Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President Kelvin Yoong Tao Foo and Nirvana Daii Executive Vice President of Low Rise Residence Group Nantachart Kliebphipat launched the “Live Beyond Limits” promotional campaign offering a special flat interest rate with a low monthly repayment of 1,000 baht per million baht borrowed for one year. This campaign is available to the Bank’s Home Loan customers interested in reserving or buying a house at one of eight Nirvana projects including Nirvana Beyond, Nirvana Define and Nirvana@Work. Prices range from 8 million to 60 million baht. The campaign runs from September 14-22, 2019.

Customers interested in the “Live Beyond Limits” campaign can request further information from Bualuang Phone, call 1333 or 0-2645-5555, and Nirvana Daii Call Center, call 1787.

Bangkok Bank is helping customers affected by tropical storms “Podul” and “Kajiki” in Northern, Northeastern, Central and Southern Thailand by issuing measures to ease repayment conditions, enhance short-term business liquidity, and provide additional credit support for customers who are directly and indirectly affected by the floods. In addition, the Bank visited customers affected by the floods to help them with advice.

Bangkok Bank Director and Senior Executive Vice President Suvarn Thansathit said that the Bank has helped ease the burden of customers affected by tropical storms Podul and Kajiki in Northern, Northeastern, Central and Southern Thailand, including areas declared disaster zones by the government. The Bank implemented measures to provide additional credit support for business loan and personal loan customers by appointing management and staff to visit and provide advice to customers affected by the floods so that they can get through the hard times and continue their businesses.

The Bank has implemented three measures: easing debt repayment conditions, supporting short-term liquidity and offering additional loans. For business loan customers, the Bank is easing debt repayment conditions, lowering interest rates, restructuring debt and waiving interest rate charges for default payments. The Bank is also providing additional loans for SMEs under the ‘Bualuang SME eases the burden for customers affected by floods in 2019’ project to provide short-term liquidity to mid-sized entrepreneurs and retail customers whose businesses are directly or indirectly affected by the floods with a loan up to 20 million baht with MLR -1% per annum. The Bank will consider cases on an individual basis. For corporate customers, the Bank is offering emergency loans that suit the needs of each customer.

“The Bank is ready to provide ongoing assistance after the floods by considering the individual circumstances and hardship of each customer in order to offer the best solution. Customers can now contact our business centers and branches to get more information on the measures or apply for assistance,” said Mr. Suvarn.

 

Bangkok Bank Chairman Piti Sithi-Amnuai (3rd from left), Senior Vice President, Human Resources Division Patima Chavalit (2nd from left) and Metropolitan Area Manager Region 9 Sirikun Chaiyasing (left) presented a scholarship to Annop Jaewisorn (3rd from right), a student who is in his second year in the Master of Arts in Business Economics (English Program), Faculty of Economics, Thammasat University. The scholarship presentation ceremony was joined by Professor Dr. Supawat Rungsuriyawiboon, Director, Graduate Program (center), and Wannah Vejbrahm, Graduate Program Coordinator (2nd from right). The graduate program was founded by Professor Dr. Puey Ungphakorn in 1969 to provide a high-quality, full-time program which is on par with international standards. This is the 13th year Bangkok Bank has supported students in this program.

Bangkok Bank Director and Executive Vice President Dr. Thaweelap Rittapirom and Executive Vice President Pochanee Kongkalai welcomed Ittipol Khunpluem, the Culture Minister, Yutthapol Ong-artitthichai, Deputy Governor of Rayong Province, Santi Viriyarangsarit, President of Money Expo, and Pakanee Viriyaangsarit, Vice President of Money Expo, who presided over the opening ceremony of “Money Expo Rayong 2019” and visited the Bank’s booth.

The event, which runs from September 6-8, 2019 at Promotion Hall, 1st Floor, Central Plaza Rayong, is presenting digital financial experiences to suit diverse customer lifestyles along with special deals, including beverages from a popular Rayong coffee shop for just one baht when paying via Bualuang mBanking.

Bangkok Bank Director and Executive Vice President Dr. Thaweelap Rittapirom said Bangkok Bank was proud to join Money Expo Rayong 2019, the first time the event was being held there, to provide financial options for consumers in Rayong and nearby provinces. Bangkok Bank is showcasing financial products and services with various privileges under the concept of the “Symphony of Digital Life by Bangkok Bank” to reflect the Bank's commitment to providing new financial experiences combining the Bank’s financial products and services with those of its business partners to offer digital solutions that meet the needs of all customers and lifestyles. “These products and services can be compared to a sweet symphony from an orchestra that harmoniously blends the sounds from various musical instruments to capture the audience's heart,” said Dr. Thaweelap.

