Magazine of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand Issue 3 2015
Great Britain in Thailand
Contents BCCT
Board of Directors 2015 CHAIRMAN Simon Matthews ManpowerGroup Thailand T: 02 2634 7273 matthews@manpower.th.com VICE CHAIRMEN
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Viriya (Boyd) Chongphaisal GlaxoSmithKline (Thailand) Limited T: 02 659 3000 viriya.x.chongphaisal@gsk.com Simon Landy Colliers International Thailand T: 02 656 7000 simon.landy@colliers.com Christopher Thatcher Anglo-Thai Legal Co., Ltd. T: 081 803 7377 christhatcher1@gmail.com DIRECTORS Ali Adam Arcadia (Thailand) Co., Ltd. T: 02 108 1822 ali@arcadia-engineering.com
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Billy Chomsakorn British Airways PLC T: 001 80044 15906 billy.chomsakorn@ba.com John Christie Ek-Chai Distribution System Co., Ltd. T: 02 797 9000 john.christie@th.tesco.com David Cumming ONYX Hospitality Group (Amari Watergate Bangkok) T: 02 653 9000 david.cumming@amari.com Stephen Frost Bangkok International Associates Ltd T: 02 231 6201/6455 sfrost@bia.co.th Andrew McBean Grant Thornton T: 02 205 8222 Andrew.McBean@th.gt.com Kelvin Tan HSBC T: 02 614 4000 kelvin.tan@hsbc.co.th Hugh Vanijprabha Rolls-Royce (Thailand) Ltd. T: 02 263 0500 Hugh.Vanijprabha@Rolls-Royce.com HONORARY TREASURER John Sim PKF Tax and Consulting Services (Thailand) Ltd. T: 02 108 1591-96 john.sim@pkf.com 2
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Building business links Thailand: the next five years
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Bridging cultures in Thai schools
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Prevention not cure is key to internet security
New study looks at UK tax changes Taxing issues on immigration face new UK government
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Education flourishing in Pattaya
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Legal pathfinders
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Contents Issue 3/2015 The Link is published by the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand. Advertising enquiries: Greg Watkins Email: greg@bccthai.com Editor: Dale Lawrence Email: dalelawrence2008@gmail.com Front cover design: GSBI Production: Scand-Media Corp., Ltd The views expressed by individual authors are not necessarily those of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand or of the publisher. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand is strictly prohibited.
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British Chamber of Commerce Thailand 7th Floor, 208 Wireless Road Bangkok 10330, Thailand Tel: 02-651 5350/3 Fax: 02-651 5354 Website: www.bccthai.com Email: greg@bccthai.com Greg Watkins, Executive Director
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Chairman’s Message
By the Numbers
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Executive Director’s Message
Chamber events
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Helping the Needy Member News
Comings and Goings Final Word
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Thailand BCCT October 2014
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Chairman’s Message
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ugust saw an horrific event in Thailand and our heartfelt condolences go out to the people of Thailand and those affected by the August 17th bombing at the Erawan shrine. We commend the efforts of the authorities in apprehending those responsible for the attack. We are fast coming to the end of 2015 but we still have a full schedule of events over the next few months with the main event - the BCCT Christmas Lunch – taking place on Friday 11 December at the Amari Watergate. There is also the Ploenchit Fair on Saturday 28 November at Bangkok Patana School. This is always a great day out with amazing raffle prizes and proceeds going to many worthy causes. Please check the events calendars for updates.
Simon Matthews
Sustaining Partners
The Chamber has also started planning for next year as, in 2016, we are celebrating our 70th anniversary. For this special occasion we are working on a range of activities and events throughout the year to celebrate this significant milestone. We can plan many things but not the weather and I was sad to hear that many of our members in Rayong province suffered damage during the recent floods. Thankfully there were no injuries and I hope that they are able to return to normality as soon as possible. The BCCT continues to be one of the leading overseas British Chambers in UK Trade & Investment (UKTI)’s Overseas Business Network initiative. Our Executive Director Greg Watkins has recently been appointed by UKTI to the OBNI Project Board. BCCT is one of only four overseas BritChams to be represented on this board. Furthermore, Greg was also appointed to the main board of British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in UK as the sole overseas BritCham representative in order to help BCC develop their global business network. You have probably heard the news that Mark Kent will be leaving Thailand next year for a new assignment but the good news is that we have until September 2016 to wish him well for the future. I am also sure that we will have an opportunity to welcome his successor Brian Davidson prior to his formal start date. Finally, I am pleased to announce that two new directors have joined the board of BCCT. They are Carl Sellick -Regional Managing Director of Lucy Electric, and Kelvin Tan who was appointed recently as the new CEO of HSBC Thailand. I am sure that both these newly-appointed directors will make significant contributions to our chamber. As ever I look forward to meeting you at our forthcoming events.
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I Greg watkins Airline Partner
Supporting Partners
am delighted to report that BCCT is enjoying a good year so far. We are organising more events than in 2014 by utilising our on-site facility, the British Business Centre, as well as many of our hotel, pub and club member venues. The Events Group under Chairman Chris Thatcher, and with the support of the BCCT Events team, is broadening the range of our events that we offer. We will soon embark upon a programme of sectoral events with the Advocacy Groups of the European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC) and our own programme of Thai language presentations. If you have any suggestions for topics or guest speakers please let me know. The Membership and Business Development team under Khun Jina has worked extremely hard to secure advertising for our publications and on-line media. Banners for the BCCT website sold out early in the year. Membership growth is strong but the team remains bogged down chasing the last dozen or so fee payers. If your company falls in to this category please contact us swiftly. The 2016 Handbook & Directory will go to print soon. Non-payers will be excluded. BCCT’s appointed independent market research company BMRS has embarked on a survey of members. You should by now have received a questionnaire. Please take a little time to complete this. If more members are able to contribute then we will have more valuable feedback. The survey results will be used to determine BCCT’s strategy for 2016, the year in which we celebrate our 70th anniversary. If you have time, please also volunteer to be interviewed in the follow-up phase. The BCCT office team has been working hard with member company Bamboo Labs to develop our social media platforms and exposure. Users will have already seen regular BCCT postings on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Please ‘friend’ us as appropriate and let us know if there is anything you would like us to cover in each of the three media. After a slow few months during the summer break, BCCT’s Business Services team is now working near capacity in support of British SMEs seeking to enter the Thai market under the Overseas Business Network Initiative (OBNi). Our co-operation with the UKTI team in Bangkok is excellent as we see more and more business leads referred to us. As with many UK government departments, UKTI is facing major budget cuts as a result of HMG’s comprehensive spending review. The results will be known in November. BCCT hopes that such cuts will not impact adversely on the OBNi which is already proving to be very successful. In preparation for our platinum (70th anniversary) year we have launched a new logo for the year that hopefully you will have seen in BCCT email notices, on our website or via social media. Our major events next year will be branded as ‘70th anniversary’. Among new events being considered are a British week, events associated with HM The Queen’s 90th birthday and the Thai-UK 2016 exhibition in September – a showcase of British business in Thailand. Details will be published in due course.
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Building business links
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ritish business leaders seeking to gain a foothold in the challenging, yet opportunistic, Thailand market now enjoy unprecedented support and guidance from the Chamber’s Bangkokbased Overseas Network Project team working in collaboration and partnership with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI). This operation is designed to help and support UK companies that are seeking to trade with Thailand (exports, investment
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and sourcing) through the provision of qualitative market advice and research. The project has evolved considerable over the past two years with teams in some 40 countries working towards common aims of promoting inward investment to the United Kingdom and assisting British companies with a broad range of ‘pathfinder’ marketing and research services.
Although some funding is provided by UKTI the Bangkok-based team, led by BCCT Executive Director Greg Watkins, is also responsible for generating income through the provision of these consultancy services. The primary target audience is UK-based and close liaison is maintained with the British Chambers of Commerce and their 52 accredited Chambers whose corporate membership embraces around five million employees. Greg Watkins is now a co-opted
cover story Board member of the British Chambers of Commerce and plays an active role promoting business opportunities throughout Thailand for companies of all shapes and sizes. BCCT is one of four Chambers in the region participating in the Overseas Business Network Initiative (OBNI). This is a programme designed to provide even greater levels of advice and assistance to UK companies seeking to penetrate markets such as Thailand. Readers may recall that, of the 41 markets enrolled initially in the international UK business network,
BCCT was one of only seven that UKTI entrusted to carry out business services on its behalf. This was a major boost to the team’s initial undertakings under previous Project Leader Barry Nicholson. “The challenge facing the team as we approach 2016 is to increase awareness of our expertise, our capabilities and our local knowledge,” explains Greg Watkins. “We must persuade potential exporters and investors that it makes sense to enlist our services to provide the essential marketing knowledge. It does not make sense to work in the dark unaided when our
team can shed so much light on new business opportunities.” It’s a point reinforced in recent comments made by David Gee, Global Employability Development Manager at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol. The Bangkok team provided contact details and arranged one-to-one meetings with senior HR staff in multinational companies and top Thai corporations in order to introduce UWE’s GradLink ASEAN website. David Gee wrote that ‘the quantity and quality of the meetings organised
Meet the team The Business Services support team comprises Khun Ching Li Archer, Business Services Manager Khun Laddawan Tantisantiwong, Business Services Manager and Khun Pattra Hortong, Business Services Coordinator.
velopment and carbon management in Thailand such as Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE), Energy Policy and Planning Office, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO).
Ching Li Archer - Business Services Manager Ching Li Archer joined BCCT in January 2014. She was previously part of the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) team based at the British Embassy in Bangkok covering the Financial & Professional Services Sector, supporting key British businesses in Thailand and promoting inward investment into the UK. Ching Li has experience in market research for UK companies looking to enter Thailand and managing events to promote UK capabilities to Thai stakeholders. She graduated from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs. Email: chingli@bccthai.com
Laddawan also has experience in the fields of Corporate Communications, Market Research, Events and Management - targeting various industrial sectors. Laddawan has a Post Graduate Diploma from Melbourne Business School, The University of Melbourne, and an MBA from Mt. Eliza Business School, Uni-
Laddawan Tantisantiwong - Business Services Manager Laddawan Tantisantiwong has been a member of the BCCT/UKTI Overseas Business Network Project team since February 2014. She has extensive experience in marketing and business development roles, most recently with a UK-headquartered energy efficiency and carbon management consulting firm. Her responsibilities included liaison with Thai government officials and the Federations focusing on energy efficiency de-
versity of Queensland, Australia. Email: laddawan@bccthai.com Pattra Hortong - Business Services Coordinator Pattra Hortong graduated from Silpakorn University with an honours degree majoring in English and has extensive experience in hotel operations and customer service. Pattra is your main contact point for general enquires relating to the BCCT/UKTI project and for UK companies that are seeking to trade with, or invest in, Thailand. Email: pattra@bccthai.com
From left to right: Khun Laddawan Tantisantiwong; Khun Ching Li Archer and Khun Pattra Hortong.
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was excellent. The meetings were very well organised and extremely positive. Employers have been very forthcoming and positive about the GradLink ASEAN site. You provided excellent support throughout the visit and I always felt that I could come to you with any queries’. David Gee added, “I would not hesitate to recommend this BCCT service to colleagues.” Mitre Sports International is a British sportswear and equipment based in Finchley, north London. Mitre, established in Huddersfield in 1817, is the world’s oldest sports brand and manufacturer of footballs. The BCCT team was asked to identify and provide a list of contacts within the retail sector (supermarkets and
sport channels). BCCT arranged a comprehensive programme for Mitre representatives to meet with key retailers and distributors in Thailand in order to introduce the Mitre brand and to discuss potential partnership opportunities. It was a programme that generated huge praise from Marc Greene, VP – Strategic Customers at Mitre Sports International. “The end to end service delivered by the BCCT/UKTI Project team was truly first class. From initial discussions outlining the brief to the development of our visit itinerary, business was conducted professionally, punctually and always with our objectives at heart.
“The project team were able to reach deep within target organisations to find the appropriate contact and to arrange subsequent meetings - all to coincide with our market visit. The meeting agenda was focused and relevant, with eight potential partner meetings scheduled across three days. We decided to have a member of the project team accompany us to add credibility and ‘local’ expert knowledge to our cause. In all an excellent service which will no doubt accelerate our entry into Thailand. Thoroughly recommended,” added Marc Greene. The BCCT team works closely with the UKTI team based at the British Embassy in Bangkok to provide essential linkage, coordination and additional leverage to the Great Britain brand.
Testimonials Company name: Thermatek
Company name: Membracon (UK) Ltd
Summary of Project: Identify warmed and validated contact list of contractors/ installers of cold rooms in the cold storage industry and owners of cold room estates such as supermarkets and pharmaceutical companies.
Summary of Project: Identify types of companies interested in Ultrafiltration (UF) membranes, anode tubes and anode flat cells such as automotive manufacturers and assemblers using electro-painting.
Feedback: “I sincerely thank Laddawan and Siriluck for the professional way the OMIS work was carried out both prior to and post my visit to Thailand. You were both extremely patient and indispensable when visiting the warmed schedule of the various companies you had compiled. The meetings were well planned as was the method of transport you arranged for visit. It was a lot to accomplish in such a short visit to Thailand but I was very pleased to meet so many potentials customers or partners. Most of the companies we visited may make for a good trading base for our company in Thailand. Should you need a referee to any other British company contemplating business in Thailand I would be pleased to oblige.”
Derek Lawrence, Managing Director - Thermatek
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Feedback: “The business meeting programme was well planned and I got to present Membracon to the right senior members of each company. The majority of companies we visited could all be future potential customers and ED Plus and Taikisha could be potential partners. It has been a pleasure working with you.”
Matt Williams, Managing Director - Membracon (UK) Ltd Company name: GEP UK Ltd Summary of Project: Identify Thai local engineering, procurement, project and construction companies (EPCs) in Oil & Gas (midstream and downstream), Water & Wastewater treatment, and Cooling Towers. Feedback: “It was very well planned with organised meetings and the companies were accurately and correctly selected to accom-
modate our requirements. It was the best OMIS that we have ever had and you have done a fantastic job.”
Farzin Haghani, Chairman - GEP UK Ltd Company name: Oat Services Summary of Project: Arranging for Oat Services to meet with importers and distributors of cosmetic raw ingredients in the Thai market. Feedback: “On being presented with a fairly complex brief you identified a number of potentially interested companies and made contact with them to assess the degree of interest in our products. Partly due to your own hard work and persistence, and possibly due to the UKTI/ BCCT local reputation, you successfully obtained responses from both local and multinational companies which is something we recognise as being extremely difficult. We have used OMIS in other countries and this was the most impressive and effective use of this service for us to date.”
- Cark Maunsell, Director, Oat Services Ltd
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Maximum power
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he BCCT project team assisted UK-based global events company PennWell Corporation with local market research and key business contacts ahead of the POWER‐GEN Asia and Renewable Energy World Asia conference and exhibition in Bangkok.
Organised by PennWell under the umbrella title of ‘ASEAN Power Week’ the twenty third annual POWER‐GEN Asia and eighth edition of Renewable Energy World Asia were this year joined by the POWER‐ GEN Asia Financial Forum with the theme ‘Investing in a Sustainable Tomorrow’. This regional conference and exhibition, dedicated to the whole spectrum of power generation, received 14
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endorsement from Thailand’s leading organisations including the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
More than 7,500 delegates registered for ASEAN Power Week. UK companies with a strong presence at ASEAN Power Week included AMEC Foster Wheeler and Babcock & Wilcox. The BCCT team provided essential links between the event organisers and the power generation business community. Heather Johnstone, Director of ASEAN Power Week, said, “POWER‐ GEN Asia continues to be the leading force in delivering a platform for the power industry to meet other industry professionals, share information on the challenges facing the power industry and discuss solutions for advancing Asia’s energy future.”
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Harvard case studies sharpen managerial skills T he BCCT has been providing members and non-members the opportunity to attend and participate in a series of Harvard Business School case studies. Case studies are a highly effective form of management training that was pioneered by the Harvard Business School. Unlike traditional lecturebased teaching, the case method is an active learning methodology that requires continuous participation and involvement. They also provide a powerful learning experience. Facilitator John Wagner, who is accredited with premium educator status by Harvard, has been using the Harvard Business School case study method for senior and middle management training for over ten years. A case study is typically a description of an actual business situation, involving a decision, a challenge, a problem, an opportunity or an issue or
set of issues. The participants must deal with the situation described in the case in the role of the manager or decision maker facing the situation.
Cases allow participants to learn by doing. Participating in work groups allows them to step into the shoes of the decision makers in real life organisations and deal with the issues that the managers face. Case analysis requires participants to practice important managerial skills – diagnosis, observing, listening and persuading. Participants must confront the intractability of real life situations – the absence of needed information, an imbalance between needs and available resources and conflicts among competing objectives. Cases require participants to develop realistic and concrete strategies and
action plans despite the complexity and partial knowledge characterising the situation being studied. The exercises offer potential to develop: • Qualitative and quantitative analytical skills as well as critical thinking skills • Decision-making skills including evaluating alternatives and formulating action and implementation plans • Interpersonal skills - dealing with peers and solving team conflicts in small or large groups • Creative skills – seeking and finding solutions geared to the unique circumstances of each case Case studies expose participants to a wide range of organisations, industries, functions and responsibility levels.
Simon calls for closer links with Thai business leaders B CCT members are being encouraged by the Board of Trade in Thailand to engage with the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC). The Board of Trade is keen to develop its role as the main pressure group for the Thai and foreign business community and its main constituent member is the TCC.
a Foreign Chamber development committee to foster greater co-operation between the various components of the business community,” explains former BCCT Chairman Simon Landy, who serves as the Chamber’s representative on the Board of Trade OT and as Executive Director of the TCC.
“To this end, TCC/BOT has established a membership committee and
Simon, pictured right, is a member of both these new committees.
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Strengthening UK links with ASEAN nations B ritish Chamber of Commerce Thailand Executive Director Greg Watkins attended the recent BCCT/UK-ASEAN Business Council Thailand Business Breakfast, held at the Energy Industries Council in London.
The UK-ASEAN Business Council (UKABC) seeks to facilitate a step change in the level of trade between the UK and south east Asia, contributing towards the target by UKTI to support 50,000 SMEs and increase UK exports to one trillion pounds by 2020.
With a particular focus on the SME community the UKABC runs a programme of awareness raising outreach activity aimed at improving understanding of the business opportunities in the ASEAN region, as well as giving practical advice and guidance on how to go about doing business there.
The Business Council also provides roundtable and structured businessto-business networking opportunities with senior political and commercial decision makers who are visiting the UK from south east Asia.
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Thailand: the next five years This article is based upon a presentation by Christopher Bruton to members of the Netherlands-Thai, British and Franco-Thai Chambers of Commerce at the Holiday Inn, Chiang Mai on 4 September 2015.
