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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40022109

‘Apec For Her’ TikTok contest puts women’s empowerment in spotlight

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2022

Nongluck Ajanapanya

A short clip contest highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment during this week’s Thailand-hosted Apec summit in Bangkok on Tuesday.

The “Apec For Her” contest, a collaboration between TikTok and Thailand’s Foreign Ministry, is aimed at raising awareness of women’s roles in boosting economic growth around the world, said TikTok head of public policy Chanida Klyphun.

Apec prioritises women’s empowerment in a bid to create an equitable, inclusive and diverse economy, said Chanida, who was speaking at the awards for clips shortlisted in the contest.

“The ‘Apec For Her’ contest invited Thai women to share their stories in order to inspire women worldwide that they have limitless potential to succeed in their own unique way,” she added.

Participants can choose to share the story of the most powerful woman in their lives, their own positive story, or their favourite moments with their significant woman, according to Chanida.
 

More than 200 clips were submitted for the contest before the October 31 deadline. The clips with the most views on TikTok were chosen for the shortlist. The winner was then determined by a panel of Foreign Ministry officials.

Foreign ministry officials, Tik Tok agents, and their partners pose for photos with one of the prizes, an electric motorcycle.

Chanida said the key criteria for contestants was to create positive inspiration for other women.

“Some are single mothers, some work in very masculine occupations, while others devote their time to supporting their husband and children,” Chanida explained. “But all of their stories are very impressive.”

The first prize goes to Ratchanok Thepkhun, who overcame many insults to become a professional foreman, as everyone acknowledges.

Ratchanok’s feel-good video, according to Chanida, is uplifting women all over the world and reminding them of their unlimited female potential.

She stated that all of the clips in the project can be viewed on the TikTok app.

Currently, the #apecforher clips have been viewed by over 8 million people worldwide.

Nongluck Ajanapanya

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40022097

Administrative Court accepts lawsuit against NBTC over True-DTAC merger

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2022

The Central Administrative Court has accepted a lawsuit filed by the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) against the telecom watchdog seeking to block the merger between two telecom giants.

The court announced on its website that it made a decision on November 10 to accept the lawsuit of the TCC against the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and NBTC Office for a judicial review.

But the court initially refused to issue a stay on the merger between True Corporation and Total Access Communication (DTAC) as sought by the TCC.

The court reasoned that it would wait for True and DTAC to file a counter-suit against the TCC plea before making a decision on issuing an injunction.

The court explained that True and DTAC are parties that can be affected by the trial so it would have to listen to accounts of the two companies before it would make a decision on the request for an injunction.

The court said it had held a meeting on November 11 and appointed the advocacy judge in charge of the case.

In the suit, the TCC alleged that the NBTC and the NBTC Office had violated the telecom law and issued unlawful administrative orders related to the NBTC’s decision to acknowledge the True-DTAC merger on October 20.

The suit claimed the decision would affect users of over 118 million mobile phone numbers, including 60 million numbers of True and DTAC, and the NBTC had failed to listen to opinions of the users before making the decision.

The suit alleged that the decision was made without taking into account the findings of a foreign advisory firm hired by the NBTC Office to study the pros and cons of the merger.

It also alleged that the chairman of the NBTC had violated the NBTC meeting regulation by casting a vote to break the a 2-2 tie. One NBTC member had abstained.

The lawsuit also alleged that the NBTC’s decision violated its own directives on telecom firms’ merger and violated its charter that requires the watchdog to prevent monopoly and unfair trade practices in the telecom industry.

Related stories:

University prof wants NBTC adviser to be investigated over True-Dtac merger

True, DTAC customers accuse consumer group of bias against the merger

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40022092

All eyes on MORE shares this week after suspension for irregular trading practices

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2022

Investors and traders are keeping an eye on More Return Plc (MORE) after the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) suspended trading in the stock until Friday.

On Thursday (November 10), investors were shocked when MORE’s share value hit the floor at 1.95 baht from 2.9 baht a share.
 

There was plenty of speculation at the time, but the company informed the SET that there was no justification for the steep drop in the stock price.

On Friday, the SET released a statement warning investors to be cautious about MORE as the stock was falling continuously. MORE closed the day at 1.34.

The company said it had suffered a loss of 6.83 million baht in the third quarter of 2022 compared to a net profit of 89.48 million baht in the same period last year. The company recorded a net profit of 22.15 million baht in the first nine months of this year compared to 111.27 million baht in the same period last year.

