are confident that Investment Management services will meet all lifestyles and needs of investors. No matter what style of investor you are we will help you plan, customize and organize your investment portfolio and get the return according to your investment goal. Because investment is a matter of concern, so it has to start from today.” added Mr. Arapat.

For investors interested in the service, please contact the Investment Management Center, 21st floor, the Offices at Central World, or contact the Client Service 02-658-5050 for details of the service.

Published : June 23, 2021

dtac and ABB partner on connected robotics #SootinClaimon.Com

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40002371

dtac and ABB partner on connected robotics


dtac and ABB Automation (Thailand) signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop robotics and machine automation solutions enabled by dtac connectivity.

dtac and ABB partner on connected robotics

dtac TriNet and ABB Automation (Thailand) today signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop robotics and machine automation solutions enabled by dtac connectivity. Beginning with a proof-of-concept using 5G connectivity, the strategic partnership is set to advance the country’s manufacturing capabilities into the fourth industrial revolution, known as Industry 4.0.

The first two solutions will be built on dtac’s mobile broadband and 5G private network, which delivers superlative security and reliability. ABB Robotics will provide safe, efficient support for humans working in manufacturing. And ABB Remote Insights will allow real-time monitoring of supply chains to foster resilient supply chains with precise and secure systems.

dtac and ABB partner on connected roboticsdtac and ABB partner on connected robotics

The partnership will create new opportunities for the production sector thanks to the increased productivity of smart factories using digital technology. As seen in Singapore and Taiwan, digitalization in manufacturing can reduce risks, improve quality, and shorten time to market.

Rajiv Bawa, Chief Business Officer at Total Access Communication Plc or dtac, said: “Thailand is facing a major challenge with a profound transformation of its infrastructure, which requires connectivity and digital solutions. Hence, our partnership with ABB on connected robotics and automation is a powerful use case of the dtac 5G Private Network. It will pioneer ways to sustainably overhaul production for the post-pandemic economy. We also hope it will encourage foreign investors to move their production base to Thailand. dtac’s partnership will ABB is therefore an important milestone for the Thai manufacturing sector.”

Gianandrea Bruzzone, Country Managing Director at ABB Thailand, said: “We’re pleased to partner with dtac to accelerate Thailand’s fourth industrial revolution. ABB is an expert in automated industrial robotics solutions with operations in more than 53 countries across the globe. We have a proven track record in sales with more than 500,000 robot solutions. This partnership on dtac’s 4G and 5G networks will usher Thailand’s manufacturing into the Industry 4.0 era.”

The joint development involves two key solutions:

ADVERTISEMENT

1. ABB Robotics – These “collaborative robots” will run on dtac’s 5G Private Network to make manufacturing safer, more flexible and more productive. They are designed for low payload applications such as handling small parts and performing inspections. With the dtac network, collaborative robots take operations to the next level with real-time control, greater speed and secured data transfers. Due to 5G’s very high reliability and fast response times, the robots can also operate in high-risk areas while human controllers can safely operate them remotely.

2. ABB Remote Insights – This collaborative application that improves interaction between remote experts and field personnel by enabling live instructions and guidance that can be overlaid on live video using augmented reality technology on dtac network. This new solution will simplify maintenance, reduce downtimes, increase equipment effectiveness and improve safety.

Published : June 23, 2021

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket reopens to the world as part of Phuket island’s ‘Sandbox Programme’ #SootinClaimon.Com

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40002368

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket reopens to the world as part of Phuket island’s ‘Sandbox Programme’


Luxurious beachfront resort is ready to welcome domestic and international visitors from 1 July 2021 onwards with new guest experiences, a special reopening package, and the latest certified health and hygiene standards.

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket reopens to the world  as part of Phuket island’s ‘Sandbox Programme’

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, a luxurious beachfront resort on the northwest coast of Phuket, one of Thailand’s most beloved island destinations, is set to reopen its doors on 1 July 2021 as part of Phuket’s unique Sandbox Programme, which will allow vaccinated travellers from Thailand and overseas to visit the island and move around freely with no quarantine requirements.

