Money Expo 2007 was held this weekend at the Queen Sirkit Convention Center.  A consumer finance and banking convention, it is designed to educate the public about investing (and credit card debt… sign up now) and is also the place where banks compete to offer tempting home loan rates.

Tawn’s cousin-in-law, Nicha, had told us that in addition to any other loan applications we filled out, to be sure we attended the expo to see if there were any good promotions.  So on Friday evening and then again Saturday we were there.  We did find two good promotions and signed up for them.  Right: Just like in the US, you sign up for a bank account (with ATM Check Card) and you get a free toaster!

While Tawn was doing the paperwork, I walked around and took pictures of this amazing event.  Part Vegas, part half-time show, part Patpong, the banks were targetting consumers by using whatever shock-and-awe techniques they could: pretty girls, pretty boys, costumed mascots, loud music, flashing lights.

Above: Dozens and dozens of loan officers were on hand to sit down with you, sign you up, and sell you on their business.  Below: Two girls from Siam City Bank educate the crowd about the benefits of their bank – free umbrella if you open an account today.

Above: Khrung Thai Bank featured a high-energy dance team with blaring music.  Below: Siam Commercial Bank’s rabbit mascot along with Thanachart Bank’s orange Teletubbies-like mascots. 

 Above: I don’t know what they are, but they sure can dance!