• Outstanding digital technology adoption is awarded to Mr. Tanachote Sririnchai, Managing Director of T.P. Farm from Prakhon Chai district, Burirum. Mr. Tanachote owns a broiler chicken farm which adopts innovation and technology to enhance the business towards smart farming. He began by studying new technologies from local and international experts and applied the knowledge to create his very own software.
• Outstanding agricultural supply chain management is awarded to Ms. Naruemon Taksa-udom, Managing Director of Hillkoff from Muang Chiang Mai district, Chiang Mai. The company produces coffee beans and sells coffee-related products and services while creating a network of over 1,000 farmers in the northern region resulting in a sustainably balanced relationship between business, people and the environment.
• Outstanding young farm is awarded to Mr. Sujit Chitthichanonte, Director of Naville Food Services from Wiset Chai Chan district, Ang Thong. Mr. Sujit is a young farmer who runs an organic egg farm with a focus on animal welfare, reducing costs of using resources, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, he promotes job creation and effectively manages the environmental impact on the surrounding communities.

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President, Consumer Banking, Miss Pochanee Kongkalai (4th from left), Assistant Vice President, Mobile Banking Channel Mr. Chanand Sophonpanich (3rd from left), Bualuang Securities President Mr. Pichet Sithi-Amnuai (2nd from left), BBL Asset Management Managing Director Mr. Wasin Wattanaworakijkul (far left), Bangkok Capital Asset Management Managing Director, Mrs. Mayvadee Prasertsintanah, welcomed Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Money Expo President Santi Viriyarangsarit and Co-Chairman of Money Expo Pakanee Viriyarungsarit who presided over Bangkok Bank booth’s opening ceremony and visited the booth. The 7th Year-End Money Expo was organized under the concept of “Enabling your financial journey – a trusted partner in financial matters” to support customers to sustainably achieve their financial goals in the digital age through a full range of financial products and services. Special! Exclusive tax-deductible products with special promotions available at the event at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center between December 19-22, 2024.

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President, Consumer Banking, Miss Pochanee Kongkalai said: Throughout this year, Bangkok Bank has participated in money expos across all regions of Thailand to promote stability in the digital world, and this has been very well-received by customers. This includes 7th Year-End Money Expo organized under the concept of “Enabling your financial journey – a trusted partner in financial matters”, reinforcing the Bank’s status as a “trusted partner and reliable close friend”. In addition, the Bank has developed new Offline to Online (O2O) product and service features to enable customers to make transactions conveniently and safely, anytime, anywhere, meeting their lifestyle needs in the digital age. In addition, the Bank also provides services to support business customers who are in the process of transforming into green businesses.

“At the 7th Year-End Money Expo, the Bank offered a full range of financial products and services, especially for tax-deductible needs, including RMF, SSF, and ThaiESG mutual funds, selecting funds with outstanding performance from leading partner companies including BBL Asset Management and Bangkok Capital Asset Management. At the same time, the Bank also provided insurance products including Gain 1st from Bangkok Life Assurance and Be Together from AIA Thailand to increase options for long-term life insurance along with stable savings, including non-life insurance from Bangkok Insurance PCL, which offer the peace of mind to customers,” said Miss Pochanee. Customers who purchase financial products and services at the Bangkok Bank booth receive special promotions and souvenirs at the event, including:

