Bangkok September 2020

THAILAND
BUSINESS NEWS
CENTRAL GROUP’S
“THE 1” LAUNCHES
NEW DIGITAL
LIFESTYLE SCHEME
BUSINESS SUPPLEMENT
Central Group’s “The 1” loyalty
card has now launched a digital
lifestyle scheme, collaborating
with leading digital technology
companies to offer more to its
customers. Approximately 1 billion
baht has been invested in
business alliances with the likes
of digital firms such as Adobe and
Accenture.
Ton Chirathivat, Central The
1 Ltd.’s president, was quoted as
saying, "The new "The 1" platform
was launched earlier this month.
The new platform aims to deliver
the best experience for all lifestyles
of over 17 million users,"
adding, "This latest iteration of
The 1 will renovate Thailand's experience
economy like never before
and is part of Central's digital
transformation."
“The 1” loyalty card and associated
membership boasts 25 per
cent of the entire Thai Population.
It provides users with a way to
collect points on purchases from
a wide variety of outlets including
Central Group stores, Robinsons,
Tops, Family Mart, Power Buy
and many others. These can be
redeemed for coupons, cash and
discounts on over 2,000 brands in
different sectors including hotels,
food outlets, gas stations and
hospitals amongst others.
TESCO LOTUS
OPERATOR TO OPEN
MORE STORES
Ek-Chai, The operator of the ubiquitous
Tesco Lotus stores across
Thailand, intends to open two or
three more new Tesco Lotus hypermarkets
and up to 150 new Tesco
Lotus Express stores during
this year.
The Tesco Lotus Express
stores have been very popular
since they bridge the gap between
convenience stores and the larger
hypermarkets. Customers who
want quick access to a broader
range of products are choosing
Express stores for their ease of
access and parking.
Customer director Vorawan
Phianlikhitwong was quoted as
saying, "To respond to customers'
demands, we've also developed
new retail models: the Tesco-Lotus
pop-up store and the Tesco
Lotus Express kiosk in front of
Tesco Lotus hypermarket," adding,
"The first pop-up store was
opened a few months ago on
Bang Na-Trat Road to access
customers who don't want to visit
our large hypermarket, and two
Tesco Lotus Express kiosks in
front of Tesco Lotus hypermarket,
selling only snacks, coffee
and beverages, were opened five
months ago at Sukhumvit 50 and
Phatthanakan."
LOW COST AIRLINES
NOT SO OPTIMISTIC
ABOUT NEAR-TERM
FUTURE
Budget airlines in Thailand were
under pressure in the first half of
2020 as international travel all
but ground to a halt. Thai Air Asia
stated that it carried 4.8 million
customers in the first half, down
58 per cent. However, this included
the nearly normal months
of January and February. Since
March 22nd borders have been
closed and the second quarter
saw a much sharper downturn.
Meanwhile, Thai Lion Air said
it saw passenger numbers fall
nearly 60 per cent. It is unlikely
that the airline will restart international
flights in the next three
months.
Nuntaporn Komonsittivate,
head of commercial operations
at Thai Lion Air was quoted as
saying, "We've followed developments
from authorities on a daily
basis and have to accept the reality
that border reopening is not
easy, as we need agreement from
both sides.”
The airline is hoping that government
stimulus of the domestic
sector, in particular enticing people
to travel further than driving
distance, will provide a cushion
for the next few months.
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www.Thailand-Business-Supplement.com