The Internal Trade Department Has Said It Will Initially Work On Modernising 10 Of 69 “Farm Outlets” Across The Country To Draw More Customers.
Wattanasak Sur-iam, the department’s director-general, said the aim is to make these shops more attractive and offer a greater variety of products. He said souvenirs and handicrafts will also be added to the shelves.
The director-general explained that the department will start off by overhauling 10 outlets from next year. He said the aim is to add value to farm produce, especially organic items and community products.
The department will also help manufacturers receive the stamp of approval from the Thai Food and Drug Administration as well as get “halal” certification.
The director-general said producers will also be encouraged to register their brands and trademarks.
The 10 outlets will be linked up, so they can exchange goods to enhance sales and reduce waste.
The Internal Trade Department plans to expand sales channels for farm products by seeking shelf space in department stores and supermarkets, as well as launching campaigns to promote awareness.
The department has been helping farmers open farm outlets since 2009. So far, 69 such outlets have been established in 40 provinces and they earn between 50,000 and 1.5 million baht per month, Wattanasak said.
Pattaya Hotel CEO Urges Govt To Keep Offering Subsidies As Industry Not Out Of Red Yet
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2022
THE NATION
A Hotel Operator In Pattaya Is Urging The Government To Extend Its Tourism Subsidy Scheme “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” (We Travel Together) And Introduce New Measures To Help The Industry.
The “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” scheme is set to expire by the end of this month.
Vitanart Vathanakul, CEO of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group and Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall, said on Sunday that the tourism industry in the resort town was nearing pre-pandemic levels, with hotel occupation rate rising to around 50 per cent. Hotel occupation before Covid-19 was recorded at 60 to 70 per cent.
“The government needs to maintain these tourism promotion measures as the industry still needs help. These measures will help generate income for the local economy and soften the impact of the rising cost of living,” he said.
Vitanart said the travel scheme should be extended as the 1.5 million rights offered had been snatched up almost immediately, well before the September 30 deadline.
The scheme offers registrants a 40 per cent discount on hotel rooms and restaurants, capped at 3,000 baht a night. They will also receive an e-voucher when checking into a hotel as well as a 40 per cent flight refund when they check out.
Vitanart said he also wanted to see more measures promoting the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) industry, as not only will this attract a larger audience but people in this group have higher purchasing power.
He said the government could offer tax incentives or other benefits to both foreign and Thai companies if they hold meetings or events at hotels in tourist destinations.
“The authorities should also promote other activities available at hotels, like sporting events and exhibitions, for foreigners, so Thailand can attract a wider group of people apart from just tourists,” he said.
Vitanart said that at present, some 75 per cent of hotel guests in the eastern resort town are Thai, while 15 per cent are from the West and India, and some 10 per cent are from Asean countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam.
“We expect the ratio of foreign tourists to rise once China allows its citizens to travel overseas freely,” he added.
Four Banks To Suspend Mobile Services For A Few Hours This Month
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022
THE NATION
Customers Of Four Banks Are Advised To Be Prepared And Make Necessary Transactions In Advance As The Banks Plan To Suspend Mobile Services On A Few Days This Month To Improve Security And System Performance.
The four are Bank of Ayudhaya, or Krungsri; Krung Thai Bank (KTB); Government Savings Bank (GSB) and Tisco Bank.
The GSB announced it would suspend services on Wednesday from 11pm to midnight to improve its system.
The following services would be affected:
– MyMo MyCash withdrawals
– GSB debit card services in the country or abroad
– ATM and ADM (automated deposit machine) services
– Fast Funds services receiving money transferred from abroad.
Krungsri said it would halt its mobile and internet banking services for system improvements on Saturday from 2am to 4am and on Sunday from 2am to 4am.
The following services will be affected:
– Krungsri mobile application
– Internet banking via www.krungsrionline.com
– The “Kep by Krungsri” mobile banking service
– Credit card and debit card services at Krungsri’s ATM, CDM and RATM machines.
The KTB meanwhile said it would suspend services on Sunday from 1.30am to 6.30am to improve security.
The following services will be affected:
– Krung Thai ADM
– Krung Thai ATM
– Cash withdrawal cards
– A Money cards
– Nergn Tid Lor cards
– Withdrawals through AEON – Your Cash cards
– Withdrawals via JCB and UPI cards.