Promoting stability: Thailand’s recent weakness Taking the case of a young person born in Thailand in the crisis year of 1997 and reaching 20 years of age in 2017, life could hardly be defined as maturing under stable conditions. Such a young person would have experienced potentially three economic crises, in 1997, 2008 and perhaps now in 2015/2016. There would have been two military coups, in 2006 and 2014. There would have been six constitutions: pre-1997, 1997, 2006 (interim), 2007, 2014 (interim) and hopefully 2016. Bangkok suffered anarchy twice, in 2010 and 2014, and there will have been 10 prime ministers in a period 18
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of just 20 years. Dr Thaksin’s political party would have gone through successive incarnations, as Palang Tham, Thai Rak Thai, Palang Prachachon, Pheu Thai, and what next? In striking contrast have been the extended regimes of the People’s Action Party in Singapore, Barisan Nasional in Malaysia, Cambodian People’s Party in Cambodia, the Communist Parties in Laos and Vietnam, and the military junta in Myanmar, each with 40 or 50 years or more of continuous power. By way of contrast Thailand has gone through incredible instability, interspersed with periods of stern or benign dictatorship, resulting in indecisive long-range planning, ne-
glect of education and infrastructure. The political system may enjoy the strength of a wealth of experimentation, but it never actually learns from the experience to a great enough extent to evolve a stable political environment that adequately reflects Thailand’s innate and undoubted strengths and high potential. Uncertainties are economic as well as political Thailand is presently facing what is often popularly referred to as a ‘perfect storm’ condition. Domestically Thailand faces both economic uncertainties as well as political uncertainties while internationally the country also faces highly unpredictable and potentially adverse economic head-
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winds. There are also many international political uncertainties that may not turn into hot warfare but could perpetuate serious localised or even regional conflicts. Thailand’s GDP growth has halved since the halcyon days of 1985 to 1995, during part of which time the economy edged into double digit growth. During the period from 2005 through 2020, growth will average between three and four percent and will be significantly lower in some individual years. A major upcoming problem will be increasing challenges from a shrinking and inadequately trained labour force. This could be offset by welcom-
ing neighbour country workers but, as in Singapore, influx of these alien workers may be resented by the local population. Refugees may be welcomed in Germany but immigrants are unlikely to face a similar reception here in Thailand. An economy can expand due to a number of engines of growth including exports and domestic consumption as well as infrastructure and other capital expenditure. With other engines of growth failing to recover momentum, reliance will be placed upon infrastructure expenditure. However there are a number of uncertainties in this context. Many infrastructure projects have been planned during the past 15 years but
the rate of realisation has been slow and sometimes dysfunctional. Money spent now will help stimulate the economy but actual resulting productivity will be delayed until a future period when the infrastructure projects are completed and operational. There are massive plans for rail schemes, notably high-speed rail routes in cooperation with Chinese and Japanese investors, nationwide double-tracking for the existing metre gauge rail system, and a huge expansion of the Bangkok mass transit network. All these schemes could absorb as much as US$100 billion in expenditure over the next decade. However there are challenges as well as advantages in these expenditures as they may absorb the bulk of financing and other resources, effectively starving conventional industry of necessary inputs. In an extreme case, this can result in having loads of infrastructure but not enough industry to make use of it. Foreign investment is showing encouraging signs of recovery in Thailand although many of the projects are those that were pent-up investment plans on hold during the difficult times of 2010/2014. Political uncertainties need not deter investors, but severe instability over extended periods certainly will do so. Consumption: mirage in the making Macro-economic indicators suggest that consumption growth has plunged since the 1985/1995 period, when average growth was seven to nine percent. Since 2005 and through to 2020, consumption growth is unlikely to beat an average of 2 - 2.6 percent. The reasons for this are the high levels of consumer debt, some of which was built up doing the populist era under the Thaksin administration, now re-emerging. Household debt is approaching 90 percent of GDP, creating little appetite to get deeper into debt. A further reason for consumer conservatism is the plight of the agricultural sector, The Link
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demanding, with schemes for educational reform. Implementation is slow and results, even if the reforms are implemented, will not emerge until a generation of school and postsecondary school leavers enters the workforce.
THAI: Consumer Confidence Index 86 84 82 80 78
Target industries: the rising stars
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Thailand is a cornucopia of massive, but largely unfulfilled, opportunities - surely rivalling the potential of any of the other ASEAN countries. Among the high potential sectors there are four where special opportunities arise.
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• Agriculture
with poor commodity prices and low agricultural incomes. No government has yet been able to or chosen to get to grips with Thailand’s agriculture crisis. Overall, the share of personal consumption in GDP is falling from 53 percent in 2009 to 50 percent in 2015 and potentially 48 percent by 2020. Yet the view from street level suggests that consumption is booming. Shopping centres in ever more huge proportions are being built, not only in the Bangkok suburbs, but all over Thailand. In some locations multiple centres are nearing completion, jostling for space in the same modest provincial towns. Likewise, convenience stores and supermarkets are opening up in increasing numbers and fast food brands are developing literally hundreds of branches with massive penetration targets by 2020. Most locations are claiming or targeting growth rates of 10 to 15 percent per year. Certainly the international tourist industry is performing well but many of these myriad malls are nowhere near areas frequented by tourists and must rely upon local shoppers or diners. Exports: the god that failed Thailand has claimed to be supremely ‘the export hub of the region’ and earlier growth reached positive double digits. However, exports have experienced decline in recent years and there is concern that this could be a 20
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continuing trend, with the current year suffering a four to six percent decline over 2014, itself in decline over the previous year. Export decline is partly a result of demand decline in receiving markets, notably China. There are, however, broader and more fundamental challenges for export growth. These include relocation of some industries to neighbouring countries where production costs are lower. Thailand needs to replace these industries by newer, higher technology industries with research and development and innovation at the forefront. Lack of innovation is a frequent complaint but little real progress has been achieved. Labour needs higher skills. But higher skills require better basic education, again something that Thailand is always
Of Thailand’s workforce nearly 40 percent is still within the agricultural sector but the results of their endeavours represent less than 10 percent of GDP. Meanwhile the main activity of so many farmers, the rice industry, may have the highest export performance in the world (when not handicapped by political intervention) but has among the lowest productivity in yield per rai in the world. There is little by way of vocational education or technological guidance, no regard to crop rotation and a perpetual harassment of farmers by middlemen and loan sharks. Yet when pilot schemes, such as the royal-inspired ‘one rai one hundred thousand baht’ are developed, immensely positive results can be achieved. Awesome performance can
THAILAND: Personal Consumption Trends, % 12
growth
10
share Real growth
9.0
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8
6.2
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2.1
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result from sound investment in new strains of crops such as coffee, tea, various fruits and vegetables. However there are both natural and human blockages, including climate change, drought and inundation, and the seemingly insurmountable nexus of politicians, middlemen and loan sharks. Nevertheless in spite of every inhibition, the high potential of agriculture, especially organic crops, remains one of Thailand’s highest opportunities.
• Tourism There is a tremendous expansion of leisure, business and health travel worldwide, spurred by greater wealth, more freedom and greater desire to venture to more distant places. Thailand has experienced strong tourism growth, now heading back toward 30 million arrivals with the potential of 50 million by 2020. Tourism revenue is now heading beyond 10 percent of GDP and can bring employment to increasing numbers, especially young people. East Asia is now becoming the major catchment area, which means shorter journeys from home to destinations. The main challenges are inadequate training, poor environmental planning and regulation, and a lack of well-conceived long-range planning to prepare for a doubling of arrivals in a relatively short timeframe. Given, however, that this is mainly a private sector activity, business can achieve what government often fails to perform.
• Human resource industries: education and healthcare The growth of education and health services, both domestic and international, form another major opportunity for Thailand. With a reducing birth rate, Thailand need no longer struggle to keep up with everexpanding student intakes and can concentrate upon quality education. There have been repeated attempts at educational reform but it is to be hoped that, at last, conditions may exist to raise Thailand’s education to world standards. 22
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Likewise healthcare has great potential. Thailand has already achieved an important place in international healthcare, with more than two million foreign patients per year visiting Thai hospitals. However it will be necessary to liberalise both manpower and investment conditions to enable foreign personnel and investment to expand the Thailand healthcare industry, removing a virtual monopoly.
productivity to match higher skills and higher wage rates.
• Electronics and automotive
Thailand’s biggest challenge: ageing population
Thailand is already a leader in both electronics and automotive but needs to maintain its position against loss of some sectors to other providing countries. Ever higher technologies require ever rising innovation and
These are the areas where Thailand has perhaps both the greatest opportunities but also the greatest vulnerability. With so much of the investment being sourced internationally, the major multinationals can easily shift production bases elsewhere and need to be incentivised to invest more rather than less in Thailand.
Ageing population is a challenge that has been creeping up on Thailand but only recently recognised. With birth rates slipping downwards to only 1.3 children per woman the country is joining the ranks of ageing and declining population, before achieved advanced, affluent status. There will be lower numbers of people at work and a greater number of elderly people requiring support. With longer life expectations accumulated savings need to be adequate but cannot be sufficiently accumulated to meet the needs of senior citizens. While Thailand is less affected by this trend than Japan or China, it is parallel with South Korea and Singapore - both much more affluent countries. Since immigration is unlikely to be politically or socially acceptable in
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economies, moving from second Vietnam 2.2 largest economy 3.2 after Indonesia in 2015, to become fourth largest economy after Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. However, because of the larger populations Laos 1.8 2.4 of Indonesia and the Philippines, Thailand will maintain its position as fourth most affluent population, Myanmar 1.3 GDP, after Singapore, 1.6 in ASEAN, based on per capital Brunei and Malaysia. Cambodia 1.1 1.6 Source: Worldprices Economic Outlook: April 2015US$, billion GDP atIMF: current GDP per capita US$ 000 Country 2015 2020 Country 2015 2020 From the longer term perspective, on a purchasing power parity basis, a study undertaken by Indonesia 895.7 Singapore 53.6 remain, as in68.4 PricewaterhouseCoopers (The World in1306.6 2050) has suggested that Thailand may 2014, Thailand 386.3 26.8 39.2 the 21st largest world economy both by503.9 2030 and by Brunei 2050. However the Philippines may move ahead of Thailand, while Vietnam may achieveMalaysia almost equivalent size. Malaysia 327.9and Malaysia 538.2 10.7 16.1 Philippines 308.0 510.0 Thailand 5.6 7.3 This forecast, if it becomes a reality, will be largely the result of Thailand’s population structure and Singapore 296.1 389.8 Indonesia 3.5 4.8 potential lower GDP growth rates, compared with greater dynamism in the case of the Philippines, Vietnam and Vietnam.204.5 311.2 Philippines 3.0 4.6 Malaysia Myanmar 69.1 127.9 Vietnam 2.2 3.2 Young working people in their twenties and thirties today will be in their late fifties and sixties by Cambodia 17.8 27.4 Laos 1.8 2.42050, with the prospect of achieving life expectancy well into their nineties and even beyond. But they Laos 12.8 19.5 Myanmar 1.3 1.6will also have to maintain working lives into their seventies and even eighties. While Gross National Brunei 11.2 17.8 Cambodia 1.1 will follow suit. 1.6 Product may advance, there can be no guarantee that Gross National Happiness
Source: Economic Outlook: April 20152015 Source:IMF: IMF:World World Economic Outlook: April
Source: IMF: Outlook: April 2015 Source: IMF:World WorldEconomic Economic Outlook: April 2015
2014 Ranking No.
Country
1
China
3
India
9
Indonesia
2030 Ranking 2050 Ranking From the longer term perspective, on a purchasing power parity PricewaterhouseCoopers (The World in GDP 2050)(PPP) has suggested th GDP (PPP) GDP (PPP) No. Country the 21st largest No. Country world economy both by 2030 and US$bn US$bn US$bn by 2050. How of Thailand, while Vietnam and Malaysia may achieve almost e 17,632 1 China 36,112 1 China 61,079 This forecast, if it becomes a reality, will be largely the result of 7,277 3 India 17,138 2 India 42,205 potential lower GDP growth rates, compared with greater dynam 2,554 5 Indonesia Malaysia 5,486 4 Indonesia 12,210 and Vietnam.
21 Thailand
990
21
27 Malaysia
747
24
28 Philippines
695
26
32 Vietnam
509
28
Thailand
1,847 20 Philippines 3,516 Young working people in their twenties and thirties today will be Malaysia Thailandlife expectancy well 3,510 with the1,554 prospect21 of achieving into their nine also have to maintain working lives into their seventies Philippines 1,508 22 Vietnam 3,430 and eve Product may advance, there can be no guarantee that Gross N Vietnam 1,313 24 Malaysia 3,327
Source PwC: World in 2050: the global economic power continue? Source PwC: TheThe World in 2050: will thewill shift inshift globalineconomic power continue?
2014 Ranking
2030 Ranking
tancy well into their nineties and capita GDP, after Singapore, Brunei Thailand, the only likely options are GDP (PPP) GDP (PPP even beyond. No. and Malaysia. to cut back on retirement ages and No. Country Country Christopher is a Director of DataConsult Ltd., 54 Soi Santipharp Nares Road, Bangkok, Thailand US$bn US$bn extend working life, into the late six10500. But they will also to maintain From the longer term ties or even seventies. Since there 1 perspective, China 17,632 1 have China 36,1 Tel: + 66 (2) 233-5606-7 on a purchasing power parity basis, working lives into their seventies and is very little public support, such as Fax: +66 (2) 236-8143 3 PricewaterIndia 7,277 While 3 India 17,1 a study undertaken by even eighties. Gross National pension rights, self-support, perhaps Emails: meetings@dataconsult.co.th; info@dataconsult.co.th houseCoopers (The World in 2050) Product may advance, there can be with lower income levels in easier 9 Indonesia 2,554 5 Indonesia 5,4 has suggested that Thailand may no guarantee that Gross National employment tasks will be the only 21 21st Thailand 990 1,8 remain, as in 2014, the largest Happiness will 21 followThailand suit. solution. world economy both27 by 2030 and Malaysia 747 24 Malaysia 1,5 by 2050. However the Philippines Thailand’s regional and global posi28 Philippines 695 26 Philippines 1,5 may move ahead of Thailand, while tion: 2020 and 2050 Vietnam and Malaysia achieve 32may Vietnam 509 28 Vietnam 1,3 With a lower growth rate than almost equivalent size by 2050. Source PwC: The World in 2050: will the shift in global economic power contin other ASEAN countries, Thailand will slip behind the leading econoThis forecast, if it becomes a reality, mies, moving from second largest will be largely the result of Thailand’s Christopher is a Director of DataConsult Ltd., 54 Soi Santipharp economy after Indonesia in 2015, population structure and potential 10500. to become fourth largest economy lower GDP growth rates, compared Christopher Bruton is a Tel: + 66 (2) 233-5606-7 after Indonesia, Malaysia and the with greater dynamism in the case of Fax: +66 (2) 236-8143Director of DataConsult Ltd., Philippines. the Philippines, Malaysia and Viet54 Soi Santipharpinfo@dataconsult.co.th Nares Road Emails: meetings@dataconsult.co.th; nam. Bangkok, Thailand 10500 However, because of the larger popuTel: + 66 (2) 233-5606-7 Young working people in their twenlations of Indonesia and the PhilipFax: +66 (2) 236-8143 ties and thirties today will be in their pines, Thailand will maintain its Emails: meetings@dataconsult. late fifties and sixties by 2050, with position as fourth most affluent co.th; info@dataconsult.co.th the prospect of achieving life expecpopulation, in ASEAN, based on per
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Bridging cultures in Thai schools S
ince 2012, British students and graduates have travelled thousands of miles to participate in the programme of a lifetime. The Thailand English Teaching Programme (TET) offers a unique opportunity for students and recent graduates from the UK to work in a Thai school as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) for nine weeks.
Throughout the programme the ETAs have a chance to experience authentic Thai culture, gain valuable work experience and, most importantly, encourage cultural exchanges between Thailand and the United Kingdom. British Council’s corporate mission is to create international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries and to build trust between them worldwide.The British Council and Thailand’s Ministry of Education have been working together to bring young people from the UK with the British Council’s Study, Work, Create programme.
English Teaching Assistants Ella Jay Taylor and Lizzie Muir with their mentors from Muangprachinburi School at the TET 2015 Orientation Day
Many of the Thai students who benefit from the TET programme have not had the opportunity to practice their English with a native speaker or to learn about British culture. The same applies for our ETAs. Many have never had the chance to travel so far to explore a different culture and the natural curiosity of our ETAs and Thai students creates a welcome environment for cultural exchange and learning. Working overseas in an unfamiliar environment can be daunting for the ETAs but many of the UK students and graduates who participate in the programme have a memorable and positive experience. Ella Jay Taylor, an ETA at Muangprachinburi School 26
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ETAs work closely with their Thai colleagues, forming close relationships that help to facilitate cultural exchange (Photo credit: Ritika Mehrotra)
ETA’s Catriona Black, Bryony Hopkins and Sarah McNeill celebrating Asanha Bucha with their colleagues at Anubansingburi School (Photo credit: Orapin Jamuenwai)
in Prachin Buri province, decided to join the programme as she was familiar with the British Council’s reputation for creating opportunity worldwide. “There were numerous factors that influenced me to participate in the TET programme this summer. Firstly, I was very interested in the work of the British Council, and my academic background is well suited to their vision. I had little experience of teaching before becoming an English Teaching Assistant, but was very keen to learn and it has been an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a Thai classroom,” she explained.
speaking Thai every day with local people. The programme provides an opportunity for both ETAs and Thai nationals to learn more about each other’s cultures and exposes both parties to the similarities and differences between Thailand and the UK.”
“Facilitating cultural exchange is important and the TET programme is a good facilitator of this,” she added. “Many of the schools have not had foreign teachers. My ETA partner and I were the only native English speakers in our small government school.”
“One of my kindergarten students aged five told her classmate to speak in English because I don’t speak much Thai. This was a really proud moment for me not only because I understood what she said in Thai but because she was encouraging others to speak to me in English.
Despite the potential drawbacks of being the only English speakers in a provincial school, Ella and her ETA partner Lizzie Muir embraced the opportunity. “Being one of the few foreigners in our province encouraged us to integrate into the community. We ate at local places and we practiced
Ella continued, “Being an ETA has definitely boosted my confidence. I have learned to think on my feet and to communicate despite the language barrier.” This confidence boost has extended to the Thai students.
“I can see the positive effect that we as ETAs have had in classes at my school and even with individual students, and the more that students engage in the classroom, the less afraid they are to speak English in the classroom,” said Ella.
