Thailand's largest computer show is bombarding visitors with record discounts and longer monthly instalment periods.
A saleswoman provides product details at the annual Commart Summer Sale, a four-day computer and mobile show that runs until Sunday at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.NARUPON HINSHIRANAN
But despite the offerings, this year's Commart Summer Sale kicked off to a slow start yesterday due to weakened consumer spending amid a sluggish economy.
"It's a psychological effect from the economic downturn combined with poor consumer sentiment," said Pornchai Jantarasupasang, director of Arip Plc, organiser of the four-day event at Bangkok's Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
He also acknowledged the proliferation of smartphones and tablets was profoundly changing lifestyles, resulting in new consumer behaviours and expectations regarding the consumption of information and purchases of goods and services.
At the event, discounts of 50-80% are being offered on selected items.
Customers can enjoy instalment payment plans stretched over 10-12 months this year, compared with only six months offered last year.
"The space at this year's event has declined by 10%," Mr Pornchai said, adding that some space was being devoted to non-IT products.
Only 16 computer brands are on hand, compared with up to 40 in recent years.
For the first time, the three major mobile operators — AIS, DTAC and True Move — are not participating.
Mr Pornchai said only 800,000 visitors were expected at this year's event, down from 1 million or more previously.
Transaction value at Commart is expected to be 2.7 billion baht this year, down from an average of 3 billion in the past, he said.
Mr Pornchai said Arip planned to host an online trade show to exhibit innovations and technologies soon.
The highlight of this year's Commart is the Zenbook by Asustek Computer (Thailand), billed as the world's thinnest notebook.
The 13.3-inch ultra-portable laptop is priced at 29,990 baht, which makes it directly competitive with Apple's MacBook Air.
Wearable devices, drones, Thai-invented robot dinosaurs, taxi apps and Internet of Things technology are all being demonstrated at the event.
Jarit Sidhu, senior market analyst at IDC Thailand, said Commart must revolutionise its image to become a technology trade show instead of simply a computer clearance centre in order to survive and attract more visitors.
Overall IT retail spending will not rebound as soon as estimated earlier, he said, due to insufficient government spending and the high level of household debt.
IDC recently forecast Thailand's PC industry was likely to see a substantial first-quarter contraction of 16% year-on-year.