KTB added that it would also close its banking system to improve its Krungthai Next application on Tuesday, September 20, from midnight to 3am.
Tisco Bank announced it, too, would stop services on Saturday and Sunday and September 25 to improve system performance and service efficiency.
On Saturday, the bank will suspend services from midnight to 9.30am, which will affect:
– ATM machines, which cannot be used for PromptPay registrations or transfer services
– Tisco My Wealth service
– Tisco PromptPay service.
On Sunday, the bank will suspend services from 1.30am to 7.30am and on September 25 from midnight to 7am.
Ajinomoto Invites Everyone To Visit The “Green Factory Model For Sustainable Environment” Via A Virtual Platform
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022
THE NATION
Ajinomoto (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Aims To Conduct Business In Line With The Bio-Circular-Green Economy Concept While Also Promoting Sustainable Environmental Management.
Recently, the company launched a new “Virtual Factory Visit Platform” by introducing the Ajinomoto “Kamphaeng Phet Factory” as the greenest factory model among the Ajinomoto Group of Companies in Thailand that allows everyone to visit in 360° through online and smart devices. This online program tour can offer the visitor an edutainment activity as it is “easy, fun, and enjoyable everywhere, every time,” reflecting on our company’s image as a leading food company with an in-depth understanding of consumers’ needs.
This new “Virtual Factory Visit Platform” is designed as one of the channels to promote environmental awareness through business activities that contribute to the environmental impacts. The exemplary showcases reflect effective management starting from the procurement of raw materials, the production of products, and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, alternative or renewable energy usage, waste management, and efficient use of water resources. In particular, the success of implementing biomass cogeneration technology instead of fossil fuels, which was able to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, a key driver of climate change and global warming.
The Ajinomoto Group aims to become a “solution-providing group of companies for food and health issues” by working to reduce environmental impacts by following “The Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Value (ASV)” as a conceptual framework for the Ajinomoto Group’s work worldwide.
Consumer Councils Nationwide Are Looking To Sue NBTC Over True-Dtac Merger
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022
THE NATION
The Thailand Consumers Council Has Joined Consumer Organisations In 14 Provinces With The Intent To Sue The NBTC For Dereliction Of Duty In Protecting The Public Interest And Favouring Investors, And Abandoning The Issue Of Service Charges And Telecom Marketing In A Permanent Monopoly. NBTC Is Challenged To Debate The Issues With A Diverse Range Of Voices Before Passing A Resolution.
Miss Supinya Klangnarong, chair of the telecom subcommittee of the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) spoke at a seminar, “Impacts of mobile phone monopolies on citizens’ rights to 5G.” She said that the issue of the business merger between True Corporation PCL and Total Access Communication PCL or Dtac was now with the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), who were considering a resolution in this matter, as soon as the Council of State issued an opinion concerning NBTC’s powers to consider that matter.
Personally, she felt that NBTC’s execution of its duties had not been as stated in the Constitution, which required it to take the public’s side, and operate in the best interests of the general public, national security and the public interest, including ensuring that the public obtain the benefits from radio frequency spectra. Therefore, TCC and a network of consumer protection organizations in 14 provinces were petitioning NBTC concerning NBTC’s obligations to consider this merger.
Also, Supinya stated that it was necessary to create awareness in every sector about this deal, because it is not only the consumer sector that is impacted. There are also labourers for whom a 10-20 THB increase in service charges would affect their lives, and there is also the vulnerable group of disabled people for whom it is necessary to use Internet networks in the main for communication. Thus, if the merger goes ahead and prices go up, these groups must not be overlooked.
“We have proposed that the NBTC establish forums to hear opinions on this matter in the provinces, because this merger has affected people nationwide.
“NBTC is being proposed to hold forums to listen to opinions on this matter in the provinces, because the merger impacts the whole country. NBTC has 20 regional offices, and the NBTC board should be giving policy, because it must not be forgotten that there are many dimensions in the public sector, and every group should have the right to express their intentions.”