To celebrate the occasion, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, which is owned and operated by Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, will welcome guests back with a wide range of family-friendly experiences specially crafted in line with Dusit’s four new pillars of gracious hospitality – including Service (personalised and gracious), Well-Being (delivering wellness experiences beyond the spa), Locality (uniquely linking guests with the local community), and Sustainability (social, economic, and environmental) – to add convenience, experience and value to every stay.

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket reopens to the world  as part of Phuket island’s ‘Sandbox Programme’Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket reopens to the world as part of Phuket island’s ‘Sandbox Programme’This includes providing guests with the chance to enjoy a deeper connection with the destination through a range of complimentary activities reflecting responsible tourism practices. Among some of the options offered are guided tours to support local fishing villages; sustainable crafts workshops such as upcycled tie-dye and bag painting; cooking classes featuring locally sourced ingredients; and Thai cultural workshops where guests can learn more about the history of Phuket and the island’s unique traditions and customs.

Guests will also benefit from Dusit’s new group-wide holistic wellness concept, Devarana Wellness, which goes beyond the resort’s traditional spa offering to weave well-being elements throughout the entire stay experience. From complimentary activities that enhance emotional and physical resilience, such as yoga, meditation, and breathwork, to healthy restaurant menus and ‘micro wellness moments,’ including the offer of essential oils on arrival, Devarana Wellness has implemented property-wide services to help guests destress, detoxify, and enjoy deep restorative sleep.

Every weekend, the resort also offers a Family Retreat Programme, designed by Devarana Wellness, which is packed with entertaining and enriching experiences for adults and children alike. A mini-farm workshop, educational kids camp, stand up paddleboarding, and family-focused wellness sessions are just some of the activities provided.

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket reopens to the world  as part of Phuket island’s ‘Sandbox Programme’Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket reopens to the world as part of Phuket island’s ‘Sandbox Programme’

ADVERTISEMENT

To prepare for welcoming international visitors, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket has fully vaccinated its staff. It has also been certified for the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s new sanitary safety standard, SHA Plus. Certification is only awarded to properties that strictly follow official COVID-19 control guidelines and uphold the highest hygiene standards, including regular and thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all guest rooms and public areas.

Dusit’s carefully crafted ‘Dusit Care’ services are also in place to deliver additional convenience while maximising guest safety. Flexible check-in, anytime breakfast, and mobile payment methods are just some of the services offered so guests can stay with utmost peace of mind.

“We are delighted to reopen our doors to vaccinated visitors and welcome the world once again to Thailand at Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket,” said Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International. “While international borders have been closed, we have been very busy reimagining our services and rolling out new experiences designed to add experience, convenience, and value to every stay, while ensuring guest safety always comes first. Showcasing our four new pillars of gracious hospitality – Service, Well-Being, Locality, and Sustainability – Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket has everything in place to create confidence among travellers, meet their post COVID-19 needs, and contribute to the safe and successful reopening of Phuket island. The resort’s SHA Plus certification, which reflects operating procedures already in place at each of our properties, also demonstrates our readiness to welcome vaccinated travellers at each of our properties when the time is right. The sandbox programme is a big step forward for Thailand and the hospitality industry at large, and we look forward to doing our very best to contribute to its success.”

Set on the white sands of Bang Tao beach overlooking the Andaman Sea and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket comprises 253 elegant rooms, suites and villas. Amongst other facilities, it offers a fully equipped gym, tennis and sports courts, a luxurious spa, an outdoor swimming pool, a watersports centre, a children’s play area, and easy access to the neighbouring 18-hole Laguna Phuket Golf Course. Five dining outlets cater to a wide range of tastes, including international favourites, Royal Thai cuisine, and fine Italian dining.

To mark its opening, the resort is offering three special Back to Paradise packages starting at THB 12,800 net inclusive of free nights, daily breakfast, and other exclusive privileges. The options include:

• Book three nights and get an additional night free, inclusive of daily breakfast for two persons and daily THB 1,000 food and beverage credit.*

• Book seven nights and get an additional three nights free, inclusive of daily breakfast for two persons, and daily THB 1,000 food and beverage credit.*

• Book 10 nights and get an additional four nights free, inclusive of daily breakfast for two persons, and daily THB 1,000 food and beverage credit.*

The package is available for booking from 25 June – 30 September 2021, and valid for stay dates between 1 July – 30 September 2021.

