New York financial group partners with local firms to tokenise real-estate market

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Corporate/30365581

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New York financial group partners with local firms to tokenise real-estate market

Corporate March 11, 2019 15:04

By The Nation

Elevated Returns (ER), a New York-based financial group focused on digitising traditional financial assets, has partnered with Thai financial services firm Seamico Securities Plc (ZMICO) and blockchain platform Tezos to expand into Thailand.

Following the success of the US$18 million (Bt570 million) tokenisation of the St Regis Aspen Resort, ER plans to tokenise the global real estate market. It is targeting $250 million (Bt7.91 billion) in transactions this year, with $100 million (Bt3.16 billion) in Thailand and a plan to launch products in the second and third quarters.

ER is also preparing to file for a Digital Exchange licence with the SEC to facilitate the local digital ecosystem, while SE Digital Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Seamico, is in the process of applying for an Initial Coin Offering Portal (ICO Portal) licence from the SEC.

The partners hope their linking will be a first mover of asset-backed digital securities in Thailand’s digital economy.

Committed to creating a sustainable blockchain ecosystem, Tezos Southeast Asia (TSA) is aiming to create the first blockchain education and research programme in Thailand in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University, Stephane De Baets, founder and president of Elevated Returns (ER) noted.

He added that Elevated Returns has huge ambitions to bring this technology to the global real estate market, and especially to Thailand.

“We see enormous opportunities here because Thailand is exceptionally receptive to digital transformation, and has the government’s support in line with the Thailand 4.0 policy,” said De Baets.

As part of ER’s expansion into Thailand, it closed the 21 per cent acquisition of Bangkok-based financial services firm Seamico Securities Plc, worth Bt467.1 million, on March 8. ER plans to tokenise the Thai real estate market by using the same model it employed in the US, where it raised $18 million through the St Regis Aspen Resort tokenisation, representing the first tokenised digital security offering of an internationally renowned trophy real estate asset issued in the world.

ER has confidence in the partnership with Seamico to educate, access, and transform the Thai real estate market. Seamico provides local business know-how, access to regulatory licences, a large local customer base and local distribution channels.

“This year, we target $100 million in transactions in Thailand and aim to launch products in Q2 or Q3,” he said.

“ER’s expansion into Thailand is riding on one of the world’s highest mobile banking penetration [rates] at 74 per cent, and the second highest penetration in terms of the number of crypto wallet holders at 9.9 per cent of the Thai internet user population. The company recognises that SEC Thailand is at the forefront of this industry and the country’s regulations are among the most supportive for the blockchain industry in the world,” said De Baets.

China-based display company to invest Bt100 m in EEC factory

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http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Corporate/30365580

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China-based display company to invest Bt100 m in EEC factory

Corporate March 11, 2019 14:54

By The Nation

China based Shenzhen Besser Display Equipment Co Ltd (“BESSER”), a high-tech enterprise specialising in research and development, design, production, and sales of smart display devices, has officially established a presence in Thailand.

Based in Bangkok and Nonthaburi, Besser Display Technology (Thailand) Co Ltd is planning to invest Bt100 million over the next four years. It will initially focus on sales and marketing as the company works towards a 2022 opening for a new manufacturing facility in Chachoengsao province, aligned with Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the company said in a Monday release.

Founded in 2011, Besser’s vision is to pursue excellent quality with cutting-edge technology and quality customer support. The company aims to offer cost-effective, feature-packed, and highly customisable display solutions to businesses across multiple industries in the Americas, Europe, East Asia, the Middle East, Australia and more.

Thanawut Fangjirasakun, managing director of the Thailand presence, said that for eight years the company has designed and delivered exceptional quality display services, purpose-built to fit the varying needs of customers.

“With our new branch office in Thailand, we have established a new hub of operations for Southeast Asia and our very first office outside of China,” said Thanawut in the release.

“Thailand’s incredible potential for growth in the smart display category, and exceptional manufacturing capabilities, were both key factors influencing our decision to expand, and we aim to better serve our customers in the country and across the region in the years to come.”

TRIS downgrades BEC World rating due to digital disruption

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Corporate/30365578

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TRIS downgrades BEC World rating due to digital disruption

Corporate March 11, 2019 14:23

By The Nation

TRIS Rating has downgraded the company rating for BEC World PLC (BEC) to “A-” from “A”. The rating outlook is “stable”.

