Hong Kong, China – The devastating No. 3 alarm fire at New Lucky House in Jordan has left the city mourning the tragic loss of life and injuries. Chief Executive John Lee expressed deep sadness over the incident, extending condolences to the injured and the families of the deceased.
Lee’s response to the fire underscored the importance of the situation, instructing various departments, including the Hospital Authority, the Hong Kong Police Force, and the Fire Services Department to investigate the cause of the fire and provide necessary care to the victims. Additionally, the Home Affairs Department, Social Welfare Department, and other relevant agencies were directed to offer support to the affected families and residents.
On a different note, a recent development in the finance sector has connected Hong Kong and Thailand through seamless cross-border QR payments. The collaboration between the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Bank of Thailand has enabled travelers from both regions to make retail payments using mobile applications, facilitating transactions through FPS QR codes in Hong Kong and PromptPay QR codes in Thailand.
In response to queries in the Legislative Council, Acting Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr. Joseph Chan, highlighted the initiative’s success in promoting safe and convenient retail payments between the two regions. The FPS x PromptPay Link has seen significant participation from Thai merchants, with an estimated growth in transaction amounts expected in the current year.
Chan emphasized the commitment to expanding the application of the FPS, which now includes various transactions beyond person-to-person transfers. The collaboration between Hong Kong and Thailand aims to enhance cross-border payment connectivity, providing visitors with convenient payment options during their travels.
Efforts to increase the number of participating merchants and financial institutions in the FPS x PromptPay Link are underway to attract more travelers to utilize the service. Public awareness campaigns and promotional offers have been introduced to encourage the use of cross-border QR code payments, with positive feedback received from Hong Kong travelers in Thailand since the initiative’s launch.
Overall, the connection between Hong Kong and Thailand through seamless cross-border QR payments reflects a significant advancement in financial services, providing convenience and efficiency to travelers in both regions. The ongoing collaboration between the financial authorities in Hong Kong and Thailand signals a promising future for cross-border payment initiatives in the region.