Guests flying with participating airlines will also have the opportunity to earn up to 7,500 additional air miles.

For more details, please visit: https://www.dusit.com/specialoffers/

Published : June 23, 2021

Dhipaya Insurance proceeded the Shareholding Restructuring by setting up the Holding Company #SootinClaimon.Com

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40002355

Dhipaya Insurance proceeded the Shareholding Restructuring by setting up the Holding Company


Dhipaya Insurance proceeded the Shareholding Restructuring by setting up the Holding Company, which is now ready to make a Tender Offer for all TIP’s shares and to be listed on the SET

Dhipaya Insurance proceeded the Shareholding Restructuring by setting up the Holding Company

Dhipaya Insurance Public Company Limited (“TIP”) has notified the Stock Exchange of Thailand on 22 June 2021 that according to the Shareholding and Management Restructuring Plan of TIP, Dhipaya Group Holdings Public Company Limited (“TIPH”) was incorporated and will make a Tender Offer for all shares of TIP from existing shareholders in exchange for newly issued shares of TIPH, at the swap ratio of 1 ordinary share of TIP per 1 newly issued shares of TIPH. The Tender Offer period starts from 24 June 2021 until 30 August 2021 during the hours of 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. of every business day, totaling 45 business days.

The aforementioned share exchange process does not occur automatically. The exchange of shares will occur only when shareholders accept the Tender Offer.

After the completion of Tender Offer and TIPH meet the criteria for listing of ordinary shares as listed securities, the ordinary share of TIPH will become listed securities on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (the “SET”) in place of the ordinary share of TIP which will be delisted from the SET on the same day. The listing of TIPH share in place of TIP is expected to be completed within September 2021.

The Existing shareholders of TIP can accept the tender offer by contact the brokerage company that you have the securities trading account with or contact Finansia Syrus Securities Public Company Limited, which is the Tender Offer agent, at 7th floor, Mint Tower, 719, Banthadthong Rd., Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Telephone: 66 (0) 2680 0843, the contact person is Ms. Chulakull Phumon.

Published : June 23, 2021

SET dips further below 1,600 amid foreign fund outflows #SootinClaimon.Com

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40002380

SET dips further below 1,600 amid foreign fund outflows


The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index closed at 1,592.08 on Tuesday, down 7.15 points or 0.45 per cent. Transactions totalled THB77.7 billion with an index high of 1,606.39 and a low of 1,590.63.

SET dips further below 1,600 amid foreign fund outflows

In the morning session, Krungsri Securities forecast the index on Tuesday would move between 1,590 and 1,610 points after the US Federal Reserve signalled it was in no hurry to hike the interest rate, and the oil price continued to rise.

However, foreign fund outflows would pressure the index, it said.

The 10 stocks with the highest trade value today were RATCH, RCL, GUNKUL, KBANK, PTT, CPALL, TTA, RBF, 7UP and AOT.

Other Asian indices were on the rise except in Japan:

ADVERTISEMENT

Japan’s Nikkei Index closed at 28,874.89, down 9.24 points or 0.032 per cent.

China’s Shanghai SE Composite Index closed at 3,566.22, up 8.81 points or 0.25 per cent, while the Shenzhen SE Component Index closed at 14,843.83, up 147.54 points or 1.00 per cent.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index closed at 28,817.07, up 507.31 points or 1.79 per cent.

South Korea’s KOSPI closed at 3,276.19, up 12.31 points or 0.38 per cent.

Taiwan’s TAIEX closed at 17,336.71, up 261.16 points or 1.53 per cent.

Published : June 23, 2021

By : The Nation

Moody’s blames Thailand’s tepid recovery on slow vaccination rollout #SootinClaimon.Com

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40002367

Moody’s blames Thailand’s tepid recovery on slow vaccination rollout


The latest report from Moodys Investors Service warns that the resurgence of Covid-19 cases and low vaccination rates in Asia Pacific (Apac) may pose new risks to domestic demand.