The rating reflects a further deterioration in BEC’s operating performance, accelerated by digital disruption, said the agency. The increased adoption of digital forms of media has caused a secular change in audience viewing habits and altered spending on advertising.

BEC has a leading market position as a TV broadcaster and a strong balance sheet. However, TRIS Rating believes that stiff competition in the new media ecosystem and an uncertain economic outlook will continue to pressure the company’s operating results.

BEC’s earnings are not likely to recover to a level that is compatible with the previous “A” rating, said TRIS

Chemicals industry trumpets its role in world economy

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http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Corporate/30365576

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Chemicals industry trumpets its role in world economy

Corporate March 11, 2019 14:05

By The Nation

The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) has released an analysis of the chemical industry’s contributions to the global economy, coinciding with the start of the Fourth United Nations Environment Assembly.

“The Global Chemical Industry: Catalysing Growth and Addressing Our World’s Sustainability Challenges” says the industry “touches nearly every good-producing sector, making an estimated $5.7-trillion contribution to world gross domestic product (GDP) through direct, indirect and induced impacts, equivalent to seven per cent of global GDP”.

It supports 120 million jobs worldwide, the report says.

“The innovations developed and produced by the chemical industry’s longstanding presence worldwide have helped turn the tide of human history,” said Cal Dooley, ICCA council secretary and president and CEO of the American Chemistry Council.

“Over time, chemical manufacturers have become an integral part of the global economy and a critical enabler of technologies that improve people’s lives around the globe.

“This report makes clear that the chemical industry is an irreplaceable contributor to global GDP, a source of skilled employment opportunities and a major enabler of progress in the environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainable development as reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

The largest contributor to GDP and jobs is the Asia-Pacific chemical industry, generating 45 per cent of the industry’s total annual economic value and 69 per cent of all jobs supported.

Europe made the next most important contribution ($1.3 trillion total GDP contribution, 19 million jobs supported) followed by North America ($866 billion, six million jobs).

“This new analysis underscores the essential role that the chemical industry plays in driving economic growth and creating opportunity for millions of people around the world, but the chemical industry’s impact goes beyond economic value,” said Marco Mensink, director general of European Chemical Industry.

“Working in partnership with United Nations Environment through the Strategic Approach to Chemicals Management, we are deeply committed to building capacity to safely manage chemicals through their production, transport, use and disposal, and have held over 230 workshops in 45 countries.”

LPN Development earns ‘A-’ ratings

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http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Corporate/30365567

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LPN Development earns ‘A-’ ratings

Corporate March 11, 2019 12:17

By The Nation

TRIS Rating has affirmed a company rating of “A-” for LPN Development Plc.

It assigned the same rating to LPN’s proposed issue of up to Bt1 billion in senior unsecured debentures.

Proceeds from the debentures will be used to repay short-term debts and for working capital.

The ratings reflect the company’s proven track record, with a well-accepted brand name in the middle- to low-priced condominium segments, cost competitiveness derived from efficient construction management, and conservative financial policy.

The ratings also take into consideration the company’s relatively concentrated product portfolio in terms of product types and price ranges, the cyclicality and competitive environment in the residential property development business, the impact from the introduction of new loan-to-value rules by the Bank of Thailand, and the lingering high household debt which could impact housing demand in the short to medium term.

E-commerce platform V-More expands to Thailand

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http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Corporate/30365565

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 E-commerce platform V-More expands to Thailand

Corporate March 11, 2019 12:13

By The Nation

V-MORE, Asia’s leading e-commerce supply chain management platform, has announced plans to expand into Thailand.

The fast-growing one-stop e-commerce platform has garnered 500,000 users in the region in the last 12 months. It is aiming to recruit Thai e-commerce merchants as part of its expansion strategy and has rolled out onboarding programs for new merchants and users.

“We are pursuing a plan of expansion and hope to achieve revenue growth through mass adoption by users and merchants. Thailand is fast becoming the leading e-commerce market, and our aim is to increase our user and merchant base through user incentive programmes, brand awareness and marketing programmes,” Sir Eldee Tang, chief executive and founder of Noble Vici Group, told The Nation.