Under this concept, Bangkok Bank will tell stories that resonate with each stage of the life of a consumer living in a cashless society in the digital age. They will be illustrated with digital experiences and solutions that the Bank uses to answer the needs of customers. Customers can register to use Bualuang mBanking and enjoy special gifts, such as online shopping coupons, from the My Reward menu.

Meanwhile, those looking for wealth products can enjoy innovative financial planning and investment services that use technology to analyze and customize advice and investment portfolio management. With the Bank's carefully selected financial and investment products, customers can achieve savings and investment goals more quickly and more efficiently. The new investment experience is based on customer needs.

To provide customers with new experiences in the digital age, the Bank’s booth at Money Expo Rayong 2019 is introducing various financial services that offer one-stop digital solutions as well as special deals that cannot be found elsewhere. Customers can register to join the event and collect e-Stamps by applying for Bangkok Bank’s financial services and receive special gifts and privileges such as the right to buy one drink from “Lukwah Coffee” worth 45 baht for just one baht when paying via Bualuang mBanking, or one umbrella or multi-purpose box for three e-Stamps, and one 16” travel luggage or 3.5 ft blanket for four e-Stamps.

At the booth, visitors can apply for the Bangkok Bank AirAsia credit card, and Be1st Smart TPN Rabbit Siriraj and Be1st Smart TPN Mastercard debit cards. Customers with a Bangkok Bank ATM or debit card with a magnetic strip can upgrade to a chip card for free. Customers can also enjoy privileges for shopping, dining, commuting and movies with the Be1st Smart TPN UnionPay card. There are four categories of promotions for these cards throughout the year:

• Supermarkets – Get a 100-baht gift voucher for spending 600 baht or more per sales slip at Gourmet Market, Home Fresh Mart, Maxvalu, Villa Market, Central Food Hall and Foodland Supermarket (August 15, 2019 - December 31, 2019)
• Restaurants – Get up to a 200-baht discount when dining at S&P, Vanilla and Maisen Restaurants (July 1, 2019 - November 30, 2019)
• Transportation – Get 100 baht off when you add 300 baht to your BTS card
• Movies – Enjoy any movie, any day, any showtime for 88 baht at Major Cineplex (March 1, 2019 - February 29, 2020) 

In addition, the Bank will offer other financial products and services which are Bualuang mBanking, securities account opening, Bualuang NPA, Bualuang Fund, as well as life and non-life insurance. Also, customers can apply for a special interest rate for Bualuang Home Loan. The Bank is offering promotions and souvenirs for customers who apply for any Bank services at the event.

Visitors to the Bangkok Bank booth can inquire about products/services, request financial and investment advice, apply for services, and receive promotions and special souvenirs. Money Expo Rayong 2019 is held from September 6-8, 2019 at Promotion Hall, 1st Floor, Central Plaza Rayong.

 

Bangkok Bank Vice President Credit Card Marketing Voranuch Siratharanont and Piyawan Leelasompop, Executive Vice-President Marketing, Central Department Store have launched a new promotion offering Bangkok Bank credit cardholders triple privileges in the “Central | Zen Midnight Sale” campaign at all branches of Central and Zen. The first privilege is an On Top discount of 15% when redeeming The1 point equal to the spending amount. The second privilege is an On Top discount of 18% or a discount of 180 baht when shopping and redeeming points for every 1,000 baht/sales slip and 1,000 points. The third privilege is cash back up to 6%, or up to 4 air tickets for a Bangkok-Japan round trip, total value of 72,000 baht. Customers can enjoy these privileges from today until September 1, 2019. The Bank’s conditions apply.

Bangkok Bank packs great privileges on shopping-dining-commuting-movies for deal lovers in one Be1st Smart TPN UnionPay card.

