Business

ONE-THAIESG: Thailand’s Top-Performing ESG Fund with Remarkable Returns

Published

2 months ago

November 4, 2024

The ONE-THAIESG fund, Thailand’s high-performing ESG investment fund, is capturing attention with an 8.53% return this year. Managed by One Asset Management (ONEAM), the fund’s success is fueled by strategic tax incentives and market conditions, including U.S. rate cuts and Thailand’s economic resurgence.

ONE-THAIESG: The ESG Fund Dominating Thailand’s Investment Scene

With sustainable investment at its core, ONE-THAIESG is delivering impressive returns, making it a popular choice for Thai investors committed to environmentally and socially responsible portfolios. Here’s how this fund is shaping the future of ESG investments in Thailand.

Why ONE-THAIESG Is Outperforming: Key Drivers Behind the Growth

The 8.53% return achieved by ONE-THAIESG is due to a mix of global economic trends and domestic tax policies that promote sustainable investing.

Policy Rate Cuts and Economic Rebound Drive Gains

The fund’s strong performance aligns with the recent policy rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve, boosting emerging markets like Thailand. This has made the Thai stock market more attractive to ESG investors, enhancing the growth of funds like ONE-THAIESG.

Tax Benefits Encourage Long-Term ESG Investments

The Thai Finance Ministry has introduced generous tax incentives for ESG fund investors. Investors can deduct up to 30% of their taxable income, with a cap of 300,000 baht, provided they remain invested for at least eight years. This initiative has contributed to a substantial increase in sustainable investments in Thailand.

One Asset Management’s Investment Promotions and Special Offers

In addition to tax deductions, ONEAM has rolled out exclusive offers to enhance returns for ONE-THAIESG investors, making it an attractive option in Thailand’s end-of-year investment landscape.

ONEAM’s Year-End Promotion for Loyal Investors

ONEAM is rewarding long-term investors in ONE-THAIESG with bonus fund units. For every 10,000 baht invested in ONE-THAIESG, investors receive units worth 20 baht in ONEAM’s 1AM Daily Fund Class RA (1AM-DAILY RA), with a maximum reward of 600 baht. This offer is available from now until December 30, with a minimum investment of 2,000 baht for new investors.

Reduced Management Fees and Increased Returns

To further boost returns, ONEAM has reduced the management fees for ONE-THAIESG. This cost reduction, combined with the fund’s high returns, positions ONE-THAIESG as a leading ESG investment option in Thailand.

Thai Stock Market Outlook: What’s Next for ONE-THAIESG?

As Thailand’s economy strengthens, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) is also seeing positive projections for key sectors, including communication, real estate, food, banking, and energy.

ONEAM projects an EPS increase in the SET’s prominent sectors, supporting a 12.4% surge in EPS. This growth is expected to push the SET index to 1,470 points this year, with a target of 1,640 points by 2025.

A Strong Year for Dividend and Tax-Deductible Stock Funds

With the expected increase in EPS, Thailand’s stock market offers favorable conditions for tax-deductible and dividend-based stock funds. ONEAM encourages investors to consider ONE-THAIESG and other tax-deductible funds as reliable options amid market volatility.

Beyond ONE-THAIESG: The ONE-ULTRAPLUS and SSF Investment Options

For investors seeking additional tax-saving opportunities, ONEAM highlights its One Ultra Income Plus Fund (ONE-ULTRAPLUS) as another high-return option.

The ONE-ULTRAPLUS Fund’s Strong Performance and Insurance Benefits

Since its launch, ONE-ULTRAPLUS has achieved a 9% return, and investors holding 4,500 units or more are eligible for life and health insurance benefits through Muang Thai Life Assurance Plc.

SSF Fund Promotions for Sustainable Investors

For investors interested in Super Savings Funds (SSFs), ONEAM provides incentives, including units in the 1AM-DAILY RA fund worth 20 baht for every 10,000 baht invested. This offer allows investors to maximize their tax deductions up to 30%, capped at 200,000 baht.