Thailand has more than 57 million internet users, most of them digitally savvy and well-versed in mobile and e-commerce. The market is valued at US$3.5 billion and is expected to generate growth of 13.2 per cent annually, reaching $5.8 billion by 2022.

“We look forward to welcoming new local merchants to our platform and would encourage sellers and buyers to experience the online marketplace for the first time,” Eldee added.

Greenovator leads the trend in Myanmar’s agri-technology

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Corporate/30365537

Yin Yin Phyu, co-founder and director of operations at Greenovator Co
Yin Yin Phyu, co-founder and director of operations at Greenovator Co

Greenovator leads the trend in Myanmar’s agri-technology

Corporate March 11, 2019 01:00

By KHINE KYAW
THE NATION
YANGON

2,462 Viewed

AMID surging demand for technology in Myanmar’s agriculture sector which involves a majority of its population, young entrepreneurs at Greenovator Co have set their heart on playing a leading role in the nation’s agri-tech, according to Yin Yin Phyu, the firm’s co-founder and director of operations.

Yin Yin Phyu said in an exclusive interview with The Nation that the firm would double its efforts to reach out to hundreds of thousands of farmers across the country.

Thein Soe Min, the firm co-founder, mainly works on adding innovative features to its landmark product “ Green Way mobile application”.

“We are the leading agri-tech organisation in the country with more than 100,000 farmers connected with over 2,000 experts,” she said.

“We aim to double our user base to 200,000 by the end of this year, and also have an ambitious target of serving around 2 million farmers over the next three years.”

According to the executive, their knowledge-sharing platform has covered the farming community in 329 townships across Myanmar. More than 95 per cent of the registered users on the platform are farmers while the rest are experts, agronomists and observers.

The firm was established in May 2011 by two close friends who graduated from Yezin Agricultural University. They started with a blog and a website to share best practices in farming with a particular interest in organic farming. In the early years, the firm’s performance was very slow due to insufficient funding, time constraint and the lack of local talent.

In the second half of 2015, the two quit their jobs at non-government organisations to fully concentrate on Greenovator Co.

“In September 2015, we shifted our focus to develop a mobile application, and have been expanding our team. As a result, we have gained more trust from our partners and the farming community,” said Yin Yin Phyu.

“As a social enterprise, our business model generates income from providing agricultural services such as consultancy, research and translations to INGOs, NGOs and enterprises.”

Using the knowledge, experience and income gained from the services, the firm launched in May 2016 the Green Way app, which has been downloaded more than 100,000 times, and is extensively shared through Zapya, an offline data sharing app. In this respect, Yin Yin Phyu expects real users to be double or even triple of the downloaded rate.

“Our app is the digital linkage between farmers and agri-experts across the country. We can offer help to agricultural projects by providing consultancy services,” she said.

To her, the firm’s consultancy offerings include farming advice (online and offline), project management, agri-business related consultations, resource mapping, collecting surveys and conducting comprehensive research on a particular topic and study area upon a client’s request.

“Our clients include organisations and companies wanting to disseminate information and services through our app, which in turn enables us to empower small-scale farmers in Myanmar to improve their livelihood,” she said.

Another source of funding comes from grants by international organisations, such as Unesco, GIZ, PWC, Care International, GSMA, UKAid and fhi360.

The platform will boost farmers’ knowledge in order to improve capacity in project areas. It will include good agricultural practices, post-harvest technologies, sustainable rice platform standards, how to promote value-added farm produce and ensure stable income for farmers.

Currently, the firm is partnering with the Agriculture and Market Information Agency to provide real-time market prices of more than 400 agricultural commodities at 22 wholesale markets across Myanmar. Registered users can easily access updates of market prices and new developments in the agriculture sector on the firm’s website and mobile application.

According to the statistics, the majority of the registered users live in the Magwe region, followed by the Sagaing and Ayeyarwady regions, said Yin Yin Phyu. She also expects rising interest in the Yangon and Mandalay regions.

“We are now raising the awareness of farmers on how to effectively use the app by joining agri-fairs and conducting focused group discussions on the ground. Every day, our team calls up 10 farmers and experts for their feedback,” she said.

“We also cover livestock… around 30 per cent of our contents focus on ways to improve livestock in rural areas. There are also audio versions of popular contents on our platform, as some farmers cannot read. We will include ethnic language versions to reach out to farmers in those provinces.”

