T-AB January 2024

January 2024

T-AB

THAI-AMERICAN BUSINESS

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Thai-American Business ISSN-T-A 0125-0191

Contents

January 2024

LETTER 06

Executive Director

FEATURES 08

Creativity Beyond Limits: How AI is Transforming the Creative Industry

LEGAL UPDATES 12

Use of Intellectual Property in Development of Generative AI

14

Data Breach: What Can a Data Controller Do in Thailand?

GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT 16

17

18

AMCHAM Thailand Meets Representatives from the Progressive Policy Institute

19 MEMBER NEWS 20

ONYX Hospitality Group Takes a Step Towards Sustainability

EVENTS

Roundtable Meeting with Dr. Tongthong Chandransu, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Chairperson of Regulatory Reform Committee for Ease of Doing Business

22

Factory Floor Internet of Things and Digital Transformation

24

Festive Eggnog Party

Healthcare Council Meeting

25

Environmental Policies and Their Influence on Global and Thai Trade and Investment

AMCHAM Thailand Meets Representatives from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 19

Cultural Diplomacy Unleashed - The Power of Creativity

16 4

Amata’s Sustainable Initiative

Thai Tax on Foreign-Sourced Income

NEW MEMBERS 26

Welcome New Members

24

it’s only human to power a brighter future We believe that the future of energy lies in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating greenhouse gases, thereby ensuring a sustainable and resilient world in all aspects.

Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production Limited is committed to advancing technology in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from operations while enhancing the utilization of renewable energy in our production processes to support Thailand's carbon neutrality target by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065.

www.chevron.com/sustainability

Letter from the Excutive Director Dear Members, AMCHAM BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2023 PRESIDENT Ornkanya (Mook) Pibuldham, Bank of America N.A.

VICE PRESIDENTS Wiyada Srinaganand, 3M Thailand Chatit Huayhongtong, Chevron Peerasak Gamonsugosol, Honeywell Systems Charles Blocker, IC Partners

TREASURER Simon Denye, Harmless Harvest

SECRETARY Eliot Delunas, Nitro Labs

GOVERNORS Lena Ng, Amata Corporation PCL Narumon Chivangkur, Citibank Ravi Bordia, Kenvue Jonathan Wood, Mastercard Asama (Prae) Dumrongmongcolgul, Meta Ririnda Tangtatswas, Minor International John Evans, Tractus

BOARD ADVISORS David Lyman, Tilleke & Gibbins AMCHAM President in 1975, 1986

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Heidi Gallant T-AB Magazine is a publication by The American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand.

101 True Digital Park, Griffin Building, Level 12A, Unit No.12A-06, Sukhumvit Road, Bangchak, Phra Khanong, Bangkok 10260 Tel: +66 (0)2 119 3350

AMCHAM once again kicked off the year with our leadership wide Strategy Session where our newly appointed 2024 Board Governors, Committee and Council Co-Chairs came together to brainstorm and collaborate on programming, member services, and key advocacy directions for the coming year. Each year I am inspired to see the depth and breadth of expertise among our volunteer leaders, which includes over 100 top executives and leading professionals across every field. This year we welcomed 25 new Committee and Council Co-Chairs to our community, who bring fresh perspectives and ideas to serve alongside their experienced fellow leaders. Judging from the energy in the room and the conversations I overheard, AMCHAM members can look forward to some great Committee and Council-led programming.

We also have some exciting new activities in the works for 2024. We are finalizing plans for an upcoming AMCHAM visit to Parliament, to observe the government at work – registration will open soon, so keep an eye on your calendar. Later this year, we will be collaborating with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Thai Chamber of Commerce on a U.S.-Thai Business Summit which will bring together key investors and businesses in Thailand and US to address the top priorities faced by both countries, and identify opportunities to work together to strengthen the investment climate in Thailand. All of this is in addition to our usual scheduled events which you can find here.

www.amchamthailand.com Editorial Advisory Board: Heidi Gallant Editorial Team: Varsha Wadhwani, Gawinnart Phupianlert, Aphirak Klayna, Nutcha Sangthai Any opinions expressed in articles in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the Chamber.

