CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

GTCC Executive Director’s mission in Germany

• Panel Discussion On Asean At Hannover Messe

GTCC Executive Director Dr. Roland Wein participated in the Hannover Messe’s Trade & Invest Stage as a speaker for the panel discussion "And the winner is... ASEAN!" on 1 April2025, in Hanover. He was joined by H.E. Chittipat Tongprasroeth, Ambassador of Thailand to Germany, and his ASEAN AHK colleagues Christopher Zimmer (AHK Philippines), Jan Nöther (AHK Malaysia) and Dr. Tim Philippi (AHK Singapore). The session was moderated by Katharina Wittke (DIHK).

• Meeting Ambassador Chittipat Tongprasroeth in Berlin

On 3 April 2025, GTCC Executive Director had a meeting with H.E. Chittipat Tongprasroeth, Ambassador of Thailand to Germany, at the Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin.

GTCC members exclusive site visit to Covestro (Map Ta Phut site)

On 9 May2025, GTCC members visited Covestro (Map Ta Phut site) located in Rayong. It is one of Covestro's world-scale production sites and produces high quality polycarbonates, polycarbonate blends and specialty films, as well as elastomer products to supply a rapidly growing demand in the region and beyond.

The members received a warm welcome and factory tour of the site led by Nisa Suttipornphaisankula, Managing Director of Covestro Thailand; Chaiyut Changjenrob, Site Manager of Covestro Map Ta Phut; Noppadol Akkrasettung, Specialty Film Plant Manager; Thomas Festor, BPA/CO Plant Manager; and Pedro Deschamps, Polycarbonate Plant Manager.

GTCC Multi-Chamber EEC briefing with JP Contagi ASIA

The first GTCC Multi-Chamber EEC briefing with JP Contagi Asia took place at the Hilton Hotel in Pattaya on 25 April 2025 with around 80 participants. Speakers Dr. Marcus Wittner, Managing Partner at JP Contagi, and Chris Moll, Associate Partner at JP Contagi ASIA, discussed the topic “How attractive is your company”, and focused on strategies for enhancing employee engagement and embracing cultural diversity in today’s competitive job market. The session provided key strategies to make a company a magnet for high-performing employees while keeping its current workforce engaged and committed.

GTCC Multi-Chamber EEC networking

After the briefing session on 25 April, the first GTCC Multi-Chamber EEC networking event of 2025 took place, and it was highly successful. This event was organised by the GTCC in collaboration with other bilateral chambers of commerce in Thailand. We delightfully welcomed about 150 guests, including members of the GTCC and eight chambers of commerce in Thailand.

Thanks to our event partners Dachser, Jungheinrich Thailand, and Schaeffler Manufacturing, beverage partner Arcobräu by Flow Inter, and venue partner Hilton Pattaya. We are also grateful to our participating chambers for co-hosting this event with us.

AHK World Conference 2025

Along with other chief representatives of AHKs worldwide, GTCC Executive Director Dr. Roland Wein and Deputy Executive Director Marius Mehner attended the AHK World Conference 2025, held from 12-15 May 2025. On May 12, at the opening of the conference, they were welcomed by Dr. Helena Melinkov, Managing Director of the DIHK, as well as Dr. Volker Treier, Head of Foreign Trade and member of the DIHK Executive Board, Benjamin Leipold, Head of the AHK Network, and Jörg Buck, Global Spokesperson for the AHK.

The AHK World Conference is a global network meeting organised by German Chambers of Commerce abroad (AHKs), serving as a platform for international dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas among business and political representatives. The 2025 conference also announced the results of the “AHK Connectfluencers: Who's leading on the platform?” competition, which took place from 3 March to 30 April. Congratulations to GTCC Event & Community Manager Natkamol Punchanhom, who finished in second place in the competition, and to AHK Hong Kong and AHK Ghana on winning first place and third place, respectively.

The GTCC Executive Director and GTCC Deputy Executive Director attended several discussion sessions, including: “Where does the IHK-AHK-DIHK cooperation stand?”; “Clearly positioned, well connected – think together about advocacy”; “360-degree - How does our network view

the USA?”; “External impact with impactpartnerships and perspectives of German institutions abroad”; “In 80 Minutes Around the World”; and “Rethinking Supply Chains: Which Approaches Combine Resilience and Interests?”.