The benefits are not confined to the classroom. Many ETAs are placed in host families in provinces across Thailand, providing a unique opportunity to experience a traditional Thai way of living. Catriona Margaret has been working as an ETA at Anubansingburi School, living with a host family in Singburi province. She believes that she has been given the chance to experience an authentic Thai lifestyle. “I love living with my host family. They are so accommodating and have been a true family unit to us while here in Singburi,” said Catriona. “I am glad that I have been living with a family as this helped me settle into my temporary life in Thailand and made me much more comfortable.” The TET Programme has a multitude of positive outcomes for British students in the UK and for Thai students in Thailand. With over 500 participants so far the programme is flourishing and the British Council hopes to target greater numbers of participants of both nationalities. The Link
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Prevention not cure is key to internet security S
outh east Asia possesses a population of around 600 million people. Of these, some 203 million were internet users at the end of 2014. While the share of internet users varies by country (Myanmar’s internet penetration equates to around 1.2%, whereas in Singapore it is around 80%) , there is no doubt that internet usage in soth east Asia is set to experience significant growth in coming years. E-commerce in south east Asia today is relatively underdeveloped, accounting for less than one percent of retail purchases, in contrast with six to eight percent in Europe. However a study undertaken by AT Kearney predicts that as purchasing power parity in the region increases and internet penetration spreads, online retail in south east Asian markets could rise by around 25 percent annually. Implications for your business There are undoubtedly many reasons to be cheerful at the prospect of rising e-commerce trends in south east Asia. Not only will this provide European SMEs with opportunities to expand in a region with rising consumer demands but it also offers the chance to do this relatively cheaply, without the start-up costs associated with opening a physical office. However, there are several challenges that European SMEs should be aware of when establishing their virtual gateway into the south east Asian market.
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Domain name infringement Domain name infringement exists in many forms. The most common ways that third parties tend to infringe domain name/s are: • Cybersquatting: Registering domain names that are identical to your company’s product or trade mark names, with the purpose of selling the domain names back to you (the rightful owner) at a premium price • False affiliation: Criminals presenting themselves as authorised resellers • Phishing: Attempting to acquire credit information and usernames via electronic communication (fraudulent e-mails containing fake links). The term ‘phishing’ is a portmanteau of ‘password’ and ‘fishing’ • Slamming: Fraud whereby resellers of domain name registrars contact European companies, claiming that another client of theirs has requested the registration of domain names identical to your trade mark or company name. Their objective is to encourage you to place a domain name registration using their company • Traffic diversion: Using a typosquarred domain name to redirect traffic intended for your website • Typosquatting: Registering domain names that are either visually similar to your domain name or are mistyped (one key off on the keyboard). E.g. If www.Europe.eu is the domain name, www.europ.
eu could be the typosquatted domain (visually similar); or if www. Europe.eu is the domain name, www.Euripe.eu could be the variant (the letter ‘i’ is close to ‘o’ on the keyboard and might thus be a common misspelling). Omitting or doubling characters also counts as typosquatting Case Study: Nikon’s domain name dispute in Malaysia Background Nikon (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of leading Japanese electronics and imaging firm, Nikon Corporation, discovered that the domain name www.nikon.my was being used by another company – Nippon Kogaku KK (hereafter “Nippon”). Nikon asserted that they owned the Nikon trade mark, but the registration certificate showed that the owner of that trade mark was Nippon, who claimed that the domain name was intended for a ‘user forum’ or website for Nikon users. When disputed, the panel agreed that the domain name www.nikon.my was confusingly similar to Nikon’s trade mark and that web users who came across this domain name would likely click on this link expecting to be led to a website displaying Nikon’s products. This was a probable case of cybersquatting. However, the case was not entirely straightforward. Nikon’s claims against Nippon were considered
dubious, since allegations that might have augmented Nikon’s case against Nippon were disregarded by the panel for non-compliance with the Malaysian Network Information Centre’s Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (MYDRP). This is because certain allegations against Nippon were not raised by Nikon initially, but in response to allegations made by Nippon.
main name was alleged to be identical to. Result of the Nikon case Although Nikon had successfully proved that Nippon had registered ‘their’ domain name in bad faith, it also failed to establish its own right to the Nikon trade mark. Take-away messages for EU SMEs
Outcomes After reviewing the case, the panel found no evidence to support Nippon’s claim that the domain name was intended for a Nikon-user forum. It also identified that if Nippon had intended to create a user forum, it would have made more sense to use a domain name distinct from Nikon’s business name, intended for commercial purposes. Furthermore, the panel discovered that Nippon also held several other domain names. As a result, Nippon was accused of having registered www.nikon.my in bad faith. However, Nikon had also failed to show any connection with Nippon Kogaku KK. It had equally neglected to show any licence or evidential claim to the trade mark. It was thus decided that Nikon held no rights to the trade or service mark that the do-
• Register domain names in potential future markets in south east Asia before establishing your business there. This can save considerable time and money later on, and can also act as a value-adding business strategy • Domain names in South east Asia generally operate under a first-to-
file (F2F) system, which grants the right to a domain name to the person who files it first – regardless of the date of its invention) • Not all countries in the ASEAN region offer domain name arbitration – to save time and money it is advisable to do some research before entering your destination country • A domain name registration typically costs EUR 50-100 per year; the price of one domain name dispute typically equals the price of 10 domain name registrations Learn how to register a domain name, choose a registrar, and recover an infringed domain name in south east Asia using our e-learning module and our guide to online IPR in south east Asia.
The ASEAN IPR SME Helpdesk is a European Union co-funded project that provides free, practical, business advice relating to ASEAN IPR to European SMEs. To learn about any aspect of intellectual property rights in Southeast Asia, visit our online portal at www. asean-iprhelpdesk.eu. For free expert advice on ASEAN IPR for your business, e-mail your questions to: question@asean-iprhelpdesk.eu. You will receive a reply from one of the Helpdesk experts within three working days.
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New study looks at UK tax changes T
he Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) is undertaking a study into the closer alignment of income tax and national insurance contributions. The results of this latest study, it is hoped, will build upon earlier OTS recommendations. The OTS will publish a final report ahead of Budget 2016 and may also publish an interim report. The main aim of the project is to explore more fully the steps that would need to be taken to achieve closer alignment of income tax and National Insurance contributions, and the costs, benefits and impacts of each of those steps. The report will consider the evidence already available, including previous OTS work, and undertake additional research with stakeholders and taxpayers. The OTS will consider in particular: 1. The case for change, including the distortions, burdens and costs associated with the current system. 2. The changes that could be introduced to bring the two systems closer together in relation to the taxation of earned income (for employers and employees) and the self-employed. 3. The costs, benefits and impacts of each step. 4. All forms of NIC charge, including employers’ NICs 5. How any changes would fit with wider government policy/objectives, including:
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• The system of determining entitlement to contributory benefits • Exchequer costs • Burdens for business
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Chancellor George Osborne could reveal changes to income tax and national insurance payments in the 2016 Budget.
The review will consider the base of the systems but will not consider the extension of NICs to non-employment income (such as property, dividends and pensions). In carrying out its work and framing its recommendations, the OTS should have regard to: • The effect on taxpayer and business understanding of the system • The likely effect on compliance burdens The impact on any distortions to current taxpayer behaviour caused by the current system: • Avoidance risks • The principles and design of HMRC’s Making Tax Easier reforms, including digital tax accounts, integrated reporting and payment • HMRC operational impacts • Likely revenue implications, both
in terms of exchequer impact and the impact on different types of taxpayers • Administrative costs for government (including the administration of the contributory benefit system) • Fairness and consistency of treatment of taxpayers The OTS is recruiting staff to undertake the fieldwork for this project and will also need appropriate expertise to assist with work around impacts of potential changes. The OTS may, in association with HMRC, commission external research to assist with any aspects of the work. The UK imposes two levies on come: income tax and national surance contributions (NICs). though superficially both tax same thing, in practice there wide differences.
ininAlthe are
For example: • Income tax taxes (in principle) all income; NICs are levied on employment earnings and selfemployment profits, and not on other forms of income such as savings, pensions or investments • The basis of calculation for employment income are different between income tax (on an annual basis across all income sources) and NIC (on an earnings basis per employment and per pay period for employed earners) • The legal definitions of earnings are different for income tax and employee NICs, with a number of items relating to employment, including benefits in kind and expenses, being treated differently between the two codes • Although both income tax and NICs are collected under PAYE, income tax is collected on a cumulative basis; NICs on a pay period basis • NICs continue to have a contributory link, although some commentators have suggested that this is much weaker than in the past • The (annual) starting points for the two levies, once aligned, are now considerably different The self-employed pay NICs at a lower rate than employees and under the
contributory system, have slightly reduced benefit entitlement, although the planned abolition of Class 2 NICs would mean that the self-employed will pay a single class of NICs like employees. Employee and employer NICs are largely aligned. Cash and cash-like elements (such as shares and other readily convertible assets) of both are largely aligned and collected through PAYE on a pay period basis. Other non-cash elements (benefits in kind) are charged to employer NICs only and collected at the end of the year in a separate payment, although from 2016 some non-cash elements may be collected voluntarily through the payroll in line with previous OTS recommendations. In the OTS Small Business Review, differences in the rules and procedures between the income tax and NICs systems were found to be the second highest source of complexity for small businesses. The report identified that maintaining two separate systems led to a number of anomalies, helping to distort business behaviour. The OTS recommended bringing the two systems close together and, importantly, set out a number of stages that could be taken to implement
this whilst stopping short of a full merger. Our point was that each of the stages would yield simplification dividends. Following the OTS Small Business Review in 2011 the government set up a number of stakeholder groups and commissioned external research into attitudes of small employers, and a paper was published summarising the results. It was decided to wait for progress on other changes to the tax system that employers were implementing (for example on Real Time Information and the Scottish Rate of Income Tax) before consulting further on aligning the operation of income tax and NIC. The OTS’s subsequent UK Competitiveness Review and Employment Status report both returned to the issue of IT/NIC alignment. Both reports reiterated the difficulties caused by the differing systems; closer alignment was seen as a way of improving competitiveness and as the main indirect way of ‘solving’ employment status problems. The impact of the employers’ NICs was seen a major issue in both cases. For more information on this subject, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/ government/organisations/office-oftax-simplification
Education showcase T
he British Council Thailand is to stage a Career Development Day that will provide opportunities for companies to reach over 13,000 prospective students and parents and more than 6,000 UK alumni in the British Council network. The Education UK exhibition takes place on 30/31 January at Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, Bangkok. This two day event will also feature some 120 UK education institutions. The British Council welcomes participation from companies that wish to promote their products or services
to either prospective students or UK alumni. Details about the previous exhibition, and a list of participating institutions, may be obtained at: http:// www.britishcouncil.or.th/en/events/ education-uk-exhibition Contact Uraiwan Samolee, Head of Education at the British Council (uraiwan.samolee@britishcouncil. or.th) or Sarayu Hangchaicharoen, Assistant Manager, Education (sarayu.hangchaicharoen@britishcouncil.or.th).
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Taxing issues on immigration face new UK government By Paul Gambles
O
ne of the many benefits of being an expat is the ability to observe your native country with an insider’s knowledge, yet with an outsider’s cool distance. This particularly noticeable when a new government is in place; and even more so when emotive subjects such as tax, benefits and migration form part of political parties’ manifestos. Mixing the issues From this inside/outside view, it is surprising to see how UK politicians of all persuasions are clumsily welding together the taxation and benefits structure with immigration.
It’s no coincidence that 2004 was the year that ten countries joined the EU. Whereas some countries exercised the EU’s option of a seven-year gradual dropping of restrictions to citizens of Cyprus, Malta, Poland etc., the UK government went for immediate total right of entry. With the immigration numbers in hand, David Cameron spoke publicly in late 2014 about re-defining Britain’s role in Europe. Part of this speech included mention of an initiative to reduce UK migration by revoking migrants’ rights to benefits and tax credits for four years. This would even affect migrants who have a job by stopping their rights to any tax credits. Reliable politicians
Last year the government introduced rules that restricted immigrants from other EEA countries (i.e. EU plus Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland) to three months of out-of-work benefits. These people would then have to claim Jobseekers’ Allowance to receive state assistance. The idea behind restricting benefits is seemingly to make the UK less attractive to immigrants. The balance of people arriving over people leaving the UK has shot up in the last decade or so. In 2003, the balance was 185,000; the average annual amount between 2004 and 2013 was 237,800.
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As with death and taxes, one thing that can always be relied on is that politicians will never let facts get in the way of a good piece of pontificating. Cameron’s announcement came six months before May’s General Election; so it would be naïve to think that the timing of his announcement was anything other than electioneering. At that time, the prospect that UKIP was gaining in popularity, especially in Tory heartlands, must have scared Conservative Party officials to abject panic. The reaction from party HQ was to throw in a wide range of emo-
tive issues into the policy mix: tax, benefits, immigration and the EU. All you had to add was the image of plucky Britain defending itself from foreigners and Bingo, you get an election-winning formula. This Barbarians at the Gate policy is neither original nor exclusive to the Conservative Party. It’s existed for centuries and even Labour’s pre-election blurb stated it was “not ramping up the rhetoric on immigration,” whilst it ramped up rhetoric on immigration. To discover the facts – a revolutionary concept, I know, but bear with me – we have to strip down the statistics. A Department of Work and Pensions report published in November 2014 shows that, of the 5.3 million people receiving some form of benefit in February 2014, 7.4 percent of them were not UK nationals. So all the talk, airtime and print from politicians of so many different persuasions is actually about less than 400,000 people. Now let’s throw in the EU element. The DWP report reveals that the number of non-UK benefit claimants from other EU countries was just under 131,000 – around 2.5 percent of the total number of people on benefits. If we ignore the small states of Luxembourg, Malta and Cyprus, the UK is the 7th largest receiver of
immigrants per 1,000 inhabitants: one place below Germany, which has a reputation of being restrictive on immigration. Thus the EU element is not actually that significant – but being seen to be pluckily taking on the faceless Eurocrats does grab headlines. And votes. Now let’s throw a spanner in the works. A UCL study actually showed between 2001 and 2011 European immigrants to the UK contributed £20 bn in tax to the public coffers whilst a further UK £6.8 bn in education spending was saved through not having to develop expert indigenous human capital. Now that the election’s been won (and lost depending on your standpoint) the issue of immigration to the UK can’t just be filed neatly back away again. Having applied an open-door policy to new EU citizens, the government has stated its intention to try to revise that policy amidst the general hysteria about immigration and the prevailing anti-EU sentiment. Politically that may be dangerous - such sentiment may well just increase the popularity of parties such as UKIP and therefore create a last-
ing shift in mainstream party policies to combat this. Whatever the politics, it’s also dangerous economically. Whilst there’s a great deal wrong with the EU, a knee-jerk populist Euro-sceptic approach is very unlikely to cut the mustard (whichever denomination of origin you prefer). Ironically the term Euro-sceptic itself comes from two Greek words Europa and skefto (to think). However the popular wave of Euroscepticism from across the political spectrum seems ill-informed and in fact bereft of any clear thinking deeply about Europe. Decades of UK Prime Ministers’ experience has shown that the way to change things in Europe isn’t to just tub-thump and threaten the nuclear option of withdrawal. It’s to try to define a functioning working relationship with Europe. There’s nothing to say that the UK economy couldn’t ultimately function better outside the EU but there are a lot of complex issues that would need to be addressed to enable that to happen. These would involve a cool-headed approach to the UK’s relationship with the EU
and not just appealing to the lowest common political denominator. Right now, that looks a very remote possibility indeed. NB: While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained herein is correct, I cannot be held responsible for any errors that may occur. My views may not necessarily reflect the house view of MBMG Group. Views and opinions expressed herein may change with market conditions and should not be used in isolation.
Paul Gambles is co-founder of MBMG Group – an advisory firm that assists expatriates and locals in south east Asia. Tel: +66 2665 2536 e-mail: info@mbmg-group.com Linkedin: MBMG Group Twitter: @MBMGIntl Facebook: /MBMGGroup
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has named Mark Kent’s successor as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand. Brian Davidson, currently Consul-General in Shanghai, is scheduled to take up his new role in September 2016. He has also served as ConsulGeneral in Guangzhou and held posts in Beijing, Vilnius and Canberra. The FCO has yet to announce publicly the next appointment for Ambassador Mark Kent.
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Education flourishing in Pattaya By Dr Tim Eaton
I
n the provinces it may be, but there is nothing provincial about Regents International School Pattaya, arguably the most dynamic school in the whole of Thailand. The student population of this British international school has grown by over 20 percent to 1,150 in three years, it has developed into the school of choice for ex-pat employees living on the Eastern Seaboard and its boarding facilities continue to attract enrolments from families living in Bangkok and beyond. The student body collectively carries the passports of over 50 different countries, making Regents an international school in the truest sense. The transformation began three years ago when the school was acquired by Nord Anglia Education (NAE), the global family of 41 schools which includes in its ranks the British International School of New York, College Alpin Beau Soleil in Switzerland and Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong. Initiatives like the new Juilliard – Nord Anglia Performing Arts Programme have placed Regents firmly
on the map of top-tier international schools in south east Asia. Launched in September 2015, the collaboration with the renowned Juilliard School in New York sees Regents become one of just ten schools worldwide to offer a Juilliard-developed music curriculum – which includes training for Regents’ music teachers, access to visiting Juilliard alumni and specialist teaching resources. NAE has shown it is prepared to match investment in teaching with
investment in facilities: in the last 18 months the school has acquired an all-weather running track, Astroturf, air-conditioned sports hall, science labs, art and design facilities, playgrounds and more. Nord Anglia Education and our Principal Iain Blaikie have a clear development plan for the school and, at its heart, lies a simple idea: excellence in all we do. We’re offering our students the highest quality learning and unique global opportunities to flourish.
Dr Tim Eaton is Director of Admissions & Marketing at Regents International School Pattaya Tel: +66 (0)863472803 Skype: tim.eaton36 E-mail: Tim.Eaton@regents-pattaya. co.th www.regents-pattaya.co.th
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Starstruck in Boulder By Pranav Kalra
T
he only thing that interrupted the intense physics-based programming homework I needed to complete this summer was clear skies. Clear skies meant there was a chance we could observe our asteroid. This summer, I had a chance to attend the 57th Summer Science Program in Boulder, Colorado. It was a six-week long programme with 35 other students and we stayed at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The main project was to track an asteroid using a telescope and use our observations to determine the shape of the asteroid’s orbit around the sun. However, this problem is just as hard as it sounds, and we had to learn a lot of physics, maths and program-
ming before we got to a stage where we could solve this problem. We worked in teams of three for observation and for parts of the final project as well. During the programme we also had many field trips and guest speakers. I saw one of the latest generations of atomic clocks, parts from past NASA rocket launches, and the room that monitors space weather. I listened to and interacted with people in charge of instruments aboard the Pluto New Horizons Mission and the Curiosity rover on Mars and with Nobel Prize winner Eric Cornell. I spent time with and get to know a unique group of individuals, both students and faculty, and it was an experience that will leave a mark in my life.
