Bangkok Bank is enhancing its Bank@POST service where customers can both deposit and withdraw cash at more than 1,200 post offices nationwide. The services suit the needs of Thais’ cash usage at the end of the year as well as growing transactions via Banking Agent which value increased by 25% in Q3/21.

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President Prassanee Ouiyamaphan stated that the Bank is leveraging its cooperation with Thai Post on the Bank@POST service. Customers can now withdraw cash via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking at the post office, on top of the existing cash deposit service into Bangkok Bank accounts. This provides more convenience to Bangkok Bank customers to do both transactions in one location, through a post office network of more than 1,200 across the country. The service will be available from December 27, 2021 onwards, meeting the demand for cash which tends to be higher than usual at the end of the year and during the New Year holidays.

Customers with a Bangkok Bank savings or current account can withdraw money from Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking by following these steps: selecting withdrawal, banking agent and “Thailand Post”, before entering the amount and confirming the transaction, after which the system will generate a QR Code (the transaction is valid for 60 minutes). Customers can show the QR Code along with their Citizen ID at any branch from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Customers can withdraw 100-5,000 baht per transaction, up to a maximum amount of 20,000 baht per day per user account. The transaction fee is 20 baht each (fees may change according to the Bank’s announcements).

“The cooperation with Thailand Post as our Banking Agent marks another strategic partnership that strengthens Bangkok Bank’s financial service network. At present, the Bank and its partners have more than 15,000 service points to provide greater convenience to customers wishing to deposit and withdraw money particularly in areas without a Bangkok Bank branch or ATM or areas with travel restrictions due to Covid-19. Transactions through Banking Agents in the third quarter of this year grew around 20% with transaction value increasing by 25% from the previous quarter. This reflects Bangkok Bank’s commitment to understand customers’ behavior and needs to develop financial services and channels that live up to customers’ expectations,” said Mrs. Prassanee.

Miss Pilantanee Suwanbubbha, Senior Executive Vice President (Mail Business), Thailand Post said, “Our cooperation with Bangkok Bank to provide withdrawal service via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking is an extension of the existing deposit service, so that users can use the service in a comprehensive way. We want to meet the increasing needs of customers’ spending, convenience and speed, especially merchants. 2021 has seen the Covid-19 pandemic affecting the behavior of users when needing to deposit and withdraw money at the bank branch. Some people have turned to use the service at their nearby post offices, especially those who live in provincial areas without bank branches. We have a network of post offices reaching more than 1,200 communities across the country. With the familiarity and easy accessibility of using the service with Thailand Post, requiring only Citizen ID and the Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking app, many people choose to do financial transactions with us. As a result, Bank@POST has an average transaction volume of more than 40,000 transactions per month and we expect there will be more than 500,000 financial transactions via Thailand Post by the end of 2021.

For more information about withdrawal via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking at Thailand Post, please visit Bangkok Bank website, Bangkok Bank LINE Official or call Bualuang Phone 1333 or 0 2645 5555.

Bangkok Bank Executive Director Charamporn Jotikasthira (3rd from right), Executive Vice President Pochanee Kongkalai (2nd from right) and Executive Vice President Pipat Assamongkol (1st from right) signed an agreement with Thammasat University Savings and Credit Co-operative Limited President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nopbhorn Leeprechanon (3rd from left), Rector of Thammasat University Assoc. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart (2nd from left) and Thammasat University Savings and Credit Co-operative Limited Vice President Apinan Chunu (1st from left). The agreement is to provide financial services via e-Payment on the TU Savings Coop app that will provide members of Thammasat University Savings and Credit Co-operative with access to their data and the ability to perform banking transactions with Bangkok Bank via mobile app. The co-op members can deposit and withdraw money to and from their bank and co-op account online as well as repay their co-op loans safely, quickly and conveniently anywhere anytime without needing to visit the co-op’s banking counters. Bangkok Bank is the only bank that has been trusted by Thammasat University Savings and Credit Co-operative Limited to provide such services.

Bangkok Bank, led by Director and Executive Vice President Thaweelap Rittapirom and Executive Vice President Pochanee Kongkalai, welcomed to the Bank’s booth at Money Expo 2021 President The Stock Exchange of Thailand Pakorn Peetathawatchai, who presided over the event and President of Money Expo Santi Viriyarangsarit. The bank is offering financial and investment experiences of the digital age with products and services that meet the needs of young investors under the concept of “Reconnect” to connect customers with various wealth solutions including tax-saving investment plans at year-end. The bank’s booth applies strict measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 for the safety of both customers and employees.

Bangkok Bank Director and Executive Vice President Thaweelap Rittapirom said Bangkok Bank joined Money Expo 2021 from December 23-26, 2021 at Impact Muang Thong Thani, Hall 9-12 as the fourth expo this year. The Money Expo events previously held were Money Expo Chiangmai 2021, Money Expo Korat 2021 and Money Expo Hatyai 2021. All Money Expo events were well-received by customers and people interested in financial and investment planning as well as new financial trends related to FinTech for wealth management.

