Siam Commercial Bank has forged unprecedented cooperation with Google in the partnership for Google My Business to helpThai small-and medium-size entrepreneurs (SMEs) get online on Google Search and Google Maps via Google My Business.

With the move, SCB is Thailand’s first and currently only bank allowing SMEs to immediately map their locations on Google Maps and create business identity to be found through Google Search via Google My Business. This provides both shops and clients with an easy way to match the shop with customers and leads to enhanced sale channels and significantly increased potential sales volumes for SMEs.

From left to right
Ms. Apichaya Taechamahapun. Head of Channel Sales, Thailand, Vietnam and Mainland SEA, Mr. Michael Jittivanich, Head of Marketing, Google Thailand, Mr. Matthew Heller, Director – Channel Sales, Southeast Asia & India, Mr. Arthid Nanthawithaya, CEO, Dr. Arak Sutivong, President, Mr. Sarut Ruttanaporn, President and Mr. Thana Thienachariya, SEVP, Chief Marketing Officer

SCB President, Dr. Arak Sutivong noted that SMEs are facing rapid changes in the wake of technology disruption, so the bank is determined to help enhance their competitiveness by offering alternative financial solutions and a team of experienced business advisors.

We are working closely with our clients to thoroughly understand their businesses to enable us to serve their business needs effectively.

Dr. Arak said that the business plan implemented under the bank’s “Going Upside Down” strategy features applying technology and selecting business partners with a common goal, particularly those with digital leadership, to serve its clients’ needs as much as possible. In this case, SCB and Google have the same perspective and common intention of propelling Thai SMEs to enjoy continued growth and help them adapt to a changing environment in the future. Both organizations share the view that most Thai SMEs have not made use of technology to the extent possible. For instance, the number of Thai SMEs with their own websites is only 13%, which is rather small when compared with the number of consumers shifting to using digital platforms.

Because of this, SCB and Google saw an opportunity to forge cooperation to make the “Digital Commerce Ecosystem” happen and the need to enter into a partnership under which both organizations are well-equipped to cater to Thai SMEs’ needs when running online businesses.

SCB and Google began working together last year to assist Thai SMEs in mapping their shop locations on Google My Business at any SCB branch nationwide. This enables SMEs to open online shops in as little as 30 minutes, and gives them enhanced sales business opportunities because clients can search for data about the shops immediately using the Google platform, and Google Maps to conveniently guide them to the shops.

Google Thailand Head of Marketing, Mr. Michael Jittivanich mentioned “Consumers tend to search for shops and business online. SMEs are becoming more aware that they need to have an online presence to be found by customers. Google My Business is a free service allowing SMEs to create a presence on Google Search and Google Maps so that customers can find them and the directions to their stores. It allows businesses to stand out by sharing useful information on Google such as through updating business info and posts. Businesses can also engage with their customers through responding to reviews. It is a great pleasure that we get to work with SCB to help grow Thai SMEs together”

SCB President Mr. Sarut Ruttanaporn added the cooperation underlined the bank’s strong determination to enhance Thai SMEs’ competence in every dimension. With the service, SMEs will be well-equipped to conduct business in the digital era as their shops will enjoy an increased number of clients and higher sales volumes.

“With our nationwide branch network, we know clients in local areas and our staff visit and introduce them to map locations on Google My Business. It helps us fulfill our SME clients’ need for enhanced business channels. Many clients are contacting our branches for this service, furthering business activities with the bank.”

At present, he said, the bank has managed to onboard more than 100,000 shops on Google My Business. And welcome Thai SME shops across the country to pin up their business via Google My Business at SCB branches nationwide.