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President Shoke Na Ranong revealed the latest Be1st Smart TPN UnionPay card privileges to better serve modern lifestyles especially to suit customers who enjoy good deals and making the most of their spending. Marketing campaigns are run throughout the year in the four most popular spending categories which are:

• Supermarkets – Get a 100-baht gift voucher for spending of 600 baht or more per sales slip at Gourmet Market, Home Fresh Mart, Maxvalu, Villa Market, Central Food Hall and Foodland Supermarket (August 15, 2019 - December 31, 2019)
• Restaurants – Get up to a 200-baht discount when dining at S&P, Vanilla and Maisen Restaurants (July 1, 2019 - November 30, 2019)
• Transportation – Get a 100-baht discount when you add 30-day trips from 300 baht to your BTS card (June 1, 2019 - November 30, 2019)
• Movies – Enjoy any movie, any day, any show time for 88 baht at Major Cineplex theaters (March 1, 2019 - February 29, 2020)

“The Bank provides special privileges for Be1st Smart TPN UnionPay cardholders, especially deal lovers. All cardholders are offered many special promotions and deals throughout the year especially for shopping, dining, commuting and movies. In addition, they can conveniently and instantly make payments via their card without having to use cash, while being confident that all transactions will be done safely with the CHIP & 6-digit PIN system. With these benefits and privileges, we are confident that there will be 9 million Be1st Smart TPN UnionPay cardholders within this year,” said Mr. Shoke.

Be1st Smart TPN UnionPay is the first debit card in Thailand to provide the service on the Local Card Scheme system since 2016 with the special feature of CHIP & 6-digit pin technology. The card can provide service to more than 174 shops with TPN or UnionPay symbols in Thailand and more than 55 million shops in the world.

Those interested in information about Be1st Smart TPN UnionPay Card and its special promotions, please visit www.bangkokbank.com/Be1stUnionPayPromotion. You can also apply for Be1st Smart TPN UnionPay Card at every branch of Bangkok Bank nationwide.

Bangkok Bank approved that an interim dividend from the profit of the operations for the first half of the year 2019 be paid on September 20, 2019 at the rate of 2.00 baht per ordinary share.

Bangkok Bank President Chartsiri Sophonpanich said the Board of Directors of the Bank adopted a resolution at the meeting No.8/2019, held on August 22, 2019 to the effect that an interim dividend for the operations for the first half of the year 2019 be paid on September 20, 2019 at the rate of 2.00 baht per ordinary share. The dividend was derived from retained earnings which was subject to corporate income tax of 23%. The record date for determining shareholders’ right to receive the dividend shall be September 5, 2019.

 

Bangkok Bank President Chartsiri Sophonpanich presided over the closing ceremony of the AEC Business Leader Program Class 4, where he congratulated all 38 participants. As part of its mission to be a “Trusted Friend” of Thai business owners, the Bank organizes the AEC Business Leader Program to empower entrepreneurs and help them expand their businesses across ASEAN. The closing ceremony, which was held recently at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, was joined by Office of Commercial Affairs Minister Counsellor, Royal Thai Embassy, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Jirawuth Suwanna-Arj; Bangkok Bank Senior Executive Vice President in charge of Commercial Banking Virasak Sutanthavibul; Senior Executive Vice President, Head of International Banking Group Chaiyarit Anuchitworawong; and Executive Vice President, Head of Metropolitan Commercial Banking Kanoksak Mokkamakkul.

 

Bangkok Bank Chairman Piti Sithi Amnuai (5th from right) and President Chartsiri Sophonpanich (3rd from left), together with the Bank’s directors Admiral Prachet Siridej (4th from right) Gasinee Witoonchart (3th from right) Arun Chirachavala (2 nd from left) and top executives, welcomed Bank of Thailand Governor Veerathai Santiprabhob (5th from left) and Deputy Governor for Financial Institutions Stability Ranadol Numnonda (4th from left), who visited Bangkok Bank’s booth at the Bangkok Sustainable Banking Forum 2019. Held at the Bank of Thailand, the Forum saw Bangkok Bank showcasing its work in economic, social and environmental sustainability. Bangkok Bank also signed an MOU to form the Sustainable Banking Guidelines – Responsible Lending. This is in line with the Bank’s policy to ensure all operations align to good governance and social and environmental responsibility.