Bangkok Bank showcased its booth under the concept of “Reconnect with friends, let's build wealth for the future” like in the previous three Money Expo events. This concept is aligned to the theme of the event organizer while reflecting the Bank’s identity as a “reliable friend and trusted partner” ready to offer its experiences and expertise to help customers build financial futures.

Mr. Thaweelap added that, for the event this year, the Bank has prepared special products for both individual and business customers, especially investment products and services such as mutual funds and insurance which are in demand near the end of the year when customers need help for financial planning and tax benefits. There are also products for customers affected by Covid-19. Customers can ask for information and request assistance measures from the bank at the event or at the Bank’s website. Interested persons can register for these measures until December 31, 2021.

The Bank is offering products and services that come with special offers, including Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking with new features that provide better services such as e-Savings account opening that enables customers to instantly save, transfer, pay and invest via the app. Customers will get one Be Cool tote bag worth 129 baht when opening an e-Savings account at the event. Customers can also use Mobile ID to open an e-Savings account, a new digital identity authentication service to receive services from public and private organizations by using their mobile phone number and Bangkok Bank’s atta app conveniently, quickly, securely with no required documents. Customers will get three special privileges when they apply for any type of Be1st Smart card at the event such as the Be1st Smart TPN Rabbit Siriraj debit card.

Customers will receive a special interest rate when registering for Bualuang Home Loan during the event. Moreover, customers will receive special privileges when purchasing life insurance or non-life insurance products, such as AIA Health Happy, Covid Complete Insurance, Sam-Rok-Kuan-Jai Insurance Plus (Insurance against 3 Vexing Diseases), Gain 1st Life Insurance from Bangkok Life Assurance, and PA 1st from Bangkok Insurance.

Mutual funds across a variety of investment options with tax benefits are on offer, including mutual funds from a key collaboration between Bangkok Bank and Geneva-based global wealth and asset manager, the Pictet Group. Pictet has been an investment advisor to the BCAP Global Multi Asset Fund and BCAP Global Multi Asset Plus Fund, exclusively designed for Bangkok Bank clients under the management of Bangkok Capital Asset Management as well as Bualuang Sustainable Investing Portfolio (B-SIP), Bualuang Sustainable Investing Portfolio RMF (B-SIPRMF), and Bualuang Sustainable Investing Portfolio Super Savings Fund (B-SIPSSF) which invest in sustainability funds under the management of Bualuang Asset Management. Interested persons can request investment advice from our experts at the booth.

“For those physically visiting the Bank’s booth, the Bank has placed utmost importance on the safety of participants by following the Ministry of Public Health and other government regulations and measures to strictly control and prevent the spread of Covid-19. Staff working at the booth must be vaccinated for at least 14 days with a negative test result from an antigen test kit (ATK) before joining the event. The set-up area inside is also in line with social distance principles with full protective equipment for the safety of both customers and employees, such as hand sanitizer gel and partitions between tables and counters. In line with the New Normal, customers and participants can visit the booth offline and online. This is to meet consumers’ increasing preference to access products and services via online channels. To make an online visit to explore products, services and special promotions in a marketplace format, customers can visit the organizer's website, so customers can choose to use the service or get advice from Bangkok Bank's expert staff with peace of mind.”

The Bank would like to invite customers and the general public to attend this event in the New Normal style, via the organizer's website at www.moneyexpoonline.com or visit Bangkok Bank’s physical booth to obtain financial and investment advice as well as apply for services and receive special promotions during “The 21^st Money Expo 2021” which will be held between December 23-23, 2021, at Hall 9-12, IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani.

Bangkok Bank has launched Mobile ID, a digital identity authentication service for making financial transactions. The service supports customers of AIS, DTAC and TRUE to open a bank account or apply for mobile banking online via the “atta” app anytime, anywhere. Branch visits are also made easy with verification using customers’ phone numbers. The Bank continues to enhance digital capabilities to provide greater convenience and security.

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President Kukkong Ruckphaopunt said Bangkok Bank is the first bank to launch digital identity verification using mobile phone number or Mobile ID for customers of AIS, DTAC and TRUE. Customers with a Mobile ID can apply for banking services without needing to use any paper documents. Transactions can be made easily and securely anytime, anywhere.

Once customers have successfully registered for a Mobile ID with their mobile operator, they can use it to verify themselves to conduct two types of transactions with Bangkok Bank.

1. Online Transactions – Customers can use Mobile ID to open an e-Savings account and apply for Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking on the “atta” application which was specially developed by Bangkok Bank to support the use of Mobile ID registered with mobile operators’ mobile apps. The Mobile ID enables customers to enjoy digital banking anywhere, anytime without having to visit a branch or prepare any document. (AIS customers can use the Mobile ID service via the “atta” and myAIS apps).
   
