Thailand's dealmaking cycle is predicted to peak in 2019, with the value of both mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and initial public offerings (IPO) forecast to climb over the next two years, before easing back in 2020, according to the third edition of the Global Transactions Forecast, issued by Baker McKenzie and Oxford Economics. Globally, the easing of key economic and political risks and the emergence of positive macroeconomic deal drivers will accelerate global deal activity in 2018, after a period of apprehension for global dealmakers early last year.Following on the momentum created in recent months, the new survey predicts the global deal cycle to peak this year, while Thailand and the wider Asia-Pacific region are set to peak a year later."After a few soft patches in 2017 we have a more optimistic outlook for the global economy and dealmaking in 2018, as long as the brakes are not put any further on global free trade," said Paul Rawlinson, the global chair of Baker … [Read more...] about Thailand IPO and M&A activity to peak in 2019
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Thailand, China central banks renew swap deal
The Bank of Thailand and the central bank of China have agreed on a currency swap agreement to foster their trade and investment ties. The Bank of Thailand and the central bank of China have agreed on a currency swap agreement to foster their trade and investment ties.The People's Bank of China announced on Monday the decision to extend the swap deal between the two central banks for another three years, the Xinhua news agency reported.The agreement allows the Chinese central bank to swap 70 billion yuan for 370 billion baht to facilitate their trade and investments, it added.The three-year deal was signed by the two central banks in 2014. … [Read more...] about Thailand, China central banks renew swap deal
IBM Thailand predicts AI upheaval in customer service this year
The next 12 months will bring huge shifts to the call centre and customer service industry, says IBM Thailand. After years of lagging behind customers' needs and expectations, the future of call centres and customer service is being shaped by artificial intelligence (AI). Kittipong Asawapichayon, country manager of the software group for IBM Thailand, said more than US$1 trillion (32.2 trillion baht) is spent on 265 billion customer service calls each year, but the call centre industry is underperforming and struggling to evolve, relying on ageing analogue systems and interactive voice response technology.Only 36% of contact centres are able to track a customer journey that spans multiple channels, and a mere 17% can locate problem hot spots that negatively affect the customer experience. Existing customer service automation solutions have significantly reduced company costs, but have not led to higher customer satisfaction, he said.Increasingly, customers are only choosing voice … [Read more...] about IBM Thailand predicts AI upheaval in customer service this year
New cars for Thailand in 2018
More and more SUVs are coming this year ranging from a budget-priced seven-seater up to a super exotica. Less than B1m*Like archrival Chevrolet, Ford is set to become a pickup and SUV specialist in Thailand. To help underscore this mission, Ford will introduce a flagship model of its Ranger pickup next month boasting macho looks and off-road addendum. What remains to be seen is whether the Raptor will inherit Ford’s latest 10-speed automatic transmission already used in the US. Rumours indicate that the Raptor will be priced well over one million baht, despite the lesser WildTrak costing less than that level.*After launching in Japan for around a year already, Suzuki’s latest Swift is set to hit Thai showrooms next month with a bigger body albeit mildly evolved design. The current 1.2-litre petrol engine is claimed to be uprated with dual fuel-injectors per cylinder for maintained performance but better fuel economy. Expect Ecocar pricing of some 500,000-750,000 baht.*Two … [Read more...] about New cars for Thailand in 2018
Nissan shortlists Thailand for EV facility
Japanese car maker Nissan Motor Co has shortlisted Thailand as a key candidate for its EV manufacturing facility in Asia-Pacific, even as the local market for electric vehicles (EV) remains tepid. Yutaka Sanada, Nissan's senior vice-president for Asia and Oceania, told the Bangkok Post Thailand is one of its key candidates to house the EV facility because its Yokohama-based parent firm has invested heavily in factories in Samut Prakan, which now have a production capacity of 370,000 vehicles per year.Nissan also runs its R&D unit and proving ground adjacent to the plant, called Nissan Technical Center South East Asia, its third outside of Japan and the hub for Asean."I think all the promotional schemes and the Thailand 4.0 policy are set to drive future EV manufacturing in Thailand. Nissan is conducting a feasibility study for its eco-friendly models in the Asean market," he said."Once we see any acceleration of EVs in Thailand or around the region, Nissan can localise … [Read more...] about Nissan shortlists Thailand for EV facility