The aircraft will go into service with Thai Lion Air, where its added capacity will help the airline launch several international routes, Boeing announced.

“The 737 MAX 9 is a perfect fit for our growing business in Thailand,” said Captain Darsito Hendro Seputro, CEO and chairman of Thai Lion Air.

“The 737 has been the backbone of our business since we began and we will use the added capacity the airplane provides to expand our network and start additional routes to Bangladesh, China and India,” he added.

Indonesia-based Lion Air Group is the launch customer for the MAX 9.

It was also the first operator to put the MAX 8 into service, and has announced a commitment for 50 MAX 10s.

The group also has an additional 200 737 MAXs on order and is one of the world’s largest operators of the 737.

“The Lion Air Group is the perfect example of how the 737 MAX family provides a common fleet solution across the single-aisle spectrum,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Kevin McAllister.

“Not only will Lion Air Group benefit from the MAX’s range and capacity, they will enjoy the best economics and reliability in the industry,” he added.

The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, accumulating more than 4,300 orders from 95 customers worldwide.

Chief executive Christian Ask and country manager Natalia Folbrycht were at his side.

The Sweden-based gym chain allows members to design their own workout routines and access the facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

With their membership card they can access all Fitness24Seven gyms worldwide.

There is a variety of gym equipment, group training classes and a Women Gym area, all for Bt1,299 per month.

Krungsri Auto, which operates under Bank of Ayudhya, will also offer customers applying for a loan a variety of promotions and chances to select gifts collectively worth Bt2 million.

“Krungsri Auto has been consistently providing auto finance services at automotive events nationwide,” said Pairote Cheunkrut, head of Krungsri Auto Group. “At the Bangkok International Motor Show, we aim to enhance our services through the Krungsri Auto official Line account. Customers who add Krungsri Auto as a friend and fill in their personal information in Line Chat can receive free event tickets at the Krungsri Auto booth as well as on-the-spot consultancy services from our staff.

“In addition, we are offering a wide range of special deals for customers looking for new cars, big bikes, and motorcycles.”

The “Krungsri New Car” loan involves a minimum down payment starting at 5 per cent, a maximum of 84 months instalment payments and special interest rates.

Customers will have the chance to select a reward, such as a smartphone, electrical appliance, hi-tech sports equipment or car accessory.

Customers of “Krungsri Motorcycle” and “Krungsri Big Bike” can arrange zero down payment, special interest rates and maximum of 60 months instalment payments. Customers of “Krungsri Big Bike” also get a backpack worth Bt790.

More than 700 people work at the office and production centre where Nivea and Eucerin are manufactured for the Thai market and for export to 43 other countries.

“This reflects Beiersdorf’s commitment to doubling production performance in order to support demand in the region,” said Markus Daburger of Beiersdorf Thailand.

“We appreciate the ongoing support of the government and local agencies in our expansion project, which not only sees the production line expand, but also our Beiersdorf family, as up to 200 new jobs will be created in the coming years. We are proud to say that the operation in Thailand is now the company’s second-biggest hub after Germany.”

Both signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday on mu Space’s plan to open the lab in the park, said True Digital Park president Thanasorn Jaidee.

The lab is expected to be opened in October, when True Digital Park will soft launch the first phase of the digital park project.

mu Space’s chief executive officer and founder James Yenbamroong said that mu Space will operate the lab at True Digital Park to develop space technology. It will also attract the talent in the field to help it carry out the research development.

“We are doing this to support the implementation of the Thailand 4.0 economic policy to make the country a hub for technology and innovation in Southeast Asia,” James said. “We believe that the innovation we develop will help to improve the quality of life and help create more sustainable cities in the future.”

He added that at present most of the global investment in the space and satellite technologies came from private companies, unlike in the old days when the state sector led the way. James said that last year private investment in space technology in the US was about US$5 billion, in Europe about US$3.9 billion, and Southeast Asia about US$128 million.

mu Space, which is 100 per cent Thai-owned, was founded in 2017. It plans to launch its own satellite in 2020. The company holds a licence from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission to operate a satellite service.

True Digital Park provides four fully integrated areas, comprising space for co-working, enterprises, innovation, and events and business services. It is under construction in Sukhumvit 101.

The digital park covers 77,000 square metres, making it the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. The first-phase construction is expected to be completed in late 2018, featuring around 40,000 square metres.

Thanasorn said the park aims to build a complete ecosystem for startups that enables open innovation and collaboration between multinational companies, startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, investors, universities, and the public sector. This, he said, makes True Digital Park a knowledge-sharing centre that drives digital innovation and enables the sustainable growth of the startup ecosystem in Thailand.

The appointment is backdated to January 2018.

Claude Seigne is a graduate of the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Industries chimiques de Nancy, France. His depth and knowledge in various senior roles of insurance industry in Asia and France makes him a valuable addition to the AXA Thailand team, the company said. Prior to this position, he served as Chief General Insurance Officer at AXA Philippines. His career with AXA also included Regional Chief Technical Officer, based in Hong Kong.

With Seigne’s experience, the company said: “AXA Thailand commits to develop new insurance products and innovation to serve the needs and demands of customers and to illustrate its vision: empower people to live a better life.

“The company provides sustainable superior services, as a proven recognition as the world’s top insurance brand for the ninth consecutive year.”

Corresponding with the launch of the new “Aor Jao – Karaked” character, from Thailand’s hit series “Buppesannivas” (Love Destiny), the companies said in a Thursday press release that the move marks a world first when it comes to innovative purchasing solutions for LINE stickers. It allows LINE users with no credit card or limited digital skills to purchase a selection of Line stickers and get billed directly to their DTAC number. The system operates via a simple menu-based service using “quick codes” sent by SMS (also known as USSD).

“We hope that the new offer will create a better customer experience by making purchases more convenient, safer and simpler. … DTAC customers are now able to easily buy LINE stickers billed to their DTAC number in four simple steps,” said Thanasit Kongsaksirikul, senior vice president, head of product management at Total Access Communication Plc or DTAC.

Kanop Supamanop, head of B2C business at LINE Thailand, said: “Today LINE has more than 42 million users in Thailand. But a big number of users are still unfamiliar with making payments online. Therefore, we have added channels to help users access LINE services more easily, including more channels to purchase LINE stickers.”

Every branch of The Mall, Emporium, EmQuartier and Paragon Department Stores will offer 40 per cent savings for Citi M Visa cardholders and visits from the Midnight Sale troop from March 29 to April 4.

Surprises for shoppers include the troops who will bring cheers to shoppers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and gifts at 13.00, 17.00 and 19.00 hours, said Nonglak Lohamanop, group general manager for corporate promotion in a Thursday press release.

There will be additional discounts and special offers. The top three spenders using M Card and Citi M Visa cards will receive a luxurious accommodation package at Keemala Phuket worth Bt300,000.

Coupled with customer traffic and activities, the seven-day campaign is expected to generate over Bt1.2 billion in sales revenue.