Supinya also said that the TCC’s demands were not only from the perspective of the merger deal. Another one or two years into the future, the world will be fully in the age of IoT, which will further increase reliance on the Internet following the global dynamic. As a consequence, it is crucial that citizens’ rights and voices are given priority by NBTC, or even the government, rather than neglected. This unity between TCC and the consumers’ network in 14 provinces will amplify our voices. Before NBTC passes a resolution on the True-Dtac merger, it should listen to the voice of the people, and must be open to participation from the public down to the grassroots, to express a broad spectrum of opinions in this matter.
TCC hits back with five reasons from consumers to the deal makers, and attacks propaganda which only refers to private sector interests
Miss Sari Ongsomwang, TCC Secretary-General, added that besides TCC and the network in 14 provinces suing NBTC, TCC would also join the Move Forward Party in suing NBTC to carry out its duties on this occasion. As for topics concerning the True-Dtac deal, she would like to explain from the perspective of consumers. True had previously sent out PR news about five good points of the merger, while from a contradictory perspective it had to be seen what consumers would lose if the merger was allowed to proceed. TCC has prepared five reasons for not approving the merger.
1. Service charges would certainly increase, because according to the report from NBTC’s economic and consumer protection subcommittee established by NBTC itself, this stated that service charges are trending to maximise, which is consistent with many bodies who have stated that they could rise by anything from 12 to 224%. When NBTC still lacked guarantees that service charges would not increase, promotions and distribution channels must not increase the burdens on consumers. NBTC has no concrete plan. Therefore the merger should not be allowed.
2. The perspective merger is between the number 2 and number 3 operators in the market, and after such a merger only two large operators will remain, AIS and the new company formed from True and Dtac. The latter will have a market share exceeding 50%, meaning consumers will not have choices in using services. Despite the claim that there also remain National Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (NT) and two other MVNO companies, this does not reflect true competition. If the merger is allowed, market conditions will become a permanent monopoly.
3. Private sector claims were not completely true that the merger is required because the telecom business has not yielded profits, so becoming a technology company required a merger. This was because at present, although revenues from voice services have been recently reduced, revenues from data services are still at a high level. This shows that operators are still able to generate revenues from this business, and telecom networks are still considered key infrastructure to generate revenues.
4. The group of low-income consumers and students who required the Internet for their studies would have to top up an extra 30 THB per day or 900 THB per month. On this issue, NBTC and neither of True or Dtac however had a plan or measures to protect this group. A successful merger would be the cause of major impacts among this group of people.
5. This merger cannot be implemented because NBTC has the authority pursuant to the Announcement not allowing telecom operators to perform any monopolistic actions, or reduce or eliminate competition in the provision of telecom services. This includes giving orders to “approve” or “disapprove” the business manager of these telecom operators. NBTC also has the duty to apply the criteria in the anti-monopolistic Announcement of 2006 and the Announcement on mergers of 2018.
“NBTC should open up a debate forum on the pros and cons of the merger, and allow consumers to have maximal participation. This is because consumers are the group who must shoulder the eventual burden. Once the debate forum has been held, people will talk about the impacts from allowing the merger. Will NBTC not listen to the voice of the people? Will it have an opinion completely different to that of the public? NBTC should maintain its reputation for the greatest benefit of the public and the nation.”
GQ Perfect Stretch Light Chino™ Shorts: For The Comfort Of All Lifestyles
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022
THE NATION
GQ Introduces The New Perfect Stretch Light Chino™ Shorts That Fix Common Problems Faced By Shorts Wearers Such As Ripped Crotch, Inflexibility, Items Falling Out From Pockets, And Lack Of Expandable Waist.
Made from high-quality fabric with water-repellent capability, GQ Perfect Stretch Light Chino™ Shorts are light, breathable, and flexible in four directions for maximum comfort. The pockets are deep and can block radiation from mobile phones, while the waist is adjustable up to two inches. GQ Perfect Stretch Light Chino™ are truly the shorts for everyday activities.
GQ Perfect Stretch Light Chino™ Shorts come in several colours and seven sizes for the perfect fit. Available at GQ shops in leading department stores and online shop at https://gqsize.link/PNQv9W
Nok Air Puts Brakes On Korat-Chiang Mai Route After Losses
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022
Nok Air Is Mulling Whether To Terminate Its Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)-Chiang Mai Service Less Than Two Months After It Launched The New Route On August 2.
The budget carrier would become the 10th airline to abandon the route, which has so far proved uneconomical to fly.
