Year 2010

 March

PTT believes investments pay off

By YUTHANA PRAIWAN

PTT Plc spends billions of baht on sports each year as part of its corporate social responsibility programme, says Prasert Bunsumpun, president and CEO of the national energy conglomerate.

"As part of our policy to return our big earnings to society through sports, normally we will focus on the popular sports such as golf and football," he says. "When some [sports] need financial support, or we are asked by the government, since we make a lot of profit each year, we jump in without hesitation.

"Sometimes we are requested by the government to support a sport in the long term in order to pave the way for Thais on world playing fields, so we have taken up both tennis and football."

Sports sponsorship is also good as the outcome of the spending can be evaluated soon after an event, he added.

"Some talented athletes are unable to improve without financial support," said Mr Prasert. "If the budget goes to the right person, he or she might turn pro and help promote Thailand."

Motorsports, of course, are also a natural fit for an oil company since they can be used to market products directly to end users and also build up the brand easily, said Auttapol Rerkpiboon, executive vice-president for CSR.

PTT is best known as the main sponsor of the annual Thailand Open men's tennis tournament, which has attracted names as big as Roger Federer.

"The tournament has drawn a number of top-seeded players," said Mr Auttapol. "They draw the audience and have helped rebuild the image of Thailand, which has been tainted by the political uncertainties of the past few years.

"These events require huge money. We won't say how much, but we set [the budget] cautiously, you can be sure."

By Bangkok Post

March 8, 2010

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