Moody’s blames Thailand’s tepid recovery on slow vaccination rollout

Rebound will also be tepid for economies that are also dependent on foreign tourists, like Thailand. Moody’s expects Thailand’s GDP to expand 2.8 per cent this year, a relatively shallow pickup from 6.1 contraction in 2020 due to a lagging recovery in the tourism industry.

However, it said, recovering global trade will support the region’s more export-oriented economies.

“Fresh restrictions to stem the spread of the virus will curb domestic demand and dampen consumer confidence. Vaccination rates are low in most parts of Apac, with only Maldives, Mongolia, Singapore and China having administered a first vaccine dose to at least 4 per cent of their populations,” said Nishad Majmudar, a Moody’s assistant vice president and analyst.

However, for economies that are more export-oriented like Vietnam, Taiwan and Malaysia, large contributions from foreign trade will compensate for weak domestic demand and bolster output.

Vietnam’s robust exports have helped its economy grow amid the pandemic; exports expanded 8 per cent in the first quarter compared to the last quarter of 2020. Likewise, Taiwan exports grew 8 per cent in the first quarter, powering an 8.9 per cent surge in GDP. Malaysia’s diverse export destinations and products should help mitigate the impact of the extension of its national lockdown through the end of June. Moody’s forecasts growth of 7.2 per cent, 4.2 per cent and 5.3 per cent, respectively, for these economies.

The report, “Sovereigns – Asia Pacific: Lagging Vaccinations Pose Risks to Domestic Demand; Exports Provide Buffer for Some”, can be accessed via the website.

ADVERTISEMENT

Published : June 23, 2021

By : The Nation

SiteMinder survey ‘should bring hope to Thai hoteliers as kingdom’s tourism brand remains strong’ #SootinClaimon.Com

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40002356

SiteMinder survey ‘should bring hope to Thai hoteliers as kingdom’s tourism brand remains strong’


With a fresh 120-day deadline in place to fully reopen Thailand, and the Phuket Sandbox initiative pushing ahead for a July 1 launch, a brighter future is coming into focus for hotels after a difficult 18 months, said Bradley Haines, Asia Pacific vice president at SiteMinder.

SiteMinder survey ‘should bring hope to Thai hoteliers as kingdom’s tourism brand remains strong’

“SiteMinder’s World Hotel Index provides a daily overview of hotel booking activity in 40 markets around the world, and the story the current data is telling should provide Thai hoteliers a level of reassurance that normality may resume sooner than they expect,” he wrote in a press release.

Off the back of decreasing case numbers in 40 markets around the world, the vaccine rollout and loosening restrictions, hotel booking volumes globally are currently the highest they’ve been since the pandemic began, with reservations increasing more than 65 per cent of their 2019 levels, marking a 465-day high, Haines wrote.

There are four countries – The Cook Islands, Iceland, the Maldives and Mexico – that are exceeding their 2019 reservation volumes, and seven – Australia, Estonia, Ireland, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain and the US – that are now above 80 per cent, according to SiteMinder.

“A particularly interesting case study for Thailand, however, is the recovery of some European markets. The speed at which booking momentum has been able to evolve in certain countries has been fascinating to watch, and Spain comes to mind as a prime example,” he added.

At the beginning of April, Spanish booking momentum was at only around 38 per cent of 2019 levels, just 13 per cent above where Thailand is today. However, a wave of both domestic and now international bookings (Spain opened its borders to fully vaccinated travellers on June 7 without the need to quarantine), has ensured that in just a matter of weeks, booking volumes to Spanish hotels are currently at 97 per cent of 2019 levels, a significant shift, SiteMinder’s index showed.

Another international example is the Cook Islands, which relies almost solely on foreign guests. There booking momentum recently jumped from 17 per cent (6 per cent below Thailand’s current volume) to 345 per cent of 2019 levels in a matter of days, after a quarantine-free travel bubble opened with New Zealand, Haines stated.