Over the weekend, there was speculation that a major shareholder may have used a nominee to buy MORE stocks with a margin account (in which the broker/dealer lends the investor cash) of 4.5 billion baht.

This was later confirmed at a press conference on Monday, with the SET and the Association of Securities Companies announcing the suspension.

On Monday, the SET suspended trading in MORE stocks after it noticed irregular trading practices. It also sought help from the Central Investigation Bureau.

The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has also launched an investigation into all transactions involving MORE stocks.

On Monday, the company’s largest shareholder, Ummarit Klomchitcharoen, said he had not sold any of the 1.5 billion shares he holds in the company.

However, the fourth largest stakeholder, Apimuk Bamrungwong, told Bangkokbiz that he was shocked when he learned that the team handling his portfolio had bought about 3-billion baht worth of MORE shares.

He said his team had sent purchase orders to 11 brokers and had already paid about 100 million baht.

He said his lawyer would contact AMLO even though the office had not contacted him yet.

On Tuesday, SET announced the suspension of trading until Friday.

Analysis

According to a Bangkokbiz analysis, MORE’s shares were first listed in the SET at 0.3 baht a share after which it peaked at 2.98 baht. However, there were fears of speculation as the company’s performance did not justify the rising share value.

MORE has recorded net losses continuously , except in 2021, when the company booked a net profit of 1.16 billion baht thanks to debt restructuring and the sale of assets.

Bangkokbiz said the value of MORE’s shares had risen gradually until Thursday, when there was a purchase order for about 1.5 billion shares at the opening price of 2.98 baht.

The move raised questions, especially since the shares on Wednesday had closed at 2.78 baht.

Bangkokbiz analysis found the purchase order to be abnormal and questioned who the buyer and seller could be.

The agency speculated that a large shareholder might order one person to open portfolios with almost 20 brokers in a bid to sell for a large amount of money.

Moreover, the stock clearing was scheduled for Monday and brokers would be responsible if the buyer could not pay.

The agency speculated that the objective was likely to use brokers’ money for the stocks, which could have resulted in several brokers going bankrupt if the transaction had gone for clearing.

Related stories

• SET suspends More Return stocks over irregularities
• Finance min tells SEC to monitor crypto firms for stock manipulation
• Stock transactions in Thailand will soon be taxed

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40022089

Siam Piwat provides full support to promote APEC 2022, showcasing business capabilities of Universe of Value for sustainability of all parties

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2022

Bangkok (November 15, 2022) — Siam Piwat Group, a leading real estate and retail developer, the owner and operator of Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, and a joint venture partner of ICONSIAM and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, as an official communication partner of the 2022 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, is ready to welcome delegates from 21 member economies and members of the press around the world and showcase Siam Piwat’s business approach to sustainability under the concept of Universe of Value on its inclusive business platform, where it has collaborated with various partners to create positive impacts in line with the ‘Open. Connect. Balance.’ Concept, at APEC Showcase Green Press Center, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, from November 14-19, 2022.

Ms. Chadatip Chutrakul, Chief Executive Officer of Siam Piwat Group, stated, “Siam Piwat is truly honored and pleased to have been selected as an official communication partner for APEC 2022. This marks an excellent opportunity for Thailand’s private sector to lend support to the government sector and a unique opportunity for Thailand to demonstrate its potential on a global stage after it has reopened to welcome back tourists from around the world. This will also help to foster confidence towards Thailand, thus boosting investments and other economic activities, especially in the tourism and hospitality sectors.”

“To welcome delegates from across the world, Siam Piwat will be showcasing its capabilities in connection to sustainability at the APEC Showcase Green Press Center through the concepts “the Universe of Value,” “Shared Value,” and “Co-creation” in order to deliver experience beyond expectations both on physical and digital platforms, creating an ecosystem to achieve mutual success as part of its “Collaboration to Win” strategy and fostering sustainable value in every process and business operation to create mutual growth for the people, the environment, and economy.”