• Mutual Funds - The Bank offers a variety of funds, and customers investing 100,000 baht and up in RMF/SSF/Thai ESG funds from BBL Asset Management or Bangkok Capital Asset Management during the event will receive one Invest for the Future bag per person, valued at 200 baht, and customers investing 300,000 baht and up will receive Dottie Duo Basket per person, valued at 400 baht. The amount is calculated from the total investment amount in all funds.
• Life insurance and Non-life insurance - Purchase Bancassurance services including participating life and non-life insurance products at the event and pay the first year's premium to get a Starbucks gift card worth up to 1,000 baht or a Lotus gift card worth up to 500 baht. (Limited to one offer per person)
• e–Savings account – Open a Bualuang Extra Digital account** or an e-Savings account and enroll in Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking at the event and receive a Limited Edition bag valued at 199 baht*. (Limited to one offer per person and 100 offers throughout the event) *This is equivalent to an interest rate of 0.829 per annum when depositing 24,000 baht for 12 months **Those interested in opening an account should understand the details of coverage and conditions before deciding to purchase insurance. Insurance is provided by Bangkok Insurance Public Company Limited.
• Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking – New customers who apply for Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking or current customers who complete missions in the Rewards menu and can show 50 planktons will receive a Be Mobile Nong Jud bag worth 259 baht. (Limited to one offer per person and 150 offers throughout the event)
• Securities trading account - Open a securities trading account with Bualuang Securities and use a Bangkok Bank deposit account for Automatic Securities Trading (ATS) and receive a BLS utility bag worth 200 baht.
• BeMerchant NextGen - Receive payments for goods and services with a QR Code. Highlight features include payment notifications, receiving payments from various channels, and supporting cross-border QR payments. Special! Merchants who successfully apply for the BeMerchant NextGen app will receive a Cool bag worth 195 baht. (Limited to one offer per merchant)
• Credit card – New cardholders purchasing goods and services using their Bangkok Bank M LUXE Visa Signature or Bangkok Bank M LIVE Visa Platinum credit cards from June 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024, with accumulated spending of 10,000 baht or more within 60 days from the card approval date will receive a 20 inch of Caggioni suitcase worth 3,990 baht.
• Bualuang Home Loan - Customers buying a house, building a house, or refinancing their home will receive a special interest rate. A survey and assessment fee for the collateral/house construction plan of 1,500 baht will be charged. (excluding VAT) Borrow only as much as necessary and the amount that can be repaid. The effective interest rate throughout the contract term is between 4.63% - 5.76% per annum. The MRR as of October 24, 2024 = 7.00% per annum. Floating interest rates can move up or down as per the Bank’s announcements on www.bangkokbank.com or at the bank’s branches.
• Bualuang Property for Sale - Receive a special interest rate and free collateral survey and assessment fee worth 3,210 baht and free loan processing fees.
• Loans for SME include:
  • Bualuang Green Financing for Transition to Environmental Sustainability with a credit limit of 10 billion baht repayable over a maximum of 8 years for use in three areas of environmental sustainability which include reduce CO2 emissions, adapting to climate change and reducing pollution.
  • Bualuang Transformation Loan with a credit limit of 20 billion baht and fixed interest rate of 5% per annum repayable over a maximum of 5 years aimed as assisting two groups of SME customers including those who are experiencing ongoing problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are in business recovery mode, and those who need capital to invest in transforming their businesses to the digital era and transitioning to the Next Normal.
  • Bualuang Green Loan with a credit limit of 50 million baht repayable over a maximum of 8 years for businesses that want to invest in improving their business and processes that do not cause pollution, as well as use resources efficiently.
  • Bualuang Green Solar Energy Loan offers a credit limit of 100% of the investment amount with special conditions to reduce costs and encourage entrepreneurs to transform to alternative energy.

Bangkok Bank is organizing the 15^th Bualuang SME Fair (Bualuang SME Fair 2024) in front of its head office on Silom Road, inviting SMEs to sell consumer goods, home decorations, fresh food, processed food, and many gifts, totaling more than 200 items, for people to buy and give to their loved ones during the New Year festival. It is expected that more than 10 million baht will circulate at this event. Golden opportunity! – there will be quality products for sale at 80 baht to celebrate the Bank’s 80th anniversary. Don’t miss! – the event will be held on December 13, 2024, for one day only, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in front of Bangkok Bank’s head office on Silom Road.

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President, Business Banking Mr. Than Siripokee said that Bangkok Bank, as a “trusted partner and reliable close friend”, is organizing “Bualuang SME Fair 2024” under the concept of “adapting, growing, sustaining” to provide a platform to support SMEs to build their business network by meeting with other entrepreneurs in various businesses to study the market and competitors in order to adjust themselves. This will help them increase opportunities for customers to know more about their products, which may lead to doing business together in the future. This year, there are 80 SMEs offering more than 200 items of consumer goods, home decorations, fresh food, processed food, and gifts at special prices, such as Super Lock boxes, On Cloud shoes, Roma/Huskies luggage, Polo shoes, processed and frozen food, organic vegetables, health products, and many more gifts. It is expected that more than 10 million baht will circulate at this event.