 

Bangkok Bank Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors Deja Tulananda, Director H.S.H. Prince Mongkolchaleam Yugala, Director and Executive Vice President Dr. Thaweelap Rittapirom, and Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary Apichart Ramyarupa , as well as other Bank executives and employees presented offerings to Somdet Phra Ariyawongsakatayan Somdej Phra Sangharaj Sakol Maha Sangha Parinayok and directors of the Sangha Supreme Council for a total of 16 senior Buddhist monks from 12 temples to mark the beginning of Buddhist Lent. The Bank also offered blessings to four senior monks who were promoted to the rank of Somdet Phrarachakhana: Somdet Phra Mahathirajarn from Wat Yannawa, Somdet Phra Maha Muniwong from Wat Sommanat Ratchaworawihan, Somdet Phra Maha Weerawong from Wat Rajabophit Sathitmahasimaram and Somdet Phra Maha Ratchamongkol Muni from Wat Traimit Withayaram. This is an annual tradition by the Bank to preserve Thai religious activities and culture.

Bangkok Bank announced cuts of 0.25% in its MOR (Minimum Overdraft Rate) and MRR (Minimum Retail Rate) for both types of loan interest rates, effective 15 August 2019, to help lower the financial costs of SMEs, increase their competitiveness, and support the Thai economy.

Bangkok Bank Director and Senior Executive Vice President Suvarn Thansathit said the bank’s reduction of 0.25% in its MOR (Minimum Overdraft Rate) and MRR (Minimum Retail Rate) would be effective 15 August 2019.

The rate reductions aim to help business operators, especially SMEs, to lower their interest rate costs which contribute to business operation costs.

“Bangkok Bank is committed to assist business operators to improve their business efficiency and competitiveness, which will help drive the economy in line with government policies”, Mr. Suvarn concluded.

 

Bangkok Bank Director and Executive Vice President Dr. Thaweelap Rittapirom (2nd from left) and Executive Vice President Pochanee Kongkalai (2nd from right), the main organizers of Bangkok Bank CycleFest for the past three consecutive years, announced a 25% discount off the application fee for the event for Bangkok Bank Infinite and Bangkok Bank Platinum Leader cardholders. Holders of other Bangkok Bank credit cards or Be1st debit cards can enjoy a 20% discount from today until November 20, 2019 (or until discounts have been fully redeemed). Celebrity cyclists such as Yoe-Yossawadee Hassadeevichit, Nutt-Devahastin Na Ayudhya and Golf-Surampha Yokchotisakul will join the race. All proceeds from the “Family Ride” category will be donated to the Siriraj Foundation. Bangkok Bank invites professional and amateur cyclists and their family members to register for Bangkok Bank CycleFest 2019, which will be held from Saturday, November 23 to Sunday, November 24, 2019 at Siam Country Club in Pattaya.

British Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Mr. Brian Davidson and Executive Director and Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President Dr. Thaweelap Rittapirom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide Bangkok Bank Visa Infinite cardholders access to special service and privilege when applying for a UK visa. Cardholders need only their passports, Bangkok Bank Visa Infinite credit card and to pay an extra fee of 4,000 baht to access the VIP lounge and apply for the visa at the VFS UK Application Center without a reservation or the need to present any documents. The MOU-signing ceremony held recently at the British Embassy Bangkok was also joined by Thai Beverage Public Company Limited Deputy Vice President Office of Corporate Communications M.L. Radeethep Devakula, a representative of the Thai-UK Business Leadership Council (TUBLC).

H.E. Mr. Brian Davidson, British Ambassador to Thailand, commented: I was delighted to be able to sign this ground breaking MOU. It is an exciting new initiative - first of its kind - both for the British Embassy and UKVI. And one which deepens the relationship with one of this Embassy’s closest strategic partners, Bangkok Bank, pointing the way to further stimulating business between the UK and Thailand.

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President Dr. Thaweelap Rittapirom said the Bank signed the MOU with the British Embassy to Thailand to provide special privileges to Bangkok Bank Visa Infinite cardholders to enable them to conveniently apply for a visa with their passport and Bangkok Bank Visa Infinite credit card without having to provide evidence of their financial status or other documents. In addition, they can access the VFS VIP Lounge*** without either having to make a reservation or fill in online forms in advance.

The special privileges are reserved for Thai nationals holding either a main or supplementary Bangkok Bank Visa Infinite card, including spouses and children under 18 years who submit their visa application on the same day as the cardholder. The privileges apply to applications for multiple-entry (6 months, 3 years, 5 years and 10 years) tourist and business visas at VFS UK’s Bangkok and Chiang Mai offices by paying 4,000 baht extra for this special service to VFS with a Bangkok Bank Visa Infinite credit card.

“It is with great pleasure that Bangkok Bank and the British Embassy Bangkok have joined forces to provide this special convenient service to Bangkok Bank Visa Infinite cardholders. It also emphasizes the Bank’s commitment to continuously providing its customers with special privileges and exclusive experiences,” said Dr. Thaweelap.