T-AB Magazine welcomes contributions from AMCHAM

Meanwhile, we are looking forward to bringing our new cohort of AMCHAM scholarship recipients to Bangkok for their Orientation Camp from January 29-31. These deserving students will attend workshops provided by AMCHAM member volunteers designed to deliver key life skills and allow them to look ahead to their future careers after graduation.

I wish you all a great start to 2024 and look forward to seeing you at an AMCHAM event soon!

members. Articles may be reproduced with acknowledgement, except those taken from other sources.

Sincerely, Heidi Gallant Executive Director

FEATURE

Creativity Beyond Limits: How AI is Transforming the Creative Industry

By Alex Bestall of Rightsify, Nattabhorn Buamahakul of VERO Advocacy, and Phuc Ngo and Khine Zar Thwe of Rover

Earlier this year, Coca-Cola launched a first-ofits-kind AI platform to engage digital artists, ad creatives, and fans to generate original artwork with iconic creative assets from the brand’s archives. At a time when the creative and advertising industry feared the potential displacement of human talent by artificial intelligence, the beverage company initiated a campaign to empower creatives to collaborate with generative AI. It was a bold move, even a risky stance of deploying a largely uncharted technology — but it gave the world more than just a glimpse of the future. As the beverage company’s CEO James Quincey said, “not taking the risk is a hopeless point of view to start from”.

The creative and advertising economy is currently undergoing a significant transformation, pushing industry players beyond boundaries that have been in place for decades. With generative AI thrust into the mainstream, it would be more challenging for brands to escape its long shadow 8

than to leverage its power in driving the best possible business outcomes.

Democratizing the Creative Industry For a long time, advertising was a game dominated by big players. Only massive corporations with substantial budgets could afford grand campaigns from top-tier agencies, leaving small businesses to rely on traditional methods and word-of-mouth to make a mark in the market.

Thanks to the latest innovations, even the smallest businesses create extensive ads.

Generative AI has given industry players a considerably more level playing field to reach customers and forge brand loyalty. Marketers, creative producers, graphic designers, and copywriters are learning to break free from traditional practices and create quality creative content that was seemingly out of reach just a few years ago.

become pivotal in making creative content accessible globally. As the world’s largest streaming service, Netflix has significantly intensified its localization efforts with high-quality subtitles and dubs. Netflix’s global success stems from its ability to make its content, wherever it may be produced, to be culturally relevant to international audiences.

This shift did not and will not shake up the big names in advertising, as many fear. However, it is a game-changer for small companies with big ambitions. With AI offering a fair chance to join the transformation of the advertising and creative industry, brands and marketers can revolutionize personalization at scale, using customer insights and creativity to craft tailored and engaging content that resonates with individual customers on a deeper level.

The technology conglomerate Meta rolled out its first generative AI features for advertisers, allowing customization of creative assets by generating multiple diverse backgrounds to change the look of product images. Creating varied backgrounds for product images traditionally involved costly and time-consuming commercial shoots. Meta’s generative AI streamlines this process, allowing brands to efficiently customize visuals based on the preferences and characteristics of their target markets. This reduces the logistical challenges associated with multiple photo shoots and opens new possibilities for agile and responsive marketing strategies, regardless of the size of the business.

Bridging the Language Gap, Capturing Global Audiences The goal of the creative and advertising industry is to reach as wide an audience as possible, connecting people across geographical boundaries and diverse cultures. However, language differences hinder effective communication. Just imagine if your favorite Korean or Thai dramas were devoid of translation options.

To address this linguistic challenge, AI-driven language translation and localization tools have

Concurrently, Disney’s commitment to content localization is evident in its increased spending, reaching 33 billion Dollars in 2022 compared to 25 billion Dollars in 2021, as disclosed by Andrew Aherne, the company’s Vice President of distribution operations. Disney Plus now provides an expanding array of languages and subtitles, enhancing the platform’s appeal and delivering a personalized viewing experience.