In addition, the Bank also provides convenient, fast and secure payments for products and participating stores can accept payments via Bangkok Bank's QR Code. In addition, many special activities have been prepared. Golden opportunity! – there will be quality products for sale at 80 baht to celebrate the Bank’s 80th anniversary.

“The Bank intends to make the “Bualuang SME Fair” one of the Market Places where SMEs have the opportunity to expand their markets and networks, as well as receive direct feedback from customers which they can use to improve their production to better serve customers. At the same time, the Bank also supports SMEs under the collaboration with Bualuang SME Club, which currently has more than 400 members, so that these SMEs can adapt and be ready to cope with changes in technology and new global trade regulations that will affect entrepreneurs, especially those in the export production chain. The Bank has provided support in the form of seminars, study tours of businesses that have adapted and succeeded, shared information about building strong networks, as well as providing loans and financial services that are in line with their situation at each stage. With this help, entrepreneurs will be ready to move forward steadily and sustainably amidst rapid and severe changes while the Bank is reinforcing its role as a "trusted partner and reliable close friend" standing alongside Thai entrepreneurs in every situation for the past 80 years,” said Mr. Than.

During the event, the Bank will also organize the 2nd “Bangkok Bank SME Award” ceremony to honor outstanding Thai SMEs who are the Bank’s customers and are role models in sustainably adapting and growing their businesses. The awards are in three categories as follows:

1. Outstanding Digital Transformation – The outstanding business that has successfully applied digital technology to increase new business opportunities is SJP Information System Co., Ltd. The company sells network equipment and provides network installation services within organizations and is also the inventor and developer of the Smart Multi Service Box system, which is used to control security systems including closed-circuit television (CCTV), Public Address (PA), air quality measurement, LED display, Wi-Fi, and processing software. The company has applied modern software technology, as well as its strengths in hardware and fiber optic equipment, to achieve product development. Mr. Pakkapol Lertvareevej, Chief Executive Officer, was the recipient of the award.
2. Outstanding sustainability – The outstanding business that prioritizes and has policies to support zero waste and reduce pollution for the community is Thai Asia Rice Product Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of environmentally friendly dried noodles for wholesale in local and nearby provinces in the northern region. The company has developed a method for making dried noodles that can be stored for a longer period without the need for preservatives, allowing them to be distributed nationwide. The company conducts business under the ESG concept, taking the sustainable society and the environment into account by purchasing rice from local farmers, using biogas and solar cell technologies, and reforestation to help reduce environmental problems. The company uses waste from the production process, which is 200,000 liters of starch water per day, to produce biogas to be converted into electricity for use within the factory, helping to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions that cause global warming. Ms. Orawan Lorboonyarak , Managing Director, was the award recipient.
3. Outstanding research results adoption – The business that has applied research results to improve, adapt, and develop new product innovations is ATGenes Co., Ltd., a genetic data testing service provider for disease diagnosis or treatment. This company specializes in DNA and RNA gene testing and provides services related to genetic testing covering various genetic diseases. The company focuses on diagnosing the root cause of disease for the fastest, most accurate, and most effective treatment and prevention with the aim of being a Thai biotechnological company with internationally recognized quality. Prof. Dr. Vip Viprakasit, Chairman of the Board of Directors, was the award reciepient.

Bangkok Bank invited Indian economic and business gurus to join “The Next Strategic Move: India” seminar to inspire Thai entrepreneurs to prepare for new opportunities in the Indian market. The secret to confidently entering the market is to plan carefully, have reliable local partners, understand local systems, and study laws and taxes accurately. Bangkok Bank believes that market opportunities are still wide open, emphasizing the Bank’s status as a ‘leading regional bank’ ready to support Thai businesses by opening doors to India.

Bangkok Bank Director and Senior Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary Kobsak Pootrakool said that the Bank was honored to have experts on economics and investment in India from various agencies and organizations to join “The Next Strategic Move: India” seminar to pinpoint interesting investments in India – a market that will offer great opportunities going forward. Now is an important time for Thai businesses to start setting strategies and looking to the future to fully grasp the opportunities available.

