Bangkok Bank Senior Executive Vice President Virasak Sutanthavibul (left) received a National Innovation Award for Media (Online) at the Innovation Thailand Expo 2019 from Dr.Pan-arj Chairatana (right), Director of the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) or NIA, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. The Bank was awarded for its outstanding content on www.facebook.com/bangkokbanksme and www.bangkokbanksme.com, especially for content regarding Business Disruption. The criteria for this award considered capabilities to distribute news and information regarding innovation through online media through three key engagement indicators Like, Share and Comment during a one year-period of June 1, 2018 - May 31, 2019. Social listening and monitoring tools were used to collect and analyze data from shortlisted online media.

In 2019, the Thai economy is forecast to expand at a slower rate than in 2018. Slowing global growth, intensifying trade tensions and the unrelentingly strong Baht have weighed on both exports and tourism. Meanwhile, private consumption and private investment slowed in line with declining car sales and a pullback in the real estate sector. The elevated household debt and the impacts from natural disasters also contributed to the decline in private consumption. A fall in manufacturing production and capacity utilization contributed to subdued private investment. Public consumption continued to grow slower than expected following a delay in forming the new administration.

Third quarter earnings up 4.5%

For the third quarter of 2019, Bangkok Bank and its subsidiaries posted a net profit attributable to owners of the Bank of 9,438 million baht, an increase of 4.5 percent from the third quarter of 2018. It was mainly from an increase of 9.6 percent in net fees and service income, driven by higher fee from bancassurance and mutual funds according to the Bank’s strategic intent. Net interest income decreased slightly by 1.7 percent as a result of loan contraction and the net interest margin stood at 2.35 percent.

Operating expense decreased marginally by 1.5 percent from the same quarter last year reflecting the well-disciplined on cost management. The cost to income ratio was 41.9 percent.

Strong balance sheet and capital position

At the end of September 2019, loan amounted to 2,001,445 million baht, moderately decreased of 0.8 percent from the previous quarter, owing to a decline in loan to business in line with economic slowdown, coupled with some loan repayments by large corporate. The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio was at 3.6 percent with strong loan loss reserves to NPL at 183.4 percent. The Bank continued to focus on prudent control over credit underwriting and risk management to ensure loan quality and maintain the allowance for doubtful accounts at the appropriate level.

The Bank’s balance sheet remained healthy with robust capital and liquidity positions. At the end of third quarter 2019, loan to deposit ratio was at 84.7 percent. On September 25, 2019, the Bank issued 15-year Subordinated Notes qualified as Basel III-complaint Tier 2 capital amounted to USD 1,200 million, which supported the Bank’s well mixed of capital structure to be even stronger. As of September 30, 2019, total capital adequacy ratio, Common Equity Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio and Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio of the Bank and its subsidiaries were 20.7 percent, 17.7 percent and 17.7 percent respectively, which are comfortably above the Bank of Thailand’s minimum capital requirements.

 

Bangkok Bank Vice President of Shared Operation Vorachai Wattanaparadorn (center), Vice President of Office of President Supitcha Phitthayanont (right) and Bangkok Bank Singapore Branch Vice President for Operations Eric Tan Kiam Him (left) received the Best Trade Finance Bank in Thailand 2019 award from Alpha Southeast Asia magazine at the 13th Annual Best Financial Institution Awards 2019 ceremony. The Bank won this award for the 13th consecutive year due to its strength as a leading Thai bank providing export and import-related financial services for corporate and SME customers. The Bank’s international trade specialists provide advisory services through its international network comprising 31 branches in 14 economies. The Bank today has the largest market share of any Thai bank for trade products and services and provides outstanding trade solutions and innovations that meet the needs of customers and helps them mitigate risk and manage cash flow.

 

Bangkok Bank Senior Vice President and Securities Services Department Manager Nuttanok Vichitthanarurk (third from right) and Vice President, International Funds Transfer, Pannida Phairat (third from left) represented the Bank in receiving the J.P. Morgan Payment Processing 2019 Award, in the “SWIFT MT202” and “MT103” category with excellent Straight-Through Processing (STP) rates of 99.97% and 99.29%, respectively. Jason Clinton, high executive from J.P. Morgan, presented the prestigious award which recognized the Bank for providing international US dollar fund transfer services to beneficiaries in various countries around the world, that exceed international standards. This award is given to only 1% of nearly 5,000 leading financial institutions providing payment services with STP rates that meet internationally recognized SWIFT and J.P. Morgan standards.

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President Pochanee Kongkalai said Bangkok Bank is collaborating with King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) to launch KMUTT Mod D Pass which uses the Bank’s BeDigiPass technology to create a digital ID pass for university students and staff. The digital ID passes will be available in the 2019 academic year.

“This technology helps to verify identity and carries the owner’s personal information. The Bank believes the technology can be further developed as a total solution for universities which could use it for various online applications and to help achieve the goal of becoming digital universities.”

BeDigiPass will create a digital ID pass for individuals to store on their mobile phone instead of having to carry a physical ID card. The digital pass supports a variety of functions from identity verification using a QR Code to access university services, to receiving university news and making payments via mBanking.