Several AI startups, including Deepdub, Papercup, Resemble AI, and ElevenLabs, actively contribute to the field, providing dubbing services for domestic and international studios, streaming services, gaming, and creators.

Regulating Use of AI to Protect Creative Talents As AI use in the advertising industry accelerates, governments are seeking to implement foundational rules to ensure ethical practices, transparent utilization, and liability. The EU, Britain, and Australia, among other nations, are already in the process of drafting policies to regulate the use of this technological tool.

Meanwhile, China has issued a set of temporary measures requiring companies to submit security assessments and obtain clearance before releasing mass-market AI products. Italy initially banned the platform over data privacy issues but restored access less than a month later. In contrast, the US has allowed tech companies to develop their own AI guardrails.

A pressing question demanding attention is whether the extensive data utilized to train large language models requires consent from authors, artists, and producers, or if there is a requirement to acknowledge and provide compensation for the utilization of their works. A lawsuit filed by Getty Images, accusing Stability AI of copying over 12 million images from its database, has brought conversations about intellectual property (IP), 9

Alex Bestall is the founder of Rightsify

copyright infringement, and plagiarism to the forefront.

The ethical hazards, as highlighted by many artists and AI critics point out, underscore the need for more precise boundaries and legal frameworks in the realm of AI-driven content creation. Effectively addressing intellectual property issues requires a collective effort from different stakeholders. AI developers must adhere to data acquisition laws, ensuring proper licensing or compensation for IP used in training models. Users, both individuals and businesses should exercise caution, inquire about training data sources, review terms of service and privacy policies, and avoid AI tools lacking confirmation of proper licensing or adherence to open-source licenses.

Implementing robust IP protection laws is crucial for securing the rights of human creative talents, while also fostering an environment conducive to innovation and creativity by ensuring that creators receive protection and recognition. It is a delicate balancing act between technological advancements and societal safety, but there is really no other way to foster sustainable growth than by promoting responsible and ethical innovation.

As we anticipate further disruption from AI-powered content in the creative and advertising industry, we see a future free from conventional limits. The intersection of artificial intelligence and human ingenuity is an exciting territory to explore – and we are only at the beginning of a long, long road. While ChatGPT cannot predict its own future development (I asked it), what is certain is that AI has arrived, and there is no going back.

10

Nattabhorn (Ink) Buamahakul is the Managing Partner at Vero Advocacy. She is a specialist in public affairs, market-entry, crisis communications and government relations consultancy.

Leveraging more than 10 years of local and regional planning experience, Phuc Ngo is the Founding Vice President at Rover.

He specializes in brand strategy and IMC through PR, digital, and social.

As the Founding Vice President at Rover, Khine Zar Thwe spearheads agency accounts, nurtures client relationships, and formulates insightful strategies.

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LEGAL UPDATES

Use of Intellectual Property in Development of Generative AI

By Suebsiri Taweepon and Pavarut Siralert, Tilleke & Gibbins

Innovators working to advance the capabilities of generative artificial intelligence (AI) need to understand the intricacies of intellectual property (IP) strategies to push forward valuable technological advances while upholding the IP rights of creators and other inventors.

While jurisdictions around the world are considering and even beginning to implement new legal approaches to AI, it is important to understand how these technologies relate to existing laws. This article outlines some essential legal considerations relating to the major types of IP for developers of generative AI.

code. The good news is that in most countries, these creations enjoy copyright protection without the need for registration. As a result, the works are automatically protected from the moment of creation. However, it is crucial to maintain comprehensive records of your work to establish your ownership.

•

Trademarks - Trademarks are vital for AI developers looking to establish and protect their brand. Pay close attention to Nice classifications, particularly class 9 (for software), class 35 (for business management and online marketing), and class 42 (for software design and development).

Registering trademarks in these classes can provide robust protection for your brand and products.

•

Patents - For truly innovative AI algorithms, techniques, or processes, consider the option of patenting. Patents offer strong protection, but they require a thorough application process and the documentation of your innovation, including evidence that the invention is novel, non-obvious, and practically applicable.

