We want your old clothes – Bangkok Bank represented by Senior Executive Vice President Kobsak Pootrakool presented more than 7,000 old employee uniforms and employees’ unused clothing with decreased greenhouse gas emissions by 0.0874 tons of CO₂ equivalent per year equivalent to planting 5.83 trees. under the “Seua Gao Rao Kor” (We want your old clothes) initiative to Better World Green’s representative Mrs. Pornpen Paoratchatapiboon, Deputy Managing Director, Operations Division at the Silom head office. The collected items will be processed into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), a form of clean energy that can replace fossil fuels in the industrial sector. This helps reduce open burning, the volume of waste sent to landfills and greenhouse gas emissions in a tangible way. This initiative is part of the ongoing Bualuang Save the Earth project.

This initiative aligns with Bangkok Bank’s commitment to conducting business responsibly while caring for the environment. Recently, the Bank announced the success of its Zero Waste to Landfill pilot project at the Rama 3 building, which reduced landfill waste by 81% and decreased greenhouse gas emissions by 204.75 tons of CO₂ equivalent per year. The Bank is now moving forward with the Zero Waste to Landfill Next project, reflecting its dedication as a “trusted partner and reliable close friend” caring for the environment and creating long-term value for society.

Bangkok Bank has prepared 40 billion baht cash at 7,600 branches and ATMS nationwide for withdrawals during the Chinese New Year and will increase the frequency of cash top ups at its ATMs in response to rising demand for cash as people make Chinese New Year offerings, prepare red envelopes of money as gifts, and travel.

Bangkok Bank reports that is has prepared 40 billion baht cash for withdrawal at more than 7,600 branches and ATMs across the country to cope with the rising demand for cash during Chinese New Year 2026 to accommodate higher demand for cash during the Chinese New Year period, including spending on offerings, gifts, and travel. The Bank has allocated new banknotes to be distributed at branches nationwide to support the need for inserting new banknotes in the red ‘ang pao’ envelopes as a symbol of good fortune. In addition, the Bank has implemented more frequent ATM cash replenishments as a special measure, ensuring customers have convenient and sufficient access to cash throughout the Chinese New Year festival.

Customers can make cash withdrawals at Bangkok Bank branches and microbranches at shopping malls, or at the Bank’s banking agents that support cash deposit/withdrawal services and identity verification at 162,000 service points nationwide including:

• Counter Services at 7-Eleven convenience stores: Cash deposit, cash withdrawal via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking, and identity verification
• Lotus’s stores: Cash deposit and cash withdrawal using Bangkok Bank debit cards
• Bank@Post at Thailand Post, Termdee kiosks: Cash deposit, cash withdrawal via Bangkok Bank Mobile Bank
• “Prompt Term” CenPay powered by Boonterm: Cash deposit
• Big C Supercenter, Boonterm kiosks: Cash deposit, and identity verification

In addition, customers can share happiness and prosperity during the Chinese New Year by sending cashless ‘e‑Ang Pao’ through the Bank’s various electronic channels, such as Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking and Bangkok Bank Internet Banking. This provides a convenient and secure alternative for giving well‑wishes and good fortune to one another, whether near or far, in line with today’s cashless society.

Bangkok Bank unveiled five megatrends shaping the ‘new ASEAN’ at its annual flagship event, the ‘AEC Business Forum 2026’. These covered challenges arising from geopolitical tensions, shifts in global trade, technological transformation, climate change, and demographic changes. The forum explored opportunities to collaborate and position ASEAN as a rising economic star, while inviting senior executives from leading global companies to share perspectives, ideas, and strategies for sustainable success.

