Bangkok--12 Mar--Krungthai Card Krungthai Card Public Company Limited (KTC), a leading consumer finance provider in Thailand, and JCB International Company Limited (JCBI), JCB’s international subsidiary, today announced that KTC starts issuing its first JCB brand card on March 12, 2008, targeting the Japan-conscious segment in Thailand who prefer Japan-related lifestyle, products, and services. The new KTC JCB Kakkoii Card meets the growing needs and demands of Thai fans of Japan with a wide variety of benefits. According to the Japan National Tourist Organization, the number of Thai travelling to Japan was around 125,000 in 2006 and over 160,000 in 2007. KTC will promote the KTC JCB Kakkoii Card to such travellers, aiming to issue 100,000 cards in the first year. “We are very excited to announce the launch of the KTC JCB Kakkoii Card. Creating this epoch-making card is an honor, as this is the first JCB card focusing on a specific lifestyle segment in Thailand”, said Dr. Pongsathorn Siriyodhin, Chairman of KTC. “Currently, Japanese food, fashion, music and culture are increasingly popular in Thailand. I believe that issuing a card product with the JCB brand addresses the potential needs and demands of Thai who prefer Japanese products and lifestyle.” ‘Kakkoii’ is a Japanese word meaning cool, smart, and stylish. The collaboration between one of Thailand’s largest card companies and an international card brand from Japan makes the KTC JCB Kakkoii Card unique. Cardmembers can access JCB Plazas, JCB cardmember exclusive service lounges located in 30 cities around the world, and airport lounges in Japan nationwide. In Thailand, they can enjoy various discounts and other privileges at Japanese restaurants. They also earn double reward points for shopping in Japan. “It is our deepest pleasure to cooperate with KTC as a new JCB issuer in Thailand”, said Mr. Kenji Seto, President and COO of JCBI. “Our new partner has a very unique and broad line-up of cards, covering a wide range of consumer needs and desires in the country, and I believe that their extensive know-how will make the KTC JCB Kakkoii Card a success, as they are expert particularly in the area of lifestyle segment cards”. Major Benefits for KTC JCB cardmembers - Double KTC Forever Reward points for card usage in Japan. - Access to airport lounges in Japan nationwide. - Privileges and discounts at selected merchants in Japan. - Privileges and discounts at Japanese restaurants in Thailand. - Privileges and discounts on air tickets, tours and accommodations to Japan through World Explorer. - Concierge service at JCB Plaza in 30 cities worldwide such as New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc. - Privileges and discounts of JCB Shopping and Dining Passports, exclusive booklet with a wide variety of coupon at JCB merchants at major cities across the world for JCB cardmembers. Initial Promotion (Limited period offer from today until 31st May 2008) Cardmembers who apply the card during the launch campaign can: - Enjoy special discounts for the plane tickets (Bangkok Airways) to Japan (Fukuoka and/or Hiroshima) at 8,500 baht. - Enjoy free make-up workshop with Shiseido worth 3,000 baht. - Enjoy free voucher to dine at YUU restaurants worth 500 baht.About Krungthai Card Public Company Limited or “KTC” Krungthai Card Public Company Limited (KTC) is a leading consumer finance provider in Thailand. It was incorporated in 1996 as a servicing subsidiary company of Krung Thai Bank PCL. (KTB), the second largest commercial bank in Thailand in terms of assets and owns a large distribution network. KTC’s business scope during the period was to operate credit card issuing and acquiring businesses on behalf of KTB. On June 30, 2002, KTB sold the credit card portfolio at net book value to KTC, subsequently transforming KTC into a full consumer finance company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in October 2002. As of 31 December 2007, KTC market capitalization was Baht 7,985 million and KTB still held 47.56% of KTC.About JCB JCB is a major global payment brand and leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding overseas in 1981. Its merchant network includes 13.53 million merchants and spans 190 countries and territories. JCB cards are now issued in 19 countries and territories, with 58.08 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with more than 350 leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to provide responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, visit: www.jcbcorporate.com/english. For more information please contact: Krungthai Card Public Company Limited Public and Corporate Affairs Department Kandtharat Chermchitphong Tel. +66-2828-5057 Suchada Weerasakulrak Tel. +66-2828-5732 Fax: +66-2828-5046 E-mail: [email protected]