Siam Piwat’s booth within the APEC Showcase Green Press Center has been designed to align with Green Press Center’s concept, with the most prominent feature being a golden woven structure reminiscent of APEC’s Chalom logo, or a woven bamboo basket, made with metal scraps, representing prosperity, while the booth’s structure is also made from upcycled and composite wood. With the information displayed on a large 360o digital screen and graphic board lightboxes, which can be reused in the future, the booth recounts the achievements and successes of Siam Piwat over the past 63 years as a developer of world-class destinations that have accomplished a global top-of-mind position among the public, customers, and business partners. The booth also delineates Siam Piwat’s business philosophy in fostering mutual growth sustainably in line with APEC 2022’s main theme “Open. Connect. Balance.,” as follows:

1. Open: Siam Piwat has created an open platform for mutual success both in its venues and on a digital platform to offer opportunities and take Thai talents to the global stage. With a mission to bring benefits to society at large, Siam Piwat has supported entrepreneurs and independent businesses in achieving not only better well-being but also better well-growing as well as helped to create jobs through various initiatives. It has also joined forces with various business partners to enhance entrepreneur capabilities, elevate their product development, and improve access to the market, enabling them to compete on the global market. Branded retail stores in Siam Piwat’s shopping centers include the following:

• Sook Siam: This is a 14,000 sq.m. town that brings together the finest products from the 77 provinces of Thailand. Sook Siam has hosted over 3,000 retailers and has generated over THB 2,000 million for entrepreneurs and communities over the past four years. 
• ICONCRAFT: As Thailand’s largest platform for craftworks, ICONCRAFT gives opportunities to over 800 local artisan nationwide to showcase their work and assists them in entering the modern trade and expanding their franchises internationally, with the first store now opened in Malaysia.
• ODS (Objects of Desire Store): Operating in partnership with the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), O.D.S. features outstanding products and designs from award-winning designers from over 130 brands.

2. Connect: Siam Piwat strives to connect its partners, suppliers, and retailers to jointly promote economic recovery and growth. To this end, it has joined hands with more than 50 partners across 13 industries and brought them into the ecosystem, linking them to suppliers, retailers, customers, and related parties across all sectors in order to build a new business model and prototype project that will revolutionize the retail industry using the principles of sharing economy as well as deliver experiences beyond expectations both through physical and digital platforms. The ultimate goal is to jointly develop new businesses for mutual success and thus contribute to the economic growth of the country.

3. Balance: Siam Piwat sees to restore balance to this world by fostering sustainability in every process and business operation in order to generate sustainable value for positive impacts. It also promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion and strives to enhance the quality of life without leaving anyone behind and contribute to environmental restoration in order to create a better world for all.

• Universal design is integrated into every project in order to reduce disparities and promote equality and accessibility for all. 
• Siam Piwat has elevated its environmental management and promoted a circular economy with Siam Piwat 360° Waste Journey to Zero Waste Project, which has been carried out in collaboration with its various partners since 2021. As part of the project, Thailand’s first-ever drive-thru waste collection center has been set up at Siam Paragon to gather recyclable waste so that it can be upcycled into eco-friendly products, some of which are now available at Ecotopia, Thailand’s first eco-lifestyle multi-brand store located in Siam Discovery specializing in eco-products, recycling, refilling, reuse, and upcycling that has been ranked by Asia’s leading retail industry publisher Inside Retail among 20 best retail stores in Asia in 2022. 
• Since 2015, Siam Piwat’s greenhouse gas emission reduction initiative has reduced a total of 14,600 tons CO.2.e, equivalent to planting 858,800 trees.
• ICONSIAM’s solar rooftop project, initiated in late 2019, has generated a total of 1,992,887 kWh (output between 2019-2021) and reduced 996 tons CO.2.e of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to 57,921 trees planted. At present, Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok is also in the process of installing flat rooftops, expected to reach completion in 2023.

Siam Piwat’ booth will also feature demonstrations of Thai handicrafts from ICONCRAFT and Sook Siam that reflect the Thai identity. Held in collaboration with communities and various sectors, the demonstrations will feature different products each day: Nang Talung (Thai shadow puppets) on November 14, miniature Hua Khon (Khon masks) on November 15, batik on November 16, Cho Muang (flower-shaped dumplings) by CHADA Tea Boutique on November 17, Thai-style scented water and perfume on November 18, and high-class Thai silk embroidery by LIFE LIVE DETAIL on November 19. The daily demonstration will be held three times per day at 11 AM -12 PM, 2 PM – 3 PM, and 4 PM – 5 PM at Green Press Center, Halls 5-8, LG Floor, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

To ensure the success of APEC 2022, Siam Piwat has given its full support in publicizing the event and publishing promotional materials across its shopping centers since December 2021. In addition, during the event, Siam Piwat will also be engaging and organizing the following activities to promote APEC summit.