•

Trade Secrets - Protect valuable assets such as training datasets and algorithms through

IP Strategies for Developers of Generative AI Developers of generative AI technologies play a pivotal role in the innovation landscape.

There are three overarching IP-related issues to consider: protecting their own intellectual property, mitigating the risk of violating other people’s IP rights, and IP commercialization.

Key aspects of these concerns, along with suggested approaches for developers, are outlined below.

Protecting IP • Copyrights - One of the primary considerations for AI developers is the protection of AIgenerated works, such as art and source 12

IP Commercialization • Ownership Issues - Ownership of IP can become complex, especially when multiple parties are involved in creating it. To avoid future disputes and legal complications, be diligent in clarifying ownership rights and potential liability issues.

• trade secrets. Keep them confidential and restrict access to maintain their secrecy.

Legal agreements, including nondisclosure agreements (NDAs), can be invaluable in safeguarding these critical components.

Mitigating the Risk of Infringing Others’ IP Rights • Data Collection - When collecting datasets for training AI models, ensure that you use legally obtained data. Commissioned datasets and orphan works (copyrightprotected works for which the author cannot be identified or found) often come with clear usage rights, making them safer choices.

Exercise caution when dealing with datasets of uncertain origin to avoid potential infringement issues.

•

Data Protection Laws - AI training datasets may contain personal data, which can be subject to data protection laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe or the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) in Thailand.

Noncompliance with applicable data protection laws such as these can harm individuals’ privacy rights and risk legal consequences.

Suebsiri Taweepon is a partner in Tilleke & Gibbins’ intellectual property department and a head of the firm’s technology industry group.

Licensing Components - Licensing IP rights is a fundamental tool for exploiting them commercially. The license should also define the scope of ownership over the work, including elements created independently by the author and those developed through the use of generative AI. When commercializing your AI-generated products, identify the components that you own or have created.

Distinguishing between your own IP and components that incorporate open-source or others’ licensed IP can make it easier to craft effective licensing agreements while protecting your interests.

Conclusion Generative AI presents both exciting opportunities and complex challenges for innovators and developers. Legal complexities— particularly those related to IP—are prominent among the implications of this technology, so effective IP strategies are essential for safeguarding creations, avoiding legal pitfalls, and capitalizing on the benefits of innovation.

Careful and well-thought-out legal IP strategies will help innovators and their organizations make meaningful progress in this dynamic landscape.

Pavarut Siralert is an associate in Tilleke & Gibbins’ intellectual property department in Bangkok, where he handles trademark registration and prosecution, patent and design applications, and intellectual property litigation.

13

LEGAL UPDATES

Data Breach: What Can a Data Controller Do in Thailand?

By Kowit Somwaiya and Usa Ua-areetham, LawPlus Ltd.

The Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562 (A.D. 2019) of Thailand (PDPA) requires data controllers to notify the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) and the data subjects if a data breach has occurred. The PDPC Notification on Criteria and Procedures for Notifying Personal Data Breach B.E. 2565 (A.D. 2022) outlines the criteria and procedures for data controllers to comply when they notify the data breach to the PDPC and the affected data subjects in Thailand.

/ persons, the data controller must also give a data breach notice to each of the affected data subjects without delay. The notices must list the nature of the breach and other details mentioned in the previous paragraph plus remedial measures already taken or to be taken by the data controller.

Notice to the PDPC

•

Nature and type of the data breach.

If the breach is likely to pose risks to the rights and freedoms of the data subjects / persons, the data controller must file a data breach notice with the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) promptly within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach. The notice must state the details of the breach, contact information of the contact person or the data protection officer of the data controller, the potential consequences of the breach, and the measures taken or to be taken by the data controller to mitigate the potential adverse effects against the data subjects.

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Nature, type, or the quantity of the personal data involved (based on the number of data subjects or the number of records of personal data involved).

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Nature, type, or status of the data subjects affected (such as minors, persons with disabilities, persons with incapacity, persons with limited capacity, or vulnerable persons who lack the ability to protect their rights and interests due to various limitations).