“India today is like China a decade ago, when only a few people saw the potential. Those who were the first to adapt and reach the market back then are the ones who benefit the most today. India is now a great opportunity waiting for Thai businesses to do business, but they need to understand the people, culture and laws. In addition, there is no need to rush as it requires both patience and time. I believe that in the next 10-20 years, India will create enormous wealth with its growing middle class which will increase dramatically and lead to enormous spending,” said Mr. Kobsak.

He also said that as “a trusted partner” to the business sector, Bangkok Bank is ready to support Thai entrepreneurs with loans. In addition, as “a leading regional bank,” it can provide export guarantees to ensure credibility of our customers, facilitating smooth business operations. He said that now is a good time to do business in India. The benefits of doing business with India are not limited to investment or exports to India. But Thailand will also become a gateway to ASEAN, attracting Indian investment and tourists to Thailand. Currently, there are about two million Indian tourists visiting Thailand per year which could potentially increase to 20 million in the future.

Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Indorama Ventures Aloke Lohia shared his personal experiences about the challenges and opportunities of doing business in new markets. He said that Indorama’s first investment in Thailand in the late 1980s started with a revenue of only 5 million US dollars, which has now grown to over 15 billion US dollars. The decision to invest came with challenges such as adapting to the culture and language barriers. Similarly, entering a new market like India requires careful planning due to its complexities. Entrepreneurs need to have a long-term plan to navigate the complexities of the Indian market. Building reliable relationships and networks in the local area is crucial, as it helps to reduce these complexities and significantly increases growth opportunities.

Mr. Aloke also highlighted opportunities in India’s retail and e-commerce industries, and the growing middle-class consumer market in India. Additionally, India also has economic advantages such as the GST system which reduces tax burdens, and incentives from various Indian states aimed at promoting investment. By choosing the right area and setting clear goals, India can meet expectations and generate worthwhile returns.

Dr. Janmejaya Sinha, Chairman-India, Boston Consulting Group and Member of BCG’s said India's demographic structure with a growing middle class is an important factor driving the expansion of the wellness, healthcare, and tourism industries.

"India is undergoing major economic and cultural changes, and the emphasis on health and beauty care and the access to high-quality services are clear trends in this market. Thailand is considered one of the countries with the best service standards in the world, especially in the tourism industry. This strength can serve as a good model for the development of the tourism industry in India. In addition, Thailand's expertise in services can be further expanded to promote growth in related industries in the Indian market,” said Dr. Janmejaya.

He also added that manufacturing sectors in India, such as electronics and chemicals, received continuous support from the government. This makes it an opportunity for entrepreneurs looking for long-term investment areas. The GDP growth was forecast to grow from the current 3.6 trillion US dollars to 7 trillion US dollars or double that by 2030, reflecting that India is a market with great potential for all industries.

H.E. Mr. Nagesh Singh, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Thailand said India's regional diversity, which includes both small and large states with bigger populations than many other countries, as well as cultural complexity, are factors that entrepreneurs must consider. It is necessary to have patience and understanding of the local system, a reliable partner and a deep knowledge of the market that will help businesses run smoothly.

He also advised entrepreneurs to research the right states for investment as different states in India have different incentives and offers such as West Bengal and southern states that have the infrastructure to support them.

“India is like an elephant that takes time to learn and build relationships. But once the elephant starts moving, the opportunities are bigger than you can imagine,” said the Indian Ambassador to Thailand.

In addition, H.E. Ms. Pattarat Hongthong, Ambassador of Thailand to India, shared insights on the fast-growing food, pets and cosmetics market in India, especially among the middle class. Thailand has shopping malls in major Indian cities such as Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai, which can help Thai entrepreneurs to expand their markets effectively.

She stressed the importance of studying regulations such as obtaining food import permits that require inspection by bodies like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and developing promotional strategies to compete in the market.

“With proper preparation, these industries can be a significant opportunity for Thai entrepreneurs to expand their business in the region,” Ms. Pattarat concluded.

