KTC and Samitivej Host Seminar on Wellness & Financial Strength in uncertain times

KTC, in partnership with Samitivej Hospital, hosted the 14th KTC FIT Talk under the theme “Stronger Together: Wellness & Wealth in the Economic Crisis.” The aim was to promote the importance of balanced life planning, focusing on health and financial well-being as a strategy to navigate economic uncertainty today.

Miss Sireerat Corvanich, Head of Credit Card Marketing Division at Krungthai Card Public Company Limited (KTC), stated, “Consumer spending has shifted post-pandemic, with modern consumers focusing on quality of life over short-term convenience. This trend is reflected in KTC's latest data, showing a 50% surge in health-related spending and membership usage. Experts attribute this to increased awareness of well-being and financial planning, driving sustainable and purposeful consumption.”

In 2025, KTC is implementing a strategy to expand more collaborations with health partners both in Bangkok and across other provinces, aiming to build awareness and reach the widest group of KTC members and consumers. The goal is to ensure that wherever members go, they encounter KTC special privileges. This includes the Wellness Lifestyle segment, through partnerships with hospitals, beauty clinics, fitness centers, and distributors of exercise equipment and wearable devices, catering to the lifestyle of modern consumers who prioritize health and well-being for themselves and their families.”

Dr. Norasak Suvachittanont, Cardiology, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, stated, “As technology continues to shape modern healthcare, wearable devices like smartwatches and smart rings are revolutionizing preventive care. These innovations enable early detection of health risks and abnormalities, shifting the focus from reactive treatment to proactive health monitoring. Samitivej Hospital reinforces its leadership in healthcare innovation with Samitivej Wearable Clinic, offering free health consultations through smart devices connected to the Well by Samitivej app. This service provides preliminary health assessments covering sleep, heart health (ECG & Heart), nutrition, exercise, and emotional well-being.”

Wearable health data plays a crucial role in helping physicians better understand a patient’s condition, such as heart rate and oxygen levels. In the future, smartwatches will become essential personal health devices, integrating with telemedicine for real-time, personalized care—accessible anywhere, anytime.

Samitivej Hospital’s expert medical team analyzes wearable data and provides tailored health advice both in-person and through virtual consultations. For more information, contact the Call Center at 0 2022 2222 or reach out via LINE @Samitivej.”

Mr. Apichet Kiatworakun, CFA, Director - Finance, Krungthai Card Public Company Limited (KTC), emphasized the importance of balanced financial and health planning to navigate economic uncertainty in the second half of 2025. He stated, “In today’s fragile economic climate impacted by factors such as trade wars and declining interest rates, Thai consumers must adopt a holistic life plan that covers finances, health, and mental well-being to manage rising uncertainties effectively. While financial literacy among Thais has improved, particularly in areas like thinking before spending and saving habits, there remains a need to strengthen long-term retirement planning and emergency preparedness.

According to the latest data from National Statistical Office (NSO), over 80% of Thais still lack a clear retirement plan, carry significant debt, and often overlook the financial burden of chronic illnesses, which can require substantial treatment costs. Amidst Thailand’s uncertain economic conditions, consumers and KTC members must be more mindful in planning both their finances and health. Working-age individuals should start by tracking income and expenses, setting clear financial goals using budgeting formulas such as 50-30-20 or 60-20-20, maintaining an emergency fund, and investing according to their personal risk tolerance. It’s also important to practice financial discipline by using automatic savings systems, cutting back on unnecessary spending, and reviewing financial plans every 6 months.

For savings and investment strategies to navigate the 2025 economic landscape, particularly in a Selective Underweight environment, it is advisable to focus on utilities, consumer goods, and healthcare products. Consider investing in electronic stocks with diversified international markets rather than those concentrated in a single region. Emphasis should also be placed on domestic consumption stocks that are essential to daily life, while reducing exposure to U.S. export stocks, especially those not benefiting from tax exemptions. In terms of debt instruments, increase allocation to medium and long-term government bonds, and avoid high-risk private debt instruments, such as those tied to real estate. Also consider reducing holdings in inflation-linked bonds due to the current low inflation trend. For gold, gradually increase long-term investment as a hedge, ideally held in USD to mitigate baht fluctuations, or adopt a dollar-cost averaging approach to manage price volatility. However, all investments carry risk. Investors should thoroughly research and assess their risk tolerance before making decisions, especially during periods of economic volatility. We encourage consumers and KTC members to prioritize balanced and disciplined financial and health management as a way to build sustainable resilience for themselves and their families.”

Miss Sireerat added, “KTC card is more than a payment tool; it’s a trusted financial companion that empowers members to spend wisely, set meaningful financial goals, and take responsibility for their lifestyle choices. Designed to support diverse lifestyles, KTC helps members achieve the quality of life they desire—especially young consumers who are shifting their spending focus from convenience to long-term well-being.

KTC members seeking preventive healthcare services through innovative technology or medical care at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, a long-standing KTC health partner, can enjoy exclusive benefits. They can redeem the discount code SMVxKTC for a THB 800 consultation fee waiver at Samitivej Wearable Clinic (excluding hospital service fees) when paying via KTC credit card through the Well by Samitivej application. The offer is valid from May 22, 2025, to August 31, 2025. Additionally, KTC members receive 10% discount on room charges and unlimited cashback on various healthcare services at Samitivej Hospital, subject to spending requirements. This special benefit is available until December 31, 2025.”

Note: It is advisable for credit cardholders to use their cards responsibly and repay the full amount by the due date to avoid a 16% annual interest rate.

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