The Company is exposed to the foreign exchange rate fluctuation risk as the principal revenues of the Company are denominated in Thai Baht currency, while parts of the Company’s expenditures are denominated in foreign currencies. Such expenditures can be partly classified as expenditures relating to long-term loans which are denominated in foreign currencies, and partly as capital expenditures or operating costs which are denominated in foreign currencies (such as trade creditors from purchasing of equipment and devices).
As at 31 December 2013, the Company’s long-term loans which are denominated in foreign currencies were THB 460.32 million, or 1.5 per cent of the total liabilities of the Company. However, since the long-term loans which are denominated in foreign currencies have a definite repayment term, the Company has hedged this exposure against the foreign exchange rate fluctuation risk by entering into cross currency swap contracts, covering the definite repayment term of such loans.
For the risk management of accounts payable for the purchase of equipment and devices, the Company earns part of the incomes denominated in foreign currencies from the international roaming services (natural hedge). The Company will subsequently consider the use of proper financial instruments to manage and control the risk which may arise from foreign exchange rate.
Although the Company has entered into hedging contracts against the foreign exchange rate fluctuation risk in relation to all or almost all of its liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, the Company cannot be assured that the Company would receive the best offer or conditions in entering into each hedging contract under the condition of the foreign exchange market at that particular time. This may cause an increase in the operating costs of the Company.