• Be Responsible – Doing business in a responsible way by supporting investment in projects focused on environmental and social sustainability while promoting financial literacy and financial inclusion to strengthen communities and society.
• Be Resilient – Managing potential crises by managing risks to ensure that we can be resilient amid crises and challenges. As well as supporting customers, communities and society to recover to a normal level in a sustainable manner.
• Be Caring – Caring for employees by creating a good work environment, treating employees in a fair and just manner while promoting and supporting our people to continuously develop their skills. So they can fulfill their personal and professional aspirations.
• Be Customer Centric – Placing customers at the center of our operations, providing them with innovative products and services and building and maintaining strong customer relationships.
• Be Ethical – Cultivating good governance and encouraging our suppliers to adhere to good business conduct, while respecting human rights and opposing any form of corruption.

• Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking

From 01:00 a.m. to 06:00 a.m.

• Bualuang iBanking

From 03:00 a.m. to 06:00 a.m.

• BeMerchant and BeMerchant NextGen
• e-Wallet, BeWallet and QR Payment
• BIZ iBanking
• Bualuang iSupply
• Bualuang Phone
• Banking Agent
• Funds Transfer, Deposits and Bill Payments from other banks to Bangkok Bank accounts.
• Bangkok Bank Debit Card holders will not be able to use their cards for making transactions.
• Bangkok Bank Credit Card holders will be temporarily unable to use their card for cash advances from ATMs, and payments for goods and services through EDC, eCommerce and E-Paycard.
• Funds Transfer from other banks both in Thailand and overseas to PromptPay that links with Bangkok Bank accounts.
• API Payment
• SMS services
• Corporate iCash
• iCash (New System)
• Bualuang e-Guarantee

We apologize for any inconvenience caused. For more information, please visit www.bangkokbank.com, Bangkok Bank LINE Official, Facebook-BangkokBankOfficial or call Bualuang Phone 1333 or 0 2645 5555.

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President, Consumer Banking, Miss Pochanee Kongkalai, Assistant Vice President and Northern Region 1 Manager Miss Wichuda Tulananda, Sanpakoi Branch Manager Mr. Wuttikrai BoonKoom, executives and staff welcomed Deputy Finance Minister Mr. Julapun Amornvivat, Money Expo President Mr. Santi Viriyarangsarit and Co-President of the event Miss Pakanee Viriyarangsarit as they joined the opening ceremony of Money Expo Chiangmai 2024 which was held between November 8-10, 2024 at Chiangmai Hall, Central Chiangmai Airport. On this occasion, the Bank offers financial products and services, as well as special promotions for Northern people, such as loans with special interest rates to help customers recover from the recent flood. At the same time, the Bank has selected outstanding products to meet the end of year tax savings needs, including insurance and mutual funds, while offering digital banking services that help make every financial transaction easy.

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President, Consumer Banking, Miss Pochanee Kongkalai said the Bangkok Bank booth at Money Expo Chiangmai 2024 was designed under the concept of “Enabling your financial journey”. The Bank offers a variety of financial products and services that are in line with every lifestyle, enabling people in the North to choose the services that best meet their needs, especially in supporting them to recover from the recent major flooding. These products include special interest rate loans, Bualuang Home Loans, and Bualuang Poonphol Loans to help them repair homes or buy replacement furniture, with a special interest rate of MRR-2% per year and a 5-year installment period.

In addition, the need for financial planning for tax deduction is another important issue at the end of the year. The Bank has joined with its partners to provide life insurance, non-life insurance and mutual fund products with special offers for customers at the event, such as Be Together life insurance, which was well received at last year’s Money Expo Chiangmai, as well as RMF / SSF / Thai ESG tax deduction funds, an alternative investment option for savings or preparing for retirement.

“Bangkok Bank is a "trusted partner" who understands and stands by customers in all situations, so we focus on offering financial products that help support the recovery of business operators who have been severely affected by the flood so they are ready for opportunities in the tourism market during high season. We also provide tax planning assistance for customers who are looking for tax deduction products at the end of the year. The Bank is also ready to meet all needs of customers. The Bank is a "trusted partner" who has always understood customers throughout the 80 years of its operations,” said Ms. Pochanee.