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Severity of the impact and damage that have occurred or may occur to data subjects.

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Effectiveness of the measures taken or to be taken by the data controller to prevent, stop, or correct the cause of the breach, or to

Notice to Data Subjects If the data breach is likely to result in high risks to the rights and freedoms of the data subjects 14

Determining High Risks Factors contributing to “high risks” include:

Means of Filing and Giving Notices The notice to the PDPC must be made in the Thai language and filed by hand delivery, post, or email. The PDPC has the power to ask for clarification or additional information after the PDPC officer in charge has reviewed the data breach notice.

The data breach notice to the data subjects can be given to each of them by post, email or any other electronic means or announced to the public in the mainstream media of the social media or any other electronic means accessible to the data subjects.

compensate for the damage or mitigate the impact and the damage that have occurred or may occur to data subjects.

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Broad impact of the data breach on the business or operations of the data controller or the public.

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Nature of the personal data storage system involved with the breach and the relevant security measures (including organizational measures, technical measures, and physical measures) of the data controller; and

•

Legal status of the personal data controller and the size and nature of the controller’s business.

Kowit Somwaiya established LawPlus Ltd. in 2003 and LawPlus Myanmar Ltd. in 2013. He has been practicing law for over 30 years.

He specializes in laws on banking securities, corporate and M&A, intellectual property, information technology, data privacy, arbitration, and litigation.

Usa Ua-areetham is a Partner of LawPlus Ltd. She has been practicing laws on corporate and M&A, FDI, employment and personal data protection, to name a few, for over 15 years.

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HIGHLIGHT GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT

AMCHAM Thailand Meets Representatives from the Progressive Policy Institute

On December 6, AMCHAM Executive Director Heidi Gallant and Co-Chairs of the AMCHAM Trade and Investment Committee met with representatives from the Progressive Policy Institute.

The meeting primarily focused on the comprehensive investment landscape in Thailand, with the goal of empowering US businesses to increase their access and awareness for Thailand as market. The discussion also delved into how US businesses could contribute to the Thai economy and society. Furthermore, the dialogue explored possibilities for future collaboration between AMCHAM and the institute in the future.

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Roundtable Meeting with Dr. Tongthong Chandransu, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Chairperson of Regulatory Reform Committee for Ease of Doing Business

On December 15, 2023, AMCHAM President Ornkanya (Mook) Pibuldham of Bank of America and AMCHAM members met Dr. Tongthong Chandransu, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Regulatory Reform Committee for Ease of Doing Business at the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC), along with his team.

During the session, AMCHAM presented recommendations and solutions gathered from its members, focusing on regulations that could be enhanced to effectively facilitate ease of doing business in Thailand. Dr. Tongthong affirmed the government’s commitment to consider all recommendations, with the goal of making Thailand more investment and business-friendly while maintaining its status as a dream destination for foreign direct investment.

Given its position as one of the strongest membership international business member networks in Thailand, AMCHAM is ready to collaborate closely with the government to improve and reform regulations, ultimately benefiting the Thai economy.

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HIGHLIGHT GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT Healthcare Council Meeting Organized by: AMCHAM Healthcare Council Event Highlights: On November 27, the AMCHAM Healthcare Council recently held its first in-person meeting. The agenda featured updates on partnership with the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) for a workshop with the Eastern Economic Corridor Office, underscoring a commitment to advancing healthcare initiatives. Attendees engaged in constructive brainstorming discussion focused on regulatory development to enhance the ease of doing business in the healthcare sector.

AMCHAM Thailand Meets Representatives from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Meeting Highlights: On December 13, AMCHAM Board Governor, Wiyada Srinaganand, led Legal Committee leaders and team met with Eric Choy serves as the Executive Director for Trade Remedy and Law Enforcement at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The meeting primarily focused on the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) covering enforcement and the scope of the law, including other relevant laws and agreements. A CBP representative also shared insights and regular practice of the Port of New York/Newark that are valuable for AMCHAM members that export goods to the U.S. in this regard.