“Of course, Thailand and other parts of Asia experience their own unique challenges. Firstly, the road trips that many are able to take through Europe simply aren’t as possible in our region, and the role that domestic travel has played here has also been much less. The Cook Islands is a small island, so with limited supply it’s easier for things to quickly book out,” Haines wrote.

“However, what these examples do display is just how much pent up demand there currently is, and how quickly things can change if the destination market provides consumers with not just the inspiration to travel, but the opportunity to feel safe as they do,” he added.

SiteMinder survey ‘should bring hope to Thai hoteliers as kingdom’s tourism brand remains strong’SiteMinder survey ‘should bring hope to Thai hoteliers as kingdom’s tourism brand remains strong’

Thailand’s brand remains extremely strong

“Importantly, around the world, Thailand’s national tourism brand has managed to remain strong throughout the pandemic,” Haines wrote.

Data released by Skyscanner shows Bangkok has been the 11th most searched location in the world on their platform for the first four months of 2021. Similarly, figures from Agoda show Thailand is still on the radar of Chinese, Singaporean, Taiwanese, Australian, South Korean and Japanese tourists.

“The way that Thailand approached and controlled the initial outbreak garnered international praise in 2020, and the country has been widely touted as a success story. For this reason, international travellers remain eager to return, despite the current situation locally,” according to Haines.

SiteMinder survey ‘should bring hope to Thai hoteliers as kingdom’s tourism brand remains strong’SiteMinder survey ‘should bring hope to Thai hoteliers as kingdom’s tourism brand remains strong’

ADVERTISEMENT

It’s important that hotels are ready to respond

“In recent days, there has been renewed urgency within the Thai government to reopen international travel when it’s possible to do so, meaning that once the future is more clearly defined, and the vaccine drive ramps up further, we can expect changes to take place very quickly.

“For this reason, it’s important for Thai hoteliers to be as ready as possible, and in tune with the current trends that have emerged throughout the pandemic, despite not currently being able to accept guests. What’s clear is that the traveller who walks through the door this year, or in 2022, will be very different to the traveller that last visited in 2019, or early 2020,” Haines emphasised.

“They will likely be more mobile-savvy, and will want to use their phone not just to book their trip, but for check-in, all communication and room controls, too. Their relationship to business travel may have also changed, and they may be adding a small amount of business to their leisure trip, rather than the other way around. And, they will likely have higher expectations across the board, for not only a cleaner space, but an experience that’s memorable and special too,” Haines wrote.

“Today, I would encourage all Thai hoteliers to step back, take in a wider perspective by looking at global data flows, and stay in tune with what’s happening in the broader hotel industry, as international guests may be returning to this much-loved country before we know it,” he added.

Published : June 23, 2021

By : The Nation

SET up in opening trade, but ‘foreign fund outflows will pressure index’ #SootinClaimon.Com

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40002353

SET up in opening trade, but ‘foreign fund outflows will pressure index’


The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index rose by 5.15 points or 0.32 per cent to 1,604.38 on Wednesday morning.

SET up in opening trade, but ‘foreign fund outflows will pressure index’

Krungsri Securities predicted the index would move between 1,590 and 1,610 points despite the US Federal Reserve signalling it would not speed up an interest rate hike, and the rising oil price.

However, the outflow of foreign funds would pressure the index, Krungsri Securities said.

It advised investors to follow the Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting, adding that the interest rate is expected to be maintained at 0.5 per cent.

It recommended investors buy:

▪︎ PTT, PTTEP, IVL and Banpu, which benefit from the rising oil price.

▪︎ Hana, KCE, TU, CPF and EPG, which benefit from a weakening baht.

▪︎ BCH, CHG, BDMS, Mint, Centel, ERW, AOT, CPAll, HMPro, CPN, CRC, AAV, Amata, WHA, BEM and BTS, which benefit from the country reopening.

The SET Index closed at 1,599.23 on Tuesday, down 1.90 points or 0.12 per cent. Transactions totalled THB81.59 billion with an index high of 1,613.66 and a low of 1,598.56.