Bangkok Bank Visa Infinite is an exclusive credit card for customers holding combined assets, such as deposits and investments, of more than 10 million baht with the Bank. Exclusive privileges from the Bank and its partners include:

• Financial Privileges: Financial and investment advisory services, Bualuang Suite to facilitate customer transactions at Bangkok Bank branches, discounts on service fees and other fees, special interest rates for Bualuang Home Loan.
  
  
• Lifestyle Privileges: Global access to airport lounges, limousine service for trips to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang Airport, fast-track immigration process, privileges at hotels, restaurants, cinemas and leading spas.
  
  
• Spending Privileges: Receive 2 reward points for every 25 baht spent for both domestic and overseas spending. The points can be redeemed for mileage from leading airlines.
  
  
• Insurance Privileges: Overseas health and medical insurance with coverage of up to 2,000,000 baht, transport accident insurance with coverage of up to USD 1,000,000 and purchase protection plan for products for a maximum of 400,000 baht per year.
  
  
• Personal Assistance Service: Roadside assistance and home assistance.

***The Bank’s and British Embassy to Thailand’s conditions apply.

 

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice Presidents Ian Guy Gillard (middle) and Prasanee Ouiyamaphan (left) and Vice President for Shared Operation Vorachai Wattanaparadorn (right) received the “Website of the Year” and “Thailand Domestic Trade Finance Bank of the Year” awards on behalf of the Bank at the Asian Banking & Finance Awards 2019 ceremony at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore. The “Website of the Year-Thailand” award reflected the Bank’s development of www.bangkokbank.com into a contemporarily designed, simple to use website under the concept of “Speed, Simplicity and Personalization” with the aim of providing customers with greater convenience and enhanced user experience. The Bank won “Trade Finance Bank of the Year” award for the fifth consecutive year, reflecting its ability to respond to the needs of entrepreneurs in the digital age. In addition, the Bank piloted a Letter of Credit (L/C) transaction between Thailand and Indonesia on R3’s CORDA Platform using Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), or Enterprise Blockchain. This new digital L/C service helps save time and reduces paperwork by more than half.

Asian Banking & Finance Award 2019 is an international award for organizations with outstanding innovations that have delivered business growth in line with rapid changes in technology and consumer behavior. The award’s panel of judges comprises banking and financial services specialists from world-class consulting organizations.

Bangkok Bank joined Bangkok FinTech Fair 2019 under the “Co-Creating Value” theme to show its commitment to supporting society with financial innovations by showcasing outstanding works from FinTech startups and participating in expert panels.

Bangkok FinTech Fair 2019 was organized by the Bank of Thailand (BOT) under the “Collaboration for the Future of Finance” concept to encourage stakeholders from the government and private sector to collaborate on financial innovation to develop Thailand’s ecosystem.

The event, which was held from July 18-19, 2019 at the Bank of Thailand Learning Center, featured panel discussions, exhibitions to showcase innovations and press conferences. More than 1,500 delegates attended from financial institutions, government agencies, private companies, central banks, international organizations, financial advisories and service providers, technology companies and legal practices.

Bangkok Bank Senior Executive Vice President Suteera Sripaibulya said the Bank joined a number of activities at the fair. The Bank featured its financial innovations at its booth under the theme of “Co-Creating Value” which reflected its commitment to supporting the needs of its customers and playing a role in helping enhance society with its expertise and technology. The Bank’s financial innovations comprised:

1) Bangkok Bank InnoHub – FinTech Accelerator, an accelerator program for world-class FinTech startups which aims to strengthen Thailand’s financial service industry and add value to the country’s financial technology ecosystem.

2) Facial Recognition Technology – Identify Verification, a technology that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to recognize and identify customers from their faces to facilitate the Know Your Customer (KYC) process.

3) BeWallet – QR Code Payment Easy and Convenient, an application that provides product and service payment via QR Code for shops in Thailand and ASEAN countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines, as well as other countries in Asia, including China and Japan.

4) Letter of Credit (L/C) on Enterprise Blockchain – digitized L/C service revolution, a joint project between financial institutions and R3, a global financial technology developer, to study and develop Blockchain to support international trade. Recently, Bangkok Bank implemented this new digital L/C service which saves time, reduces paperwork and improves security.