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Cultural Diplomacy Unleashed -The Power of Creativity Organized by: AMCHAM Creative Economy Committee Speakers: Paetongtarn (Ing) Shinawatra of National Soft Power Strategy Committee, Tossaporn Roongwitaya of Disney Character Voices International and Dr. Narong Prangcharoen of College of Music at Mahidol University Event Highlights: Paetongtarn (Ing) Shinawatra, Deputy Chairperson of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee addressed AMCHAM members at the Cultural Diplomacy Unleashed - The Power of Creativity event.

Following the successful One Tambon One Product (OTOP) policy, Paetongtarn outlined the government’s soft power vision. “The National Soft Power Strategy Committee has identified three resources for soft power: Cultural Capital, Political Values, and Foreign Policy. This vision can be achieved through three strategies: human development, creating incubator centers across the country to train one million talents; industrial development, establishing the Thailand Creative Content Agency (THACCA) to drive soft power policies; and through proactive foreign policy, promoting cultural exports,” she stated.

AMCHAM Governor Wiyada Srinaganand emphasized AMCHAM’s role as a significant contributor to Thailand’s economic landscape, particularly in the creative economy. The government’s soft power vision aligns with AMCHAM’s efforts to bolster economic ties and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors.

During the panel discussion, Tossaporn Roongwitaya, Director of Production and Technical for APAC at Disney, provided insights on how the private sector can provide the marketing and business infrastructure not only to maximize profit but also to amplify the global reach of a creative product or industry.

Dr. Narong Prangcharoen, Dean of the College of Music at Mahidol University, has composed for symphonies worldwide featuring Thai instruments, exposing many global audiences to Thai musical influences for the first time. He offered suggestions for how the government can expand on this interest by promoting competitions, as well as support the growth of a creative culture at home through practical measures like a system for collecting copyright fees.

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MEMBER NEWS

Amata’s Sustainable Initiative Amata City Rayong recently distributed 500 packs of oyster mushrooms to students at Ban Phu Tsai School in Khao Mai Kaew Sub-District, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. This ongoing initiative, launched at the end of 2022 under the project name “AMATA Shares for Self-Sufficient Schools (Mushroom Farming)”, empowers students to cultivate mushrooms independently through hands-on training. The heart of the initiative lies in supporting the cultivation of 500 mushroom blocks within greenhouses, fostering practical learning experiences for the students. These mushrooms

serve a dual purpose for the school lunches thus contributing to reducing expenses and providing nutritious meals for the students and generating income with the sales of surplus mushrooms.

Amata’s multifaceted approach, encompassing practical training, income generation, and community engagement, reflects a commitment to sustainable practices and holistic education.

This initiative stands as a testament to the positive impact businesses can have on local communities when combining economic activities with social and environmental responsibility.

ONYX Hospitality Group Takes a Step Towards Sustainability ONYX Hospitality Group and The Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP Project) under WWF Thailand supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI), entered into a collaborative partnership agreement recently.

This event marked a crucial step towards promoting sustainable practices in the hospitality sector.

The collaboration signifies a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and recognizes businesses’ critical role in transitioning towards a more sustainable future. The partnership aims to identify and address environmental “hot spots,” implement innovative solutions, and inspire sustainable lifestyles among guests and stakeholders.

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Together, ONYX Hospitality Group and WWF Thailand are forging a path towards a greener and more sustainable future for the hospitality industry.

18 • American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 21

EVENTS Manufacturing Committee

Factory Floor Internet of Things and Digital Transformation – Nov 24 Organized by: Manufacturing Committee Speakers: Egils Rubenis of IntegrationWorks Asia Event Highlights: The AMCHAM Manufacturing Committee hosted the webinar, “Factory Floor Internet of Things and Digital Transformation,” featuring insights from guest speaker Egils Rubenis, CEO of integration Works Asia Co., Ltd. Eglis provided practical strategies for transforming conventional equipment and systems into smart ecosystems to achieve greater efficiency, reliability, and innovation.