In the future, KMUTT Mod D will be able to provide students with information on courses, lecture times, exam schedules and results, as well as help monitor attendance. In addition, KMUTT Mod D can also be used to verify the identity of university students and staff using electronic services, requesting educational documents and paying fees.

Ms. Pochanee said the app is available for iOS and Android and can be used with other digital cards. Once the card has been downloaded, it can be used immediately. The application is small so it will not affect mobile phone processing speeds. It is also safe to use and secured with a PIN.

“The Bank has placed great emphasis on working with universities as they have the potential to use a wide range of financial services, including deposits, funds and cash management. At the same time, it is also the Bank’s strategy to tap into younger generations which will be the major customer base in the future. As such, the Bank recognizes that services developed for universities should provide value-added features in addition to ordinary financial services. We are confident that this project will help the Bank better understand the needs and behaviors of younger people which will lead to the development of new financial products and services that truly meet the needs of customers,” said Ms. Pochanee.

Associate Professor Dr. Suvit Tia, President of KMUTT, said that the university has collaborated with Bangkok Bank to provide financial services that support changing technology and the needs of the university’s students and staff. It is also in line with the university’s strategy to become a digital university. At the same time, the Bank has provided a highly secure platform for the application which the university can use to extend its digital information services for students and staff.

In a move to expand its young-generation customer base, Bangkok Bank has partnered up with Rabbit-LINE Pay to come up with “Be1st Smart Rabbit LINE Pay” debit card that also links up to online payment options.

The popular LINE characters Brown, Cony, Sally and Choco on the cards, also come with special coupons worth over Bt6,890, offering privileges and promotions that will “never run out”.

Mr. Shoke Na Ranong, Executive Vice President of Bangkok Bank’s Credit Card Division, said considering the fact that young people prefer making payments online, the bank has decided to join Rabbit LINE Pay so youngsters have both online and offline options.

“The aim is to ensure that customers can conveniently and confidently complete all their financial transactions, such as transfers and withdrawals, via the Be1st Smart Rabbit LINE Pay card or via e-transactions through the Thai Payment Network [TPN] or UnionPay,” Shoke said.

Also, he said, thanks to this card, people no longer have to carry a physical wallet anymore. Even BTS tickets can be bought using the card. Plus, each transaction earns the card holder points, which can later be redeemed under Rabbit Rewards.

Miss Sudrutai Thongsong, Senior Vice President of Bangkok Bank’s Consumer Product Development, Consumer Banking, explained the “Be1st Smart Rabbit LINE Pay” debit card offers four different Character Limited Edition designs: Brown, Cony, Sally and Choco, with a CHIP and 6-digit PIN code for greater security every transaction made. The Bank also offers the Welcome Gift Limited Edition from LINE Friends, to customers who register before September 30, 2020.

The Bangkok Bank - RLP cooperation will enable the Bank to offer new financial services that meet the demands and lifestyle of customers. This is also a good opportunity for the Bank to expand its customer base into the new generation, which is more used to completing transactions online. This is also a step towards a cashless society.

Mr. Jin Woo Lee, CEO of Rabbit-LINE Pay, said the tie-up with Bangkok Bank is an important step for RLP to maintain its leadership in the area of mobile payment services. This is the first time that the company has developed a payment system that supports TPN UnionPay accounts, as well as Bangkok Bank branches nationwide.

“This cooperation strengthens our standing in the Young Gen customer base, and we are confident that we will receive a good response. I believe the new debit cards will make transactions more convenient and help meet the lifestyle needs of customers. This is part of the drive to achieving a cashless society,” Lee said.

During the initial launch period, RLP will get a special discount coupon valued at 1,000 baht for online-offline shopping from leading stores. The customers will also receive 500 baht monthly discount coupon for one year, totaling up to 6,890 baht. The coupons are legitimate, not on a first come first served basis and earn Rabbit Rewards point in addition.

RLP has around 6.5 million customers and is accepted in more than 60,000 shops nationwide, which should be expanded to 100,000 shops across Thailand by the end of this year.

People interested in applying for a Be1st Smart Rabbit LINE Pay card can visit the nearest Bangkok Bank branch or call the 1333 hotline and simply register new debit card onto RLP to enjoy the exclusive benefits.

 

Bangkok Bank Executive Chairman Deja Tulananda Director H.S.H. Prince Mongkolchaleam Yugala Director and Executive Vice President Dr. Thaweelap Rittapirom and executives welcomed Thai Red Cross Society's National Blood Center Director Commander Dr. Ubonwan Jarunreungrit stars and performers to sell tickets for the Thai Red Cross Society's National Blood Center's 19th Walk Rally. The bank has supported this activity for 18 consecutive years to raise funds for the Thai Red Cross Society’s National Blood Center. Tickets totaling 500,000 baht are available for purchase at Bangkok Bank's head office on Silom Road as well as nearby branches. All proceeds go to National Blood Center, Thai Red Cross Society, to help fund its operations.

 

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.