ADVERTISEMENT

Published : June 23, 2021

By : The Nation

Gold up for third consecutive day #SootinClaimon.Com

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40002351

Gold up for third consecutive day


The price of gold in Thailand rose by THB50 per baht weight in morning trade on Wednesday. The price has risen for three consecutive days after falling sharply by THB1,250 per baht weight last week.

Gold up for third consecutive day

AGold Traders Association report at 9.29am showed the buying price of a gold bar at THB26,700 per baht weight and selling price at THB26,800, while gold ornaments cost THB26,226.80 and THB27,300, respectively.

At close on Tuesday, the buying price of a gold bar was THB26,650 per baht weight and selling price THB26,750, while gold ornaments cost THB26,166.16 and THB27,250, respectively.

The spot gold price on Wednesday was US$1,781 (THB56,606) per ounce after Comex gold on Tuesday dropped by $5.50 to $1,777.40 per ounce as investors kept an eye on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s statement to the House of Representatives.

The Hong Kong gold price meanwhile rose by HK$10 to $16,470 (THB67,408) per tael, the Chinese Gold and Silver Exchange Society reported.

ADVERTISEMENT

Published : June 23, 2021

By : The Nation

Russian business tempts vaccine skeptics with snowmobile raffles #SootinClaimon.Com

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40002340

Russian business tempts vaccine skeptics with snowmobile raffles


Russian industrial giants, facing a third wave of Covid-19 infections that threatens to undermine the economic recovery, are trying to buy their way to herd immunity.

Russian business tempts vaccine skeptics with snowmobile raffles

Alrosa is raffling a snowmobile and Hyundai Solaris for workers who get vaccinated, Evraz and Severstal enter them into lotteries for cash and other prizes, Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel offers an extra day off after the shots, and Phosagro lets employees jump to the front of the line to qualify for all-expense paid trips to resorts.

The largess has helped boost the percentage of inoculated employees at big companies to above the national average, but shows the limits of corporate policy to overcome the government’s inability to convince people that domestically-developed vaccines are safe. That failure is contributing to a new outbreak of Covid-19 nationwide that has pushed new infections to a five-month high.

“Corporate efforts are great, but they prove that without persuading, promoting and pushing, many people will refrain from getting the shots,” said Denis Volkov, director of the independent Levada Center pollster.

The corporate push is significant because Russia remains dominated by large companies, with nearly half of working-age Russians employed by medium-sized and big business, according to the country’s statistics agency.

However, the authorities are being forced to step in as Russia faces an increasingly dire Covid-19 outbreak, fueled by the spread of the highly-contagious delta variant. Last week, Moscow ordered mandatory shots for 2 million workers and several other regions have since followed suit.

The slow national uptake has shown outreach “has not been as effective as we would have liked,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Friday. However, there are no plans for blanket compulsory inoculations, he said.

Russian companies were early proponents of the Sputnik V vaccine, with many executives rolling up their sleeves for shots to lead by example. As supplies grew more widely available, many offered free vaccination at workplaces for employees and their families.

Only 12% of Russians have received at least one shot nationally. President Vladimir Putin has called for at least 60% of Russians to have immunity by fall, a level the U.S. and much of western Europe are already approaching.

While the Russian economy outperformed forecasts last year, the new spike in virus cases could weigh on demand in the third quarter, according to Bloomberg Economics analyst Scott Johnson.

“It is important for business to strengthen the shield against the third wave of the pandemic,” said Andrey Guryev, chief executive officer at fertilizer maker Phosagro, which has vaccinated nearly half of its 18,000 employees thanks to the incentives it offers.

Alrosa, the world’s biggest diamond producer, says over 10,000 employees have started the vaccination process and 29% of its workers are fully vaccinated.

ADVERTISEMENT

Still, distrust of the government and a lack of concern about the pandemic are keeping people away. The Levada Center found that 55% of Russians aren’t afraid of getting Covid-19 in a May poll.

“Many say that until they get a clear signal from their employer or the government to do it, they won’t” get vaccinated, Volkov said.

Published : June 23, 2021

By : Syndication Washington Post, Bloomberg · Yuliya Fedorinova, Irina Reznik