The event offered attendees actionable takeaways.

click here to register

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70 Years with Amrapur Tailors Amrapur Tailors, a Bespoke Custom Tailor, since the 1960s from back during the Vietnam War. Our team were the first Military Tailors from Kadena Air Force Base (Okinawa, Japan) & currently the bespoke tailors located in JusmagThai, Bangkok. At Amrapur Tailors we offer you 60+ years of experience in Bangkok with the finest quality of hand crafted garments for men & women serving former presidents, Congressmen, ambassadors, generals, diplomats, executives, military professionals, business leaders and many more including secret service agents. Proudly working with Cobra Gold (largest military exercise in Thailand) for the past 35+ years.

Read about our History: Amrapur family's legacy began in mid 1950s during the Vietnam War where Sam's father, John Amrapur, started sewing military BDU (camouflage/combat uniforms) for the US Armed Forces & Australian Armed Forces. John Amrapur previously had stores in Utapao & the Royal Thai Air Force base in Takhli, Thailand.

Because of our renowned bespoke work among solders, John was given 3 concession shops by the NCO club (NonCommissioned Officers Club) in Thailand. As they say, we became very popular amongst the military. Right after the Vietnam War ended; one of our respected clients from the US Air Force Special Operations, who also was an US Air Force General, requested us to be on the JUSMAG compound to tailor everyone's clothes.

Service, Selection & Satisfaction: Sam has been behind the business for 35+ years after continuing it from John. From working late night shifts suiting up military personnel, to getting a certificate from the White House, to being invited inside The Pentagon (Virginia, Washington D.C.), and many more. These are only a few recognitions which I could say about Sam. May it be a black suit, a dark grey suit, a navy-blue suit or even a khaki summer suit, it was easy having clients choose the basics. It was always hard to recommend something different, but they would prefer it. There may be a handful of Bangkok tailors now, but when you have your own man power, you can always control your quality and satisfy your client the way they are supposed to be.

Continuing the Legacy with Dev Mohnani at Amrapur Tailors Dev, the third generation in the family business has spiked up the fashion with providing clients with contemporary fashion style, different choices of exclusive fabrics such as Vitale Barberis Canonico, Loro Piana, Zegna and others, buttons and many more ways of customizing your clothes. Our clientele has expanded with more word-of-mouth testimonies which plays a huge role even in today’s 21st century. With the newer generation, many can find out about fabrics and styles via the internet which makes it easier for clients to know what they really want and we are here to guide you through the process. One aspect which Dev really believes is in, face value. Your brand should be known with your face, aka your personality. The way you pursue yourself, the way respond to others, the way you are known to the outside world; that is how people are going to know and remember you.

Amrapur Tailors Located in JUSMAGTHAI, Bangkok www.amrapurtailor.com www.facebook.com/amrapurtailors www.instagram.com/amrapurtailors

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EVENTS Festive Eggnog Party – Dec 7 Event Highlights: For over 50 years, AMCHAM members have marked the start of the holiday season with the Festive Eggnog Party at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel. The event featured a delightful holiday spread and festive moments with Santa Claus. Children enjoyed a festive corner sponsored by ELC International Schools Bangkok. Additionally, attendees contributed to the AMCHAM scholarship fund, supporting financially disadvantaged Thai university students. The evening emphasized the spirit of giving and togetherness.

The celebration was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Agoda, Chevron, Netflix, and Minor International.

Special thanks to U.S. Ambassador Robert Godec for joining us at the event.

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ESG Council

Environmental Policies and Their Influence on Global and Thai Trade and Investment - Dec 8 Organized by: AMCHAM ESG Council Event Highlights: On December 8, the AMCHAM ESG Council gathered to learn about environmental policies and their impact on trade and investment. The presentation by Baker McKenzie team, covered details of CBAM, the draft Clean Competition Act, and the draft Foreign Pollution Fee Act.

Tax Council

Thai Tax on Foreign-Sourced Income - Dec 15 Organized by: Tax Council Event Highlights: The AMCHAM Tax Committee webinar delved into the crucial Revenue Department Notification Por 161, imposing a tax levy on foreign-sourced income. The event also addressed the clarification issued regarding the tax status of foreign-sourced income earned before January 1, 2024.