5) KMUTT BeDigiPass – a new type of student card, this virtual student card on smart phone enables students to manage a number of activities hassle-free, such as checking class times, or paying for food, dormitory and tuition fees without having to carry cash. The Bank is currently piloting the card with KMUTT.

6) Bualuang mBanking x Rabbit LINE Pay BTS – Check Balance, Top Up and View Trips on Rabbit LINE Pay BTS via Bualuang mBanking, this innovation allows users to manage their finance, daily spending and travel expenses with BTS via Bualuang mBanking.

Two FinTech startups from Bangkok Bank InnoHub joined the Bank’s booth. AntWorks, a global, artificial intelligence and intelligent automation company that can digitally capture data in many languages, including Thai, then analyzes it to search for new business opportunities. And Pand.ai, an AI-powered chatbot system for financial institutions that currently provides solutions for a range of international firms in Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

Bangkok Bank executives participated in a number of seminars at the fair. Bangkok Bank Executive Director Charamporn Jotikasthira joined the “Collaboration for Inclusive Digital Finance: How to Make it Happen” seminar with the governor of the Bank of Thailand. At the “ASEAN Payment Connectivity Showcases” session, Bangkok Bank Senior Vice President and Trade Finance Center Manager Kajohnsak Manaviriyakul talked about Blockchain L/C and Assistant Vice President, Credit Card Division, Tanacan Phanasomburn talked about Interoperable QR Code. Bangkok Bank Vice President, Trade Finance Center, Pintuwan Kleijssen participated in the ‘FinTech for the Evolution of Corporate Solutions’ panel.

Announcements were made at the event for a number of services to support digital lifestyles that the Bank has supported, including the National Digital ID company – a central agency to develop a digital personal identification and verification system which will facilitate businesses as customers will be able to conveniently verify their identification; and MyPromptQR payment which facilitates payments by enabling merchants to simply scan a customers’ QR Code to receive payment.

“Bangkok FinTech Fair 2019 enables banks, financial institutions and related agencies to learn and exchange experiences on financial technology development which will lead to the creation of an innovative financial ecosystem. For Bangkok Bank, financial innovation is a key focus with the aim of developing secure digital banking services for customers. At the same time, the Bank also collaborates with leading local and international FinTech companies to create financial services using the latest technology. This is to ensure the Bank can leverage financial services to meet the needs and changing lifestyles of its customers,” said Miss Suteera.

In 2019, the Thai economy is forecast to expand more slowly than in 2018. Slowing global growth, uncertainty over international trade policies and the persistently strong baht have weighed on both exports and tourism. However, the Thai economy is underpinned by the continued expansion in private consumption. In addition, following the successful formation of the new cabinet, the outlook for private investment should brighten in line with rising business confidence supported by government policy continuity, especially with regard to ongoing infrastructure investment and greater clarity on the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

For the second quarter of 2019, Bangkok Bank and its subsidiaries reported a net profit attributable to owners of the Bank of 9,347 million baht, an increase of 1.7 percent from the second quarter of 2018. Net interest income increased by 0.4 percent and the net interest margin improved slightly to 2.36 percent. Non-interest income decreased by 1.0 percent as a result of lower gains on tradings and foreign exchange transactions and a minimal decline in net fees and service income. The decline in net fees and service income was caused by lower fees from securities business in line with the capital market situation, while fees from bancassurance and mutual funds increased. Consequently, the ratios of net interest income and non-interest income to operating income continued to stand at about 57 percent and 43 percent, respectively, and were at similar levels to the same period last year, as a result of the Bank’s intention to diversify its source of income. The ratio of expense to operating income stood at 45.3 percent.

At the end of June 2019, the Bank’s loans amounted to 2,017,314 million baht, a slight decrease from the previous quarter, owing to a decline in loans to businesses and loans made through the Bank’s international network. The ratio of non-performing loan (NPL) to total loans was 3.5 percent, the same level as the previous quarter. The Bank continued to focus on prudent control over credit underwriting and to ensure loan quality and the allowance for doubtful accounts to maintain at the appropriate level. The ratio of loan loss reserves to NPL was 185.8 percent.