Ultimately my team and I were able to find our asteroid and our data was the most accurate when compared to published data. More importantly I had a great experience and made some very close friends. Most people dream of being among the stars but I was able to see what moved among them.
Pranav Kalra is a Grade 12 student at KIS International School in Bangkok.
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MYANMAR FOCUS
British Chamber of Commerce Myanmar first year successes T
he British Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar has been celebrating its first anniversary. The Chamber was launched in July 2014 to promote, support, and represent the interests of British and international business. The Chamber is supported by the British Embassy and is closely aligned to the Embassy’s objective of encouraging responsible and sustainable investment in Myanmar as well as boosting trade opportunities between Myanmar and the United Kingdom.
Supported by Founding Patrons BG Group, Jardines, Prudential and Standard Chartered, the Chamber has grown to 150 members and is now a leading business membership organisation in Myanmar. Highlights • Signing MOU with UMFCCI to develop strong partnerships between UK and Myanmar businesses • Launch of Chamber website: www. britishchambermyanmar.com • Social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn • Member newsletter established • Myanmar Investment Summit in London with UKTI Burma in February 2015, hosting a delegation of representatives from the Myanmar Government and Myanmar businesses • Chamber participation in incoming Trade Missions with UKTI • Energy and Legal Working Groups established 36
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• First annual lecture with Yangon University of Economics • Internships offered to YUE, Oxford and SOAS Students • Member participation in the Myanmar Business Forum • Successful bid for further UKTI grant funding for 2015/16 Success stories
Rolls Royce has supplied gas turbine engines to Myanmar’s power plants; Dulwich College will open its first Myanmar campus later this year, and financial software company Misys has been selected by Yoma Bank to transform its core banking system, expand its current services to launch online banking and upgrade the existing branch functionality.
British businesses have secured eight of the 20 available offshore exploration licences offered. Unilever has opened a second factory and is committed to investing some £400m over the next decade. By the end of 2015 they will be providing direct and indirect employment to over 2000 local people.
Stephanie Ashmore, Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce Myanmar, said, “The strength of the partnership with British Embassy Burma and support from businesses on the ground has been key to the Chamber’s rapid growth and success. We look forward to building on this in our second year.”
MYANMAR FOCUS
Legal pathfinders Chris Burkett is a senior associate at Allen & Overy, a member of the UK/Myanmar Financial Services Taskforce and the first British firm to set up an office in Myanmar after the reform process began in 2011. Chris Burkett spoke to the UKTI in Yangon about the country’s legal framework as it relates to foreign investment and trade, explaining why it’s more liberal than many may initially assume. Which sectors has Allen & Overy been most engaged with since it opened an office in Myanmar in October 2013? We’ve acted for numerous companies in areas as varied as mergers and acquisitions in manufacturing, agribusiness in food production, fast moving consumer goods, oil and gas and financial services. We also advised Telenor on the legal aspects of their telecoms licence bid. Myanmar remains a challenging destination for trade and investment, but what are some of its appealing aspects? From an investment perspective, Myanmar’s restrictions on foreign ownership are actually quite liberal. The negative list of restricted or prohibited sectors is there, but everything else is permitted to be 100 percent foreign owned. For example, service industries in Myanmar generally aren’t restricted, whereas in many other countries they are, such as Thailand. What makes Allen & Overy stand out from other international law firms with a presence in Myanmar? Where we differentiate ourselves is that we tend to work on larger and more complex types of investments. Many of our clients here are already our clients elsewhere in the world as we have a large global footprint. As we’ve been here since Myanmar’s re-emergence globally, we are very well positioned to help our clients because we’re embedded here and we know what’s going on and how things operate. How would describe Myanmar’s legal framework as it relates to foreign trade and investment?
mar citizens. Myanmar is the only country in the world with two separate investment laws. The revisions will clear up some uncertainties and provide the same level of protection to foreign and local investors.
I think it’s actually not that bad. The Companies Act is old – it dates back to 1914. That said, its framework is pretty good, as it’s basically the same as the UK Companies Act of 1908, which isn’t so different from the current act. It contains a lot of good aspects which many are familiar with, especially in Commonwealth jurisdictions. It’s quite flexible and foreign investor friendly. Myanmar’s Companies Act is undergoing revision, which isn’t something Allen & Overy is directly involved with. It’s sponsored by ADB and Baker & McKenzie are providing assistance. Myanmar’s Foreign Investment Law of 2012 is a little less detailed, with a lack of clarity in certain areas. But again, it’s not a bad framework. It’s worked: there’s been a lot of foreign investment since sanctions were relaxed in 2012. The difficulties are more around implementation and practicalities. The Foreign Investment Law is also being revised and will be merged with the investment law for Myan-
Are Myanmar’s arbitration laws also among your clients’ top concerns? Yes. It’s something that almost always comes up among foreign investors: they’re very keen to know how to get in, but also how to get out. The current arbitration act of 1944 gives Myanmar courts a lot of discretion around hearing a case that overlaps with arbitration. It’s an issue for foreign investors because they want to know that if they do have a dispute that it can be arbitrated in Singapore, for example, and that the outcome will be honoured in Myanmar. A new draft arbitration act was drafted two years ago but it hasn’t been enacted. Allen & Overy has provided training to the Supreme Court and Attorney General’s office on international arbitration as part of our pro bono activities. From a legal risk perspective, the existing framework is something most investors can be comfortable with because Myanmar has signed up to the New York Convention. What’s the one piece of advice you would give to British companies considering investing in Myanmar? Face time is key. Interested companies need to spend time meeting with potential partners, customers, suppliers and the ministries that they’ll be interacting with. It’s really about spending the necessary time here and understanding how things work. I think that’s really important, regardless of sector. The Link
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IMF holds firm on growth forecast T
he International Monetary Fund (IMF) has presented its outlook on Myanmar for the current fiscal year. The IMF predicts economic growth but notes some internal issues. Local magazine Business Today report IMF country head Yongzheng Yang as stating that ‘economic growth is expected to remain strong at 8.5 percent, led by strong domestic demand’. He conceded that the strength of the dollar and the low
price of natural gas would have an impact on the country’s economy. This forecast of 8.5 percent remains unchanged from the prediction made one year ago. Yongzhen Yang added that ‘the rapid liberalisation of the financial sector should be carefully managed despite its overall benefits. These potential risks could affect the economy given weak capacity and thin policy buffers’. Yang also noted the growing budget deficit, currently financed by the Cen-
tral Bank of Myanmar, and gave suggestions for correcting this situation. He said that there was growing transfer of money to regional governments and that the union government should also transfer some responsibilities with this money. Yang added that the government should minimise tax incentives for businesses to increase government income, and pointed out the suspended tax on telecom companies as an area that could be cut.
Tax breaks for ex-pats M
yanmar’s new Union Tax Law is set to lower several significant taxes on foreigners and foreign companies residing in the country, according to a report in Business Today magazine and shared by UKTI. The non-resident income tax rate will be lowered from 35 percent to 25
percent, benefiting branch offices, foreigners working in Myanmar and outside companies deriving income from the country according to Edwin Vanderbruggen - partner at the law firm VDB Loi. In theory, foreign companies will be taxed at the same rate as local
Tee off in Yangon The British Chamber of Commerce Myanmar is staging its inaugural golf tournament later this year. The event takes place on Friday 4 December at Pun Hliang Golf Club, Yangon. For details about the competition, awards dinner and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Stephanie Ashmore: stephanie@ britishchambermyanmar.com.
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companies, a requirement under several international treaties. While income derived from Myanmar will be taxed at 25 percent the salaries of non-residents - those who spend fewer than 183 days per year in the country - will be taxed progressively from zero to 25 percent.
2015 The best of British! Celebrating 120 years of Proms history and more than a decade of exceptional music making at Shrewsbury in one unique event.
THURSDAY 29th OCTOBER 2015 Shrewsbury International School
Dinner and drinks from 5.30pm. Concert begins 7.15pm Email: tickets@shrewsbury.ac.th. Phone: +662 675-1888
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helping the needy
Jungle Trek to raise funds for Karen Hilltribes Trust B
CCT members are invited to ‘experience a world apart from the tourist trail through the eyes of the Karen community’. The Karen Hilltribes Trust is leading a jungle trek in February 2016 that will allow you to witness at first hand the unique culture and identity of the Karen people. A group of 10-12 will cover a distance averaging 12 kilometres a day for seven days, spending some nights sleeping deep in the forest under canvas and other nights sleeping in Karen villages. “You can climb high mountains and walk through streams and along forest paths close to the Thai-Myanmar border. Trekkers experience the hospitality of the Karen, see their traditional crafts, visit schools and enjoy the local food. You will learn about the work of the Karen Hilltribes Trust and see water projects in action,” explains William Harnden, the Trust’s Director. “The trek will be challenging but suitable for people of reasonable fitness. Our group will comprise people of all ages and backgrounds. You will need travel and medical insurance. Most of the route is shaded but the trek also takes in some open hillside with incredible views towards Myanmar. We will visit Karen villages en route and see the work undertaken by the charity,” adds William.
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The purpose of the jungle trek is to raise funds for the Trust. The target for each participant is Baht 100,000 and may be made in monthly donations but must be reached in full before the departure date. The cost of the trek is Baht 25,000 per person and advance payment in full is required. The cost covers travel to and from villages, food
and hotel accommodation during the period of the trek but does not cover the cost of travel to and from Chiang Mai, travel insurance and spending money. For more details contact William Harnden at: william.harnden@ karenhilltribes.org.uk or the trek organiser Ed Holroyd Pearce at: edwardwhpearce@gmail.com
Member News
Bangkok office rents remain competitive B
showing stronger hiring intentions among employers in India, Taiwan, New Zealand, the Philippines and Japan while corporate hiring activity remained muted in other locations. India and the Philippines also continued to benefit from growing IT back office services looking for operational and costs efficiency. Throughout Asia, technology firms, business process outsourcing (BPO) firms and nonbanking financial institutions are in expansionary mode, stimulating demand for office space.
angkok remains ranked among the cheapest office locations in the world according to CBRE Research’s semi-annual ‘Global Prime Office Occupancy Costs’ survey. Asian cities continue to dominate the world’s most expensive office locations, accounting for four of the top five markets whilst London’s West End remains the world’s highest-priced office market.
Bangkok was ranked at 105th place out of 127 cities worldwide surveyed by CBRE Research in Q1 2015 for overall occupancy costs for Grade A office space. Canberra in Australia was the only city in the Asia Pacific ranked lower than Bangkok at 111th position. The change in prime office occupancy costs mirrored the gradual recovery of the global economy. Overall global prime office occupancy costs rose two percent year-over-year with Asia Pacific up 1.4 percent. Richard Barkham, Global Chief Economist at CBRE, said that occupier caution had declined and with corporate confidence on the rise, this confidence is was starting to translate
Richard Barkham
into a ‘degree of expansionary momentum’. “Many office markets are increasingly short of the quality, modern, flexible and highly accessible or CBD-located office buildings which corporations are seeking to execute workplace strategies that will drive productivity and attract or retain talent,” he added. Dr. Henry Chin, Head of Research, CBRE Asia Pacific, said, “In the Asia Pacific region occupancy cost trends were mixed with regional surveys
“However, we are also seeing diverse occupier activity in the region with less expansionary markets—some occupiers are looking to optimize existing accommodations rather than expand.” According to CBRE, average Grade A CBD rents in Bangkok increased by 3.2 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2015. CBRE tracks occupancy costs for Grade A or prime office space in 127 markets around the globe. Of the top 50 ‘most expensive’ markets, Asia Pacific had the most number of markets featured, with 20 markets ranked.
Bangkok Prep students dig deep
S
tudents in the Early Years Foundation Stage at Bangkok Prep have contributed to a worthy cause in Tak province. The students raised over Baht 36,000 by selling themed artwork in a silent auction. The money is being donated towards the cost of building a water well for villagers at Ban Rom Klao Sahamt in Tak
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province. The well, when completed, will ease the financial burden on villagers that have been forced to buy water during the dry season.
The silent auction, organised by Bangkok Prep teacher Isla Gordon, featured paintings, hand-made necklaces and imprint bags.
Member News
Banking on improved ratings in Myanmar
T
he Government of the Union of Myanmar has announced the appointment of Citi and Standard Chartered Bank as its Sovereign Credit Ratings Advisors (the Advisors), to act as a bridge between the Myanmar Government and the ratings agencies Standard & Poor’s, Fitch Ratings and Moody’s. The Advisors will also support Myanmar’s efforts to enhance data collection and improve investor outreach. The timeline of Myanmar achieving its credit ratings depends on the government’s goals and the speed at which quality and relevant data and information can be collected and analysed by the ratings agencies. Achieving a credible credit rating paves the way for Myanmar to increase openness and engagement with, and strengthen its position in the international investment community. With a good credit rating, it will improve the country’s borrowing cost and enhance Myanmar’s capital raising strategies and dialogue with the international investment community.
Increased transparency will also increase investors’ confidence in the safety of their investments in Myanmar, and in turn, attract a larger group of investors and promote foreign direct investment and trade flows. This will ultimately strengthen Myanmar’s brand and contribute to the broader economic development goals of the country. Citi and Standard Chartered Bank have been chosen for this mandate because of their extensive experience in providing governments of other emerging markets with advisory services for their credit ratings. Lyn Kok, President and Chief Executive Officer - Thailand and Greater Mekong at Standard Chartered Bank, said, “Standard Chartered’s association with Myanmar dates back to more than 150 years ago and more recently, we were the first major international bank to establish a representative office in Myanmar in 2013. We have an extensive, proven track record and a wealth of experience in taking sovereigns through the debut
ratings process, currently advising more than ten governments globally. “Adding Myanmar, we are now supporting seven Asian governments on their sovereign credit ratings. A key feature of our role as a Sovereign Credit Ratings Advisor is to assist the Government of the Union of Myanmar through capacity building and training. We are honoured to be given this opportunity and are committed to support the Government in their preparation to engage with the global capital markets and foreign investors,” she added. Darren Buckley, Citi Country Officer for Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, observed, “Over the past decade, Citi has served as ratings advisor to 10 governments in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, including five with similar credit profiles to that of Myanmar. Citi had a branch presence in Myanmar from 1919 to 1942, and we very much look forward to re-engaging and supporting the further development of this exciting growth market.” The Link
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Member News
Dusit banks on TMB for hotel school investment D
usit International has signed a contract with Thai Military Bank (TMB) to provide financial support for the Dusit Thani Hotel School. The funds will be used for renovations and the purchase of equipment and new computer systems.
Dusit International has recently launched the new Dusit Thani Hotel School, Thailand’s first hospitality school based on ASEAN Common Competency Standards for Tourism Professionals. The school offers a complete curriculum at both certificate and diploma levels that covers all areas of hotel operations. It will be operated separately from Dusit Thani College which offers Bachelor and Master Degree programmes. The Dusit Thani Hotel School, located in central Bangkok, accommodates up to 1,300 students. The school’s curriculum has been designed with different entry and
Klaus Sennik (second from right), General Manager of the Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside hotel, welcomed Ambassador Mary Jo Bernardo-Aragon (centre) for the official opening of Fiesta Filipina – an event designed to showcase the best of art, food, culture and textiles from the Philippines. Fiesta Philippines is part of a programme of promotional activities hosted by eight riverside hotels in Bangkok.
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Khun Wisespan Sriyaraj (Assistant Vice President - Finance, Group Accounting & Finance – Dusit International); Khun Pattaneeporn Thienprasiddhi (Assistant Vice President - Finance, Group Accounting & Finance – Dusit International) ; Dr. Tongchai Savasdisara (Director of Vocational Education – Dusit Thani Hotel School); Khun Evasio Barbero (Chief Financial Officer - Dusit International); Khun Chanin Donavanik (Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer – Dusit International); Khun Ekanat Kieatinapasin (Executive Vice President - TMB); Khun O-Larn Sukalavanij (First Vice President - TMB) and Khun Worawaran Kongvechakul (Relationship Manager - TMB).
exit points, allowing for a flexible programme that students may tailor to suit their professional goals. No matter which path they choose they will acquire the necessary theoreti-
cal and practical knowledge to enter the hospitality field upon graduation anywhere in the ASEAN economic community, according to a statement from Dusit.
Member News
ASEAN region set to reap new benefits A
SEAN is poised to become Asia’s next low-cost manufacturing powerhouse as wages in China’s Pearl River Delta (PRD) factory belt continue to creep up. As China sees waning wage competitiveness so ASEAN stands to gain with its lower costs and abundant supply of labour over the next 20 years. ASEAN’s high rate of GDP growth, and rising household affluence, means companies relocating from the PRD could capture a share of a large and growing consumer market.
The latest survey conducted by Standard Chartered shows that manufacturers in the PRD – spanning nine cities in China’s Guangdong Province and accounting for 27 percent of Chinese exports – continue to face persistent labour shortages and rising wages. “At the macro level, this is good news for China. Rising wages reflect the country’s improving productivity and the increasing complexity of the products it makes. It confirms China’s transition to high-end manufacturing and a more sustainable growth model. At the company level, however, labour shortages mean persistent cost pressure for PRD manu-
2014, pointing to an overall real wage growth of 6.8 percent. “More than 30 percent of the companies we spoke to are planning to respond by relocating their factories – some further inland in China, and some overseas, with Vietnam and Cambodia being the preferred location. As China’s manufacturing sector transforms, ASEAN’s is likely to grow. While wages may still be competitive in some parts of China, particularly the West, the shrinking labour force means that wages are likely to catch up quickly with those in Eastern China,” added Kelvin.
Kelvin Lau
facturers,” said Kelvin Lau, Senior Economist at Standard Chartered. More than 290 Hong Kong and Taiwan-based manufacturers operating in the PRD participated in the survey and more that 85 percent said labour shortages are at least as bad as last year. Migrant worker wages are expected to rise 8.4 percent on average this year, against 8.1 percent in Regus has opened a Business Centre at Bhiraj Tower, EmQuartier. The serviced offices are located on the 30th floor of the 45-storey building on Bangkok’s busy Sukhumvit road, offering 116 serviced offices with 363 workstations, business lounge and state-of-theart meeting rooms with videoconferencing.
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Vietnam, with its geographical proximity to China, is poised to be one of the biggest beneficiaries, as low-costs manufacturing shifts away from the PRD. The companies in our survey estimate that moving here could give them an average cost reduction of 19 percent. Cambodia, on the other hand, could yield a 20 percent saving on wages. As a whole, ASEAN has strong and varied manufacturing capabilities – from low-cost factories in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Indonesia, to mixed manufacturing and electronics in Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines, and high valueadded production in Singapore. “ASEAN may well take note of China’s experience, which demonstrates the importance of external trade in improving economic structure and propelling growth. The potential prize is huge. As foreign direct investment continues to shift from China to ASEAN, the region may close its gap with China and become one of the world’s largest exporters,” concluded Kelvin.
