Card gives Thais same perks as Chinese

Bangkok Bank collaborated with China UnionPay to create a credit card widely accepted in China, Hong Kong, Macau and 31 other countries worldwide. Thai cardholders will receive the same privileges as local Chinese.

Bangkok Bank Credit Card Division Manager Mr. Shoke Na Ranong said that working with China UnionPay, the largest credit card and debit card provider in China, was another important step for Bangkok Bank's credit card services.

"This emphasizes Bangkok Bank's success and leadership in continuous financial innovation, including credit cards using modern technology. In 2005, the bank replaced magnetic stripes with EMV-chip technology in its credit cards while developing compatible merchant credit card payment terminals. In 2008, we launched the Bangkok Bank Blue Wave credit card, a contactless credit card and launched EMV-chip technology in its debit cards in 2009," said Mr. Shoke.

"The Bangkok Bank China UnionPay credit card will launch on February 2010 coincides with Bangkok Bank’s recent receipt of a license from the Chinese government to operate Bangkok Bank China, a locally incorporated bank in China, which will open on December 28, 2009. We will be the first Thai bank, and one of fewer than 30 foreign banks, to achieve this milestone," he added.

The card is widely accepted by 1,350,000 merchants in China, Hong Kong, Macau and 31 other countries worldwide.