   Developed by Bangkok Bank, “atta” is a smartphone application that supports both iOS and Android operating systems for identity verification with Mobile ID by acting as a link between the user (the customer who wants to verify their identity to make transactions) and the service provider (public and private organizations) as well as mobile operators participating in the Mobile ID project.
2. Branch Transactions – Customers can use Mobile ID to verify ownership of their mobile phone number for opening accounts at a bank branch. They can open deposit account with or without a debit card; apply for Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking, Bualuang iBanking and SMS Account Alert; as well as open a mutual fund, securities trading or bond account at nine Bangkok Bank branches, namely Bangkok Bank Head Office, Chamchuri Square, The EmQuartier, Central Embassy, Central Ladprao, The Crystal 2, Central Village, Future Park Rangsit 2, The Mall Ngamwongwan. (For DTAC and TRUE customers, please use the Mobile ID service via your DTAC/TrueID apps). 

Bangkok Bank Chairman Piti Sithi-Amnuai (far right), Executive Chairman Deja Tulananda (2nd from right), the bank’s directors, executives and staff made merit by giving offerings to 100 monks from six temples including Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram, Wat Yannawa, Wat Debsirindrawas, Wat Traimitr Withayaram, Wat Pathumkhongkha and Wat Ratcha Singkhon, on the occasion of the Bank's 77th anniversary, which falls on December 1 every year, The event was held at the Bank’s head office on Silom Road in Bangkok.

Bualuang Ventures, a subsidiary of Bangkok Bank and the main investor, has joined with Krungsri Finnovate to provide Series A funding for PUUN Intelligent, a Thai fintech and the developer of PEAK, the most widely used cloud accounting platform in Thailand. The funding will be used to expand PEAK’s market share and enhance the platform by developing more features.

Bualuang Ventures Managing Director Mr. Krit Phanratanamala said this investment is a great opportunity to invest in a start-up FinTech that provides accounting solutions. PEAK enables businesses to manage their accountings professionally with systematic, accurate and reliable documentation, which is particularly useful for smaller businesses and SMEs that often have limited expertise in standard bookkeeping and accounting.

“Our investment in the PEAK platform will enable SMEs, including Bangkok Bank customers, to access professional and efficient accounting solutions at a reasonable price. The platform can be accessed from any device, anytime and anywhere. Business owners will have real-time information that helps them make business decisions more efficiently while gaining access to more funding sources. Meanwhile it will help banks to more quickly and efficiently process accounting data when considering credit requests. It also has the potential for collaborating on marketing and expanding the user base for accounting and credit systems, which will be beneficial to all parties,” said Mr. Krit.

Mr. Sam Tanskul, Managing Director at Krungsri Finnovate, said the PEAK platform is the country’s leading cloud accounting program with more than 10,000 corporate clients. Krungsri Finnovate saw its growth potential and the opportunity to bring technologies and solutions to Krungsri’s SME customers. This will support efficiency, increase security and reduce the risk of losing data. This investment will present further opportunities to both Krungsri and PEAK to develop products and services to serve future customers.

“Krungsri Finnovate’s goal is to be a connector linking start-ups and its affiliates through support and investments in technologies, innovations and potential start-ups in Thailand and across the region. This will enhance its business development in many dimensions including reducing costs, generating revenue, creating innovations and gaining access to data. Our Medium-Term Business Plan covering 2021-2023 will focus on developing financial innovations and solutions that promote an ecosystem for users, service providers and business partners to be more convenient, flexible and efficient. It will also build a strong network across ASEAN to support business expansion overseas and support the start-up ecosystem through continued investments. These start-ups can help develop Krungsri’s businesses through collaborations, while Krungsri can support start-ups with its potential, expertise and network. Our Medium-Term Business Plan focuses mainly on automobile, home and living, and e-commerce businesses,” said Mr. Sam.

Mr. Peem Petchged, Founder and CEO of PUNN Intelligent, said the company plans to use the Series A funding it has received from four investors – Bualuang Ventures, Krungsri Finnovate, SME Private Equity Trust Fund (by the Government Savings Bank and the Stock Exchange of Thailand), and M8VC – to expand its market and develop a greater variety of products to meet the needs of every business, whether start-up or SME. This is aligned with PEAK’s purpose to support businesses by providing them with a high quality, professional accounting system that will support business growth and enable accounting information to be used for decision making, strategic planning and gaining access to funding sources at a reasonable cost, which will increase businesses efficiency and support the Thai economy.

PEAK’s cloud accounting platform is available for three groups of customers: business owners, accountants, and software alliances with four packages set for different functions according to customer needs which are a free package, Basic (500 baht/month), Pro (700 baht/month) and Pro Plus (1,200 baht/month). PEAK is Thailand’s leading cloud accounting platform and is used by more than 1,000 partner accounting firms and freelance accountants across the country.

“PEAK aims to develop a platform that contributes to the development of financial infrastructure while providing convenience for business customers. At present, PEAK's cloud accounting program can record and track various accounting transactions in real time, and it is tailored to meet the needs of each group of customers. Our vision is to ease the burden of accounting for business owners so they can have more time to focus on growing their businesses with the help of PEAK, as well as supporting accountants for assisting business owners to reach their goals,” said Mr. Peem.


