Mongkol Leelatham, president of SME Bank, said that this year the company plans to cut its NPLs deficit to about Bt13 billion worth. Last year’s NPL rate was at 14 per cent or about Bt17 billion.

The bank is now selling Bt3 billion of its bad debt to asset management companies and is pursuing legal enforcement, asset confiscation and auction related to recover Bt5 billion.

The bank has also adjusted its NPL management by not extending debt restructuring for its borrowers who have been in the process for more than 15 years. If any borrowers reach that period, the bank will take immediate legal action extending from filing a case for assets to legal enforcement for auctions. Overall, the bank will adopt higher NPL management efficiency and more repayment discipline.

So far, the bank has recorded about Bt3 billion in the collateralised bad debt of borrowers who took debt restructuring for more than 15 years and is waiting for auctions, with about Bt2 billion of that coming from large enterprises.

“After 15 years, if customers cannot repay, we will not extend their debt restructuring and will immediately let it follow the legal process. We have to reduce the NPL to Bt14 billion in our [loan] portfolio,” Mongkol said.

In addition, the bank will in future extend loans with caution and prudence, he said. This year, the bank targets for NPL to be no more than 0.21 per cent or Bt21 for every Bt1,000 extended in loans.

For the year, SME Bank has set its new-loan target at Bt57 billion. Of that, Bt35 billion is expected from branches, with the remaining Bt22 billion coming from mobile cars as the bank moves into digital banking for its lending service.

The bank recently asked the Ministry of Finance for approval to increase its capital by Bt8 billion. About Bt4 billion of the planned proceeds are expected in the last quarter of this year and the remaining Bt4 billion next year. The planned proceeds will be used for loan extensions.

In regard to the International Financial Reporting Standard – IFRS9, the bank has hired an outside company to study impacts on the bank. It expects the Ministry of Finance to postpone enforcement of the standard for state-run banks for another five years beyond the current 2020 so that the banks can be better prepared.

Mongkok said that with his term soon ending, a nomination process is underway for a new president. About six outside people are interested in the position and the nominations are expected to be finalised within this month.

Pisit said yesterday that the opening of the bank’s representative office, after it received a business licence from the National Bank of Cambodia in January, is in line with Exim Thailand’s strategy to connect Thailand to the world through trade and investment.

The bank, in collaboration with public and private entities, will provide entrepreneurs with news and information needed for their business planning and operations in target countries, especially new frontier markets including Thailand’s CLMV countries – Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

It will also develop financial products to specifically and efficiently serve the specific needs of each entrepreneur group, as well as connecting SMEs with large companies in the value chain. The Phnom Penh representative office is Exim Thailand’s third representative office, following the opening of offices in Yangon and Vientiane in 2017 and 2018, respectively, he said. Pisit said Cambodia’s strength lies in its economic growth prospects, expected at an average of 6.5 per cent per year over the next five years.

The Cambodian government has implemented a policy to accelerate infrastructure development to accommodate the country’s economic progress, including urbanisation, foreign direct investment in conjunction with financial system and regulatory liberalisation to ease international business operations. Moreover, in provinces along the Thai border, the baht is widely accepted and the country will also host the 2023 SEA Games.

Thailand’s franchise operations have become the most promising businesses in Cambodia – such as restaurants, coffee outlets, bakeries and spas serving the demands of new generation consumers, Phnom Penh residents with increased purchasing power, expatriates, and foreign tourists looking for familiar brands of service standard, Pisit said.

“The bank has approved Bt4 billion in credit lines for investment projects in Cambodia, mostly in tourism, hotel and public utility construction sectors,” said Pisit.

Exim Thailand has concurrently launched “Exim Loan for CLMV Buyer”, catering to entrepreneurs in CLMV countries for their purchases of goods and services from Thailand, according to Pisit.

It is a credit facility with a tenor of up to 5 years and a maximum credit line of US$4 million (Bt127 million) per entrepreneur and up to 85 per cent of the purchase value at a minimum interest rate of LIBOR +4.0 per cent per annum. The credit facility is aimed to further drive Thai exports to CLMV in 2019, following a high export growth of 17 per cent in 2018, outperforming major export markets of Thailand including the US, EU and Japan. Exim Thailand will make direct payment for goods and services to Thai exporters. This will help boost exporters’ confidence in expanding their trade with partners in CLMV countries .