During the interview, Yin Yin Phyu took pride in reminiscing the firm’s success story. In 2016, Greenovator finished as runner-up for the Myanmar Young Social Entrepreneur Award. A year later, the firm was nominated as the local winner for 2017 A2030, organised by UN Development Program and Impact Hub Yangon.

In July 2017, the two co-founders were awarded the most outstanding agricultural alumni.

She considers the signing of an agreement in 2017 with Myanmar’s Department of Agriculture to use the Green Way app as one of the department’s agricultural tools a significant milestone for Greenovator.

The agreement ensures real-time government announcements and collaboration with the firm’s team for visits to farmers on the ground.

Technology is the key shaper of year’s retail trends

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Economy/30365615

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Technology is the key shaper of year’s retail trends

Economy March 12, 2019 01:00

By SPECIAL TO THE NATION

THIS IS poised to be a transformational year for retail. Technology in 2019 continues to change the rules of engagement, consumers are more demanding than ever, and getting them to notice your brand amid all the noise in the market is an even greater challenge.

“Digital technology is changing the customer experience,” says Thanit Osathalert, head of consumer and retail, KPMG in Thailand. “Customers are currently more likely to use digital technology to explore and interact with potential purchases.

This offers retailers the opportunity to transform how they interact with the consumer.”

In its latest publication, KPMG has identified key retail trends that will shape the industry in 2019.

From ‘we’ to ‘me’

The best retailers are forensically using customer-centric data to deliver hyper-personalisation. Retailers can now get a very in-depth understanding of their consumers’ behavioural habits through a new frontier in personalisation such as through analysing emotional data, eye movements and DNA, in addition to searches, purchases and views to pinpoint exactly what customers need in real time.

“Adding analytics to the mix, retailers can use predictive analytics to forecast their customers’ next moves. This is also forcing retailers to reinvent the in-store experience,” adds Osathalert.

Consumers get price savvy

The introduction of smartphones has enabled consumers to become more price savvy and informed than ever before. Modern shoppers don’t want to pay full price and they aren’t afraid to share their opinions through reviews. Paying less for more and talking about it has become a trend in itself with more avenues for consumers to leave reviews and suggestions. In fact, 81 per cent of shoppers do online research before committing to the purchase and 89 per cent of these customers begin their buying process with a search engine.

The rise and rise of voice

In 2019, we will see artificial intelligence’s impact on retail grow substantially in two key areas: smart speakers and chatbots. Most smart speakers depend on assistants from current e-commerce giants – which opens up new doors into consumer homes for retailers. Chatbots offer businesses the opportunity to provide personalised online customer experience.

Experiential retail is coming to life

Retailers are actively experimenting with experience as their most powerful tool to win and retain customers. New figures show consumers continue to spend less on buying things, and more on doing things. By creating a more immersive experience, retailers can drive people to their stores and ensure they leave not just with products but also memories.

‘Planet friendly’ is due to arrive

The planet friendly movement has momentum. Consumers are shopping with emotion and values as much as their wallets. In 2019 we will see companies make more meaningful sustainability commitments that create significant impact that align with the values of the company, its brands and its target audiences.

Social currency will be more transactional

Social media has become embedded in many customers’ purchasing journeys. More and more, consumers are relying on community and word-of-mouth instead of advertisements for product recommendations. Retailers need to actively engage with these tools as consumers increasingly use them as a primary interaction point with brands and companies.

From transaction to service provider

In today’s retail economy, understanding the power of platforms is vital. The supply chain is no longer the central aggregator of business value. What a company owns matters less than what it can connect. Platforms that are dominating the retail industry know that the power lies in selling a service where they can create the means of connection.

Due to the high risks of adapting core business models, traditional players will collaborate and form partnerships to drive efficiency. We will see companies invest in a business but not get involved directly, consequently seeing the rise of joint ventures in 2019.

“In conclusion, pairing digital technology with predictive analytics is a powerful combination for any retailer who is able to connect these dots. Retailers that are performing well have connected their physical and digital presence to deliver an enhanced customer experience.“A seamless hand-off between and among technologies and in-store, during single and multiple journeys, is becoming a must as customers come to expect a ‘phygital’ experience,” says Osathalert.