Member News
Twintec lays solid base for Tesco in Surat Thani
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he new Tesco Lotus distribution centre in Surat Thani features flooring designed and constructed by Twintec. Tesco Lotus selected Twintec for the project following the success of a similar project as for the company in Khon Kaen.
At the Surat Thani centre, Twintec adopted the Twintec Design-BuildInsure concept with total responsibility covered for the concrete floor slab package. The first phase entailed a 35,000m2 Freeplan ‘jointless’ SFRC floor slab for the centre’s ambient area with an additional 16,000m2 provided for the second phase in the chill warehouse. Taking into account the loading requirements Twintec designed a 250mm steel fibre reinforced ‘jointless’ ground floor slab suspended on piles with panels sizes up to 1,850m2. The floor was constructed by Twintec’s highly skilled and experienced workforce using laserscreed technology for large flood pour, large bay ‘jointless’ panels with armoured construction joints. Twintec in-house designs are covered by professional indemnity insurance and a warranty for five years.
Twintec took total responsibility for the concrete mix design and supply. The company believes that this is a critical project success factor. Twintec’s assigned concrete specialist made a detailed assessment of the local concrete supply (material composition, location, output capabilities) and carried out trial mixes. Effective handling, delivery and placement of fresh concrete ensures good cohesion, low risk of segregation and good finishing properties.
“Twintec ‘jointless’ floor slabs offer fast-track construction with steel fibres being mixed into the concrete on site using specially designed fibre integration machines operated by experienced Twintec staff. Working closely with main contractor Christiani & Neilsen, we took just 24 days to complete the floor slab,” says Sales Manager Les Weaver. Twintec (Thailand) Company Ltd is based at the Park Ventures Ecoplex in Wireless Road, Bangkok. Visit: www.twintec.co.th
New GM at Okura Prestige Bangkok
E
dward Snoeks has taken the reins at The Okura Prestige Bangkok. He joins the five star hotel as General Manager from Hong Kong where was General Manager of the Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Causeway Bay hotel.
He was previously Vice President – Hotel Operations at Hong Kong Parkview Hotel Services (August 2008 - July 2013) and his hotel
management experience also embraces the Marco Polo Hotels, Hong Kong; the Mutiara Kuala Lumpur and Le Royal Meridien Baan Taling Ngam on the island of Koh Samui, Thailand. Edward Snoeks replaces Samir Wildemann who has been appointed General Manager and Regional VP for Kempinski hotels, based in Bangkok.
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Member News
Flying high with Tesco Lotus T
esco Lotus has landed a partnership deal with Air Asia Big, the loyalty programme for passengers of the no-frills airline headquartered in Malaysia. The deal allows Tesco Lotus Clubcard members to redeem points for flights with Air Asia. Tesco Lotus has been investing heavily in its Clubcard loyalty programme this year, according to Marketing Director Mark Roughley. He said that about one billion Baht had been ploughed in to the Tesco Lotus Clubcard loyalty scheme in a bid to woo new customers and to increase shopping frequencies by Clubcard members at the 1,800 supermarkets and smaller ‘Express’ stores across the country. Mark Roughley added that this was the biggest expenditure ever by the UK-based hypermarket retailer since the Clubcard programme was introduced to Thailand some six years ago.
The Nation newspaper reported Mark Roughley as stating that ‘Tesco Lotus is always looking for ways to make our customers’ lives easier by providing quality products at incredibly affordable prices and with great shopping experience’. “We have established the Clubcard programme as a way to thank cus-
tomers by rewarding them with Clubcard points, which are redeemable for cash vouchers and discount vouchers. Currently, over 11 million members around Thailand are enjoying these monetary benefits and today we are pleased to add on more benefits that fit with the lifestyle of our customers through our partnership with AirAsia Big,” he added.
Magne Hansen (2nd right), General Manager of Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok, presents a donation of cash and clothing for victims of the recent Nepal earthquake to Victoria Subirana (2nd left), founder of ‘EduQual all Nepal’. Also pictured are Sahapol Ladda (right), Executive Assistant Manager Rooms Division and Anintita Yothasiri ( far left), Director of Human Resources. EduQual Foundation is an NGO working to establish educational projects of quality in Nepal for children excluded and marginalised.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL “I'm so excited to become a House Captain this year and I am proud to be a recipient of the Primary Sports Awards.”
Bangkok Prep makes every moment a new learning opportunity for each student. Our qualified teachers continually guide and support every student to achieve new levels of success, from Early Years Foundation Stage to A levels. Please contact us to see how your child can be part of our community.
“The after school activities are the highlight of my day. There are tonnes of activities I can choose to express my creativity and ideas.”
“I was recently awarded Silver in the Intermediate Maths Challenge 2015 and elected as a member of the Student Council.”
“My passion is performing arts. I always take part in dance competitions and love being a member of the Senior Choir.”
Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School 23 Sukhumvit 53, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Thailand. +66 (02) 260 7890 admissions.spvr@bkkprep.ac.th www.bkkprep.ac.th The Link
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Member News
Regus launches one-stop service for mobile workers R egus, the global workplace provider, has launched a new suite of tools for professionals working on the go. The Only@Regus package includes access to 18 million wifi hotspots and new tools for Regus customers to find workspaces and meeting rooms wherever they’re working.
one click, without having to log in or share personal details.
The Only@Regus package is easily accessible through the MyRegus mobile app and online booking platform, offering fingertip access to the entire Regus global network of over 2,300 locations in 106 countries.
All the elements of the new package reflect Regus’ unique insights into the needs and lifestyles of today’s workers, whether they are working constantly on the move or merely from time to time. A headline benefit of the Only@Regus package is the Global Connect tool. This offers customers bundled access to a network of 18 million wifi hotspots. The network covers 120 countries/territories and includes hotels, restaurants, convention centres, trains, airports and planes.
MyRegus allows people to find and book space for themselves or their team, check availability of workspaces, or get directions to the nearest Regus centre, all at the click of a mouse or swipe of a touchscreen.
Global Connect offers Regus customers the opportunity to get online and stay productive worldwide, saving money on mobile data roaming with
Other elements of the package – all designed to boost the flexibility and productivity of customers from sole traders to multinationals – include entry to over 700 airside airport lounges worldwide; preferential rates on services from car hire to stationery, using the online via Regus Marketplace and instant access to Regus workspaces worldwide via a virtual membership card on their phone. Andre Sharpe, Global Director for Product and Business Development at Regus, said, “We are continually developing the Regus platform to provide convenience and productivity to mobile workers to keep abreast of new technological possibilities and their own needs.
Bupa Health Insurance (Thailand) PLC was the main sponsor of the recent Bangkok Post International Mini Marathon 2015 with Ben Assanasen, Managing Director of Bupa Health Insurance (Thailand) PLC, presiding jointly over the event’s opening ceremony and later presenting awards to the winners. 50
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Only Regus allows customers to work exactly how and where they want to, whether that’s a mile from home or 10,000 miles away - tying the services together in a simple way via the MyRegus app. We’re putting everything they need to do their job 100 percent effectively in the palm of their hand.”
Member News
Brighton College Bangkok appoints Founding Head B righton College Bangkok has appointed David Tongue as its founding Headmaster. He moves to Thailand from Abu Dhabi where he was headmaster of Brighton College Al Ain – now the highest ranked school in that Emirate.
David Tongue also held a successful headship in South America and was Curriculum Director at a leading school in Europe.
“As Founding Headmaster of Brigh-
ton College I am very much looking forward to bringing Brighton’s unique approach to education to Bangkok and to creating one of the leading international schools in the region.
Brighton College Bangkok’s pupils will be inspired and intellectually challenged, resulting in academically successful, happy and confident individuals. They will be filled with ambition, desire, determination and ability to succeed within their chosen field.”
Anniversary celebrations R egent’s International School, Bangkok has been celebrating its twentieth anniversary in spectacular style. The school hosted a concert at the Thailand Cultural Center attended by over 400 guests including Privy Counsellor M.R. Thepkamol Dhevakula and Madame Lady Kwanta Dhevakula.
The concert featured music performances and drama extracts from numerous school productions including an adaption of The Wizard of Oz’. The show’s production was assisted by the classical violinist, composer and producer Dr Paye Srinarong, Advisor to the school’s Music Excellence Programme. Chairman and Founder Dr Virachai Techavijit opened the first campus in Pattaya in August 1995 with some 80 students registered. The Bangkok campus opened in August 2000 and the combined total of students
attending Regent’s Schools in Thailand is now almost 1,800. From left to right: Peter Hogan (Principal), Khun Thipawan and Dr Virachai Techavijit (Founder and
Chairman of The Regent’s Schools), M.R. Thepkamol Dhevakula; Madame Lady Kwanta Dhevakula and Khun Kwanshanok Techavijit (Director of The Regent’s International School, Bangkok). The Link
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Member News
CBRE tracks expat housing market T
he single ownership expatriate standard apartment market in Bangkok is performing well, despite competition from rental units in condominiums. That’s according to property consultancy company CBRE. The number of expatriates with work permits in Bangkok has grown by 9.5 percent Y-o-Y to around 79,000, according to statistics from the Ministry of Labour. Most expatriates only want to live in a limited number of areas such as Sukhumvit, Lumpini and Sathorn. They are only in Bangkok for two or three years and wish to rent, rather than purchase, their residence. The most popular choice is to rent an apartment or condominium because there are few houses or townhouses to rent in most expatriate areas. There is limited competition with serviced apartments, but only for studio and one-bedroom units not larger units. CBRE estimates that there are about 11,000 expatriate standard apart-
ments in the most popular areas with occupancy currently over 90 percent. There are around 92,800 condominiums in the same most popular expatriate areas and CBRE also estimates that about 30-40 percent of these units are let by the owners. The occupancy rate for condominiums is 80 percent. Tenants prefer to rent apartments rather than units from individual owners in a condominium because they know they can go directly to the building owner for repairs and requests. In a condominium, the individual owner is responsible for the maintenance inside the unit and the buildings property manager is only responsible for the maintenance of the common areas. This means it can be difficult for tenants to get owners to repair items quickly. Although many of the apartment buildings are more than 20 years old, generally both the common areas and unit decoration have been well main-
New CEO at HSBC HSBC has appointed Kelvin Tan as Chief Executive Officer for Thailand. He succeeds Tan Siew Meng, who is taking up the newly-created role of Regional Head Global Trade and Receivables Finance - Asia Pacific at HSBC. Kelvin Tan joined HSBC in Singapore in 2009 and brings with him a wealth of strong banking experience, gained 52
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from roles in both Global Banking and Markets and Commercial Banking. In his most recent role, as Head of Commercial Banking, Singapore, he was responsible for growing the Bank’s trade business and managing its relationships across all sectors of corporate clients. Kelvin has over two decades of experience in supporting corporates and MNCs across multiple industries in Singapore and Asia Pacific.
tained and renovated and are in much better condition than many condominium buildings of the same age. CBRE’s research shows that there are only 415 apartment units in singleownership buildings under construction in the most popular expatriate locations but there are 27,000 condominium units under construction in these areas, 63 percent of which will be one-bedroom units. The prospects for single-ownership apartments are good, especially for two and three-bedroom units, because tenants prefer single-ownership buildings to condominiums and because few new two, three and fourbedroom apartment and condominium units are being built. CBRE expects that expatriate numbers will continue to grow. Most expatriates will want to live in the same areas and will continue to prefer apartments rather than condominiums, if given the choice of similar size, similar quality unit in the same areas.
Member News
Regent’s opens Thailand’s first BTEC college T
hailand is pushing to bring education up to international qualification standards, with pilot projects ear-marked to start in Phuket in Hospitality and Hotel Management. Dr.Virachai Techavijit, Chairman of the Regent’s International School, in cooperation with the UK’s Business Technology Education Council (BTEC) and its owners Pearson, the world’s largest professional education body, is working to drive forward international qualification models in Thailand.
Dr Techavijit has opened Regent’s International College as Thailand’s first BTEC higher education college in Bangkok, which offers students the chance to study for internationally recognised qualifications with an outlook to furthering their education at a wide range of universities worldwide. The BTEC applied learning qualifications have been recognised by industries and more than 1,100 universities in places such as UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China, Australia, Greece, Egypt and Brazil. The BTECs cleverly mix theoretical learning with the application of professional skills that enhance human capital development leading to sustainable and measurable growth and
relieving the problem of Thailand’s shortfall of 400,000 skilled workers each year. Khun Nitin Dutta, CEO of Regent’s International College, said, “BTEC in Thailand aims for 100 students in 2016 and 1,000 students in 2021. The target group is international students in Thailand and AEC countries, EPS or bi–lingual schools as well as students from all over the country who prefer a new choice of professional advancement. We have dormitory facilities for students under 18 years old.
Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) Pcl. has appointed Saksit Pitipongsoonthorn as its new Head of Corporate Affairs Thailand in addition to his current responsibilities as Head of Brand and Marketing. Khun Saksit is an experienced marketer with over 15 years of tenure with the Bank. He joined
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“BTEC offers a three-year bachelor degree curriculum by studying level 4 and 5 for two years and then only one more year in a leading university. For those who are weak in the English language we have a one-year foundation programme. BTEC curriculum in Thailand lasts for three years with each year dividing into three terms. Students learn academically blended with full time apprenticeship in the first and the second year’s first semester in a specialised company.”
the Bank in 2000 as a Brand and Communications Manager. He was appointed Head of Brand and Marketing in April 2014. His track record at Standard Chartered Bangkok (Thai) includes securing sponsorship of English Premier League title hopefuls Liverpool FC and the highly successful annual Standard Chartered Bangkok Marathon.
Member News
Liverpool FC legendary striker Ian Rush (pictured centre right) has been conducting a football clinic for visually-impaired students at the Bangkok School for the Blind. Rush, who scored 229 goals for Liverpool in two spells between 1980 and 1996, was accompanied by coaches from the club and by German international and former teammate Dieter Hamann (third from left). The clinic was funded by team sponsor Standard Chartered Bank and Lyn Kok (second from left), President and CEO - Thailand and Greater Mekong, Standard Chartered Bank, was on hand to welcome the Anfield delegation.
In response the recent earthquake in Nepal, Standard Chartered Bank has donated Baht 480,000 to Habitat for Humanity. Lyn Kok (second from left), the bank’s President and CEO, Thailand and Greater Mekong Subregion, Standard Chartered Bank presented the donation to Smith Jingkaojai (second from right). The funds, which came primarily from the fundraising efforts by staff in Thailand together with clients’ donations, will be used to build new homes for those affected by the disaster. Khun Thippaporn (Chearavanont) Ahriyavraromp, Chairman of the Buddharaksa Foundation under the DT Group of Companies joined with Mahidol University and True Corporation by True Innovation to deliver 100 ‘My Eye Memory’ (MeM) innovation machines to Mahidol University Ratchasuka College and Office of The Basic Education Commission. MeM machines assist blind people to communicate easier with other as well as elevating their living standards. The Link
Issue 3/2015
55
Member News
Thailand’s streamlined tax regime could attract multinationals H
meet requirements of clients seeking forex and interest rate swap services provided by our highly skilled and experienced staff,” he added.
SBC is predicting that more multinational companies will consider establishing their international headquarters in Thailand following the government’s decision to streamline its tax regime. The changes offer foreign companies tax privileges and preferential treatment on par with Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia in a policy move aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). Krisda Phatcharoen, Head of Commercial Banking at HSBC Thailand, says that many large Thai companies and multinational firms have shown keen interest and are expected to follow up this year with plans to set up their international headquarters in Thailand. He added that such leads lead inevitably to international trade and investment. “Until recently, Thailand had relatively many tax regulations and foreign exchange controls that acted as key barriers to foreign trade. Thailand’s recently streamlined tax regime provides more transparent tax regulations, together with various tax holidays and privileges including investment-friendly measures that are conducive to trade and investment. “All of these will serve to boost Thailand’s potential and competitiveness which will put the country in a better position to emerge as a regional trade and investment centre, especially in the ASEAN region, as well as to boost its readiness to compete with Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia,” he added. 56
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Krisda Phatcharoen
Krisda Phatcharoen said that Thailand’s geographical advantage offers ‘high potential to be a centre of trade and investment in the ASEAN region, not to mention its skilled labour force, well developed infrastructure that has made it an important autoindustry and electronic manufacturing hub and a relatively cheap living cost compared with its neighbours’. “These favourable factors have made Thailand a choice destination for foreign business executives seeking to relocate residence or work overseas. HSBC is well prepared to assist both Thai companies expanding abroad and multinational firms investing in Thailand. “Foreign exchange transactions, forex risk management and interest rate swaps are vital backup operations supporting overseas business headquarters. HSBC is prepared to provide these crucial services and
Krisda also said that many large Thai companies with overseas branch networks and multinational companies with diverse affiliated networks in manufacturing, supply chain, and service sectors have gradually submitted requests to the Thai Finance Ministry and the Bank of Thailand seeking approval of their plans to operate treasury centres in Thailand to support operations of their affiliates and subsidiaries worldwide in financial liquidity and forex risk management, as well as fund raising as part of their plans to open global business headquarters in Thailand, a trend that is set to continue in the future. In Thailand, applicants seeking to open international corporate headquarters each must have a minimum registered capital of Baht 10 million with at least one overseas business entity or affiliated branch, and minimum Baht 15 million annual operating expenses for the headquarters being set up here. With these qualifications, the applicants are entitled to full corporate tax exemption for their overseas affiliates, a preferential local corporate tax rate of 10 percent, exemption of withholding tax for dividends remitted to their parent companies abroad, exemption of income tax for revenue derived from product exports, and a reduced 10 percent tax on earnings from exports of products made from raw materials and intermediate products acquired domestically.
Ophir Energy is an independent Upstream oil and gas exploration and production company focused on Asia and Africa. Ophir creates value by ďŹ nding resources and then monetising them at the appropriate time.
Salamander Energy rebranded to Ophir Energy www.ophir-energy.com
Member News
Bangkok Prep to open new campus in 2017 M ore details have emerged about the new campus for Bangkok International Preparatory and Secondary School (Bangkok Prep). The site sits about two miles from the existing campus on Sukhumvit 53 with access from BTS On Nut station, Sukhumvit 71 and the Raminthra - At Narong express way.
The campus, located in a residential neighborhood, will feature classrooms, laboratories, sports field, 50-metre swimming pool, tennis courts, sports complex, creative arts, drama and music centre and an auditorium. The campus is scheduled to open in August 2017, catering for students aged 12-18 years and offer classes for Years 7 - 13. The school’s existing campus on Sukhumvit 53 is to become a primary school, offering
classes from Nursery to Year 6 for students aged 3 – 11 years.
erie Thomas-Peter, Bangkok Prep’s Head of School.