About Bualuang Ventures

Bualuang Ventures is a subsidiary of Bangkok Bank which currently invests in start-up businesses, including SME with growth potential. The company is interested in businesses with high growth potential such as e-Commerce, Automation & AI, Agritech, Fintech, Health Tech and Smart Living. It focuses on business consulting and capital structure development, as well as leveraging the corporate governance of the company. Bualuang Ventures is not only committed to expand its collaborations to grow its businesses with Bangkok Bank and its subsidiaries but to being a long-term partner with companies with competitive potential and sustainable growth under the slogan “Your Lifelong Partner”.

About Krungsri Finnovate

Krungsri Finnovate is a Corporate Venture Capital: CVC, under Krungsri Group. Its mission is to assist Fintech and banking technology startups in Thailand and other South East Asian countries in achieving their expected growth. The main activities include investing in new startups and initiating startup incubation programs, as well as strategic and financial partnerships with the support and cooperation of various Krungsri units.

About PUUN Intelligent (PEAK)

PUUN Intelligent is a start-up company that developed the PEAK platform. Currently, PEAK is used by more than 10,000 SMEs across the country and has over 1,000 Accounting Firms Partner and freelance accountants and processes over 1,000,000 transactions/month, valued at over 25 billion baht/month. PEAK was founded by a team not only passionate about accounting and tax, but also design and technology. The team is committed to developing not just a cloud accounting platform, but a business infrastructure that will enable entrepreneurs to manage and grow their business effectively. It also helps create accountants who will help take care of SMEs and make their businesses more successful.

Bangkok Bank Director and Executive Vice President Thaweelap Rittapirom (4th from left) and Executive Vice President Pochanee Kongkalai (2nd from left) welcomed to the Bank's booth at Money Expo Korat 2021 former Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop (4th from right) who presided over the event, Nakhon Ratchasima governor Vichien Chantaranothai (2nd from right), President of Money Expo Santi Viriyarangsarit (3rd from right).

Bangkok Bank showcased its booth under the concept of “Reconnect with friends, let's build wealth for the future” to reflect the Bank’s modern identity that is reliable and trustworthy. At the event the Bank provided comprehensive financial products and services as well as professional advice from staff who are ready to be a “trusted partner” to help customers build their future wealth. This nicely reflects the concept of the event “Future Wealth, wealth in a new dimension of the future” where financial technologies such as fintech, blockchain, cryptocurrency and digital currency are playing an increasingly important role in the evolution of investment and wealth management in order to meet the needs of a new generation of investors who are aiming for long-term financial stability.

The Bank would like to invite customers and the general public to attend this event in the New Normal style, via the organizer's website at www.moneyexpoonline.com or visit Bangkok Bank’s physical booth to obtain financial and investment advice as well as apply for services and receive special promotions during the 15th Money Expo Korat which will be held between November 26-28, 2021, at MCC Hall, The Mall Shopping Center, Nakhon Ratchasima.

Bangkok Bank Senior Executive Vice President Siridej Aungudomsin, Director and Executive Vice President Thaweelap Rittapirom, and Executive Vice President and Head of Metropolitan Commercial Banking Kanoksak Mokkamakkul, together with three of the Bank’s SME customers joined the award presentation ceremony of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Thailand Corporate Excellence Awards 2021 and SMEs Excellence Awards 2021. On this occasion, Bangkok Bank received Thailand Corporate Excellence Awards 2021 in the category of Innovation Excellence Award. In addition, three of the Bank’s SME customers also received the HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s SMEs Excellence Award 2021: 4 Care Co., Ltd. was recognized in the category of trading; TS Plaspack PCL received the gold award in the category of manufacturing; and Jen Kong Klai Co., Ltd. received the gold award in the category of service. Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over the award ceremony and delivered a congratulatory speech to the organizations receiving the awards at The Athenee Hotel Bangkok.

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Thailand Corporate Excellence Awards 2021 and SMEs Excellence Awards 2021 have been organized for 19 consecutive years by the Thailand Management Association (TMA) and Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration of Chulalongkorn University, and aim to drive and inspire the development of business competitiveness to promote sustainable growth for the Thai economy.

Bualuang Ventures joins WHA Group to become the main investor in the Series B funding round of “GIZTIX”, a Thai startup that provides a digital platform for e-Logistics, with total funding of more than 260 million baht. It aims to develop a comprehensive range of transportation services and technologies for businesses throughout the country. In addition, it is ready to support logistics operators to enter the digital era while aiming to occupy the strategic point of the regional center.

Bualuang Ventures, a subsidiary of Bangkok Bank, joined with WHA Venture Holding under WHA Group to become the major investor in the Series B funding round of GIZTIX, a leading e-Logistics startup that provides a digital platform to connect operators in the transport and logistics sector with users all around the country. This funding round is worth USD 7.75 million, or approximately 260 million baht. Bualuang Ventures and WHA Group will each invest USD 3 million, or approximately 100 million baht. The Series B funding round was also attended by leading institutional investors in the startup industry, including Addventures by SCG, KK Fund and CAC Capital. GIZTIX plans to use the funds to develop services and technologies in transportation and to expand the service areas while reducing transportation costs as much as possible.