The results of the AHK World Business Outlook Spring 2025 survey were also discussed, and the numbers indicate that the biggest global challenges over the next five years will include trade limitations and conflicts (according to 64 per cent of respondents), inflation and monetary policies, and fragmentation of the global economy (according to 40 per cent of respondents).

On the last day of the conference, highlights included a speech by the Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, BMWE, Stefan Rouenhoff. The session was followed by a wrap-up and closing by Dr. Volker Treier, Head of Foreign Trade and Member of the Executive Board of DIHK.

GTCC AFTERWORK briefing with Luther Thailand

GTCC AFTERWORK briefing on 15 May, at the Standard Hotel Bangkok Mahanakhon, featured analyses and updates on the current U.S. tariff situation as discussed by Luther Thailand’s Partner, Fabian Lorenz, and Senior Associate Suchaya Tangsiri. Participants gained important insights into the legal requirements for a product to qualify as "Made in Thailand”, including rules of origin, related free trade benefits, and other relevant legal considerations tied to current tariff regimes.

We thank our speakers and everyone who attended and contributed to this lively discussion.

GTCC AFTERWORK networking

Following the briefing, the GTCC AFTERWORK networking session welcomed around 80 participants, including GTCC members and partners. Attendees engaged in a networking session with a relaxing ambiance, while delighting in a selection of tasty food and beverages.

GTCC would like to sincerely thank event partners Forvis Mazars, Luther and MISKAWAAN Health Group, our beverage partner Arcobräu Flow Inter, and venue partner the Standard Hotel Bangkok Mahanakhon.

Welcome the German Pet Supplies Delegation to Thailand

The German Pet Supplies Delegation to Thailand from 19–23 May 2025 officially started with a briefing on Thailand’s current economic and political landscape, provided by Hans-Ulrich Südbeck, Deputy Chief of Mission at the German Embassy in Bangkok; Marius Mehner, GTCC Deputy Executive Director; and Frank Malerius, Director for Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos at Germany Trade & Invest.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited Nutrix Public Company Limited, a leading Thai pet food manufacturer with over 25 years of experience in customized product development. The group was welcomed by Somkiat Sanitvorapoj, Chief Marketing Officer and Assistant to the CEO, and received detailed presentations on Nutrix’s dry food as well as snack and wet food production facilities. The further visited PETClub for further insights into  the Thai pet retail landscape, where the group was received by Somruedee Tansalarak.

Thai-German conference “Pet supplies for happy life”

Thai-German conference on “Pet supplies for a happy life” on 20 May 2025 welcomed more than 100 participants. As part of the German Pet Supplies Delegation, it was organised by GTCC in cooperation with SBS systems for business solutions, International Pet Business IPB GmbH, the ZZF, the Interzoo organizer WZF and the Industrial Association of Pet Care Producers IVH, within the framework of the Market Entry Programme supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).

The conference at Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok began with opening remarks by GTCC Deputy Executive Director, followed by welcome remarks by Deputy Chief of Mission at the German Embassy Bangkok. Nantapol Tantiwongampai, President of the Thai Pet Product Industry Association (TPIA), delivered a keynote speech and valuable insights into Thailand’s pet industry. Subsequent expert presentations by Dr. Rowena Arzt, Head of Exhibitions at Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft Zoologischer Fachbetriebe GmbH (WZF) and CEO of International Pet Business IPB GmbH, representing the Zentralverband Zoologischer Fachbetriebe e.V. (ZZF), and Dr. Katrin Langner, Managing Director of the Industrieverband Heimtierbedarf e.V. (IVH), explored key trends in Germany’s pet sector, consumer behavior, regulatory frameworks, and economic developments.

Highlights included nine German companies showcased their innovative solutions in pet food and care: BEWITAL petfood GmbH & Co. KG, Calysta Germany GmbH, DARF Deutschland GmbH, Dr. Clauder solutions for pets GmbH, PetCom Tierernährung GmbH & Co. KG, PLATINUM GmbH & Co. KG, SARIA A/S GmbH & Co. KG, sera GmbH, and Tackenberg Handelsges. mbH.