At the 19th Money Expo Chiang Mai, the people of Chiang Mai and nearby areas can choose financial services from Bangkok Bank and its leading partners. Special promotions at the event include:

1. Bualuang Home Loan - Customers buying a house, building a house, or refinancing their home will get a special interest rate. A survey and assessment fee of the collateral/house construction plan of 1,500 baht will be charged. (excluding VAT) (Borrow only as much as necessary and the amount that can be repaid. The effective interest rate throughout the contract term is between 4.63% - 5.76% per annum. The MRR as of October 24, 2024 = 7.00% per annum. Floating interest rates can move up or down as per the Bank’s announcements on www.bangkokbank.com or at the bank’s branches)
2. e–Savings account – Open a Bualuang Extra Digital account** or an e-Savings account via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking and receive a Be Cool cloth bag valued at 199 baht*.
   *This is equivalent to an interest rate of 0.829 per annum when depositing 24,000 baht for 12 months (Limited to one offer per person and 100 offers throughout the event)
   **Those interested to open an account should understand the details of coverage and conditions before deciding to purchase insurance. Insurance is provided by Bangkok Insurance Public Company Limited.
3. Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking - Apply for Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking and receive a Be Mobile Nong Jud bag worth 259 baht. (Limited to one offer per person and 50 offers throughout the event)
4. Be 1st Digital debit card - The 20 first customers applying for any Be1st Digital debit card via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking at the event and receive an Eco bottle worth 259 baht (Limited to one offer per person and 20 offers throughout the event) or an Eco mini notebook worth 59 baht. (Limited to one offer per person and 30 offers throughout the event)
5. BeMerchant NextGen - Receive payments for goods and services with a QR Code. Highlight features include payment notifications, receiving payments from various channels, and supporting cross-border QR payments. Special! Merchants who successfully apply for the BeMerchant NextGen app will receive a Cool bag worth 195 baht. (Limited to one offer per merchant)
6. Life insurance and Non-life insurance service - When applying for life or non-life insurance service and paying the first year's premium, receive a Starbucks gift card worth up to 1,000 baht or a Lotus gift card worth up to 500 baht. (Limited to one offer per person)
7. Mutual Funds - Customers who invest from 50,000 baht and up in RMF/SSF/Thai ESG funds during the event will receive one Fun Fund bag per person, valued at 100 baht (Limited to one offer per person and 50 offers throughout the event)
8. Introducing Agent Service from Bualuang Securities - When opening a Securities Trading Account with Bualuang Securities and using your Bangkok Bank account for securities trading via the Automatic Transfer System, receive a Bualuang BLS Utility Bag worth 200 baht.

Bangkok Bank, as a leading regional bank and a trusted partner that stands beside businesses to enable their strong and sustainable growth, led by Executive Director Dr. Pichet Durongkaveroj, organized a free seminar on “Digital Transformation For SME-EP4” on the topic of “Guidelines for Transforming the Organization to be in line with the New ESG Rules of the World and Society” on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 13.00 – 16.30 hrs. at the Komut room on the 29th floor of Bangkok Bank’s head office on Silom Road. Participants in this EP4 will hear insightful perspectives, ideas and corporate strategies from leading automotive manufacturing organizations that focus on integrating ESG factors as their business principles. From challenges to opportunities across borders to expand trade markets, if we are to continue with future global trends, 'ESG strategies' are the new global rules to create sustainable business stability. Topics include:

• "Guidelines for Transforming an Organization to be in line with the New ESG Rules of the World and Society" by Miss Chanaphan Juangroongruangkit, Senior Vice President, Thai Summit Autoparts Industry Co., Ltd.
• “BBL Transformation Loan” “BBL Transformation Loan” by Mr. Sahapol Wannasusri, Thailand Head Metropolitan Business Banking

Customers and interested people can join the free “Digital Transformation For SME-EP4” seminar by simply scanning the QR Code to register. For more information, please call SMEs Group Mr. Kornwut Yaemcharoen Tel. 0-2845-6180, Miss Siripant Nuttra Tel. 0 2845 6181 or Miss Urai Kungwaree Tel. 0 2845 6182.