1.  As a representative of Thailand’s private sector, Siam Piwat Group, led by Ms. Chadatip Chutrakul, Chief Executive Officer, will participate in a meeting of APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) entitled “Thriving as Businesswoman Leaders in Asia-Pacific” to discuss and exchange perspectives on business and key economic challenges in order to develop a summary and specialized business suggestions to be submitted to APEC leaders on November 14, 2022 at the Athenee Hotel, Bangkok.

2. Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM have been selected as venues for a reception and a gala dinner for APEC Business leaders, while Siam Piwat has collaborated with partners to provide APEC members who hold an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) unrivalled experience as well as a full range of exclusive offers, privileges, and benefits.  

3. ICONSIAM is organizing the following: 

• APEC Photo Contest 2022 Exhibition will be held in ICONLUXE Gallery from October 18, 2022 to November 22, 2022 to display APEC Secretariat’s photos of the year since 2011 to the present day, which capture the connection of the people in Asia-Pacific and APEC’s achievements.
• ICONSIAM APEC Showcase will be held in Charoen Nakhon Hall, ICONSIAM, from November 9 to 20, 2022 to showcase innovative knowledge for sustainability in APEC Thailand 2022 with the goal of enriching public understanding of the APEC Summit, which is organized under the theme “Open. Connect. Balance.,” as well as raising awareness and fostering pride and engagement among Thai people as the host of the summit.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40022072

Nation Group profits up 433% this year

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2022

Nation Group (Thailand) Plc (NATION) on Monday reported net profits of 429.06 million baht in the first nine months of this year, rebounding 433% from losses of 128.95 million baht in the same period last year.

The rebound was driven by revenue from advertising sales, events organisation and sale of investments in subsidiary companies.

Revenue increased 115% year on year, with revenue from sales and services showing the biggest expansion at 37% year on year.

The media company said revenues from advertising sales and events organisation had also increased. Meanwhile, profit from selling investments in subsidiary companies rose to 457.76 million baht.

Nation Group sold 691.03 million ordinary shares in Nation Broadcasting Plc (NBC), representing 61.76% of total issued and paid-up capital of NBC. The sales reduced Nation Group’s stake in NBC from 71.45% to 9.99%. As of September 30, the group recorded profit from investments in equity of 162.27 million baht.

The company also reported a 27% rise in costs and expenses in the first nine months compared with the same period in 2021, which was in line with increasing revenues from sales and services.

Related Stories

NMG becomes ‘Nation Group’ under plan for media expansion

Nation Group restructuring to synergise for ‘big year’ in 2023

Nation Group to purchase Nation News for THB293 million

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40022047

SET suspends More Return stocks over irregularities

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) on Monday indefinitely suspended More Return Plc stocks after it noticed irregular trading practices.

The SET put an SP (suspension) mark on the MORE stock sign and suspended trading until investors are provided with comprehensive and accurate information from all sides concerned.

The SET said it noticed irregularities on November 10 when trading in MORE stocks rose to more than 7.14 billion baht – the highest in both SET and MAI (Market for Alternative Investment).

On November 10, MORE stocks opened at 2.90 baht, up 4.3% from its closing price the day before. After the high opening, the price of MORE stocks dropped to the floor.

The following day, MORE stocks continued to drop until they hit 1.34 baht.

Spotting this irregular pattern, SET warned investors to use caution before buying MORE stocks.

Over the weekend, SET said there were inaccurate reports about trading in MORE’s stocks, which could cause confusion and affect the investors’ decisions. Hence, SET said, it decided to suspend trading in the stocks.

According to its website, More Return sells pyrolusite water filters and invests in other businesses.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40022002

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2022

Opal Varunsuda

In the 21 th episode of Business Story, Pongwud Praipaisankij, CEO-Multiverse Expert,Group CEO -MiGroup discusses the direction of Multiverse Expert as the forth unicorn of Thailand.

Pongwud Praipaisankij, CEO of Multiverse Expert and Group CEO for MiGroupMultiverse Expert Co Ltd, a subsidiary of MiGroup, is another Thai digital start-up to successfully rise to the unicorn level and Thailand’s first unicorn in the metaverse.

