Thai makers join trend for energy-saving

Sopaporn Kurz

Special to The Nation

Frankfurt, Germany

Thai lighting companies are ready to join the energy-efficiency trend which currently dominates the "Light+Building" trade fair in Frankfurt, said two firms taking part in the biggest global show for the industry.

"The predominant trend this year is geared towards energy-saving lighting equipment, particularly the use of LED [light-emitting diodes]," said Surachet Nithascharukul, managing director of Vinic, an established Thai outdoor lighting firm.

LED is an innovation in lighting system. While consuming significantly lower power consumption, it has a much longer lifespan than other bulbs and can produce different shades of light.

As the energy-saving trend has been prevalent the past few years, the company has moved ahead to developed its circuits as well as improve reflectors in the lamps to provide better lighting quality, said Surachet.

LED, unlike other bulbs, requires specifically designed circuitry to function.

By using high-quality materials and complying with international standards, Vinic has been able to export products worldwide, he said.

Surachet added that design was also crucial to its success. "Customers from different regions have different preferences that we need to recognise," he said.

"Ultimately, they all seek good-quality products that are efficient and trustworthy.

"Thai companies must keep up with changing technology and standards to stay competitive in the global market."

Another Thai company is also ready to go global.

"We set up our LED department five years ago. From importing, we now have the technology to customise LED lighting according to our clients' need," said Preecha Techathiphakorn, senior marketing manager of L&E - the only listed lighting company on the Thai stock exchange.

Unlike Vinic, most of L&E's business is domestic.

Besides being exclusive distributor for many lighting brands, L&E also designs and provides lighting services for major commercial properties, government buildings and residential projects.

As a newcomer to the international market, L&E positioned itself as an "OEM" or original equipment manufacturer.

"If the customer provides us with the model, we can produce it because of our manufacturing capability. The response has been very positive," he said.

Both companies agree that most of Thai customers are still unaware about the importance of energy-saving lighting. They are therefore less willing to spend more on efficient lighting equipment.

Surachet urged locals who are price-sensitive to consider the long-term gains that come from buying efficient equipment.

"Lighting products are actually for long-term use, not just a year or two.

"So when you buy low-quality products, they end up as garbage very soon. As such, the trash level in the country is building up unnecessarily."