“We took the time to locate the most appropriate land for the school and we are convinced that this site provides the perfect location for the new secondary campus,” said Val-
Bangkok Prep was founded in 2002 and now has 774 pupils comprising 59 nationalities. Some 43 percent of the pupils are Thai.
Ian takes on twin roles with Hilton in Bangkok I an Barrow has been appointed as the new General Manager of the Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok and DoubleTree by Hilton hotels. He replaces David Ecija, who has transferred with Hilton to a new role as General Manager of the Hilton Sao Paulo Morumbi, Brazil. Ian Barrow’s career in the hospitality sector spans more than 20 years. Born in Gloucester, England his previous assignments in the Asia Pacific 58
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region assignments include spells in Kathmandu, Melbourne, Sydney, Shanghai and, most recently, Kuala Lumpur where was General Manager at the city’s DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. “Bangkok is one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic destinations for leisure and business travellers and I am relishing the challenge of managing two of the city’s most successful hotels,” he said.
Ian Barrow welcomes Thailand’s Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul
Member News
M. R. Pridiyathorn Devakula in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister gave a keynote address at a tourism industry conference held at the Dusit Thani Bangkok. Thailand’s Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul was also a guest speaker. The conference event was organised by the Association of Thai Travel Agents, Thai Hotels Association, Thai Travel Agents Association and The Association of Domestic Travel. From left to right: Anek Srichevachart, TTAA President; Charoen Wangananont, ATTA President; M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula; Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul; Kalin Sarasin, Chairman of the Board of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Acting Governor of TAT and Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East and America), and Surapong Techaruvichit - THA President.
Dusit International continues its mission to help bring smiles to children living with facial abnormalities through its Dusit Smiles programme, run in partnership with Operation Smile Thailand (OST). Dusit COO David Shackleton presented a donation of Baht 205,658.14 to Dr. Paul Robere, Board Member of Operation Smile Thailand. The donation brings Dusit Smiles’ year-to-date total to Baht 507,941.72. From left to right: Miss Tatpisha Termthavorn, Human Resources Development Director - Operation Smile Thailand; Dr. Paul Robere; David Shackleton; Miss Nataporn Rothhaas, HR Manager – Dusit International and Miss Pruchyaporn Srisuk, Assistant HR Manager – Dusit International.
Sofitel So Bangkok has received the Green Hotel Award 2015 (Gold) from the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion. Receiving the award from Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha (left) is Yves Mudry, General Manager of Sofitel So Bangkok.
The Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok and Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok have both been awarded Green Hotel (Gold) Awards for 2015. Receiving the award from Thailand’s Prime Minister is Khun Savitri Ramyarupa, Managing Director of Chatrium Hotels & Residences. The Link
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59
Member News
Equities stand firm in wake of debt crisis in Greece
D
espite the debt crisis in Greece and volatility in China’s equity markets, global transaction volumes in the second quarter of the year totalled US$161 billion, unchanged from the same period a year ago, according to Q2 2015 preliminary data from JLL.
umes, as full year global forecasts hit US$750-760 billion. The Americas as a whole posted the best secondquarter performance since 2007 at US$79 billion as the US economy recovers while Russia shows signs of renewed optimism with the strongest level of activity seen in five quarters.
The USA leads global commercial real estate investment in the second quarter of 2015 after posting a 30 percent rise in transaction vol-
In Asia Pacific, lower transactions in Japan and Australia – the region’s biggest markets – pulled volumes down. In EMEA, transaction vol-
umes were up 11 percent, measured in local currencies. “We can expect the recent decline in global interest rates to support transactional activity for the remainder of 2015. As a result, we believe global volumes for the full year will reach US$750-760 billion, a five percent rise on 2014 transactional activity,” says David Green-Morgan, global capital markets research director at JLL.
Shrewsbury International School in Bangkok is celebrating the start of the new academic year with record-breaking public examination results. Shrewsbury’s class of 2015 now head to around 25 leading universities in the UK, US, Japan, Australia and Thailand, including at least 36 places at ‘world top 100’ ranked institutions such as UPenn, Berkeley, Michigan, Chicago, Washington, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol and Durham. This impressive list endorses Shrewsbury’s sixth form programme which combines the focused academic rigor of ‘A’ level studies with the holistic, critical-thinking course ‘Reading the World’ - an approach respected and valued by leading international universities. The DT Group of Companies in Thailand is supporting efforts to improve living standards in Nepal following the recent earthquake. The ‘Giving hands to Nepal’ project embraces disaster relief, recover and care of children left orphaned by the natural disaster. The company organised a visit by Thai journalists to affected areas and to meet those benefiting from the project.
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Britain in South East Asia (BiSEA) Fax: 603-2163-1781 Email: britcham@bmcc.org.my Website: www.bmcc.org.my Chairman: Dato Larry Gan General Manager: Nik Tasha Nik Kamaruddin Cambodia British Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia British Chamber of Commerce, Cambodia (BritCham) Office: British Embassy, #27-29 Street 75, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tel: 855-1232-3121 E-mail: executivedirector@ britchamcambodia.org Website: www.britchamcambodia.org Chairman: Darren Conquest Executive Director: Olivia Widen
Indonesia British Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia Wisma Metropolitan 1, 15th Floor, Jl. Jend, Sudirman Kav 29-31 Jakarta, Indonesia 12920 Tel: 62-21-522-9453 Fax: 62-21-527-9135 Email: chriswren@britcham.or.id Website: www.britcham.or.id Chairman: Adrian Short Executive Director: Chris Wren
Malaysia British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce E04C1, 4th Floor East Block Wisma Selangor Dredging 142-B Jalan Ampang 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: 603-2163-1784 /1786
MYANMAR British Chamber of Commerce Myanmar Hintha Business Centre Floor 3, 608 Merchant Street (corner of Merchant & 31st) Pabedan Township Yangon, Myanmar Mobile: +95 (0)9250423475 Email: stephanie@ britishchambermyanmar.com President: Antony Picon Executive Director: Stephanie Ashmore
Philippines British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines c/o The British Embassy Manila 120 Upper McKinley Road McKinley hill, Taguig City 1634 Metro Manila, Philippines Tel: 632-858-2255/858-2372/ 858-2373 Fax: 632-858-2390 Email: chairman@bccphil.com Website: www.bccphil.com Chairman: Roger Lamb General Manager: Chris Boughton
Singapore British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore 138 Cecil Street, #11-01 Cecil Court Singapore 069538 Tel: 65-6222-3552 Fax: 65-6222-3556 Email: info@britcham.org.sg Website: www.britcham.org.sg President: Mr. Hugo Walkinshaw Executive Director: Brigitte Holtschneider
Thailand British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) 7th Floor, 208 Wireless Rd., Lumpini Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: 66-2651-5350-3 Fax: 66-2651-5354 Email: greg@bccthai.com Website: www.bccthai.com Chairman: Simon Matthews Executive Director: Greg Watkins
Vietnam British Business Group Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City G/F 25 Le Duan Blvd, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Tel: 84-8-3829-8430 Fax: 84-8-3822-5172 Email: info@bbgv.org Website: www.bbgv.org Hanoi 193B Ba Trien, Hai Ba Trung District Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: 84 4 6674 0945 Chairman: Nick Holder Issue 3/2015 61 The Link Executive Director: Wai Kit Ho
Dataconsult
Chamber Events
Economic Projection
By the Numbers
Average Economic Growth Rate of Major Trading Partners (percent y-o-y) Dubai Crude Oil Price (U.s. dollar per Barrel)
2013
2014
3.7
2015f Average
Range
3.6
3.6
3.1 - 4.1
105.1
96.6
60.0
50.0 -70.0
Export price in U.S. dollar (percent y-o-y)
-0.5
-1.0
-1.6
(-2.6) to (-0.6)
Import price in U.S. dollar (percent y-o-y)
-2.1
-1.9
-6.7
(-7.7) to (-5.7)
Exchange Rate (Baht per U.S. dollar)
30.7
32.49
33.95
32.95 - 34.95
Repurchase Rate (policy Rate) at year-end (percent y-o-y)
2.25
2.00
1.50
1.25 - 1.75
Fiscat-Year Public Expenditure (Trillion Baht)
3.03
3.20
3.42
3.22 - 3.62
Number of tourists (Million persons)
26.5
24.8
29.9
28.9 - 30.9
2.9
0.9
3.0
2.5 - 3.5
- Real Private Consumption
0.3
0.6
1.4
0.9 - 1.9
- Real Public Consumption
4.9
1.7
2.8
2.3 - 3.3
- Real Private Investment
-2.8
-2.0
1.4
0.4 - 2.4
- Real Public Investment
1.3
-4.9
19.6
17.6 - 21.6
Policy Variables
Chris Bruton Director, Dataconsult Ltd.
I
f 2015 turns out to be anything like 2014, the forecasts of major indicators, especially GDP and exports, will become steadily more pessimistic as the year goes by. At the moment, we are still in the GDP growth band of 2.5 to 3.5 percent, with most analysts in the lower band of 2.5 to 3.0 percent. But if the news out of China continues to depress, this could well drop by a half or even a full percentage point during fourth quarter. Much depends on the two major indicators of exports and tourism. Regarding exports, most commentators, with the possible exception of the Ministry of Commerce, are fairly realistic. The probable year-end outcome stands at minus 2 to minus 6 percent, with a likely performance in the lower levels of minus 4 percent or beyond. Even the weakening Baht currency is unlikely to help. Some competitor countries, especially Vietnam, have skillfully managed currency depreciation to keep ahead of the competitive game. Tourism had suddenly become the main hope and shining light of Thailand’s economy, with arrivals looking to recover and even exceed 2013 performance, with commensurate foreign exchange earnings. Then came the bombings, along with rather poorly managed attempts to pass off the appauling loss of life and severe injuries as some minor domestic quarrel rather than obvious transnational criminality. The bombers may
Projections Economic Growth Rate (percent y-o-y) Real Consumption Growth (percent y-o-y)
Real Investment Growth (percent y-o-y)
Export Volume of Goods and Services (percent y-o-y)
4.2
0.0
1.0
0.0 to 2.0
Import Volume of Goods and Services (percent y-o-y)
2.3
-5.4
1.2
0.2 to 2.2
Trade Balance (billion U.S. dollar)
6.7
24.6
26.5
18.0 - 3.50
- Export Value of Goods in U.S. dollar (percent y-o-y)
-0.2
-0.3
-4.0
(-6.0) to (-2.0)
- Import Value of Goods in U.S. dollar (percent y-o-y)
-0.5
-8.5
-5.5
(-7.5) to (-3.5)
-2.5
13.1
20.5
12.0 - 29.0
-0.7
3.2
5.1
2.9 - 7.0
Headline Inflation (percent y-o-y)
2.2
1.9
-0.6
(-1.1) to (-0.1)
Core Inflation (percent y-o-y)
1.0
1.6
0.8
0.3 - 1.3
Unemployment Rate (percentage of total labor force)
0.7
0.8
0.8
0.7 - 0.9
Current Account (billion U.S. dollar) - Percentage of GDP
Source: Fiscal Policy Office, Ministry of Finance
Political uncertainties will also take their toll. While government bravely reassures the world that everything is in order and all set for continuing stability, the outlook is far from certain. If the Constitution does pass referendum, will the politicians actually play the game according to the rules, or even be unwilling to step onto the field of play? The post 2017 outlook may deter some of the more cautious investors. Nevertheless old Thailand hands have seen it all before, and will no doubt find that “where there is a will, there will be a way”.
have been apprehended, but the tourist arrival cancellations have flowed in and the immediate outlook is unpromising. The other major prospective engine of growth, infrastructure spending, should make its eventual contribution. But implementation is likely to be slower than originally anticipated and there will be the inevitable “horse-trading” that invariably surrounds implementation of major projects in Thailand.
Thailand Statistical Update (September 2015) Item
Jul
Jun
May
Year 2015 Apr Mar
Feb
Jan
Dec
Nov
Year 2014 Oct Sep
Aug
Production Indicators Agricultural Production Index (y-on-y %)
-9.9
-5.4
-7.8
-12.6
-9.5
-1.7
1.1
-7.0
-6.2
-3.2
-1.9
6.5
Manufacturing Production Index (y-on-y %)
-5.3
-7.7
-7.6
-7.1
-1.7
3.6
-0.8
-0.1
-3.7
-3.0
-3.9
-2.6
Industrial Capacity Utilisation (%)
58.7
57.1
56.9
52.7
63.6
61.2
61.5
60.9
60.5
60.5
61.0
60.4
Key domestic product sales Electricity (KWH bn.)
15.50
15.50
16.32
14.56
15.58
12.91
12.86
13.21
14.31
14.66
14.60
14.85
Benzene/gasohol (mn. litres)
815.51
781.65
797.38
796.23
787.83
723.57
776.86
800.97
718.59
728.90
707.79
736.25
Beer (mn. litres)
155.35
154.25
142.05
176.03
226.57
182.75
162.43
211.12
181.26
177.42
158.54
133.32
Soda / soft drinks (mn. litres)
79.51
68.27
77.73
77.19
90.46
80.45
79.47
91.86
84.37
81.18
81.48
62.07
Passenger cars (000 units)
22.23
21.27
23.16
23.47
30.14
24.43
23.41
36.74
29.23
30.10
30.22
29.97
Motorcycles (000 units)
133.48
172.52
144.94
106.31
183.98
153.04
142.93
120.00
1211.02
135.90
142.82
143.24
Commercial vehicles (000 units)
38.85
38.63
38.94
33.58
30.59
43.98
38.52
36.32
52.77
43.83
40.66
36.63
Cement (mn. metric tonnes)
2.74
2.90
2.90
2.72
3.25
2.88
2.83
2.69
2.60
2.73
2.77
2.79
Passenger cars (y-on-y %)
-25.1
-35.4
-21.1
-24.7
-13.4
-12.5
-11.4
-28.0
-27.7
-28.0
-35.9
-41.2
Motorcycles (y-on-y %)
-23.2
12.5
-5.4
-18.4
18.1
0.7
14.5
-3.3
-12.0
-7.6
4.4
-11.4
Commercial vehicles (y-on-y %)
-3.1
-4.5
-19.7
-27.3
-10.6
-9.6
-13.7
-16.1
-17.4
-13.6
-18.5
-21.2
Cement (y-on-y %)
-2.0
3.1
-0.5
-3.3
0.6
-2.4
-5.8
0.2
-8.8
-5.7
-5.6
-2.7
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Item
Jul
Jun
Year 2015 May Apr Mar
Feb
Jan
Dec
Year 2014 Nov Oct Sep
Aug
Producer / Consumer Price Indicators Producer Price Index
103.1
104.0
104.0
102.8
102.9
102.9
102.3
135.7
137.2
137.9
138.6
138.9
Change (m-on-m %)
-0.9
0.0
1.2
-0.1
0.0
0.6
-1.4
-1.1
-0.5
-0.5
-0.2
-0.9
Change (y-on-y %)
-3.8
-3.7
-4.8
-5.4
-5.0
-4.9
-5.4
-3.6
-1.7
-1.3
-1.1
0.1
120.5
121.3
121.5
121.8
121.7
122.1
123.2
124.7
125.5
126.2
126.7
127.0
Change (m-on-m %)
-0.7
-0.2
-0.2
0.1
-0.3
-0.9
-1.2
-0.6
-0.6
-0.4
-0.2
-0.2
Change (y-on-y %)
-5.3
-4.6
-4.3
-4.3
-4.5
-3.8
-2.8
-1.6
-0.8
-0.2
0.6
1.3
106.57
106.60
106.53
106.35
106.33
106.15
106.02
106.65
107.19
107.32
107.43
107.61
-0.07
0.10
0.17
0.02
0.17
0.12
-0.59
-0.50
-0.12
-0.10
-0.17
-0.80
-1.0
-1.1
-1.3
-1.0
-0.6
-0.5
-0.4
0.6
1.3
1.5
1.8
2.1
105.93
105.80
105.80
105.71
105.59
106.65
105.56
105.39
105.20
105.08
105.02
105.03
Change (m-on-m %)
0.10
0.06
0.05
0.11
-0.06
0.09
-0.16
0.18
0.11
0.06
-0.01
0.09
Change (y-on-y %)
0.9
0.9
0.9
1.0
1.3
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.6
1.7
1.7
1.8
Industrial Confidence Index
83.0
84.0
85.4
86.2
87.7
88.9
91.1
92.7
89.7
87.5
86.1
88.7
Business Sentiment Index
46.4
49.1
50.3
45.2
52.4
49.4
49.0
49.0
48.6
48.7
48.9
49.1
Private Consumption Index
111.2
107.4
110.2
117.4
117.7
102.1
110.6
120.2
112.6
109.6
112.9
112.2
Private Investment Index
117.9
118.0
118.0
118.1
118.5
119.3
119.8
120.2
120.2
118.5
117.6
116.3
Consumer Confidence Index
33.7
38.9
38.9
38.8
40.0
42.4
43.3
44.2
44.2
46.1
45.8
44.0 48.37
Construction Materials Price Index
Consumer Price Index (headline) (2011 = 100) Change (m-on-m %) Change (y-on-y %) Core Inflation (2011 = 100)
Consumption & Confidence Indicators
Fuel Prices Benzene 95 (Baht/litre)
34.99
35.42
34.75
33.70
35.38
35.09
35.00
38.51
40.77
43.81
44.86
Gasohol 95 (Baht/litre)
28.43
28.27
29.08
28.14
29.53
29.54
31.02
32.63
35.00
36.75
37.80
39.78
Diesel (Baht/litre)
24.51
29.57
26.07
25.34
27.04
26.22
25.79
28.11
29.42
29.66
29.99
29.86
Manufactured products (Baht bn.)
547.84
540.95
515.60
489.14
546.10
499.37
494.35
532.61
534.65
576.96
569.09
535.00
Agricultural products (Baht bn.)
45.24
44.71
48.96
39.93
47.13
43.03
41.95
58.08
41.25
50.76
45.39
49.09
Total exports (Baht bn.)
609.13
603.38
592.52
548.46
610.98
558.29
563.22
610.14
595.16
646.71
630.75
600.48
Total exports (y-on-y %)
-3.6
-7.9
-5.0
-1.7
-4.4
-6.1
-3.5
1.9
-1.0
4.0
3.2
-7.4
Foreign Trade of Thailand: exports
Foreign Trade of Thailand: imports Consumer goods (Baht bn.)
54.99
56.40
51.44
54.62
55.79
54.89
55.96
55.46
55.11
59.11
60.29
46.02
Raw materials (Baht bn.)
330.84
347.28
299.88
329.58
313.22
297.07
337.14
323.53
335.35
392.26
396.40
355.01
Capital goods (Baht bn.)