This jump was made possible by a US$120 million investment from the Foxconn subsidiary, Power-all Networks, which pushed the start-up’s value to $1.2 billion.

This is the fourth unicorn in Thailand.Multiverse Expert, which specialises in information technology infrastructure development, will work with Foxconn to forge new paths into the Chinese and global Metaverse markets.

Pongwud Praipaisankij, CEO of Multiverse Expert and Group CEO for MiGroup, said Thailand is becoming very competitive in the digital industry and will draw investment along with skilled workers to help usher in the Web3 era.

“No one can precisely define what the metaverse is. Place is the most prevalent topic of metaverse discussion. People connect, travel, and experience together in one or more locations without regard to boundaries.This is a typical occurrence; we can characterize it immediately.” Pongwud said.

 “For the developing portion, such as me, the builder who thinks differently, because there are no boundaries in the Metaverse reality, we can program anything. However, in terms of business, you should consider Metaverse to be a marketing tool. This tool can assist the brand in rethinking the client journey.”He added.

Follow Full interview in the Business Story  in Episode : Multiverse Expert

Opal Varunsuda

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40021985

Amazon Global Selling offers Thai SMEs new expansion opportunities

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2022

Nongluck Ajanapanya

With the pandemic changing consumer behaviour and expanding the e-commerce industry, Amazon Global Selling has created new tools and resources to help Thai businesses cross borders.

The aim is to help Thai companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to establish a foothold in foreign markets.

Anand Palit, Southeast Asia head of Amazon Global Selling, said the opportunity to “capture a piece of the international e-commerce pie is ripe” and Thai businesses should seize it now.

“There are enormous opportunities internationally, and Amazon provides the tools and services that can help Thai businesses lay the groundwork to accelerate their brand sales to the rest of the world,” Palit said.

He added that many Thailand-made products like health items, wooden toys, jewellery and clothes are already very popular in the US and Europe.

Hence, he said, Thai businesses must overcome their fear and take action to expand internationally.

“Our strategy to help Thai businesses succeed is to introduce tools, resources and ramp up support to power independent entrepreneurs to dream big and make Amazon the best place to grow their brands,” Palit added.

He stated that Amazon was working on deepening collaborations across sectors to foster even greater success for Thai businesses.

For instance, he said, to help new businesses get started, Amazon is offering incentives worth up to US$50,000, including Fulfilment by Amazon and advertising credits.

(from left) Jamie Brennan and Anand Palit

Jamie Brennan, chief of Amazon Global Selling Thailand, said the platform is committed to offering innovative ideas to sellers with a focus on creating growth and new opportunities.

“We have collaborated closely with government agencies to jointly enhance the transformation through cross-border e-commerce, and we will continue to do so in 2023,” she said.

Amazon showcases 22 stores, ships products to more than 200 countries and has over 400 fulfilment centres worldwide. 

It also has more than 28,000 people on hand to help out, not to mention the Amazon Seller University which educates sellers in the early stages.

In Thailand, Palit said, the Amazon Global Selling team has come up with dedicated support options in Thai. He added that the team is working on helping more Thai businesses enter the global market and scale up their operations.

Amazon has created the Global Selling unit to help businesses to launch globally from anywhere in the world and reach more than 100 million potential buyers worldwide.

Nongluck Ajanapanya

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40021984

Banpu revenue soars 106% in first 3 quarters

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2022

Nongluck Ajanapanya

SET-listed energy giant Banpu on Friday announced total sales revenue of US$2.397 billion for the first three quarters of this year, a 106% rise on the same period last year.

Banpu CEO Somruedee Chaimongkol said some of the increase could be attributed to rising energy consumption. The company also saw returns from renewable and clean energy investments like solar and wind farms.

Somruedee said Banpu’s NEXT strategy for green energy expansion will focus on five elements: solar roof, battery, energy management solution, electric vehicles, and energy trading.

Banpu operates three core businesses – energy resources, energy generation and energy technology – in 10 countries: Thailand, Indonesia, China, Australia, Laos, Mongolia, Singapore, Japan, the United States and Vietnam.

Somruedee Chaimongkol also unveiled Banpu’s “Love Song from Clean Energy” campaign on Friday. The face of the campaign – aimed at promoting clean energy among the new generation – is Thai-Belgian pop singer Violette “V” Wautier.