Bualuang Ventures Managing Director Krit Phanratanamala said that the joint investment with GIZTIX, which has expertise in logistics and high potential, is a collaboration between Bualuang Ventures as a financial partner and WHA Group as a strategic partner that will drive Thai startups to prosper and help them to compete domestically and internationally. As a subsidiary of Bangkok Bank, which is a leading financial service provider, Bualuang Ventures is ready to bring in financial technology (FinTech) to further enhance services on the GIZTIX platform such as digital lending for GIZTIX drivers, working capital for entrepreneurs on the GIZTIX platform, as well as analyzing payment data to develop future solutions. This will provide greater access to financial services for platform users and strengthen the competitive edge for small logistics operators, while increasing the ability to respond to future needs of the e-commerce sector.

“We foresee growth in the e-Commerce sector and related businesses such as logistics. As consumers have grown to enjoy having many choices for their logistics provider, we are confident that this investment will support the growth of the entire supply chain, from sellers to logistics operators, to consumers. Everyone will receive an efficient service thanks to digital technology that helps manage, control costs, and speed up delivery time under GIZTIX’s system that is about to be developed using this funding to enhance service capability,” said Mr. Krit.

Ms. Jareeporn Jarukornsakul, Chairman and Group CEO of WHA Corporation PCL, said that WHA Group was very pleased to be one of the main investors in the Series B funding round. This partnership between Bualuang Ventures and GIZTIX is an important collaboration and in line with WHA Group’s Digital Innovation and Transformation strategy which is focused on applying new technology and innovation to further develop a full range of products and services with business partners and startups. This responds to new needs under megatrends and will create more value and quality for WHA Group’s products and services, including the development of modern and international standard Smart Warehouse, the use of robotics and automation together with 5G technology, and providing Smart Logistics to support entrepreneurs to collect and use data for in-depth analysis that will benefit their business, along with AI and Machine Learning that can enhance efficiency and reduce business costs in the long term.

“As Thailand’s leader in fully-integrated logistics, industrial estates, and utilities, WHA Group is ready to bring in its expertise and the ecosystem of its four main businesses as well as its good relationship with customers and Thai and foreign e-Commerce and logistics operators to join with Bualuang Ventures and GIZTIX to support the growth of Thai entrepreneurs, reduce logistics costs and increase Thailand’s competitiveness. Over the next few years, WHA Group will continually seek new investment opportunities with leading partners to expand its business and achieve sustainable growth in Thailand and the region,” said Ms. Jareeporn.

Mr. Sittisak Wongsomnuk , CEO and co-founder of GIZTIX or Giztix Co., Ltd., said that the proceeds received from the Series B funding round will be used for business development in four areas: 1) Developing more comprehensive transportation services and technologies using advanced technology 2) Expanding the transportation network to provide nationwide services, especially in strategic road transportation routes using e-Logistics 3) Investing in marketing and sales to help distribute income to transport operators in every province and 4) Investing in management and technology to maintain profitability in parallel with business expansion. It is also preparing to list on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 2025 or in the next four years.

Despite the fact that there is fierce competition in the logistics industry in Thailand, as many large corporates from foreign countries have entered the market, GIZTIX’s strong point is we choose to focus on business customers and mainly large-sized products which are less competitive. We also offer a full range of services that are particularly designed for business customers, while running every work process with technology support. Therefore, we continue to gain trust from our customers. The Covid-19 outbreak in 2020-2021 has encouraged businesses to increasingly turn to online services. As a result, the number of transport trips managed through the GIZTIX platform has increased by more than 420% or more than 500,000 transportation trips per year.

Mr. Sittisak, GIZTIX CEO and co-founder said that: “The road transport business in Thailand is worth more than 19 billion US dollars a year and there is a huge opportunity to grow further as Thailand is also a strategic hub for transportation and logistics in the region. Unfortunately, businesses in the logistic sector still lack digital systems that will connect data and provide real-time communications. Therefore, it is an important opportunity for GIZTIX to help develop these businesses in Thailand using our digital technology, so they can be in line with the National Logistics Master Plan”


About Bualuang Ventures

Bualuang Ventures is a subsidiary of Bangkok Bank which currently invests in start-up businesses, including SME with growth potential. The company is interested in businesses with high growth potential such as e-Commerce, Automation & AI, Agritech, Fintech, Health Tech and Smart Living. It focuses on business consulting and capital structure development, as well as leveraging the corporate governance of the company. Bualuang Ventures is not only committed to expand its collaborations to grow its businesses with Bangkok Bank and its subsidiaries but to being a long-term partner with companies with competitive potential and sustainable growth under the slogan “Your Lifelong Partner”.

Bangkok Bank Director and Executive Vice President Thaweelap Rittapirom welcomed to the Bank’s booth at Money Expo Chiangmai 2021 Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith who presided over the event, Chiang Mai Governor Prajon Pratsakun, President of Money Expo Santi Viriyarangsarit, and Vice President of the event Pakanee Viriyarangsarit. The Bank offers financial and investment experiences of the digital age with products and services that meet the needs of young investors under the concept of “Reconnect” to mark the country’s reopening and connect customers with various wealth solutions. The Bank’s booth applies measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and all staff working at the booth are vaccinated. Social distancing principles with full protective equipment will be implemented for the safety of both customers and employees.