The Bank continues to maintain liquidity and capital at a sufficient level to support future business expansion, at the end of June 2019, total deposits amounting to 2,352,679 million baht, an increase of 0.5 percent. Meanwhile the loan to deposit ratio stood at 85.7 percent. In terms of capital, with the inclusion of net profit for the six months ending June 30, 2019, the total capital adequacy ratio, the Common Equity Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio and the Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio of the Bank and its subsidiaries were approximately 19.1 percent, 17.6 percent and 17.6 percent, respectively. These capital adequacy ratios are above the Bank of Thailand’s minimum capital requirements.

Bangkok Bank showcases its booth in Thailand Industry Expo 2019 to feature its financial innovations in the digital age, professional advisory services and extensive branch network to support Thailand’s industries to tap into international markets by inviting new generation of successful businessmen to share their ideas and insight experiences.

Bangkok Bank Senior Executive Vice President Virasak Sutanthavibul said that the Bank has supported Thailand Industry Expo 2019 organized by the Ministry of Industry with an aim to promote the cooperation from all sectors to upgrade the standards of Thailand’s industries while increasing the country’s competitiveness with innovations and digital technology. This year, the event is held under the concept of “Synergy for Success” to reflect the importance of the cooperation from all sectors to create opportunities and possibilities for Thailand’s industries. In the event, there are seminar to show the vision on how to drive Thailand’s industries to success, exhibition and forum to exchange ideas for industrial development, as well as display of products and services from young entrepreneurs who have fresh ideas driven by innovations, digital technology and online marketing.

To be in line with the event’s concept, the Bank has created the booth under the concept of “Partner Shift to Success” to showcase modern financial innovations that help answer business needs in the digital age. In addition, the booth also provides the knowledge and insight experiences from business partners, as well as financial services and advisory services from business experts for visitors. The booth is divided into three zones as follows:

1. Stage Zone – a stage to share insight business experiences from successful entrepreneurs comprising creative concept, business management methods, and how to apply technologies to enhance business efficiency. At the same time, experts from Bangkok Bank also use this stage to introduce new financial products and services. In addition, the Bank provides information on financial innovations which are creative works from startups that participated in Bangkok Bank InnoHub, a world-class incubator program for fintech startups

2. Clinic Zone – Unlock your business potential to reach out to global markets with our business advisory services that will reduce business limitations and enhance competitive edge. Such services include the AEC Connect which provides advice to companies seeking business expansion overseas with a full range of financial services, experience, expertise and the breadth of local business network in many countries. As the Bank operates as a regional bank, we have a good understanding of economic contexts, rules and regulations of each country particularly in ASEAN countries where economies are growing. This zone features SME loans such as Bualuang SME loan for adjustment to a single account and Transformation Loan. There are also financial services showcased for consumers such as Bualuang mBanking, Bualuang iBanking, BeWallet and BeMerchant.

3. Showcase Zone – update financial innovation in digital world through many collaborative projects including Voltron project of R3, a company developing financial technology and software for the future. Voltron project studies and develops a business platform using Blockchain to enhance efficiency of international trade services. It can reduce half of processing time and paperwork. Bangkok Bank was the first member in Thailand to join R3. The Bank recently has successfully piloted international Letter of Credit service for business customers. This pilot helped reducing L/C transaction process from 10 days to 24 hours. Startups joining Bangkok Bank InnoHub also showcased their financial innovations in this zone.

“This is a good opportunity for the Bank to showcase financial products and services as well as provide financial knowledge to entrepreneurs who look for new financial solutions that can enhance business efficiency. This is one of the Bank’s commitments to enhance customers’ business potential as well as expand businesses to regional market through Bangkok Bank’s financial products and strong network. Bangkok Bank is a trusted partner to Thai businesses and industry”, said Khun Virasak.

Interested person can visit Bangkok Bank booth at Innovation zone in Thailand Industry Expo 2019 during July 17-21, 2019 at Challenger 2-3, Impact Muang Thong Thani.

 

Bangkok Bank President Chartsiri Sophonpanich led a team of management and employees to receive Money & Banking Awards 2019 in “Bank of the Year 2019”, this is the 11 th win in 13 years, beginning in 2007, additionally Bangkok Bank received the Best Booth Design Award in Money Expo 2019 in the large space category which was presented by Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak and Mr.Santi Wiriyarangsarit, Chair of the event. The Bank’s net profit in 2018 was the third-highest among Thai banks at Baht 35.3 billion, representing the highest net profit of 18.51 baht per share. In addition to its high profitability, Bangkok Bank was recognized for its prudent and steady approach in allocating reserves for doubtful accounts. Its total loan loss reserves in 2018 amounted to 147.5 billion baht, or 7.08% of total loans, which was also the highest amount among Thai banks. According to the Bank for International Standards, Bangkok Bank has a total capital adequacy ratio of 17.96%, comprising Tier-1 capital of 16.43% and Tier-2 capital of 1.53%. The Bank’s business has been guided by the philosophy of aspiring to be a trusted partner and reliable close friend. This emphasizes the value Bangkok Bank places on partnership, and developing long-term, trusted partnerships with its customers, sustaining relationships over decades and across generations. The Bank stays close to all its customers to anticipate their needs and provide them with appropriate advice and support, so they can adapt to changing circumstances.