Thai Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong and Neav Chanthana, deputy governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, presided over the opening of Exim Thailand’s Phnom Penh office yesterday.

Apisak said EximThailand has played a significant role in Thailand’s international trade and investment in CLMV countries, amounting to over US$2 billion (Bt64 billion) since its inception 26 years ago. The establishment of Exim Thailand’s representative office in Phnom Penh received support from the Cambodian government through the National Bank of Cambodia and the Cambodian Ministry of Finance.

It aimed at enhancing Exim Thailand’s role at the regional level as an economic and financial partner to work closely with both public and private enterprises in Cambodia – a Thai neighbour and a long-standing trade partner.

Apisak said Thai-Cambodian trade has expanded at an annual average rate of 15 per cent for the past five consecutive years and reached $8.4 billion in 2018, a year-on-year growth of 36.6 per cent, which is expected to almost double to $15 billion in 2020.

Meanwhile, Thai investment in the previous five years has reached $7 billion in value, making Thailand the fourth largest foreign direct investor in Cambodia.

Thailand has recently declared the official theme for its chairmanship of Asean this year: “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability,” fully recognising the importance of enhancing close partnership towards sustainability to build Asean as a people-centred community in moving forward together.

Thailand will foster cooperation with fellow Asean members, including Cambodia, to achieve greater infrastructure, regulatory and people connectivity towards a “Seamless Asean ”, said Apisak.

Neav Chanthana said the presence of the Exim Thailand in Cambodia will further support trade and investment in the Asean region. Cambodia’s macroeconomic is stable, economic growth is strong and inflation is manageable.

Robinson is offering giveaways worth over Bt9 million with the aim to boost growth by more than 10 per cent during the first quarter of this year.

“Robinson is spending more than Bt35 million in marketing to roll out the ROBINSON SUMMER FREE.VER,” Erlinda Petpisit, Robinson Public Co Ltd’s head of marketing communication, said.

This campaign will run at all 49 Robinson department stores until June 2, offering shoppers not just big discounts, but also freebies worth over Bt4 million.

For instance, when shoppers redeem discount coupons of up to 40 per cent, they will get an additional 18 per cent discount as well as a chance to win a gold necklace worth over Bt500,000.

The1 Card holders, who spend more than Bt3,000, will get 800 points, and if they spend over Bt5,000, they will get to take home a “summer tumbler”.

Aeon credit-card holders will also enjoy cashback credits of up to Bt30,000.

Meanwhile, giveaways worth over Bt5 million are being offered at the 22 Robinson lifestyle shopping centres nationwide from March 14 to April 24. Shoppers will get a chance to win one of the 22 luxury packages on offer, including a stay at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi and return tickets on Air Asia.

“With our summer promotions and marketing events, Robinson is confident in taking a share of the market this summer. We hope our campaigns will gain a positive feedback once again, while keeping the spending momentum going through the summer months. The campaign is expected to contribute more than 10 per cent growth in sales and 30 per cent growth in shoppers and visitors, which will bring Robinson closer to the goals set for this quarter,” Erlinda said.

The 265-key Centara West Bay Residences and Suites Doha is in the city’s West Bay district, which is home to many of Doha’s skyscrapers. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the hotel is near the lively Doha Corniche and 25 minutes’ drive from Qatar’s Hamad International Airport.

The launch marks a milestone for Centara, as the company continues to expand its international footprint.

The opening event traditional Thai and Qatari performances, including a falconry show, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony and VIP dinner by Michelin starred chef Alfred Prasad.

“Doha is one of the most dynamic destinations in the world today, and we are delighted to enter this important market with such a spectacular new hotel. Centara West Bay Residences and Suites Doha is an iconic addition to the city’s skyline. With spacious accommodation, luxurious facilities and gracious Thai service, this hotel will cater to all types of guest, from leisure visitors and large family groups to long-stay business travellers. We look forward to welcoming all guests to Doha in the future, as the city embarks on an exciting new era of international prominence and prosperity,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara.