Conclusion: ONE-THAIESG Leading Thailand’s ESG Investment Boom

ONE-THAIESG’s impressive 8.53% return and strategic benefits make it a top choice for ESG-focused investors in Thailand. ONEAM’s additional rewards, tax incentives, and the Thai government’s support for sustainable investment create a favorable environment for long-term growth. As Thailand’s economy rebounds, ONE-THAIESG stands out as a leading ESG fund, paving the way for responsible and profitable investing.

Ref – Thaiger

Business

Thailand Commits to Becoming an AI Learning Hub

Published

2 weeks ago

December 5, 2024

Wadi

Ministers Announce Plans for AI Governance Collaboration

Thailand is dedicated to advancing global trust in artificial intelligence (AI) governance and establishing itself as a learning hub for AI through collaboration with UNESCO, according to Prasert Jantararuangthong, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES). This initiative aims to enhance the ethical application of AI technologies while fostering skilled professionals in the field.

Goals for AI Workforce Development

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has set ambitious goals to increase the number of AI-skilled workers by adding 30,000 engineers over the next three years. This plan includes generating 100 AI innovations valued at 40 billion baht and promoting AI adoption across 600 agencies nationwide.

Significant Increase in AI Adoption Rates

According to the AI Readiness Measurement 2024 report by the Electronic Transactions Development Agency and the National Science and Technology Development Agency, AI adoption plans among Thai organizations have reached 73.3%, reflecting an increase of nearly 20 percentage points year-on-year. This surge indicates a growing recognition of the importance of AI in various sectors.

Hosting the UNESCO Global Forum on AI Ethics

On Wednesday, the DES Ministry, MHESI, the Education Ministry, and UNESCO announced their partnership to host the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI 2025, themed “Ethical Governance of AI in Motion.” This event is scheduled to take place from June 24 to 27, 2025, in Bangkok and will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration on AI governance.

Commitment to Ethical AI Implementation

Prasert emphasized that Thailand’s commitment aligns with UNESCO’s AI Readiness Assessment framework, which is recognized globally. The country has recently introduced key frameworks such as the AI Governance Guideline for Executives and the Generative AI Governance Guideline for Organizations. These resources aim to ensure responsible and transparent implementation of AI at all organizational levels.

Multilateral Collaboration for Developing Countries

The upcoming forum is expected to foster multilateral collaboration and build AI governance capacity in developing countries. It highlights Thailand’s dedication to global trust in AI governance while positioning itself as a leader in ethical AI practices.

Integration of AI Technologies Across Industries

Suphachai Jaismut, vice-minister for MHESI, stated that Thailand is prepared to integrate AI technologies across various industries, driven by a commitment to advancing research and development (R&D). This integration is crucial as Southeast Asia’s digital economy continues to grow rapidly.

Addressing Challenges in the Digital Economy

While advancements in AI infrastructure are promising, challenges such as the digital divide and job displacement due to automation remain significant concerns. Xing Qu, deputy director-general for UNESCO, emphasized that building peace through education, science, and culture is vital in an era where AI increasingly influences societies and economies.

Business

Thailand to Finalise Free Trade Agreement with EFTA by January 2024

Published

3 weeks ago

December 1, 2024

Ashley Wings

Thailand is preparing to finalise a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) by January 2024. The agreement marks Thailand’s first FTA with a European trade bloc and is expected to bolster exports, attract investments, and enhance Thailand’s position in the global economy.

EFTA Partnership: A Milestone in Thailand’s Trade Strategy

Who Are EFTA Members?

The EFTA comprises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, offering Thailand access to lucrative European markets.

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan highlighted the FTA’s importance, describing it as a pivotal step for economic growth and trade expansion.

“This is Thailand’s inaugural FTA with a European bloc, setting a precedent for modern trade standards and sustainable development goals,” said Pichai.

Comprehensive Scope of the Agreement

What Does the FTA Cover?

The FTA includes 15 broad areas designed to modernise trade relations and foster sustainable development. Key areas include:

Trade in Goods
Rules of Origin
Investment Opportunities
Trade Facilitation
Intellectual Property Rights
Sustainability and SMEs Development

Future Expansion Opportunities

The FTA is seen as a stepping stone toward future trade agreements with other significant partners, including the European Union, advancing Thailand’s global trade ambitions.