Flights between the northeastern and northern cities have previously been offered by nine Thailand-based carriers in the hope of expanding to China. Thai Airways International, Air Andaman, Air Asia, Air Phoenix, Happy Air, Thai Regional Airline, Kan Air, and New Gen Airways all discontinued the route after they lost money.
After a four-year absence, Nok Air launched the latest service between Nakhon Ratchasima and Chiang Mai last month, using 86-seater Bombardier Q400 NextGen turboprop planes.
However, the service has suffered losses after failing to attract enough passengers. Some flights between the cities have carried only nine passengers.
Nok Air said it would suspend the route in October for routine plane maintenance.
On Friday, Nakhon Ratchasima governor Wichian Chantaranothai called a videoconference with Nok Air CEO Wutthiphum Jurangkool and representatives of relevant agencies and the travel sector.
Korat authorities offered incentives for the airline to continue the service but no solution was reached at the meeting.
Tetra Pak Highlights New Milestones And Shares Thailand’s Case Study In Latest Sustainability Report
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022
THE NATION
Bangkok, Thailand (September 15, 2022) — Tetra Pak, A World-Leading Processing And Packaging Solutions Company, Hosted A Media Roundtable Dedicated To The Publication Of Its Annual Sustainability Report.
The participants from Tetra Pak (Thailand) Limited, Environmental Research Institute, and Saleng Association discussed Thailand’s sustainability agenda, the required actions to help realise resilient and sustainable food systems, as well as Tetra Pak’s achievements and progress in the last year.
Sustainability is at the heart of Tetra Pak’s business — the company’s focus has always been to increase food availability and food safety, reduce food waste, and improve resource and logistics efficiency across the value chain. Tetra Pak’s 23rd Sustainability Report highlights the company’s milestones and ongoing initiatives – to protect food, people, and the planet. These include:
● Reduced operational GHG emissions by 36% , with 80% of energy coming from renewable sources, doubling the solar energy capacity to 5.55MW. ● Sold 17.6 billion plant-based packages and 10.8 billion plant-based caps in the past year, enabling the saving of 96 kilo tonnes of CO2, compared to fossil-based plastic. ● Invested €40 million to support the collection and recycling of 50 billion cartons, contributing to a circular economy. ● 61 million children in 41 countries received milk or other nutritious beverages in Tetra Pak packages through school feeding programmes. ● Successfully completed a commercial validation of a polymer-based barrier to replace the aluminium layer in aseptic cartons. Testing has started on a new fibre-based barrier – a first within food carton packages distributed under ambient conditions. ● Becoming the first carton packaging player in the food and beverage industry to launch a cap using attributed recycled polymers , in partnership with Elvir, a subsidiary of world leading milk processor Savencia Fromage & Dairy. ● Partnered with several innovative companies to transform potential food waste into sources of nutritious food, as well as developing alternative protein-based food applications. Along with the potential for a lower carbon footprint, alternative proteins offer scope for significantly reduced land and water use, compared with traditional sources. ● Committed to halve food waste, water consumption and carbon footprint of its best practice processing lines by 2030.
Tetra Pak aims to safeguard natural resources across the value chain, while contributing to the world’s growing population access to safe and nutritious food. By sharing best practices, setting ambitious targets, and reviewing progress continually, the company’s ambition is to develop responsible sourcing practices and strategic partnerships to conserve and restore biodiversity and contribute to global water resilience in its own operations and supply chain. Through these various initiatives, Tetra Pak addresses the sustainability topics that matter most to its business and stakeholders, while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly no. 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 15, and 17.
Among the projects highlighted in the global report is Tetra Pak Thailand’s collaboration with the industry leader in Liquid Dairy Products, Dairy Plus where they initiated a three-phase plan to reduce water consumption in their factory operations. Their wastewater treatment plant has almost reached maximum capacity and was unable to take on the additional load from the expansion of production capacity.
Together with Dairy Plus, Tetra Pak’s team developed a prioritised set of actions to reduce water consumption in all factory operations and began to deploy them in phases. The results from the first phase, which ended in September 2021, indicated water savings of 400 tonnes per day, equivalent to saving one Olympic size swimming pool per week. The overall utilisation of the wastewater treatment facility was reduced from 75% to 60%, thereby leaving room for the expansion project.