Nongluck Ajanapanya

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40021983

APEC CEO Summit carves new path for future business travel

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2022

Sanan Angubolkul is no stranger to business travel, especially in his role as chair of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and host of the upcoming Apec CEO Summit.

This high-level business gathering will be held in conjunction with the approaching Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit.

“This is the first time in three years that this event is being hosted face-to-face. Apec 2022 is a great opportunity for the business sector and Thai people,” he said. “Thailand will not have a chance to host an event like this for another 20 years.”

Apec is a regional economic forum with 21 member economies established in 1989 to promote economic integration in a non-legally binding, friendly manner.

Next week, landing on Thai soil will be leaders not just from the 21 Apec economies, but also from Saudi Arabia, France and China.

Since diplomatic ties have been rekindled with Saudi Arabia, Thailand has welcomed more than 800 business travellers.

With Apec member economies accounting for more than 60% of the global GDP, the summit is attracting many key business leaders from different countries.

To accommodate them, the Thai business sector has teamed up to form the Apec Business Advisory Council (Abac).

This entity comprises TCC, the Federation of Thai Industries, and the Thai Bankers’ Association.

Sanan said the Thai private sector is playing a key role in supporting the Apec 2022 theme of “Open. Connect. Balance”.

“The subjects of trade, investment and doing business across borders will be discussed closely and everybody hopes all obstacles will be unlocked,” he said.

The meeting is also expected to help Thailand’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) learn from their Apec counterparts, so they can gain confidence and potential.

To help tap opportunities for Thailand’s SMEs, Abac has come up with five key issues to bring to the attention of world leaders, namely regional economic integration; digital infrastructure; sustainable practices of micro-entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises; sustainability; and finance and economics.

“Thailand is strong in the agricultural sector, especially when it comes to food security. This is a factor that we need to highlight and explain to western countries. We want to show them that Thailand is ready for the future,” Sanan said.

He also pointed out that as the host of Apec 2022, Thailand will earn invaluable experience that will have a greater impact in the long run.

“Each country’s leader will come with their own media representative and businesspeople. These people in turn will bring their families and friends to visit Thailand,” Sanan said.

“Though the meeting will only last for two days, many business leaders have arrived several days ahead.”

This, he said, was not surprising because Thailand is known globally for its hospitality and ability to cater to all kinds of visitors.

“I believe anybody coming to Thailand, falls in love with it,” he said.

To support businesspeople arriving in Thailand for Apec 2022, TCC and its business alliances have also selected young entrepreneurs to offer them a helping hand.

This will also give young businesspeople a global perspective and experience in working with executives from other nations, much like the “Young President Organisation” that was held several years ago, he said.

“Business travellers need things to be easy and services that go ‘beyond expectation’. I’ve travelled a lot and if I land at 1am, I don’t want to bother my driver. I would rather have a special service that is ready and waiting for use,” he said.

Business travellers also value the option of skipping lengthy immigration queues and going for the “quick lane” when they visit a country.

Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce

For Apec 2022, Thailand has set up fast immigration lanes for official attendees. This service is also available for holders of the Apec business card, Sanan said.

He added that getting a VIP business card is always a wise decision, because businesspeople require easy access to excellent services, such as a personal assistant who can meet their needs.

Introducing the ABTC Privilege Card

The Apec Business Travel Card (ABTC) has been specially created to provide superior privileges to business owners of every level.

The card is operated by World Reward Solutions (WRS Group), a leading provider of services for wealthy and VVIP customer organisations and individuals.

ABTC is already offering special privileges and benefits to Thai businesspeople.

What’s on offer

The holder of the ABTC Privilege Card will be eligible for benefits at participating destinations and stores. It cannot be used as a substitute for cash and cannot be used in place of the Apec Business Travel Card (ABTC).

The card will have 1-year validity from the date the application fee has been paid.

The ABTC Privilege Card comes in three categories:

• Apec Prestige Ultimate (Black): This top-level card has an annual membership fee of 60,000 baht

• Apec Prestige Premier (Red): This mid-level costs 20,000 baht per year

• Apec Prestige Explorer (Blue): This first-tier card is free

To enjoy business travel and lifestyle exquisite privileges please apply for ABTC Privilege Card by simply clicking through www.abtc-privilegecard.com or call to 02-113-4838

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