Bangkok Bank pinpoints India as a new potential market to invest in, advising Thai business people to explore opportunities to expand their market. The Bank is ready to be a "trusted partner" to provide information and loans to support customers to effectively invest in India, pointing out that consumer goods are still in high demand while investing in manufacturing bases in India is a growing trend.

Bangkok Bank President Chartsiri Sophonpanich said India is the fifth largest country in the world and has an economic growth rate of about 6-7% per year. In the next 5-10 years there is an opportunity for Thai business people to increase trade and investment in India. Bangkok Bank is ready to support Thai entrepreneurs who want to expand their business to India by providing business consultation, risk management advice and financial support. We are committed to being a 'trusted partner' that helps Thai businesses adapt and grow strongly and sustainably in this market that has potential.

Bangkok Bank as a "leading regional bank" is ready to provide investment advice with information covering all aspects of the country, including social, cultural norms, and complex regulations, as well as providing financial support related to international trade, such as financing for imports and exports, risk management advice including foreign exchange risk to help Thai businesses invest confidently and expand their market reach smoothly. In addition, the Bank is ready to form partnerships with local banks and financial institutions in India which will help Thai businesses to understand and adapt to the complex and ever-changing financial landscape.

"Currently, the Bank has a large number of Indian customers and Thai customers of Indian descent, both from branches in Thailand and overseas. With the continuous expansion of the Indian economy, the Bank's customers, especially large businesses in a range of industries, have invested in India and many more are expected to invest in the future. The Bank is also in the process of exploring opportunities to open branches in India to meet the needs of customers and investors. At the same time, the Bank is ready to provide information and advice that enables investors to make decisions and make informed investments in the Indian market, " Mr. Chartsiri said

H.E. Mr. Nagesh Singh, the Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, said that investors' understanding of India may still not be accurate as they do not truly know India yet, and this prevents them from investing. However, India has continuous economic growth of an average of 8% per year, accounting for 17% of global GDP, the country is expected to be one of the world's top five countries driving the global economy. India is becoming a rising star country in the region and has access to resources, technology, available labor and low-costs. With the largest population in the world, it is expected that by 2027 India will become the third largest consumer market in the world, making it attractive for investment.

"Thailand and India have had a long-standing relationship with cooperation at both the ASEAN level and as partners in various bilateral frameworks. However, Thai investment in India remains lower than expected. Currently, Thailand's investment in India is ranked number 5th, following Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam," Mr. Nagesh said.

H.E. Ms. Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of Thailand to India, said that trust and confidence are key to doing business in India, and newcomers must be open-minded to familiarize themselves with the Indian market as India is a rising star for investment opportunities, particularly for Thai entrepreneurs. There are several important supporting factors, including transportation connectivity with 328 flights per week, land routes via the India-Thailand-Myanmar trilateral highway, and sea transport facilitated by cooperation between Ranong port and Indian ports. Consumer goods and supply chain products remain in high demand and present significant opportunities in the Indian market as India has a high consumption rate due to having a population of over 1.4 billion. Thai exports that continue to be in demand include food and beverages, which have an export value to India exceeding 1 billion baht, fresh and processed fruit valued which has an export value of over 607 million baht, and home décor and furniture, which are becoming popular due to the changing lifestyle of Indians. Additionally, automotive parts are in demand to support India's position as the world's largest automotive manufacturing hub.

India is also encouraging more entrepreneurs to invest in the country by establishing special economic zones in various cities to support a wide range of industries. The industries that the Indian government prioritizes for support include agriculture and food processing, services, hospitality, furniture manufacturing, and automotive parts. Currently, only about 45 Thai companies have invested in India.

"Products and investments from Thailand are still in high demand in India and there are many market expansion opportunities. For example, New Delhi has only one Thai restaurant despite having a population of 30-40 million people. Thai entrepreneurs looking to invest in India should start by exporting products to familiarize themselves with the market. The India market can be complex because of a mix of national and local regulations, but if businesses are able navigate these challenges, India offers long-term sustainability and growth opportunities,” Ms. Pattarat said.