Bangkok Bank Director and Executive Vice President Thaweelap Rittapirom said the Bank has consistently joined Money Expo every year. Money Expo Chiangmai 2021 is the first under Money Expo 2021. The Bank’s booth is under the concept of “Reconnect with friends, let’s build wealth for the future” to present the Bank’s readiness to warmly welcome customers as usual during Money Expo. With the country’s reopening, the Bank’s experts are ready to help customers build their wealth by connecting customers with financial products and services. The booth’s design looks like bar graphs which are continually rising to represent success and wealth as well as reflect an image of a stable and reliable Bank in the new era.

In line with the New Normal, customers and participants can visit the booth offline and online to meet consumers’ increasing preference to access products and services via online channels. To have an online visit to explore products, services and special promotions in a marketplace format, customers can visit the organizer's website at www.moneyexpoonline.com. To physically visit the Bank’s booth, the Bank has placed utmost importance on the safety of participants by following the Public Health and other government regulations and measures to strictly control and prevent the spread of Covid-19. Staff working at the booth must be vaccinated for at least 14 days before joining the event. The set up area inside is also in line with social distance principles with full protective equipment for the safety of both customers and employees, such as hand sanitizer gel and partitions between tables and counters, etc.

Bangkok Bank also showcases its products that reinforces its status as a trusted partner for both individual and business customers, especially those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Customers can make an inquiry or request for various assistance measures from the Bank’s booth at the event or visit Bangkok Bank’s website to make a registration until December 31, 2021.

In addition, there are also products and services that come with special offers, including Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking with new features that provide better services such as e-Savings account opening that allows customers to instantly transfer, pay and invest via the app. Customers will get one Be Cool tote bag worth 129 baht when opening an e-Savings account at the event. Customers will get three special privileges when they apply for any type of Be1st Smart card at the event such as Be1st Smart TPN Rabbit Siriraj debit card. Customers will receive a gift card worth up to 5,000 baht when applying for Bualuang Home Loan online and receiving mortgage approval. Moreover, customers will receive special privileges from life insurance or non-life insurance products, such as AIA Health Happy, Covid Complete Insurance, Sam-Rok-Kuan-Jai Insurance Plus (Insurance against 3 Vexing Diseases) and Gain 1st Life Insurance from Bangkok Life Assurance, PA 1st from Bangkok Insurance. Customers can also enjoy mutual fund products such as Super Savings Fund (SSF) with tax privileges from BBL Asset Management and Bangkok Capital Asset Management, etc.

The Bank would like to invite customers and participants to join this event in line with the New Normal, through an online channel via the organizer's website at www.moneyexpoonline.com or physically visit us to obtain financial and investment advice, apply for various services and receive special promotions at Bangkok Bank’s booth at the 16th Money Expo Chiangmai 2021 between 12-14 November 2021, at Chiang Mai Hall, Central Plaza Chiang Mai Airport.

Bangkok Bank donated 5 million baht to support the Light of Heart Field Hospital project, a 450-bed field hospital to support and screen patients with the green and light-yellow status, help alleviate the overcrowded bedding situation as well as lighten medical staff’s burden during the third wave of Covid-19.

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President Thaweelap Rittapirom said the third wave of Covid-19 has seen a widespread outbreak and resulted in a large number of new infections especially critically ill patients in Bangkok and metropolitan areas, which led to overcrowded patients in both public and private hospitals. Although the government accelerated the setup of additional field hospitals to expand services and allow patients to quickly access treatment, it was unable to adequately accommodate the increasing number of patients when the third wave hit.

Bangkok Bank, as a trusted partner who is ready to support customers to overcome the crisis together, donated 5 million baht to support the Light of Heart Field Hospital project, alongside the private sector which founded the project, consisting of affiliated hospitals in the Principal Healthcare MQDC (Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited) network, EEC Engineering Network Company Limited, T&B Media Global Company Limited, the Dhanin Tawee Chearavanont Foundation, the Ariyawararom Foundation and the Buddharaksa Foundation, to build additional field hospitals to solve bed shortage issues in major hospitals since the beginning of the third wave until the Covid situation began to improve. The field hospital accepted new patients until October 31, 2021, and provided treatments until the end of the project on November 8, 2021.

The Light of Heart Field Hospital project is a 450-bed field hospital to accommodate patients with the green and light-yellow status. Divided into 225 beds for female patients, 225 beds for male patients, with 44 shower rooms separated for male and female patients and 44 toilets, the project aims to provide good health and safety for patients and medical staff as well as create a positive environment in the community. With affiliated hospitals in the Principal Healthcare network providing the main support on medical and public health, ICU rooms have been expanded from 20 to 85 rooms and patients can be moved in a timely manner to ICU rooms if their conditions become severe.