“By working closely with our customers, we have a great story in Thailand to be featured in our global sustainability report. We are thankful for their trust in this partnership to work with us on this project that not only benefits future operations but also sustainability transformation”, said Khun Patinya Silsupadol, Head of Sustainability, Tetra Pak (Thailand) Limited. “This case shows how every step we take together with our partners can contribute to the reduction of environmental impact across the value chain, supporting the transition to a circular economy.”
“Sustainable resource management is a very important part of the national agenda which includes circular economy and Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy,” said Dr. Sujitra Vassanadumrongdee, Senior Researcher, Environmental Research Institute. “Tetra Pak makes a significant contribution to further driving the Extended Producer Responsibility in the country, helping create collaborations and synergies between the public and private sectors to propel forward an EPR-based model for Thailand.”
“Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals can only be achieved by joint efforts,” said Khun Chaiyuth Polsen, President of Saleng association. “Collaborating with Tetra Pak, I see its approach extends beyond the company’s own responsibility — with its innovative solutions Tetra Pak helps its partners meet their sustainability targets too.”
OSMEP Eyes 1 Million Registrants On ‘SME ONE ID’ Platform By Year-End
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022
THE NATION
To Promote Seamless Business Operations And Contribute To Thailand’s Economic Recovery, The Office Of Small And Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) Is Aiming To Attract Entrepreneurs And Banks To Join Its “SME ONE ID” Platform In A Bid To Secure At Least 1 Million Registrants By Year-End.
SME ONE ID helps micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) operators to access government services using a single identification on one unified system. Developed under a collaboration between OSMEP and the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA), the platform has been designed to reduce overlapping procedures and streamline registration and documentation processes.
Weeraphong Malai, OSMEP Director, says that since the project was launched on June 21, the office has signed memoranda of understanding with 16 public and private agencies who agreed to support MSME operators to join the platform. These partners include CP All, Siam Makro, True Corporation, Index Creative Village, The Mall Group, Export-Import Bank of Thailand, Bank of China (Thai), Tellscore Ltd, TikTok, Thailand Environment Institute and Bank of Ayudhya.
“OSMEP is working with partners such as the Industry, Commerce, Labour, Higher Education and Public Health ministries in integrating their database and e-services into the SME ONE ID system, which will help attract even more entrepreneurs and financial institutes to join the platform,” said Weeraphong. “We hope that by yearend there will be at least 1 million verified registrants on the SME ONE ID platform.”
Weeraphong added that registrants will be able for apply for various government e-services from different agencies without having to register for a new account and waiting for the agency to verify their identity.
Business operators can also expect specialised services from OSMEP across three spheres, namely business development (including cost reduction), marketing channel expansion, and connecting with capital sources.
“Thanks to seamless database integration and security technology powered by the Digital Government Development Agency, SME ONE ID offers a fast, secure and reliable way for entrepreneurs to contact and receive services from government agencies,” he said. “It also allows business operators to access vital information in different industries from agencies such as the Department of Provincial Administration, Department of Business Development, and other community enterprises.”
By using the SME ONE ID platform, business operators can do away with filling different forms issued by each agency and instead scan a QR Code to access e-services immediately. OSMEP is also piloting the “SME Fast Lane” system at Bangkok offices of the Thailand Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to offer express services to registrants under SME ONE ID. Weeraphong expects that all branches of FDA throughout the country will have SME Fast Lanes by next year.
“Other benefits of SME ONE ID include privileges offered by partners, such as The Mall and CP Group, who will extend buyers’ credit terms from 30 to 45 days if they register on SME ONE ID,” he added.
DGA director Suphoj Thianwut added that the project is part of the government effort to employ digital technology to improve the services and facilitate business operations of MSME operators, whom the government realises are the backbone of Thailand’s economy. “Furthermore, as the user base continues to grow, SME ONE ID will eventually become a platform that compiles and manages Big Data of Thai MSMEs for policy planners and future investors,” he said.
To register for SME ONE ID, go to Bizportal.go.th or use the SME Connext mobile application. After the verification is complete you will receive an ID that can access government e-services via the website https://oneid.sme.go.th
Bizportal is a portal website developed by DGA that links services of government agencies with a focus on certification and permit approval in digital format for both entrepreneurs and the general public. Currently, 91 types of permits across 25 industries can be applied for and approved on Bizportal.
