Nonthaburi - RATCH Group Public Company Limited (RATCH) advances its infrastructure business expansion following its long-term growth strategy. The company recently achieved in a 35% stake acquisition of Things on Net Company Limited (Things on Net) with THB 180-million investment values. It paves the way for RATCH to penetrate into the Internet of Things (IoT) business regarded as fundamental technology for driving the digital economy according to Thailand 4.0 policy, and also provided huge potentials for investment.
Mr. Kijja Sripatthangkura, RATCH CEO, revealed that this marks a next chapter of RATCH in expansion of infrastructure business in line with the strategic business plan, which investment target of infrastructure and related businesses is set no less than 20% of total project investment cost. This joint venture brings the company’s right to jointly participate in Things on Net’s telecommunication network installation and development project, and IoT services in Thailand. In 2020, Things on Net aims to expand base station covering 70% of the country and increase users of the Sigfox’s IoT technology network to 85% of the nation’s population.
“RATCH is pleased to partner with Things on Net, which makes our move into IoT network business confidently. RATCH considered compliments of IoT business in broadening its energy and power-related business as well as fiber optic cable network. Besides, IoT business clearly shows bright opportunity due to high demands of industrial sector that required the production efficiency enhancement, and cost and supply chain management in order to increase competitiveness and reduce the risk of technology disruption. Moreover, digital economy driven by Thailand 4.0 policy is encouraged industrial community to create high value productivity by adding value through technology, creativity and innovation”, said Mr. Kijja.
Things on Net Company Limited is the Thailand sole operator of the Sigfox network, which is a technology of connectivity through Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN). Sigfox network has currently provided its coverage network service over 50 countries globally.