“The Bank foresees that the establishment of Light of Heart Field Hospital not only helps our community as well as its surroundings, but also lightens the burden on medical staff during the severe pandemic situation. The field hospital has fully supported the hospital's proactive search to help screen patients with no or few symptoms so they can be treated at this field hospital. At the same time, the project is in line with the Bank's mission to help various sectors to deal with the Covid-19 situation such as donating 40 million baht to four hospitals to fight against Covid-19, collaborating with the Social Security Office Area 8 to use the Bangkok Bank club area as a vaccination service point for those insured by social security, and providing ATK test kits with Bualuang Care boxes containing medicines and medical supplies to take care of Covid-19 patients and high-risk groups in the most restrictive areas,” concluded Mr. Thaweelap.

Bangkok Bank presented the Royal Kathin in 2021 to Wat Manee Sathit Kapittharam, a royal temple in Uthai Thani province. This marks the 55th year of upholding this tradition to preserve the Buddhist culture through a donation of 11,671,858 baht from customers, staff, government agencies and the local people.

Bangkok Bank presented the Royal Kathin in 2021 to monks who have completed the three-month Buddhist Lent at Wat Manee Sathit Kapittharam, a royal temple in Mueang Uthai Thani District of Uthai Thani province, marking the 55th time the Bank has presented the Royal Kathin. This year, the ceremony was presided over by Bangkok Bank Directors Amorn Chandarasomboon and Chokechai Nijianskul, Senior Executive Vice President Suvarn Thansathit, Director and Executive Vice President Thaweelap Rittapirom and Corporate Secretary Apichart Ramyarupa.

Bangkok Bank Executives and staff as well as Uthai Thani governor Kajornkiat Rakpanichmanee, deputy governor Alongkot Worakee, civil servants, representatives of the government sector, customers and local people joined the ceremony. With the concerted efforts of staff, customers and the general public, a donation of 11,671,858 baht was raised to give to the temple.

Bangkok Bank was the first financial institution to be honored with the commission of taking the Royal Kathin to temples under royal patronage in all regions in Thailand and other temples in neighboring countries. The Bank began presenting the Royal Kathin in 1967 and 2021 was the 55th year of upholding this tradition to preserve the Buddhist culture and traditions.

Wat Manee Sathit Kapittharam, the royal temple was built in 1888 and was originally called Wat Manee Thudongsong Mullikawat located on Maneerat Road in Uthai Mai sub district in Mueang Uthai Thani district of Uthai Thani province covering five rai, one ngarn and 42.2 square wah of land. People near the temple call it Wat Thung Kaeo as they commonly call the area in which the temple located “Thung Kaeo” for its vast fields popular among monks when on pilgrimage.

On March 18, 1935, there was a major fire at Sakae Krang Market. Fire broke out at the market and houses in the south and west of Wat Khwit. Although the temple's buildings were not damaged by the fire, the government had to reorganize the city plan to build the market and houses. The road cut through the land of Wat Khwit on three sides, namely Sri Uthai Road, Maharat Road and Sakae Krang Road. Therefore, Wat Khwit was merged with Wat Thung Kaeo. Somdej Phra Wanrat (Heng Khemjaree), the primate of Nakhon Sawan Province, changed the name of Wat Thung Kaeo to “Wat Mani Sathitkapittharam” in 1938 (“mani” which means “glass” refers to “Thung Kaeo” and “kapit” which means “makhwit” refers to “Wat Khwit”). Subsequently, the temple received His Majesty the King’s grace to raise its status to be a third-class royal monastery of ordinary type on March 22, 1993.

In the temple area, there is a holy pond – 14.60 meters wide, 17.40 meters long and 7.19 meters deep. A stone incantation spell in Khmer characters in the middle of the pond sanctified the pond to become holy water to be used in auspicious ceremonies and it was used to cure sicknesses of the villagers in the past. The water from the holy pond (together with water from other sources in Nakhon Sawan Province) was used in the coronation ceremony of King Rama 6 in 1913, Rama 7 in 1925 and in the current reign (Rama 10). The pond was also used for a sacred rite and a water consecration ceremony was held at the Ubosot of Wat Mani Sathitkapittharam on April 9, 2019. In addition, within the temple area, there are many important sanctuaries and buildings such as “Uthai Thammasapa” Phra Pariyattham School, a five-peak stupa with eight meters wide and 16 meters high, Kuti Sunthorn Pramuk, Somdej Phra Wanrat Heng Khemajari Tripitaka Hall, Sala Sangkhasapa and Phra Viharn Luang.

Bangkok Bank also allocated approximately 4.8 million baht for the restoration work including the restoration of the Tripitaka Hall and 39 bathrooms, as well as the improvement of the surrounding landscape in Wat Mani Sathitkapittharam. The Bank also joined the 2021 Kathin ceremonies of important local temples, namely Wat Sanggat Rattan Khiri, Wat Nong Khun Chat, Wat Thammakosok, Wat Uposatharam, and Wat Phichai Puranaram. In addition, the Bank also donated funds to Uthai Thani Hospital and four schools in the province.

Bangkok Bank received a plaque of honor from Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressing appreciation of the Bank’s support with the Ministry’s Mor Prom Call Center which served as a channel for providing reliable information to the public during the crisis.