143.54
159.07
133.49
148.08
127.07
143.80
149.16
148.40
144.96
154.17
168.18
125.60
Other Imports (Baht bn.)
60.84
42.78
36.15
40.00
73.22
56.32
42.57
39.41
70.00
46.40
71.00
44.36
Total Imports (Baht bn.)
590.21
605.53
520.96
572.28
569.30
552.07
584.83
566.80
605.43
651.95
695.87
570.99
Total Imports (y-on-y %)
-12.7
-0.2
-20.0
-6.8
-5.9
1.5
-13.3
-8.7
-3.5
4.9
14.4
-14.2
Tourism Indicators Suvarnabhumi Arrivals (000 persons)
1,442
1,205
1,214
1,287
1,394
1,464
1,456
1,578
1,355
1,195
978
1,139
Change (y-on-y %)
45.49
59.03
40.75
26.97
32.05
33.96
13.43
-1.20
-1.51
0.03
-16.74
-16.29
Nationwide Arrivals (000 persons)
3,642
2,282
2,309
2,289
2,532
2,689
2,655
2,841
2,438
2,180
1,855
2,076
Change (y-on-y %)
39.38
53.06
38.21
18.34
25.50
29.60
16.30
11.76
2.53
6.14
-7.00
-11.85
Hotel Occupancy Rate (%)
60.96
54.88
59.00
61.35
66.27
71.57
67.16
67.93
66.35
58.37
50.99
54.86
Loans (Baht billion)
n.a.
12,854.4
12,829.5
12,937.5
12,791.1
12,792.3
12,600.3
12,609.3
12,635.9
12,622.6
12,322.4
12,409.4
Deposits (Baht billion)
n.a.
11,792.0
11,928.2
11,951.8
11,894.9
11,759.7
11,676.1
11,670.0
11,473.0
11,278.3
11,134.4
11,074.5
Commercial Banking Indicators
Stock Exchange and Foreign Investment indicators SET Index (1975 = 100)
1,440.12
1,504.55
1,496.05
1,526.74
1,505.94
1,587.01
1,581.25
1,497.67
1,593.91
1,584.16
1,585.67
1,561.63
Market Capitalisation (bn. Baht)
13,580
14,143
14,024
14,317
14,116
14,863
14,710
13,856
14,678
14,423
14,427
14,037
Foreign Purchase (bn. Baht)
174.19
183.91
181.31
197.03
246.51
182.54
193.53
174.46
191.01
190.84
231.18
157.09
Foreign Sale (bn. Baht)
200.61
194.40
178.17
196.90
243.77
189.44
197.83
202.20
179.97
206.98
210.07
154.70
Foreign Direct Investment (net, bn. Baht)
n.a.
60.18
44.08
52.21
21.69
49.05
83.80
17.08
46.33
45.33
47.73
23.79
Foreign Portfolio Investment (net, bn. Baht)
n.a.
-47.73
-33.01
-13.28
1.63
2.86
-93.37
-51.38
-7.33
-63.75
-35.15
-38.78
Applications (Baht bn.)
n.a.
n.a.
10.6
8.8
11.3
9.9
7.7
1,428.2
124.8
53.9
175.1
45.0
Approvals (Baht bn.)
n.a.
n.a.
66.2
107.9
102.3
83.7
31.6
94.1
108.8
97.8
27.8
64.2
Certificates (Baht bn.)
n.a.
n.a.
68.9
43.4
59.5
45.5
79.5
16.6
88.9
72.1
39.0
103.4
Board of Investment indicators
International monetary indicators US$ / Baht (mid-rate)
34.30
33.73
33.55
32.51
32.63
32.57
32.73
32.90
32.78
32.45
32.18
32.00
ÂŁ / Baht (mid-rate)
53.34
52.52
52.02
48.70
48.86
49.89
49.56
51.42
51.74
52.17
52.51
53.45
Euro / Baht (mid-rate)
37.72
37.86
37.43
35.16
35.32
36.99
38.03
40.54
40.89
41.15
41.56
42.61
Japan (100) Yen / Baht (mid-rate)
27.83
27.28
27.79
27.22
27.11
27.48
27.69
27.57
28.25
30.05
30.03
31.07
A$ / Baht (mid-rate)
25.43
26.04
26.52
25.19
25.22
25.38
26.46
27.10
28.36
28.48
29.18
29.79
S$ / Baht (mid-rate)
25.20
25.07
25.13
24.12
23.69
24.05
24.47
25.01
25.31
25.47
25.49
25.64
Exports (f.o.b. US$ billion)
18.11
17.68
18.23
16.75
18.77
17.07
17.16
18.65
18.22
19.87
19.58
18.64
Imports (f.o.b. US$ billion)
15.40
15.69
14.08
15.04
15.30
14.50
15.77
15.04
16.31
17.74
18.46
16.46
2,708.39
1,988.12
4,151.50
1,707.35
3,464.65
2,568.42
1,392.03
3,613.47
1,906.23
2,113.62
1,118.57
2,181.73
Trade balance (US$ mn) Current account balance ( US$ mn)
2,115.94
893.46
2,126.92
1,113.39
2,210.16
2,490.09
2,488.17
5,207.35
1,365.95
2,389.33
-541.73
547.55
Balance of payments ( US$ mn.)
-1,745.80
1,401.90
116.30
1,807.80
1,096.40
2,169.50
719.10
-15.50
-105.20
-58.30
-2,409.90
-500.00
156.94
160.27
158.52
161.10
156.32
156.94
155.42
157.11
158.54
160.61
161.57
167.52
Foreign currency reserves ( US$ bn.)
Statistical sources: these statistics have been derived from the following official sources: Bank of Thailand, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Finance (Department of Customs, Fiscal Policy Office), Ministry of Industry, Board of Investment, Immigration Department, Stock Exchange of Thailand. The above statistics represent the principal economic indicators for Thailand, but the original sources provide much more extensive and detailed coverage of different aspects of the economy. Statistics as presented are, in most cases, provisional figures, which will be adjusted at a later date when final returns are available from the respective sources. While best efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, readers are referred to original sources for definitive statistics. Note: month-by-month figures are updated as adjustments are made in the original statistical sources
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Chamber Events
Boardroom Briefing
Two-Day Thai Language Workshop
4 June 2015
11 June – 12 June 2015
Amanda Davenport, Associate Director with KPMG Thailand’s International Tax, provided insights into RHOs, IHQs, and ITCs at BCCT’s Boardroom Briefing on Thursday 4th June.
On Thursday 11th and Friday 12th June, BCCT held a Thai Language Workshop on SpeakPro Sales Skills at Crowne Plaza Lumpini.
- Amanda Davenport makes her presentation.
- This workshop was facilitated by Pachara Yongjiranon (front centre) from SpeakPro Training.
BCCT Evening Presentation
BCCT Short Workshop
11 June 2015
15 June 2015
BCCT members and non-members joined Khun Chainarong Indharameesup, Chairman of Boyden Associates and Honorary Advisor to BCCT, for a presentation on “HR Changes and Challenges in Thailand” at the Sivatel Hotel.
Two sessions were held on Monday 15th June in the BCCT Short Workshop series covering the Harvard Business School Case-Study “Microsoft: New wine in an old bottle?”
- Khun Chainarong Indharameesup’s presentation was very popular with BCCT members.
- The workshop was facilitated by John Wagner, Director of Powa Technologies Limited.
Thank you to our sponsors. 64
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Chamber Events
BCCT-MBMG Insights
Third Thursday Networking
16 June 2015
18 June 2015
Khun Korn Chatikavanij (second from right), former Finance Minister, was guest speaker at BCCT-MBMG Insights “Thailand’s Economy and the Challenges Facing Foreign Investors and Businesspeople” on Tuesday 16th June at JW Marriott Hotel.
BCCT Third Thursday Networking Evening in June was hosted by Siam@Siam Hotel at Party House One.
- Pictured from left are MBMG co-founder Paul Gambles, MBMG Managing Director Graham Macdonald, Khun Korn Chatikavanij and BCCT Chairman Simon Matthews.
- Pictured from left are BCCT’s Vice Chairman Chis Thatcher, Siam@Siam Hotel Manager Geev Andre Bahrampoori and Douglas Riach of Forbears Freedom Wealth Management.
Phuket Business Dinner
BCCT Half-Day Workshop
25 June 2015
3 July 2015
Graham Catterwell (second from left) was guest speaker at the Phuket Business Dinner “Update on the Thai Political Situation”, held in cooperation with FTCC, GTCC, TICC and NTCC.
Jan van Zwieten, Managing Partner of Mentally Fit Institute, facilitated the BCCT Half-Day Workshop on “Energy Management” at Phachara Suites. This workshop was kindly sponsored in part by Smart World Training.
- Pictured from left are BCCT Vice-Chairman Chris Thatcher, Graham Catterwell, BCCT Executive Director Greg Watkins, and Amari Phuket General Manager Pierre-Andre Pelletier.
- Delegates give the ‘thumbs-up’ to the presentation by Jan van Zwieten.
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Chamber Events
Third Thursday Networking
BCCT ESB One-Day Workshop
16 July 2015
17 July 2015
Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside General Manager Klaus Sennik welcomed and hosted more than 100 guests to BCCT Third Thursday Networking Evening on Thursday 16th July.
Pachara Yongjiranon, Corporate Trainer & Presentation Coach at SpeakPro Training, facilitated the first BCCT Eastern Seaboard One-Day Workshop on “SpeakPro Presentation Skills” at the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya.
- Klaus Sennik (left) welcomes BCCT member Lloyd Wilson from Berkeley International School.
- Pachara Yongjiranon (centre) with workshop delegates
Joint Chambers ESB Networking
BCCT Boardroom Briefing
17 July 2015
21 July 2015
BCCT hosted the Joint Chambers Eastern Seaboard Networking Evening at the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya. This event was kindly sponsored by Regus Centre Thailand, Vinarco Group of Companies Asia Pacific, Maximum Performance Wellness Center and Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya.
Members and non-members joined guest speaker John Casella, Managing Partner at PKF Tax and Consulting Services Thailand, on his presentation at BCCT Boardroom Briefing covering the topic “Employee Issues in Thailand”.
- From left: Mark Bowling, BCCT ESB Group Chairman; John Manley, Hard Rock Hotel EAM; Andrew McDowell, Vinarco; Benjamin Hughes, Regus; Chris Thatcher, BCCT Vice-Chairman; Dr. Tim Lopez, Maximum Performance Wellness Center, Sarudha Netsawang, AMCHAM, and Simon Matthews, BCCT Chairman.
- The briefing was held at the British Business Centre.
Thank you to our sponsors. 66
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Issue 3/2015
Chamber Events
BCCT Half-Day Workshop
ASEAN Power Week Reception
6 August 2015
6 August 2015
BCCT Half-Day Workshop on “Tactical Content Marketing” was held at the Dream Hotel, Bangkok. This workshop was kindly donated and facilitated by Neil Stoneham, Managing Director of Voxtree.
BCCT, in partnership with UKTI Bangkok, assisted PennWell Corporation in hosting POWERGEN Asia / ASEAN Power Week reception at the British Ambassador’s Residence to celebrate the 23-year history of this prestigious Conference & Exhibition for energy and renewable energy professionals.
- Neil Stoneham (centre) with workshop delegates
- BCCT Chairman Simon Matthews (third from left) with Greg Watkins (left) and other guests.
BCCT Short Workshop
Joint Chambers Dinner Presentation
10 August 2015
13 August 2015
The second Harvard Business School case study was held at the British Business Centre. John Wagner, Director of Powa Technologies Limited, covered the “Showrooming at Best Buy” case to two fully-booked sessions attended by BCCT members and non-members.
On Thursday 13th August Deputy Prime Minister M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula was guest speaker at the British, American and Australian Joint Chambers Dinner sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank (Thai).
- Delegates debate with presenter John Wagner.
- From left: AustCham Treasurer Peter Emblin; Dr. Manoo Ordeedolchest, BCCT Director & ICT Committee Chairman Andrew McBean; Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) President & CEO Lyn Kok, M.R. Pridiyathorn; BCCT Vice-Chairman Chris Thatcher; AMCHAM Executive Director Judy Benn and AMCHAM Legal Committee David Lawrence.
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Chamber Events
Joint Chambers WSB Networking
BCCT Boardroom Briefing
14 August 2015
17 August 2015
Orchid Palm Homes kindly sponsored the Joint BCCT, FTCC, GTCC and NTCC Western Seaboard Networking Evening at The Palm Bistro Beer & Wine Bar.
Margret Manning (pictured), CEO of Reading Room, was guest speaker at BCCT Boardroom Briefing on “Getting Ahead Online� at the British Business Centre.
- BCCT member Jane Haddow of Siam City Law Offices and Jane Rennie of Orchid Palm Homes.
- Margret Manning
BCCT Boardroom Briefing
Third Thursday Networking
18 August 2015
20 August 2015
Members and non-members joined the BCCT Boardroom Briefing on Construction Arbitration at the British Business Centre.
Mode Sathorn Hotel Bangkok kindly sponsored and hosted BCCT Third Thursday Networking Evening in August. The event was highly successful with more than 100 members and non-members present.
- Khun Vanina Sucharitkul (left), Senior Associate at Herbert Smith Freehills, and Ali Adam, BCCT Director.
- Khun Thawee Kugasemrat (left), Director of Sales & Marketing of Mode Sathorn Hotel and BCCT Vice-Chairman Chris Thatcher.
Thank you to our sponsors. 68
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Issue 3/2015
Chamber Events
Joint Chambers ESB Networking
BCCT Tourism & Hospitality Panel
21 August 2015
25 August 2015
GTCC hosted the Joint Chambers Eastern Seaboard Stammtisch on Friday 21st August at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya.
BCCT Tourism and Hospitality Evening Panel Discussion on “Qualities, Perspectives and Practices in Unlocking the Right Talents” was held at Oriental Residence Bangkok.
- BCCT Chairman Simon Matthews (2nd from left) represented BCCT at the networking evening.
- Pictured from left are BCCT Director and Amari Watergate GM David Cumming; Woraphong Wongsuwan of Silpakorn University International College; Aoranich Saleewong of Vatel Thailand; Prantik Bordoloi of Stenden Rangsit University, The Landmark Bangkok GM Douglas Glen & Amari Boulevard GM Alexandre Frenkel.
Half-Day Thai Language Workshop
TCCC/BCCT Panel Discussion
26 August 2015
26 August 2015
Pachara Yongjiranon, Corporate Trainer & Presentation Coach at SpeakPro Training, held another successful BCCT Half-Day Thai Language Workshop on “SpeakPro Presentation Skills”.
The joint TCCC/BCCT Evening Panel Discussion on AEC and Impact on Thailand’s HR Opportunities and Challenges was held on Wednesday 26th August.
- Pachara Youngjiranon hosted the Half-Day Thai Language Workshop.
- From left: Dr. Nakarin Amarase of Bank of Thailand; Dr. Boonwara Sumano Chenphuenpawn of TDRI; BCCT Chairman Simon Matthews; Sukich Udindu, of Minor International and Peter van Haren of XPC Cross Pacific Connections.
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Make a date for Phloenchit Fair By Carolyn Tarrant
T
he British Community’s annual fund-raising blockbuster event for charities in Thailand takes place this year on Saturday 28 November. Phloenchit Fair, arguably the largest Fair in Asia, is a traditional day for all the family and has been one of the biggest events of the social calendar in Bangkok since it was first held at the British Embassy in 1956. There is something for everyone at the Phloenchit Fair and with thousands of prizes to be won you can go home rich in the knowledge that every baht you spend will go towards those less fortunate. The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand team is again organising the Grand Raffle which this year offers 80 fabulous prizes including air tickets to London. For Kids Once again we will have the all-time favourites such as Hands Spin Boats, Giant Wave Slide, Shooting Gallery, Water Roller Ball, Happy Train and the Bungee as well as many games stalls, and a Colouring Competition. Have fun with Eckie, our Ploenchit Clown. Father Christmas is making an early visit to the Fair.