Bangkok Bank President Mr. Chartsiri Sophonpanich delivered his opening speech ‘New ASEAN: A Paradigm Shift’ which addressed how the world throughout 2026 will continue to face risks, volatility, and uncertainty driven by five critical factors—each of which present challenges and opportunities that will define ASEAN’s future:

1. Balance and foster international cooperation to strengthen regional economies. For Thailand, the Bank of Thailand has promoted the use of the baht and other local currencies in cross-border trade to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, while enhancing financial cooperation, investment connectivity, and payment systems across ASEAN. These efforts will help Thai businesses access a larger market of over 660 million people with a combined GDP of more than USD 4.25 trillion.
2. Shifts in global trade - ASEAN is becoming a key player in a multipolar global trade system supported by its large market and economy, which is expected to rank fourth globally by 2030, along with a vast labor force and strategic location for global supply chains. Foreign direct investment (FDI) has surged from 5% a decade ago to 20% in 2024, targeting countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, particularly in strategic industries like semiconductors, electric vehicles, data centers, and biotechnology.
3. Technological transformation - ASEAN is advancing toward becoming a hub for technology innovation, driven by a digital-savvy population and new investments in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), data centers, and advanced manufacturing which lead to growth in many sectors. Singapore aims to position itself as a global AI hub, hosting over 1,000 AI startups and serving as a base for leading tech firms such as OpenAI, Google, and NVIDIA. Meanwhile, other ASEAN nations are implementing their own AI strategies. However, SMEs—the backbone of regional economies—are facing pressure from rapid market and technology shifts and are in need of support to accelerate their digital transformation.
4. Climate change – New global regulations such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) are moving trade toward low-carbon supply chains. Businesses must adapt and create long-term plans for their transition to net zero. This shift also presents ASEAN with the opportunity to lead the world in sustainable growth.
5. Demographic change Singapore and Thailand are aging rapidly, creating labor shortages in the agriculture sector. The region must attract younger generations back to farming and leverage modern technologies such as AI to boost productivity and maintain ASEAN’s role as a leading global food producer.

“ASEAN is entering a new era filled with challenges in geopolitics, trade, technology, climate change, and demographic change. Nevertheless, each of these factors offers opportunities to enhance competitiveness. If member countries strengthen cooperation, harness megatrends, and invest in green technology, digital innovation, and workforce skills, ASEAN can become one of the world’s most attractive investment destinations. Collaboration is key to turning uncertainty into a driving force for the region’s future. As a leading regional financial institution, Bangkok Bank is committed to supporting customers through its presence in nine of the 11 ASEAN countries, enabling them to seize new opportunities and achieve sustainable growth,” said Mr. Chartsiri.

The forum also featured keynote speeches and panel discussions with distinguished leaders. Secretary-General of the Board of Investment Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi delivered a keynote on “The New ASEAN Economy: Future-Focused Thailand, Opportunities in Emerging Industries.” The panel discussion on “ASEAN’s Next Wave: New Sector Opportunities to Capture Global FDI” was joined by Mrs. Somruedee Chaimongkol, Senior Executive Committee and Former CEO of Banpu, Mr. Lim Hua Tiong, CEO of Frasers Property (Thailand) and Frasers Property Limited’s Emerging Markets, Asia portfolio, Mr. Yeap Swee Chuan, Executive Director AAPICO Hitech, and Mr. Teddy Nuryanto Oetomo, President Director Merdeka Battery Materials.

Speakers for the panel discussion on “Navigating Trade Fragmentation in a Geopolitical Era,” included Mr. Vasit Taepaisitphongse, CEO of Betagro, Mr. Abhijit Datta, former Managing Director & Head of International Business, SCG International Corporation and Advisor at SCG Distribution & Retail, and Director SAMEA, SCG International, and Dr. Kobsak Pootrakul, Senior Executive Vice President of Bangkok Bank. Meanwhile, the panel discussion on “Strategies for Success in the Age of Tech Fragmentation” featured Mr. Dipen Mehta, Managing Director, Asia Financial Services of Microsoft, Dr. Chawapol Jariyawiroj, President of Huawei Technologies (Thailand), and Dr. Buranin Rattanasombat, Chief New Business and Sustainability Officer, PTT, who shared insights, experiences, and strategies for business success.