Bangkok Bank Director and Executive Vice President Mr. Thaweelap Rittapirom and Senior Vice President and manager of Phone Banking Center Nitaya Phithaksphongs represented Bangkok Bank to receive the plaque from Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The award marked Bangkok Bank’s support of the Public Health Ministry’s Mor Prom Call Center, which served as a channel for reliable advice and information about keeping safe during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as information about vaccination, a topic of significant public interest.

The Ministry of Public Health and the Thai Bankers’ Association organized the Mor Prom Call Center to provide the public with access to reliable information and advice on Covid-19 and vaccinations, which were filtered by the Ministry for accuracy. Using the skills and expertise gained from providing customer service through a banking call center, the Mor Prom Call Center was able to support the government in distributing Covid vaccines to a wider group of people.

Under this collaboration, Bangkok Bank assigned a team from the Bank’s call center to participate in taking calls and provide information and advice on the Mor Prom Call Center at 0 279 2233. Bangkok Bank was one of six banks who are members of the Thai Bankers’ Association to participate in the project, which began on May 19, 2021. The Bank has extended its participation until October 31, 2021.

“Supporting the Mor Prom Call Center is another important mission that will help people. Bangkok Bank is proud to be a part of this mission, especially in a critical situation like this where there is a lot of fake or distorted news. This may lead to confusion, affecting the life and health of people, making the situation even worse. During this project, we were proud to help many people who were suffering get through the crisis and to gain access to appropriate care from relevant agencies. This reflects the Bank’s commitment to be a “trusted partner and reliable close friend” who is ready to sand by Thai society under every circumstance,” said Mr. Thaweelap.

Bangkok Bank President Chartsiri Sophonpanich donated Antigen Test Kits, together with medical supplies and necessities, in Bualuang Care boxes for Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms who are in the home / community isolation program or at high risk of infection. Altogether 6000 sets are being given out which will be distributed in maximum and strict control zones. This emphasizes the Bank’s status as a “trusted partner” standing alongside the Thai people during times of crisis.

In the Bualuang Care box there are two ATK test kits and medical supplies including two bottles of Andrographis paniculate capsules, five packets of paracetamol, 14 packets of anti-congestion tablets, one oximeter with batteries, one thermometer, one box of facial masks (50 pieces) and one bottle of alcohol spray (100 ml). The Bank has coordinated with hospitals in each area to deliver the Bualuang Care boxes to people in maximum and strict control zones.

Bangkok Bank Director and Executive Vice President Dr. Thaweelap Rittapirom received the “Most Trusted Bank” award from Thailand’s Most Admired Brand 2021, a survey conducted by BrandAge magazine. It is the 21st year the award has been organized. The award evaluates the credibility of brands and consumers’ deciding factors in purchasing or using services across the country, including ratings from marketers who have knowledge of the brand of each organization. The winners were selected through an intensive screening process according to academic principles at every step. The award is an index that helps measure the perception and popularity of brands in the eyes of consumers.

1. Being customer centric to understand customer needs and develop services or solutions that help solve the pain points of customers' businesses, such as offering All-in-One packages to SME customers doing business domestically and importers or exporters by supporting a full range of online and offline transactions.
2. Having experienced personnel with expertise and knowledge in the services who are ready to offer proper advice in a timely manner.
3. Selection of cutting edge and appropriate technology and innovation which are secure and reliable to continuously develop services.
4. Having a branch network in Thailand and major economies of the world particularly in Asia, in line with the vision to be a regional bank, which has enabled the Bank to expand transaction banking capabilities to our overseas branches to facilitate businesses and increase the efficiency of financial management.

Bangkok Bank Director and Executive Vice President Mr. Thaweelap Rittapirom (2nd from right), presented a 1,000,000 baht (one million baht) donation from Bangkok Bank, as “a trusted partner and reliable close friend”, to support the National Institute for Emergency Medicine in purchasing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the Special Covid-19 Operation Team (SCOT) who have transported emergency Covid-19 patients, or those with a high risk of infection, to hospital. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul (2nd from left), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, and Flt. Lt. Dr. Atchariya Pangma (far left), Secretary-General National Institute for Emergency Medicine, received the donation at the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health.

Bangkok Bank has continuously delivered assistance to customers and the public at large to fight against Covid-19 through various channels in both the public and private sectors, such as donating money to four hospitals, supporting a Covid budget for the private sector and launching measures to help corporate, SME and retail customers who have been affected by Covid-19 so that we can all get through this crisis together.

Bangkok Bank President Chartsiri Sophonpanich signed a Statement of Commitment for “Sustainable Thailand”. The Sustainable Thailand 2021 event was held by the Government Pension Fund, the Ministry of Finance and the United Nations to promote sustainable and responsible business conduct which leads to a strong and stable Thai economy while supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement, both of which are used as a framework by the global community to develop a sustainable society, economy and environment. This is in line with the Bank’s commitment to be “a trusted partner and reliable close friend” who strives to be a part of sustainable development. The Bank aims to integrate sustainable concepts and businesses conduct with concerns of environment, society and good governance into its business strategy.