The afternoon concluded with a panel discussion on “From imports to local partnerships: How foreign brands can succeed in Thailand’s pet market,” featuring Nantapol Tantiwongampai, President of TPIA; Dr. Mongkol Maenmalai, DVM, Director, Petfood Industry Association (PIA); Somruedee Tansalarak, Chief Executive Officer of Pet Club Co., Ltd.; and Viroj Limtrajitt, Managing Director of Viva Premium Pet Stores Co., Ltd.

We thank all speakers, company representatives, panelists, and our moderator Dr. Thunthip Pongpaiboon, DVM, for their contributions to this insightful and inspiring conference that fosters stronger Thai-German cooperation in the pet supplies sector.

GTCC HR briefing

The insightful GTCC HR briefing on 22 May, entitled “Demystifying Sustainable Change Management in 2025” was led by Luke Salway, Master Facilitator at Coachology, and Mathias Reindl, Managing Director at Hansen Beck. It provided thought-provoking insights into why employees often resist change, and why management support is frequently lacking. According to recent research, organisational change and resistance to change are the biggest challenges that organisations are facing in 2025.

Around 30 participants took part in the briefing and engaged in a panel discussion afterwards that explored practical strategies for driving successful change in 2025.

GTCC meet-up for new members and new representatives

GTCC hosted the second New Members Meet-Up of 2025 on 27 May 2025, at The Great Room (GTCC member since 2024). We warmly welcomed representatives from the newest GTCC member companies, as well as new representatives from existing members:

• Gernot Grasser, AVL in SEA & Australia Co. Ltd.

• Atul Joshi, EagleBurgmann (Thailand) Co. Ltd.

• Piyamas Srila, Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium

• Thomas Lang, K2 Systems GmbH

• Paisarn Munwichitcharern, Lohmann GmbH & Co. KG (Thailand)

• Jason Beilby, St. Andrews International Schools, Thailand (Sukhumvit 107)

• Pirayu Srivantaneeyakul, The Great Room

• Putthiwat Pamornratanakul, Unity 2000 Tour Co. Ltd.

GTCC AFTERWORK briefing with Forvis Mazars

GTCC AFTERWORK briefing with Forvis Mazars was organised on 12 June 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok hotel.

Tax Director Martin Liebenow and Senior Tax Manager Vachirawit Kaew-udom, from Forvis Mazars, were the speakers, and they led an insightful seminar covering important tax updates in 2025 for corporates and individuals, as well as tax audits and transfer pricing issues raised by revenue department.

Thanks to the two distinguished speakers from Forvis Mazars for sharing their interesting and valuable perspectives.

GTCC AFTERWORK networking

After the briefing, a GTCC AFTERWORK networking session took place, offering a wonderful atmosphere for participants to establish new contacts and socialise with GTCC members and partners, all while delighting in a relaxing ambiance accompanied by a selection of tasty food and beverages.

The event also included special remarks on bidding farewell to Hans-Ulrich Südbeck, Deputy Chief of Mission at the German Embassy Bangkok. On behalf of the GTCC Board, GTCC staff, and all members, GTCC Vice President Oliver Schnatz wished Südbeck a big success in his new position of German Ambassador to Lao PDR, also wishing him and his family all the best for this new endeavour.

GTCC would like to thank our event partners Forvis Mazars and Dachser Logistics, our beverage partner Arcobräu by Flow Inter, and venue partner the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel Bangkok.

GTCC site visit to Siam Scenic Aircraft

On 26 June2025, the GTCC organised a member exclusive site visit to Siam Scenic (TFT Airfield) at Klong 11, in which attendees discovered the elegance and innovation behind Thailand’s private aviation service. This exclusive event allowed members to experience the world of private air travel firsthand, with a rare opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art aircraft, meet the passionate team behind the Siam Scenic brand, and learn about their mission to redefine regional travel with comfort, style, and efficiency.

GTCC thanks Siam Scenic for providing this unique experience and giving our members this valuable insight into the company.

GTCC Young Professionals networking evening “From Retro to Tomorrow”

GTCC Young Professionals networking event took place on 26 June 2025, at the Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon, under the theme “From Retro to Tomorrow". This dynamic event brought together young professionals representing various industries, offering them a glimpse into the future of leadership. Our dedicated GTCC YP committee members embodied the spirit of innovation, each offering unique perspectives and expertise by sharing their success stories and providing attendees with invaluable insights and mentorship opportunities.

