At A Glance
MASKS HANDED TO MOTORCYCLE TAXI DRIVERS
Grab Thailand has provided 2,000 face masks to motorcycle taxi drivers in Bangkok’s central business district areas to reduce the negative health impacts of Bangkok’s air pollution. The drivers will also pass the masks to their passengers. The masks, of N95 standard, are capable of blocking at least 95 per cent of tiny airborne particles 0.3 microns in diameter.
Vee Charununsiri, head of Business Development of Grab Thailand, said: “We have concerns for the health of motorcycle taxi drivers who are frequently exposed to city’s air pollution as they spend an average of 10 hours working on the road. Many of them are our GrabBike driver-partners and we are committed to improve their livelihood. The N95 masks will also be offered to passengers to reduce the exposure to urban air pollution.”
In late January 2018, Thailand’s capital experienced smog over a period of several days. According to the Pollution Control Department, Bangkok’s air quality level was considered unhealthy for its residents. Assessments showed that the levels of particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) in most areas in Bangkok were higher than the Thai PM2.5 daily standard of 50 microgrammes per cubic metre of air.
AMERICANO OUT FOR THE SUMMER
Nescafe, the favorite coffee enjoyed by generations of Thai consumers for over 40 years, is shaking up the Bt1.4-billion Thai coffee mixes market with its latest product innovation – new Nescafe Americano, The New Black, specially designed for the cool and modern generation of coffee drinkers. New Nescafe Americano is the world’s first cafe-style black coffee mix from Nescafe. It’s blended with finely-ground roasted Arabica coffee using Nescafe’s unique proprietary technology to bring smoothness and a superior taste & aroma to your cup. New Nescafe Americano is soluble in cold water, easy to prepare in an iced cup, which is perfect for the summer.
It also is low in calories, with only 35 k cal per stick, and is certified with the Healthier Choice logo, which means coffee lovers can enjoy New Nescafe Americano without worrying about sugar and fat content.
Nescafe will implement an integrated marketing campaign and point-of-purchase materials to launch the new product, aiming to make it the new black coffee choice for the new generation.
Iced coffee has become tremendously popular over the past few years. The new generation of coffee drinkers are seeking a cool new experience and a healthier cup, especially iced Americano coffee, which is the perfect choice for the summer.
Based on the social media,, iced Americano is the type of iced coffee most talked about by Thailand’s online community. In addition, data from Google Trends shows interest in Americano Coffee has grown significantly since last year, as more and more people search for the term.
Research on Thai consumers’ coffee consumption revealed that 1 in 5 Thai consumers now drink black coffee. Thai coffee lovers prefer the intense flavor of real coffee, which makes them feel more refreshed.
Iced coffee consumption is also a rising trend, doubling from 20 per cent to 40 per cent over the past two years, and an increasing number of Thai consumers want to make the perfect iced cup at home.
LATEST QUAD-CAMERA SMARTPHONE ON SALES
Huawei has lannched the Y9 2018 quad-camera smartphone that comes with punchy specs, priced at Bt6,990.
The new phone features dual front cameras (16 and 2 megapixel resolutions) and dual rear cameras (13 and 2 megapixel resolutions), 4,000 mAh battery matching those of much more expensive flagship smartphones, 5.93-inch Huawei Full View Display with 18:9 aspect ratio, Face Unlock and Fingerprint screen unlock features, dual SIM support, external storage support for up to 256 GB, Kirin 659 Octa-core processor, and AndroidTM 8.0 operating system with EMUI 8.0 user interface.
Huawei is offering a Body Fat Scale worth Bt2,990 as gift for its customers who pre-order a HUAWEI Y9 2018 between March 16 - 29 March at any Huawei Brand Shop or dealer nationwide as well as participating online stores. Sales will officially start on March 30.
PRICE FOR RANGER RAPTOR TO BE ANNOUNCED
Ford to Announce Pricing for Ranger Raptor, Offer Promotions on Full Ford Lineup at Bangkok International Motor Show 2018
Ford will announce Thailand retail pricing for the highly-anticipated Ranger Raptor at the upcoming Bangkok International Motor Show 2018, where the company’s first and only factory-built, high-speed off-road performance truck in Asia Pacific will be showcased from March 28 - April 8.
The company will also start accepting customer orders for the Ranger Raptor at the Motor Show and at all Ford dealerships across the country, with customer deliveries starting later this year. The Raptor combines the Ranger’s ‘Built Ford Tough’ credentials with Ford Performance DNA to deliver a pickup that truly delivers a new benchmark in off-road capability.
In addition to the Raptor, Ford will showcase its Ranger lineup, including the high-series Wildtrak, premium Ranger FX4, XLT, as well as the more utilitarian XL and XLS variants.
Ford will showcase its popular Everest mid-size SUV and EcoSport compact SUV. The Everest’s bold design, driver-assist technologies, refined interior, on-road comfort and off-road capability continues to define consumer expectations for its segment.
The E85 compatible EcoSport delivers exceptional value for money and appeals to modern urban lifestyles by combining small-car practicality with the agility and versatility of an SUV.
Also on display will be the Focus EcoBoost Turbo 1.5L engine, with its modern design and equipped with a number of advanced technologies.
SUPER BRAND WINNER FOR TENTH YEAR IN A ROW
Rod Routley, managing director of Watsons Thailand, on behalf of Watsons Thailand, a major health and beauty retailer in Thailand, recently received an award from Mike English, managing director, Superbrands Organisation, after Watsons was selected as one of the super brands in 2017 (Superbrands Thailand 2017).
Watsons has won this award for 10 consecutive years, proving the strength and reliability of the brand as the market leader. The result was the judgement of the Superbrands council and was announced at the event held at the Siam Paragon.