Economic Impact of the Thailand-EFTA Trade Partnership

Surging Trade Figures

Between January and October 2023, trade between Thailand and the EFTA exceeded US$10 billion, accounting for 2.03% of Thailand’s global trade and reflecting a 23.22% year-on-year growth.

Key Thai Exports and Imports

Exports to EFTA: Jewellery, watches, canned seafood, machinery, cosmetics, and rice.
Imports from EFTA: Gems, gold, pharmaceuticals, scientific equipment, and fresh seafood.

The agreement is expected to further diversify and increase Thailand’s trade portfolio.

Next Steps: Approval and Implementation

High-Level Signing at WEF Davos

The FTA will be presented to the Thai Cabinet for approval before its official signing at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2024. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Commerce Minister Pichai will attend the signing ceremony.

Ratification and Rollout

Following Parliamentary approval, the agreement will be ratified, paving the way for implementation and significant contributions to Thailand’s GDP growth.

A Strategic Vision for Thailand’s Future

The Thailand-EFTA Free Trade Agreement aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s vision of positioning Thailand as a global trade hub. By establishing this partnership, Thailand is set to achieve:

Increased export opportunities
Enhanced foreign investment
Strengthened trade ties with Europe

As the January deadline approaches, Thailand’s first European trade agreement symbolizes a bold step toward economic transformation, underscoring its commitment to modernisation, sustainability, and global collaboration.

Business

Thai Airways Secures 44 Billion Baht to Propel Post-Rehabilitation Future

Published

3 weeks ago

December 1, 2024

Ashley Wings

Thai Airways International (THAI) has secured approximately 44 billion baht through a share rights offering, marking a significant milestone in its recovery journey. The move is set to bring the national carrier closer to exiting its court-supervised debt restructuring process and resuming stock trading by mid-2025.

Thai Airways is offering 9.82 billion new shares to existing shareholders at 4.48 baht per share. This capital infusion represents the final phase of its restructuring, aimed at ensuring financial stability and market re-entry.

“This marks a critical step before the airline resumes operations as a publicly traded entity,” said a Cabinet source.

Government’s Role: Strategic Investment Without State Enterprise Status

Maintaining a National Flag Carrier

The Thai government has announced plans to increase its investment in Thai Airways while ensuring it does not revert to a state enterprise.

Current Stake: The Finance Ministry holds 47.9% of THAI shares.
Post-Restructuring: The ministry, the Vayupak Fund, and the Government Savings Bank will collectively own around 40% of the airline.

“This structure ensures Thai Airways remains a national flag carrier while avoiding direct state control,” confirmed Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.

Debt Conversion and Shareholder Dynamics

Debt-to-Equity Swap Secures Creditor Support

Thai Airways’ creditors have agreed to convert approximately 53 billion baht of debt into equity as part of the rehabilitation plan. This move aligns with THAI’s efforts to stabilize its financial position.

The Council of State approved the recapitalization as a legitimate component of the restructuring process.
Despite debates over the Finance Ministry’s voting rights during the creditor meetings, officials clarified that the debt-to-equity swap remains incomplete, allowing the ministry to retain creditor status.

Path to Recovery

THAI is expected to exit rehabilitation by February 2025.
The airline plans to resume stock trading by May 2025, paving the way for a return to the public market.

Broader Implications for Thai Airways

Strengthened Financial Position

The successful share rights offering bolsters Thai Airways’ financial resilience, ensuring the airline’s ability to navigate post-rehabilitation challenges.

National Pride and Strategic Vision

The government’s balanced approach highlights its commitment to preserving Thai Airways’ status as a national carrier while encouraging operational independence.

Soaring Toward a Brighter Future

Thai Airways’ 44 billion baht share rights offering symbolizes its steady progress toward financial recovery and operational excellence. With strong government support and strategic restructuring, the airline is poised to regain its position as a leading player in the global aviation market by 2025. This pivotal moment underscores THAI’s resilience and its importance to Thailand’s economic and cultural identity.