The participants engaged in a question-and-answer session with AMCHAM industry experts, gaining valuable insights to navigate these regulatory changes.

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NEW MEMBERS

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Originally created from flat rice paddy fields to a hilly and undulating layout, Alpine Golf Club is one of Thailand’s finest golf courses with over three years of proven experience in providing its members with a new dimension of golf challenges beyond expectations. The course was designed by one of the world’s most renowned architects, Ron M. Garl.

Ares Management

Ares Management was founded in 1997 by a team of experienced investment professionals to pursue investment activities involving leveraged loans, high yield bonds, private debt, private equity, and other types of investments.

Since then, Ares has significantly scaled its investment platform and capabilities through organic growth and strategic acquisitions.

Asia Cosmetic Surgery Hospital is a world-class plastic surgery hospital in Thailand. The Hospital is committed to providing local and international patients with quality cosmetic surgical procedures. The principal surgeon, ฅDr. Tanongsak Panyawirunroj, is a well-rounded cosmetic surgeon who offers each patient specialized care in collaboration with his professional staff.

dusitD2 is in Bangkok, 1.5 miles from MBK Shopping Mall. dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok offers accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center, and a restaurant. This four-star hotel provides free Wifi, room service and a 24-hour front desk. Guests can also enjoy a bar on the premises.

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January 2024 Intel Corporation opened its first branch office in Thailand in December 1995, registered under Intel Microelectronics (Thailand) Ltd, in response to the increasing demand of the rapidly growing IT industry in Thailand.

Experience reimagined luxury at InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit, where contemporary design and Thai-inspired elements harmoniously merge.

Enjoy seamless access to luxury shopping malls and vibrant nightlife in Sukhumvit’s trendiest district. Unwind in their state-of-the-art rooms and suites, showcasing breathtaking city views and luxurious amenities.

Kids Kingdom Ruamrudee was established in Bangkok, in the central area of Ploenchit (Soi Ruamrudee), and will cater to young learners aged from 18 months to six years old. The school features excellent facilities, including a large, fenced playground covered with seamless rubber, slides, and swings, a cycling track, and a big sand pit.

An all new, forward-facing culinary arts institute, The Food School, is leading progressive learning in every aspect of the food, beverage, and hospitality businesses. Powered by the professional community, The Food School offers competency-based, hands-on courses and business development incubators for the next generation of culinary stars.

TWL Law Group is a highly professional law firm consisting of expert legal professionals with extensive international and Asian experience. Their attorneys have honed their skills and precision while working at top-tier international firms, allowing them to deliver exceptional legal services. They specialize in Southeast Asia, employing locally licensed lawyers who have been trained to international standards.

“ Corporate Membership is available to all companies registered in Thailand.

If you are interested in joining the AMCHAM member network please contact us at mew@amchamthailand.com “

27

industrial city in ASEAN AMATA Smart and Eco City Natuey

CHINA

AMATA Smart and Eco City Namor

VIETNAM AMATA City Ha Long

MYANMAR LAOS AMATA Smart and Eco City Yangon

Quang Tri (upcoming) Yangon

THAILAND AMATA City Chonburi 2

CAMBODIA

AMATA City Chonburi

AMATA City Bien Hoa

Phnom Penh

AMATA City Rayong

AMATA projects in Long Thanh Ho Chi Minh

GULF OF THAILAND

AMATA City

Rayong 2

500

100 sqkm

1400

land supply in GMS region

of developed land

international tenants

sqkm

340k

Over

people

working population

Awarded the Best Sustainability Award by the Stock Exchange of Thailand AMATA aspires to become a data center hub with its purpose-built Data Center Zones in Thailand Smart City Development - creating a smart livable city and hub for innovation

We are always building, always expanding.

Why not make Amata home for you business? Enquire today!

+66 89 834 0007

communication@amata.com

www.amata.com

www.amata.com