Lao Telecom, CPN unveil new marketing scheme

Lao Telecom and Central Pattana Public Company Limited (CPN) of Thailand have joined together to develop a marketing strategy that will feature new promotions for existing Lao Telecom customers while attempting to attract more tourists to Thailand.
A press conference to announce the Kin Khao Nam Kan marketing scheme was held in Vientiane on Wednesday and was chaired by Lao Telecom deputy directorgeneral Chitpasong Noukeokaisone and CPN senior vice president Kantaphon Phanitrat and attended by administrators and staff of the two companies.
The aim of the scheme will be to create new Lao Telecom promotions, especially for those customers who use MPhone refills or monthly international roaming services when travelling across the Thai border to shop at CPN’s own Central Plaza Udon Thani.
Customers only need to enter the password “USSD” on their mobile phones at restaurants in Central Plaza Udon Thani participating in the programme to receive a host of privileges almost immediately.
For CPN, the aim is to attract the large numbers of tour groups that come across from Laos to spend their money on products at the Central Plaza Udon Thani, especially the 11 designated restaurants participating in the programme.
The participating restaurants include Laem Charoen Seafood, Sukishi Chacoal Grill, Sizzler, MK Restaurants, Black Canyon, Gelate, Auntie Anne’s, Sweet Garden, Bumble Bee, Wawacha and Centara.
Some of the privileges being offered to customers will include free food, discounts on meals and other purchases, as well as cash cards to be used instore. 
The initial scheme will only provide these services for a trial period of two months, until May 29. If the programme is effective, the companies will partner again to extend the programme or to perhaps roll out new product promotions.
CPN chose to cooperate with Lao Telecom as it saw the company as one of the leading communication providers in the country while there have also been a high number of Laotians shopping and travelling in Thailand on holiday, in particular in Udon Thani and Nong Khai.