GTCC sincerely thanks event partner MISKAWAAN Health Group, beverage partner Arcobräu by Flow Inter and venue partner the Standard Hotel Bangkok Mahanakhon.

IHK Foreign Trade Day NRW 2025

The IHK Foreign Trade Day NRW 2025 (AWT), the largest conference in North Rhine-Westphalia for companies on international business, took place on 25 June 2025 in Mönchengladbach.

GTCC Executive Director participated in the event which featured welcome remarks by Elmar te Neues, President of the IHK Middle Lower Rhine; speeches by keynote speakers including H.E. Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, Ambassador of Germany to Russia on “Geopolitics Update I: Russia's New Imperialism – What Responses Does the West Have?”; panel discussions, and individual country-specific advice from the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad. He gave consultations on Thailand’s business landscape and investment opportunities.

The IHK Foreign Trade Day NRW is held every two years by the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) in North Rhine-Westphalia. (NRW). In 2025 it was led by the IHK Middle Lower Rhine.

Seminar on “Thailand: The strategic destination for German businesses in a changing global landscape”

In Düsseldorf, an exclusive event on “Thailand: The strategic destination for German businesses in a changing global landscape” was organised by Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) on 27 June 2025 with the opening remarks by Nattapong Lathapipat, Consul-General, Royal Thai Consulate-General in Frankfurt.

GTCC Executive Director was invited to discuss “Expanding German business in Thailand: Insight, challenges & best practices” along with Christian Carius, Minister a. D./Member of Mubea Directors Committee (MDC) Head of Corporate Development & Governmental Affairs, Muhr und Bender KG; Dr. Laurent Wattebled, Senior Vice President (SVP) and Head of Product Line Tire & Oral Care, Evonik Industries AG.; and Michael Lorenz, Founding Partner of Lorenz & Partners Co., Ltd (Thailand). He also delivered closing remarks for the event.

GTCC business & study trip to Germany “Smart automation, AI and robotics”

GTCC business and study trip to Germany,entitled “Smart automation, AI and robotics”, took place from 21-29 June 2025. It offered an in-depth exploration of the latest advancements in automation, AI, and robotics, providing Thai entrepreneurs and factory owners with valuable insights to transform their enterprises.

Investing in automation technology is crucial for Thai manufacturing companies to remain competitive as a production hub in Southeast Asia. It enhances both operational efficiency and productivity, enabling businesses to streamline processes and reduce costs. By adopting appropriate automation solutions, companies can ensure higher quality and consistency in their products, meeting the stringent standards required by challenging international markets, while also boosting customer satisfaction. Automation also equips businesses to tackle future challenges such as carbon footprint reduction, skilled worker shortages, and rising energy costs.

During the trip, the Thai delegation visited the following German companies involved in smart automation, AI and robotics.

• FESTO SE & CO. KG - THE SCHARNHAUSEN TECHNOLOGY PLANT IN OSTFILDERN

Festo is the leading supplier of pneumatic and electrical automation technology. The Scharnhausen Technology Plant is one of the world’s most modern production lines for valves, valve terminals, electronics, and pulse generators for automation.

• MERCEDES-BENZ PLANT IN SINDELFINGEN

The Mercedes-Benz plant covers the entire range of modern drive technologies with classic combustionengines, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles. This site produces luxury and luxury vehicle models, including the S-Class, S-Class Maybach and the all-electric EQS. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Mercedes-Benz GLC are also produced here.

• BOSCH REXROTH AG, ULM SITE

Bosch Rexroth is a trusted partner in hydraulics and automation, offering cutting-edge automation solutions, software, and services. The delegation was led into a guided tour of the "Factory of the Future" at the Ulm site, which serves as Rexroth's customer and innovation center with a focus on digitalization, sustainability, simplicity, electrification and electronification, training, AI & data analytics.

• MAN TRUCK & BUS IN MUNICH

MAN Truck & Bus is one of Europe’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, addressing three challenges in the areas of e-mobility, digitalisation and automation The delegation experienced first-hand how efficiently MAN high-tech trucks are built. The start of series production of the MAN eTrucks eTGS and eTGX in Munich is planned for June 2025.

• AUTOMATICA 2025

Participants also visited Automatica in Munich to explore the latest advancements in automation technology, AI, and robotics. Established in 2004, Automatica is a biennial trade fair renowned for showcasing groundbreaking innovations and solutions that drive industry transformation.