Thai Printing, Packaging Industry Needs To Transform To Survive, Say Experts
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022
Nongluck Ajanapanya
Thailand Needs More Innovative Technology And The Ability To Think Outside The Box To Maintain Its Position As Southeast Asia’s Printing And Packaging Hub.
Trade fair organiser Messe Düsseldorf Asia’s managing director, Gernot Ringling, said the printing and packaging industry has been relatively untouched by the Covid-19 pandemic and economic slowdown. One reason for this is the explosion in e-commerce, especially during the lockdown, he said.
He was speaking at a press conference held on Thursday to announce the “Pack Print International 2022” and “Corrutec Asia 2022” events that will be held at Bitec Bangkok on October 19 to 22.
The event is being organised in collaboration with the Thai Printing Association, Thai Packaging Association, Thai Corrugated Packaging Association and the Federation of Thai Industries.
Ringling said the recovery in purchasing power, production capacity, marketing and advertising is beneficial for the printing and packaging industry.
A recent study by worldwide packaging authority Smithers Pira found that the Asia-Pacific will account for the largest share of the packaging and printing market by 2024. The region now accounts for more than 40 per cent of global consumption.
However, to sustain the growth of this industry, Thailand should embrace more innovative technology along with adopting sustainable and eco-friendly concepts.
Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said the printing and packaging industry supports most of the manufacturing sector.
The print media industry is already transitioning to the digital world, so when industries go green to meet consumer demands, printing and packaging should follow suit, Kriengkrai said.
He added that this push to save the environment has encouraged the Thai printing and packaging sector to find processes that use less energy and materials. This also helps save money and time and cuts waste.
Kriengkrai also called on related sectors to invest in the new S-curve industries like biotechnology, bio-degradable materials and bio-plastic, which will be useful in creating green packaging and labelling.
“Our printing and packaging industry should transform as soon as possible because disruption never waits,” he added.
Prasert Loryuenyong, president of the Thai Packaging Association, said the packaging industry had performed well in the last two quarters of this year due to the exponential growth in food and beverage businesses and e-commerce.
Thailand’s export of packaging materials came in at 19 billion baht in the second quarter, up 22.03 per cent from the same period last year.
“Though Thailand is one of Asean’s key exporters of printing and packaging materials, there is still room for growth by focusing on recycled and renewable packaging and environmentally friendly ink,” Prasert said.
The value of the global eco-friendly packaging industry has risen by more than 6.2 per cent to the estimated value of 9 trillion baht in 2021 alone.
Pongthira Pathanapiradej, president of the Thai Printing Association, said digital printing was fast becoming popular because it produces high-quality, sharp, long-lasting prints in large quantities. He said digital printing is becoming the norm because it is also very fast.
“Thai businesses should, therefore, learn and adapt to the latest trends related to printing, like 5G networks, artificial intelligence, sustainability and well-being,” Pongthira added.
Chusak Deetrakunwattanapoen, president of the Thai Corrugated Packaging Association, said corrugated packaging was still in high demand, particularly in delivery businesses and e-commerce.
“Making highly resistant corrugated packaging with recycled material like recycled pulp will sustain the industry’s growth,” Chusak said.
The upcoming dual event is expected to serve as a hub for distributors, buyers and domain experts to promote business opportunities, exchange know-how and boost Thai manufacturing capabilities to make it competitive regionally.
The organisers are confident that this year’s event will draw many visitors, particularly those looking for commercial printing solutions and packaging to support manufacturing and trade in this new era.
The event was last held in 2019 and received a good response from Thai and foreign visitors. The fair attracted close to 20,000 visitors from 62 countries.
The 10 outlets will be linked up, so they can exchange goods to enhance sales and reduce waste.
A recent study by worldwide packaging authority Smithers Pira found that the Asia-Pacific will account for the largest share of the packaging and printing market by 2024. The region now accounts for more than 40 per cent of global consumption.
The print media industry is already transitioning to the digital world, so when industries go green to meet consumer demands, printing and packaging should follow suit, Kriengkrai said.
The upcoming dual event is expected to serve as a hub for distributors, buyers and domain experts to promote business opportunities, exchange know-how and boost Thai manufacturing capabilities to make it competitive regionally.
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