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For Dads All the usual old favourites are confirmed including Coconut Shy, Darts, Standard Chartered Bank’s Water Splash, and Golf plus whisky galore to be won on the Bangkok Banger’s Bottle stall. The Nestle Pirates Treasure Island will be full of great prizes and Castrol BP Speed 2 has games for all the family. The Triumph motorbikes will also be popular with dads. For Mums The Petticoat Lane bazaar, some 50 shopping outlets along with our usual Charity stalls selling their wares, offer a vast array of different products for all your Christmas gifts and needs. Tesco, Marks & Spencer and Boots all make return visits to the Phloenchit Fair. When exhaustion overtakes after the shopping, leave your purchases at the ‘Left Luggage’ facility and have a foot massage before heading to the stage area for the programme of entertainment. Cuisine The wide variety of tempting foods includes fish & chips, masala art, sun-
rise tacos, assorted Thai foods and all types of pasta, hot dogs, hamburgers, pizzas, steak sandwiches and OliveGreek’s Mediterranean to ensure a range of foods to sate your appetite. Ice creams, slushies, soft drinks and popsicles are available throughout the fairground. Refreshments Sip a glass of fine wine or quench your thirst with ice cold Paulaner beer. Chang beer is on draught and The Londoner Brew Pub is once again sharing and stirring their special cocktail. Entrance fee is Baht 150 for adults and Baht 50 for children. ATM machines are available and medical facilities are provided by Bumrungrad. Bangkok Patana School, 643 Soi La Salle, Sukhumvit 105 Free shuttle bus service from Bang Na SkyTrain station – Parking available All the Fun of the Fair from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm
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Comings and Goings The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand welcomes the following new members:
Amara Bangkok 180/1 Surawong Road Sipraya, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: +66 (0) 2021 8888 Fax: +66 (0) 2021 8891 Email: sales.bangkok@amarahotels.com Website: www.amarahotels.com
Representative Mr. Viranat Silandnda - General Manager Ms. Kussarin Amonthakonsuwet - Director of Sales & Marketing Background Amara Bangkok is the first Amara Property outside Singapore, equipped with a host of facilities and services to meet the needs of time-strapped business travellers striving to look and feel their best for business meets, or individual leisure travellers planning to unravel the mystic of Bangkok, taste the myriad flavours of Thai cuisine or simply have fun shopping in a city thronged with malls and traditional markets. Asian Exhibition Services Ltd. Level 29, Centralworld 999/9, Rama 1 Road Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 (0) 2207-2412 Fax: +66 (0) 2207-2626 Website: www.aesexhibitions.com Representative Mr. David Aitken - Managing Director Ms. Punnapa Owsarn - General Manager
Banyan Tree Phuket 33, 33/27 Moo 4 Srisoonthorn Road Cherngtalay, Amphur Talang Phuket 83110 Tel: +66 (0) 76 372 400 Fax: +66 (0) 76 324 375 Email: phuket@banyantree.com Website: www.banyantree.com
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Representative Mr. Sriram Kailasam - Area General Manager Mr. Ludovic Gallerne - Area Director, Sales & Marketing Background Sun-kissed beaches of glistening sand, coconut groves and pristine azure waters make up this Pearl of the Andaman. Located only 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport, Banyan Tree Phuket is an oasis of peace and tranquility located within Asia’s first integrated resort, Laguna Phuket Complex. The resort comprise of 173 villas: 135 at the Main Resort, 14 Spa Pool Villas and 24 DoublePool Villas. There are 5 restaurants and 2 bars and 2 Dining Destinations. 2 Meeting rooms accommodating small to medium sized conference from 18-80 persons. Other facilities include the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, the newly renovated 18-holes Laguna Phuket Golf Course.
and girls aged 2 to 18. It will share the aims and ethos of Brighton College UK, one of England’s leading schools, offering its students the best educational traditions and innovations from East to West. The school will offer a full Brighton College education with the avowed aim of becoming the leading British-curriculum school in Thailand. The iconic 20-acre campus will be constructed in the eastern part of Bangkok in the Krungthep Kreetha area. Built with ISI-standard facilities, Brighton College Bangkok is conveniently accessed by major expressways and roads. It is approximately a 30-minute drive from downtown Bangkok and a 15-minute drive from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Broadgate Investment Advisory Securities (Thailand) Limited Suite 2004, Exchange Tower, 388 Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0) 2260-6830-36 Fax: +66 (0) 2260-6837 Email: bangkok@broadgateadvisory.com Website:www.broadgateadvisory.com Representative Mr. Fredrick Ian McIntyre - Managing Director Ms. Panicha Kingjongjaroensuk - Head of Compliance Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business Suite 730, West Office Building Shanghai Center 1376 West Nanjing Road Shanghai 200040, China Tel: +86 21 6289 8365 Website: www.fuqua.duke.edu/wakeup Representative Mr. Scott Goldman - Project Manager, East Asia
Brighton College International School, Bangkok Soi Krungthep Kreetha 15/1 Krungthep Kreetha Road, Huamark Bangkapi, Bangkok 10240 Tel: +66 (0) 2512 1872 Mobile: +66 (0) 89 009 1111 Email: admissions@ brightoncollegebangkok.com Website: www.brightoncollegebangkok.com
Representatives Mr. Darren Coxon - Director of Education Mr. Ned Murray - Education Officer Background Brighton College Bangkok will open in September 2016, with capacity for 1,500 boys
Honest (Thailand) Co., Ltd., The 36th Floor, CRC Tower 87/2, Wireless Road, Lumpini Phatumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 (0) 2625-3158 Fax: +66 (0) 2625-3000 Email: suvimol@thehonest.co.th Website: www.thehonest.co.th
Representative Ms. Suvimol Buchar - Business Delopment Manager Mr. Nopachai Aram-Ekachai - Business Development Manager
Background The Honest (Thailand) Co.,Ltd signature seating line features top quality Ergonomic Chair brand RICHEMULLER. Our Chair has been designed by focusing on ERGONOMIC factor. We consider the medical health of our customers and also design the product stylishly.
Lumpini Central Park, along with inspiring dining, shopping and entertainment are also easily accessible at the Wireless Road district. With its unique design and inspired-service, the hotel offers a refreshingly different yet remarkably local experience for guests and connect them to the real Bangkok.
RICHEMULLER’s unique approach to services provides to offer Ergonomic and Design Chair that meet customers’ needs across industries and countries. We are recognized as a trusted partner for improved quality, and efficient of Ergonomic Chair manufacturing in high standard project and individual consumer.
Discover Hotel Indigo Bangkok more at www.hotelindigo.com/bangkok
A worldwide network of our supplier companies and distributors with a thorough worldwide target markets and client requirements underlie RICHEMULLER’s high level of market and after sale service customer proximity. Committed to its rigorous quality standards, RICHEMULLER guarantees for the excellence of our products and services. We appreciate the opportunity to be considered to supply the best quality ergonomic chairs for valuable customer. Should you require any further details, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road 81 Wireless Road, Lumpini Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 (0) 2207-4999 Fax: +66 (0) 2207-4998 Website: www.hotelindigo.com/bangkok
Representative Mr. Thanawat Bumpensanti - Assistant Distribution Relationship Marketing Manager Ms. Piyalak Penkunaporn - Executive Assistant Manager
Kunini Holdings Ltd. Part 5/356 Mooban Tangrodfai Fangtawantok, Hua Hin Prachuab Khurikhan 77110 Tel: +66 (0) 3251 2799 Fax: +66 (0) 3251 2799 Email: danny@kunini.com Website: www.kunini.com
Mettex Electric Co., Ltd. Beaumont Close Beaumont Road Industrial Estate Banbury, Oxon OX16 1TG United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 75 4520 3503 Website: www.mettex.com Representative: Mr. Sam Tipper - Overseas Project Development
OPS Oilfield Services (Thailand) Limited. Room 1502, 15 Floor Shinawatra Tower III 1010 Viphavadi Rangsit Road Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 Tel: +66 (0) 2966-2777 Fax:+66 (0) 2966-2774 Email: kittipop@opsthailand.com Website: www.opsthailand.com
Representative Mr. Daniel Parsons - Chief Operation Officer Background Kunini was founded in Koh Samui in August 2002. The initial aim of Kunini’s business was to provide quality security solutions, our services where directly related to Koh Samui’s growing community. In the early days, Kunini was known as Kunini Security. The company was transformation of the company from Security to Electrical and Lighting Contractors in 2009. The owning company is Kunini Holdings Limited Partnership, which is a legally registered Thai company. The company is owned by Mrs Sataporn Parsons who a native Thai, she also acts as the company finance manager. The chief operating officer of the company is Mr Daniel A. Parsons, he is originally from the UK and has been managing the business and developing Kunini systems since conception.
Background Located in the heart of the city along Wireless Road, the 192-room hotel is the ideal spot to discover the neighbourhood.
Kunini has two offices, Hua Hin and Pattaya.
An area rich with history, Wireless Road was home to the embassy and consular quarter but in recent years has grown to become one of Bangkok’s cosmopolitan hot spots. Guests can enjoy the convenience of public transportation offered by the BTS Ploenchit Station.
- Established 2002 - Security Business 2002-2009 - Electrical & Lighting Business 2005-Present - Solar PV Business 2011-Present - Consulting / Design Business 2010-Present
Time Line
Representative Mr. Santi Suthisak - Head of Operation Asia Pacific Mr. Kittipop Lhuangchan - Project Coordinator Background OPS Group of companies is a group of companies established to provide service and consultancy to oil & gas Industry. OPS is one of the top preferred oil & gas technical suppliers of PTTEP, especially in the drilling department. Our Specialized positions are not limited to: Drilling Superintendent, Drilling Supervisor, Drilling Engineer, HSE Engineer, or Drilling Logistics Advisor and more. Since 2008, OPS Group of Companies has successfully served the Oil and Gas and energy sector, our brand and services still continues to grow today.Already a leader in technical consultancy and equipment services we proudly introduce two more divisions to meet market demands. We strongly believe our professional services and food and facilities management group will provide the same standards and quality of excellence that is the OPS way. With strategic locations and facilities spread throughout Asia Pacific and Thailand.
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Mr. Pachara Yongjiranon Metrosky Ratchada, 453/93 Building C Ratchada Road, Soi Indhramara 47 Din Daeng, Bangkok 10400 Email: pacharay@gmail.com PACE Country Club Co., Ltd. 45th Floor, Room no.3 87/2 CRC Tower, All Seasons Place Wireless Road, Lumpini Pratumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 (0) 2237 1414 Fax: +66 (0) 2236 1415 Email: info@mahasamutr.com Website: www.mahasamutr.com
Representative Mr. Charles Barker - Estate Manager of MahaSamutr Country Club HuaHin Mr. James Francis McManaman - Club Manager of MahaSamutr Country Club HuaHin Background MahaSamutr Country Club is a first for the town of Hua Hin. Found throughout North America, Europe and beyond, Country Clubs are fast becoming an integral part of Asian society. Providing a focal point for the community, with a wide range of sporting, recreational, social and entertainment components, features a set calendar of activities for all members of the family to enjoy year round. MahaSamutr Private Country Club & exclusive Luxury Villa development is built around Asia’s first crystal lagoon and manmade beach. MahaSamutr, meaning “The Ocean”, brings you the sea and beach in a manmade, safe controlled luxury environment for year round family leisure and recreational activities. The Country Club provides Individuals and Families with athletic facilities and programming designed to enrich the lifestyle of its members. A few of the many exclusive, member only activities provided include: Olympic Swimming, Sailing, Windsurfing, Paddle Boarding, Kyaking, Rock Climbing, Tennis, Squash, Badminton, Basketball, Strength and Cardiovascular Training and 10 Restaurants and Lounges. In addition there is a wide variety of members activity areas for children and adults of all ages.
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Parker Bridge Recruitment Co., Ltd. 140 One Pacific Place, 12th Floor Suit 1206, Sukhumvit Road Klongtoey, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0) 2653-2680-7 Fax: +66 (0) 2653-2532 Email: richard@parkerbridge.co.th Website: www.parkerbridge.co.th
Representative Mr. Richard John Malpeli - Director, Asia Ms. Monruedee Noisri - Finance and Compliance Manager Background Parker Bridge began trading in Bangkok in 2008 and in Malaysia in 2015. Parker Bridge also has offices in Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand which commenced trading in 1997. The founders of the Company sold its UK offices in 2004 in order to focus on Asia. Our teams of industry specific consultants have many years combined recruitment and consulting experience spanning across the globe which has resulted in an in-depth and extensive knowledge base throughout our organisation. This combined with our upfront approach, genuine commitment to superior service and the desire to truly partner with our candidates and clients ensures that the Parker Bridge team are undoubtedly ‘the best find in recruitment’. Due to the continued growth of our Bangkok office; In June this year we launched our Eastern Seaboard division based out of Laem Chabang.
Reading Room Tanjong Pagar Road, #04/01 Singapore 088444 Tel: +65 6603-6020 Fax: +65 6223-0840 Email: info@readingroom.com Website: www.readingroom.com
Representative Mr. Sam Booth - International Commercial Director Mobile: +66 970 671 342 Background Reading Room is an international digital consultancy at the leading edge of digital innovation, strategy and delivery. It’s unique in applying the principles of agile into the landscape of consultancy as well as production, enabling clients to get to market faster and more successfully. Since inception, Reading Room’s mission is to help organisations take full advantage of the opportunities the internet has created. Reading Room is ranked as a Top 10 Interactive Agency by Forrester. Its clients include Skoda, Philips Healthcare, Barclays, London Business School, BHP Billiton Sport Singapore, Minor Hotel Group and HRH The Prince of Wales. It works across all continents with over 250 digital, mobile and social media experts and has offices in the UK, Singapore, Australia, Thailand and Hong Kong. Thailand Office: 40/9 Soi Sukhumvit 49, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, 10110
Penta International PO Box 501740 Knowledge Village Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +97 144 358 098 Fax: +97 144 358 099 Email: www.pentainternational.co.uk
Regus Centre (Thailand) Ltd 87, M Thai Building, 23rd Floor, Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 2627-9100 Email: bangkok.allseasons@regus.com Website: www.regus.co.th
Representative Mr. Mark Evans - Managing Director Mrs. Sue Evans - Director
Representative Mr. Benjamin Roger Hughes - General Manager Mr. Christoph Hodapp - Country Manager
Siam Winery Commercial Co., Ltd. 174/1-4, Soi Viphavadee-Rangsit 78 Viphavadee-Rangsit Road Sanambin, Donmuang, Bangkok 10210 Tel: +66 (0) 2533-5600 Fax: +66 (0) 2533-5405 Email: info@siamwinery.com Website:www.siamwinery.com
Representative Mr. Daniel Schwalb - Commercial Director
For the team at Orchid Palm Homes, it’s not all about the sale. From the outset, we aim to ensure that every part of the process is as easy and straightforward as possible. The sales team work very closely with local and regional property partners, preferred suppliers and the in-house property management team, giving buyers an unrivalled, end-to-end customer-centric experience – it’s the little things that make a big difference.
Soho Hospitality 3rd Floor, Chaiyos Mansion 40 Sukhumvit Road Soi 11 Klong Toey Nua Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0) 2255-3511-2 Fax: +66 (0) 2651-3491 Email: sohohospitality.com Website: info@sohohospitality.com Representative: Mr. Rohit Sachdev - Managing Director Mr. Derrick Gooch - General Manager
SLM Real Estate Co., Ltd. (Orchid Palm Homes) 132/11 Orchid Palm Homes 4, Moo 1 Nongpranphuk, TabTai, Hua Hin Prachuabkhirikhan 77110 Tel: +66 (0) 81-995-8093 Fax:+66 (0) 32-900-557 Email: sales@orchidpalmhomes.com Website: www.orchidpalmhomes.com
Representative Mrs. Jane Rennie - Sales & Marketing Manager Mr. Stephen Ayling - Managing Director Background Orchid Palm Homes. Three simple words that have long been synonymous with “luxury by design”. As a multi-awardwinning developer - winner of Thailand Property Awards Best Boutique Developer 2014 - and arguably the most recognised and respected, located in the beautiful seaside town of Hua Hin, Thailand, we have proven ourselves over the past ten years by delivering beautiful luxury pool villas and exceeding our customers’ expectations over and over again. It therefore comes as no surprise that our latest project, launched just seven months ago, is well underway and receiving justifiable and deserved attention from buyers.
Resignations & Cancellations 1. Aberdeen Asset Management Company Limited 2. Amari Emerald Cove Koh Chang 3. Bangpakok 9 International Hospital 4. Complete Capital Solutions Limited 5. Control Risks 6. G.A.M. Business Consultancy Services Co., Ltd. 7. GeTeCe Co., Ltd. 8. Golden Tulip Hospitality Management (Thailand) Ltd. 9. Hamptons Property Co., Ltd. 10. HNP Legal Ltd. 11. Intertek Testing Services (Thailand) Ltd. 12. Kaplan Certified Education Provider (Thailand) 13. klapsons The River Residences Bangkok 14. Kubikos Ltd. 15. La-iert Cryogenic Sanitisation Co., Ltd. 16. London Office Asia Co., Ltd. 17. Pacific Investments PLC 18. PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited 19. Team Thinking Ltd. 20. Topigs Norsvin International B.V. 21. Vienna Capital Japan KK
Change of company representatives 1. Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, changed from Mr. Vincent Hoogewijs, to Mrs. Titiya Chooto 2. Antares Group, changed from Mr. Michael Berger, to Mr. Alexander Polgar 3. BG Asia Pacific Pte Limited, changed from Ms. Sinead Lynch, to Mr. Adam Prince 4. Bumrungrad International, changed from Mr. Kenneth Mays, to Mr. Roland Hohmann 5. Bupa Health Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, changed from Mr. Christopher Dennis, to Mr. Ben Assanasen 6. Chaucer Foods UK Ltd., changed from Mr. Oliver Dukes, to Ms. Cheryl Mitchell-Clarke 7. CoGri Asia Pacific Pte Ltd., changed from Mr. Rob Walker, to Mr. Alex Lee 8. Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, The, changed from Ms. Siew Meng Tan, to Mr. Kelvin Tan 9. Hospitality Marketing Concepts (HMC), changed from Ms. Nasma Pinyaluck, to Mr. Andrew J. Rickman 10. Okura Prestige Bangkok, The, changed from Mr. Samir R. Wildemann, to Mr. Edward E. Snoeks 11. Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok, changed from Mr. Peter Schuler, to Mr. Peter John Feran Change of company name 1. Chewathai Ltd., changed to, Chewathai Plc. 2. RSM Advisory (Thailand) Limited, changed to RSM (Thailand) Limited Change of address 1. Burasari Group Co., Ltd. 479-481 Yaowaraj Road Samphantawong Bangkok 10100 T: +66 (0) 222 8822 F: +66 (0) 221 3388 2.
SmartCityPeople (Thailand) Recruitment Co., Ltd. 218/4 Soi Phattanakarn 20 Phattanakarn Road Suanluang, Bangkok 10250 T: +66 (0) 99 332 2772
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FINAL WORD
Total bemusement by the sea By Dale Lawrence
I
t could happen only in England. This summer in Weston super Mare has witnessed perhaps the ultimate alternative to traditional theme parks. A derelict seafront lido in this pleasant, if often wind-swept, West Country town has been the venue for ‘Dismaland’, described by the creator Banksy (a graffiti artist of some international renown) as a ‘family theme park unsuitable for children’. Not surprisingly, this ‘bemusement park’ has been a staggering success – generating an estimated £20 million in tourism revenue for the town. I have mixed memories of Weston super Mare (Latin for Weston upon sea). In the late fifties and early sixties, long before the days of Bank Holiday traffic jams on the M4 and M5 motorways, day trips to Weston involved a pleasant cross country route through the leafy lanes of Somerset. Huddled behind windbreaks in a hopeless attempt to keep sand off the Mr Whippy ice creams, the excitement would reach almost fever pitch when donkeys emerged from nearby pastures to give enthusiastic youngsters a ride along the vast expanse of mud flats revealed as the Bristol Channel receded during low tide.
Popular attractions at ‘Dismaland’ included the Grim Reaper riding a dodgem car and Cinderella looking much the worse for wear after a crash in her pumpkin carriage. Militant feminist and author Julie Burchill, born in nearby Bristol, gave the Punch & Judy show an interesting new angle with a script that included references to disgraced DJ Jimmy Savile. Famous sons of Weston super Mare
include author and disgraced peer Jeffrey Archer and comedian John Cleese, star of Monty Python and Fawlty Towers. Cleese appears to have escaped Banksy’s attention but His Lordship, who spent two years in chokey for perjury and perverting the course of justice, has been less fortunate. The Jeffrey Archer Memorial Fire Pit gave visitors the opportunity to commit to ashes such literacy masterpieces as First Among Equals and The Fourth Estate.
Mr Smith sings a Bond song
S
tep aside Shirley Bassey, Lulu and Sir Paul McCartney. The theme song for the latest James Bond movie ‘SPECTRE’ is Sam Smith. No, I haven’t heard of him either.
Apparently, Mr Smith is a four-time Grammy Award winner with five number one hit singles under his belt. He’s the first British male solo singer
of a James Bond theme song since Tom Jones belted out ‘Thunderball’ in 1965. Coincidentally, a youthful Sean Connery as 007 in that movie also pitted his wits against SPECTRE (Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion). Daniel Craig’s latest adventures as 007 are scheduled to hit movie screens in Thailand this November.
The views and opinions expressed on this page by Editor Dale Lawrence are entirely personal and do not reflect official BCCT policy. 76
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