Contributed by BizKPMG

Women, your country is the world

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Economy/30365619

Tee Chayakul, country manager, Thailand, Traveloka
Tee Chayakul, country manager, Thailand, Traveloka

Women, your country is the world

Economy March 12, 2019 01:00

By TEE CHAYAKUL
SPECIAL TO THE NATION

THE SAD truth is many women today continue to find themselves hindered from achieving their dreams whether from internal (eg, self-confidence) or external (eg, environmental) factors that sometimes may – or may not – fall under our control. We find ourselves bound and constrained by the limitations of societal norms that restrain us from becoming the best version of ourselves.

 In light of the recently celebrated International Women’s Day – a day dedicated to celebrating women and their accomplishments – your trusty online travel companion, Traveloka, aims to empower women with strength, confidence and courage to embark on solo travelling, expanding horizons and conquering fears to fully realise and master your true self.

The Road to empowerment: Stepping into the unknown alone is undeniably a huge feat as much as it is a daunting endeavour. However, to fully understand the importance of solo travelling and the wonders it brings to the soul, let’s first explore the top three benefits to embrace solo travelling.

1. Build independence and problem-solving skills

Communication barriers, and being lost and seeking directions are examples of problems you will inevitably encounter along the way. But facing it face-first on your own will drive you to push past your insecurities and … by hook or by crook, learn to fend for yourself. The skills and lessons learned along the way are life-long and valuable, and most definitely indisposable.

2. Seize the world with confidence

Conquering your fears and becoming progressively self-aware through your solo-travels fuels your confidence as you come to fully understand your strengths and weaknesses when put in difficult situations. By honing and sharpening your strengths, you’ll learn to love and embrace your true self and strut your walk across the planet, confidently and boldly.

3. Empathy for others

On your solo journey, you are bound to meet individuals from all walks of life who carry with them a wealth of knowledge and history that project a kaleidoscope of colourful experiences. Solo travelling empowers you with the ability to communicate and, most importantly, empathise with those who hail from a different background. Understanding this allows you to develop an open mind, subjecting yourself to inspire and be inspired, to better understand the world, and ultimately help make the world a better place when you learn to love people different from you.

Baby steps: Frankly, we know that confidence and courage are not qualities that sprout overnight. So let’s set reasonable goals to kick-start your solo travelling endeavours. The key is to start small (and near). Below are the top five destinations recommended by Traveloka for women looking to embark on their solo travelling journey.

1. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Sometimes you don’t have to wander far for a solo adventure; sometimes adventure is right at your doorstep. As locals, we often overlook the “must-visits” that the world finds mesmerising in our own neighbourhood. Visit the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers and check it off your bucket-list for that spectacular view; jump on the Kuala Lumpur Hop-on Hop-off Bus to cover a variety of landmarks that you’ve never had the opportunity to visit in the past; and dine at a local coffee shop of your choice as you take your own sweet time, sipping on the sights, sounds and smells of KL city.

2. Hong Kong

From mountains to city parks and historical places, Hong Kong spoils travellers for choice with a wealth of attractions that are safe and friendly to all. Check out the world famous Madame Tussauds where you can hangout and take selfies with your favourite celebrities across 11 interactive zones; ride on Hong Kong’s first double-decker that combines sightseeing with gourmet dining on the Crystal Bus Sightseeing and Dining Tour; and of course the “not-to-be-missed” day spent with Disney’s famous characters at Hong Kong Disneyland.

3. Tokyo, Japan

The Land of the Rising Sun is a favourite among many tourists. Safe, cultural and respectful – Tokyo offers an unique experience to travellers, granting them the best of both worlds steeped in rich history and modern technology. Visit one of Japan’s best indoor theme parks, Sanrio Puroland and chill with famous characters such as Hello Kitty, Gudetama, Pom Pom Purin and more; immerse yourself in an authentic sumo practice show and get up close and personal with real sumo wrestlers; or learn Japanese recipes from a professional chef through a hands-on cultural experience, Japanese home cooking in Shibuya.

4. Seoul, Korea

This city boasts a rich history of culture and endless sightseeing options such as trendy stores and boutiques. If you appreciate beautiful scenery, N Seoul Tower is a must-visit for its 360-degree view of Seoul; don a hanbok, traditional Korean attire dating back centuries; or perhaps plan your trip around one of South Korea’s many festivals such as the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, the Hampyeong Butterfly Festival and more.

5. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is considered one of the best and safest destinations for female solo travellers down under. Classy, artsy, scenic and vintage: the cultural capital of Australia dazzles with verdant gardens, large parks, galleries, museum, extensive shopping and architecture. Join a day-tour to The Twelve Apostles for its breathtaking view of the limestone stacks off the shore in Great Ocean Road. Feeling a little sophisticated? Visit the vineyards of Yarra Valley for a taste of Australia’s top of the crop wines.

Travelling is meant to be a joyous and edifying experience when done the right way. Avoid taking shortcuts and getting short-changed.

Turn to credible resources such as Traveloka to find all your travel solutions under one roof to serve your needs to ease your travel concerns.

International Women’s Day should be celebrated every day. Traveloka believes that everyone deserves to – and must – travel in their lifetime to fully embrace the wonders of the world. “Solo travelling though much to offer is, however, the road less travelled,” said Khun Tee.

“As the leading travel tech company, our duty is to empower people with the right tools and technology to enable mobility, empower individuals, and achieve dreams to add meaningful years to [their] lives. Because a life less travelled is a life less inspired, and a world less understood,” said Khun Tee.

Travellers can visit Traveloka’s “Attraction & Activities” feature on its booking platform (via web or mobile) that helps to make planning easier and more convenient for all.

Contributed by TEE CHAYAKUL, country manager, Thailand, Traveloka

SET uptrend ‘to continue after poll’

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Economy/30365632

Speakers at the
Speakers at the “Thai Stock Insight, Impact of the Election” event organised by Krungthep Turakij yesterday.

SET uptrend ‘to continue after poll’

Economy March 12, 2019 01:00

By PHUWIT LIMVIPHUWAT
THE NATION

THE THAI stock market is still in an upward trend this year, thanks to positive developments in the global financial market, and the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index should rebound after the election, provided there is no political turmoil, an expert predicted yesterday.

“For investors, it is not important which political party forms the new government, as long as it can offer stability and there is no political turmoil,” said Paiboon Nalinthrangkurn, chairman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organisation (Fetco).

Paiboon was speaking yesterday at the “Thai Stock Insight, Impact of the Election” event organised by Krungthep Turakij, a sister newspaper of The Nation.

He explained that as long as the political system in the Kingdom remains uncertain – as it has been over the past few years due to elections being postponed several times – only short-term investments will flow in.

Short-term investments mean a temporary inflow of capital, resulting in investors only seeking to gain short-term profits before pulling out their funds, he explained.

Also, he added, foreign investors are particularly worried that the new government would be weak, which could lead to political unrest.

“Investment in the stock market has been relatively low in the months leading to the election, with the potential for last-minute gains for election speculation,” Paiboon said.

In January, the SET Index closed at 1,641.73 points, showing a 5 per cent rise compared to December. This was largely due to the Election Commission announcing the election date in late January, said Soraphol Tulayasathien, senior executive vice president and chief of corporate strategy division for the SET.

The SET Index closed at 1,653.48 points at the end of February, showing a slight month-on-month increase, but closed at only 1,630.12 points last Friday.

However, Paiboon forecast that if the political situation remained stable after the election, the SET would follow global financial market trends and register gains throughout the second half of 2019.

He had also predicted earlier this year that the SET Index would reach 1,782 points by the end of 2019.

“The key factor affecting global market trends positively is the relaxation of monetary policies by key financial institutions,” he continued. “The US Federal Reserve, the People’s Bank of China, the Bank of England and the European Central Bank have all started showing signs of a change in attitude towards monetary policy.”

Paiboon pointed out that central banks across the world had increased interest rates in 2018, but this trend will likely reverse in 2019. The US Fed’s announcement that it will be “more careful” with monetary policies has boosted investor sentiments, leading to a positive trend in the global financial market.

“The US Federal Reserve is the most powerful financial institution, and its shift in attitude towards monetary policy is enough to have a significant impact on the global financial markets, including Thailand,” he said.

Hence, last year’s trend of capital inflow into the bond market and outflow from the stock market would likely reverse this year, he said.

“Thailand is a part of this financial trend, but the SET has been underperforming, partially due to political uncertainty. Though capital from both local and foreign investors is ready to flow into the Thai stock market, we will have to wait and see if the political situation remains stable after the election,” he contended.