It opens ahead of the annual season-opening Qatar Open tennis tournament, the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Floris Wesseling, vice president for Danone Waters, said: “We believe that by combining Danone’s global expertise in designing great-tasting, heathier beverages and Sappe’s innovative spirit and deep understanding of Thai consumers, we can bring a range of unique products that will excite Thai consumers.”

The Thai beverage market is large and Thailand has the highest per capita consumption (PCC) of non-alcoholic beverages in Asia but it is also a very fragmented market with many smaller, innovative players, the firms said.

“This is driven by the fact that Thai consumers like exploring innovations and are curious when it comes to food and beverages; they like to try new products and brands,” said Piyajit Ruckariyapong, CEO of Sappe. “Fulfilling this continuous need for new and different product experiences is part of the Sappe DNA and one of the core competencies we will bring to our partnership with Danone”.

Piyajit said: “Perhaps more importantly, Thai consumers are increasingly looking for exciting products that are at the same time a healthier alternative to the more traditional sugary drinks. The Thai beverage landscape is changing as a result of this trend and our JV with Danone aims to support this change by bringing, great tasting, healthier beverage options”.

B’lue is a fruity, vitamin-enhanced beverage that is low in sugar. “Its surprising, refreshing taste has stolen the hearts of millennials across China and more recently in the Philippines,” said Wesseling. “We are very excited to now bring B’lue to Thailand”.

This is Pepsi’s first no-sugar formula that comes with a refreshing raspberry flavor. Embracing the 50 per cent growth of the sugar-free market, the launch aims for market share and dramatic growth.

Laddawan Lertwasin, Senior Marketing Manager – Pepsi, PepsiCo Services Asia Limited – said: “The first quarter sees, following our recently launched ‘Pepsi Music 2019’ to welcome the summer sales, Pepsi as a trendsetter launching yet another new flavor in sugar-free industry: the no-sugar cola with a fruity flavor “Pepsi Max Taste Raspberry”.

“This is considered Thailand’s first innovation catered to reach the sugar-free market and to respond to the health-conscious group of consumers.”

In 2018, sugar-free cola market value is worth Bt1.8 billion – a 54 per cent growth comparing to that of last year. The growth is the result of the contributions made by top brands’ active marketing aiming to cater to the shifting consumer trend, as well as responding to the government’s health promotion policy.

During 2018’s second half, Pepsi also launched their own Pepsi Max Taste highlighting the “Maximum Taste…No Sugar” strategy – leveraging the 360-degree media platforms and marketing activities. Releasing their first advertisement in a decade, as well as sampling activities, Pepsi creates new awareness and encourages consumers to try sugar-free cola drinks.

“The launch of Pepsi Max Taste Raspberry in Thailand is Asia-Pacific’s second one following the great success in Australia last year. The product comes in two sizes: a 245-ml slim can and a 440-ml PET bottle – already available for sale in convenient stores from February. Product distribution is being made throughout such channels as retail stores, supermarkets, and department stores nationwide.”

Marketing-wise, Pepsi is gearing up for the release of their above-the-line executions to promote wide awareness of Pepsi Max Taste Raspberry during the first half of the year – kicking off the campaign with the release of their new advertisement featuring “Thanaerng-Kanyawee Songmuang”, the leading actress and trendsetter representing new gens, as the presenter of PEPSI Max Taste Raspberry.

The campaign also sees the supports of many media platforms – Out-of-Home, Mobile, Cinema, and Point-of-Purchase advertising – as well as the online platforms of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Line that hit home with younger audiences.

Completing the communication with below-the-line activities, to reach over 500,000 audiences, Pepsi Max Taste Raspberry takes sampling experience to a whole new level – launching “Pepsi Max Taste Raspberry Sensory Experience”.

The installation, located at Centerpoint, Siam Square, during March 12-18, 2019 is an exhibition of immersive experience featuring all the five senses during the experience of Pepsi Max Taste Raspberry.

“In barely a month, we gain great feedback on Pepsi Max Taste Raspberry flavour from consumers attracted by the sugar-free maximum taste. We are confident that, moving forward, the launch will inspire a double growth of the sugar-free drink market – from 5 per cent to 10 per cent of the whole market within this year.”