Bangkok Bank will join Techsauce Global Summit 2019 where it will discuss the revolutionary potential of blockchain for trade finance, share ideas about how to get the most out of partnerships between financial institutions and technology companies and host a workshop on developing Thai-language chatbots.

Bangkok Bank Executive Director Charamporn Jotikasthira said the Bank is joining the Summit to promote and upgrade the technology ecosystem in Thailand while supporting connections and interchanges between Thailand and other parts of the world.

During the two-day summit Bangkok Bank will host four events: a panel discussion on blockchain in trade finance, a panel discussion on innovative FinTech partnerships, a workshop on how to apply blockchain solutions to your enterprise and a workshop on developing Thai-language AI chatbots.

As the first Thai bank to join the R3 consortium and the Bank that facilitated the first trade finance transaction in ASEAN using blockchain technology, Bangkok Bank is organizing the panel “Transforming trade – how Enterprise Blockchain can revolutionize global trade finance”. During the discussion, the Bank will share its knowledge and experience in developing trade finance transactions on R3's CORDA Platform using Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), or Enterprise Blockchain. The panel will be held on the Blockchain Vertical Stage and moderated by Mr. Thomas Glucksmann, Head of Data Management Solutions, Diginex Blockchain Solution. He will be joined by panelists Mr. Carl Wegner, Managing Director, Head of Asia, R3, Mrs. Pintuwan Kleijssen, Trade Finance Product Management, Bangkok Bank and Mr. Pongbhoka Buddhi-Baedya, Vice President and Manager, Global Payment Services Department, Bangkok Bank.

As the initiator of the first global FinTech accelerator in Thailand, the panel “Successful synergy – unlocking the power of partnerships” will enable the Bank to share its experience in helping FinTech startups accelerate in Thailand and in the region, while the panelists will share their experiences in using partnerships to facilitate innovation. The panel will be held on the FinTech Vertical Stage and moderated by Mr. Ian Mason, co-creator, Virgin StartUp. The panelists will be Dr. Pao Sriprasertsuk, Vice President, Innovation Department Manager, Bangkok Bank, Mr. Krit Phanratanamala, Investment Advisor, Bualuang Ventures Limited, Mr. Richard Jones, Senior Vice President APAC, Antworks and Mr. Varun Mittal, Global Emerging Markets & ASEAN FinTech Leader, EY.

Bangkok Bank’s team of data scientists will provide a foundational overview on developing Thai-language AI chatbots at the “Thai-language AI Chatbot Development Workshop (Google Dialogflow) with Bangkok Bank InnoHub’s Machine Learning Engineers”. The workshop will provide attendees with an opportunity to put Machine Learning theory into practice using Google Dialogflow.

In the “Revolutionizing trade finance through blockchain technology”, Bangkok Bank’s trade finance and digital banking specialists will be joined by an Enterprise Blockchain expert from R3 to help attendees utilize Bangkok Bank’s blockchain systems to expedite trade finance.

The Techsauce Global Summit 2019 is being held on June 19-20, 2018 at the Centara Grand Hotel at Central World.

 

Bangkok Bank Senior Vice President and Trade Finance Center Manager Kajohnsak Manaviriyakul (left), Senior Vice President and Securities Services Department Manager Mrs. Nuttanok Vichitthanarurk (middle) and Vice President and Global Payment Services Department Manager Pongbhoka Buddhi-baedya (right) represented the Bank to receive three awards at The Asian Banker Transaction Awards 2019 organized by The Asian Banker – a leading financial magazine in Asia. The three awards were The Best Trade Finance Bank in Thailand (for the eighth time), The Best Payment Bank in Thailand (for four consecutive years), and The Best Custody Bank in Thailand (for five consecutive years). This emphasizes the Bank’s status as one of the leading banks in Southeast Asia.