The 7th ‘AEC Business Forum 2026’, under the theme ‘New ASEAN: A Paradigm Shift’, was held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre, CentralWorld.

Bangkok Bank is moving forward by adding 10 more mobile blood donation units in 2026, bringing the total to 22 nationwide through its branches across all regions under the “Bangkok Bank Donates Blood to Save Lives across Thailand” project. The first donation drive will begin on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, making it more convenient and accessible for people to become ‘givers’ every three months. Building on the success of 2025, the Bank delivered 7 million cc of blood to the Thai Red Cross Society under the “Bangkok Bank aims to deliver 7 million cc of Blood to Save Lives across Thailand” project, reaffirming its role as a trusted partner and companion to Thai society in every dimension.

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President Pochanee Kongkalai said the Bank recognizes the importance of maintaining sufficient blood reserves to continuously save patients’ lives, particularly in emergencies. In 2026, the Bank will expand its mobile blood donation services by adding 10 new units, bringing the total to 22 across its branches nationwide under the “Bangkok Bank Donates Blood to Save Lives across Thailand” project. This initiative provides greater convenience for customers, the public, partners, and employees to become ‘givers’ by donating blood regularly every three months. The first round of mobile donation services for 2026 will be launched simultaneously at all 22 locations — including Bangkok Bank’s Head Office and the Rama 3 Building—on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, and will continue every three months thereafter.

The 10 additional mobile blood donation units to be launched in 2026 will be located at Bangkok Bank’s San Pa Khoi Branch in Chiang Mai, Chat Chai Road Branch in Lampang, Pattaya City Branch in Chonburi, Nakhon Sawan Branch in Nakhon Sawan, Si Suriyawong Road Branch in Ratchaburi, Sut Banthat Road Branch in Saraburi, Kilo Zero Branch in Ubon Ratchathani, Na Mueang Branch in Khon Kaen, Phatthanakan Road Branch in Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Thepkasattri Road Branch in Phuket.

In 2025, Bangkok Bank successfully delivered a total of 7 million cc of blood to the National Blood Centre, The Thai Red Cross Society, under the “Bangkok Bank aims to deliver 7 million cc of Blood to Save Lives across Thailand” project. The initiative supported the “70th Birthday Anniversary: 70 Million cc of Blood” campaign and was undertaken as a royal merit-making activity in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on Her Royal Highness’s 70th birthday on April 2, 2025. As one of the Bank’s key initiatives in 2025, the project expanded access to blood donation services nationwide by extending blood donation activities beyond the Bank’s two permanent donation units at its Head Office on Silom Road and the Rama 3 Building to an additional 10 locations through its branch network across Thailand. Building on strong and sustained support from customers, the general public, business partners, and Bank employees, who regularly participate in blood donation activities, Bangkok Bank has continued to expand its blood donation network, by adding 10 new units, bringing a total to 22 nationwide in 2026, further strengthening its long-term support for the national blood supply.

As “a trusted partner and reliable close friend”, Bangkok Bank has continuously supported the National Blood Centre, The Thai Red Cross Society in securing blood supplies to strengthen the national blood reserve for more than 38 years, since 1996. To date, the Bank has delivered a cumulative total of 39,542,550 cc of blood, helping to save the lives of 296,569 patients (as of December 31, 2025). The Bank remains committed to continuously implementing initiatives that empower the spirit of giving by encouraging existing donors to become regular blood donors, while simultaneously expanding campaigns to increase the number of new blood donors,” Ms. Pochanee said.

Members of the public are invited to participate in the “Bangkok Bank Donates Blood to Save Lives across Thailand” project by donating blood at Bangkok Bank’s 22 mobile blood donation units nationwide, or at the National Blood Centre, The Thai Red Cross Society, its 12 Regional Blood Service Centers nationwide, mobile blood donation units, or provincial hospitals serving as blood service branch hospitals. Participants can scan the QR code, fill in their information, and record the amount of blood donated under the project