Visión Empresarial Internacional

Special edition

“Thailand Taking off to New Heights”

Editor’s note

CEO & Editor in Chief Lorena Meeser Commercial Direction Martha Lilian Rosas Graphic Design L&M Querétaro Mizael Contreras Content Coordinator Roxana Domínguez Image Credits Lorena Meeser Martha Lilian Rosas AV3 Aerovisual Tourism Authority of Thailand Online magazine: www.visionempresarialqueretaro.mx

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Visión Empresarial Internacional, is a special edition of Visión Empresarial Querétaro: Editor in Chief: Hilda Lorena Meeser García Padilla. Certificado de Reserva de Derecho al Uso Exclusivo de Título: 04-2011-070111341800-102 by the Instituto Nacional del Derecho de Autor. Certificado de Licitud de Título y Contenido 15553 by the Comisión Calificadora de Publicaciones y Revistas Ilustradas de la Secretaría de Gobernación. Marca Registrada No.1611501 by the Instituto Mexicano de la Propiedad Industrial. Head of Distribution: Retorno de Fresnos No. 8, Fraccionamiento Rinconada Jacarandas, C.P. 76158, Querétaro, Querétaro.

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I am pleased to present this special edition about the invitation from Thailand Board of Investment to Visión Empresarial Querétaro to the Seminar “Thailand Taking off to New Heights”, and the visit to several companies in order to put together this special coverage.

We decided to create this special edition to promote this important project.

This major event hosted by the Board of Investment (BOI) took place at Impact’s Royal Jubilee Hall in Muang Thong Thani and Convention Center and showcased Thailand’s potential and readiness to become a global investment hub for the world.

In this magazine you will find engaging articles about Thailand: an overview of the country, the Seminar “Thailand Taking off to New Heights”, the activities conducted by the Board of Investment, recommendation on the best places to visit in Thailand, and a story about Indorama Ventures, the only Thai company in Mexico.

Featured on the cover is a photo of Bangkok as Thailand is the center of Asia’s economic groups from north to south, starting with China, on through Indonesia and from east to west starting with Vietnam, on to Myanmar.

Being centrally positioned at the heart of rapidly growing countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam, Thailand is the AEC’s (Asian Economic Community’s) key strategic location for manufacturing, trading, export, and logistics partner.

Thailand aims to create the manufacturing paradise of Asia because of its exceptional location for investment in ASEAN with comprehensive logistic connections to the region and to the rest of the world.

We strive to capture the breaking news about Thai economy with an intention to serve a holistic global outlook. We have gone that extra mile to ensure we give you the best.

Happy reading!

Lorena Meeser CEO

Aerial view of the Buddhist Temple of Bang Riang.

Province of Phang Nga in the southwest of Thailand.

Curated by www.av3aerovisual.com

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CONTENTS 1

Editor’s note

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Indorama Ventures

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Thailand Overview

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Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC): gateway to Asia

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FindinMexico

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Constructora Chufani

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Visión Empresarial Querétaro’s invitation to Thailand

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Best places to visit in Thailand

Thailand Board of Investment

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AV3 AEROVISUAL

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Thailand Overview Geographical Location Located in the heart of mainland Southeast Asia, Thailand is a country of mountains, hills, plains and a long coastline along the Gulf of Thailand (1,875 km) and the Andaman Sea (740 km), not including the coastlines of some 400 islands, most of them in the Andaman Sea. Its continental coordinates are latitudes 20° 28’ N and 5° 36’ S and longitudes 105° 38’ E and 97° 22’ W. To the north Thailand borders the Lao PDR and Myanmar; to the east the Lao PDR and Cambodia; to the south Malaysia; and to the west Myanmar. The country’s land-based maximum north-south extent is approximately 1,600 km, and its maximum east-west extent measures approximately 870 km.

These include Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. The Constitution makes no mention of any religion or sect as a national religion and grants complete freedom of worship for all Thai citizens.

The political framework of Thailand Next Election Dates: early March 2019.

Executive Power Thailand is governed by a Constitutional Monarchy. The King is recognized as Chief of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.

Area The land area amounts to approximately 514,000 sq. km. The maritime economic zones cover 72,200 sq. km. in the Andaman Sea and 140,000 sq. km. in the Gulf of Thailand, totaling 212,200 sq. km. Thailand is the 50th largest country on earth in terms of total area.

Climate Thailand’s climate ranges from the sub-tropical to the tropical zones, with three distinct seasons: a hot and dry season from February to May, a monsoon season from June to October, and a cooler, dry season from November to January. Average seasonal temperatures vary between a low of 23 °C and a high of 32.2 °C. Language Thai is the national and official language. It is a tonal language with different dialects. Its script was created in 1283 by King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Other languages spoken include Chinese and Malay. English, a compulsory subject of secondary school curricula, is widely spoken and understood throughout the country.

Religion The national religion is Theravada Buddhism, a branch of Hinayana Buddhism, practiced by more than 90 % of all Thais, although other major religions are practiced.

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Official Name: Kingdom of Thailand.

Short Form: Thailand (meaning Land of the Free), or Siam, the country’s name used until the year 1949.

Term of Citizenship: Thai.

Capital: Bangkok (or Krung Thep, in Thai, which means City of Angel).

Currency: Thailand’s currency unit is the Baht, which is divided into 100 satangs. Notes are in 20 baht (green), 50 baht (blue), 100 baht (red), 500 baht (purple), and 1,000 baht (brown) denominations.

National Flag: Five horizontal bands of red, white and blue represent the unity of the nation, purity of religion, and the monarchy, respectively.

Population: Thailand is a multi-ethnic nation with a population of 69.1 million.

The Monarchy is hereditary. Traditionally, it has little direct power, but benefits from enormous popular respect and moral authority, which has been used on occasion to resolve the political crisis and ensure national stability.

The Prime Minister is the Head of Government and holds all the executive powers including implementation of the law in the country and running the day-to-day affairs. Under the new Constitution approved in August 2016, individuals outside of Parliament can serve as Prime Minister. The cabinet is appointed by the King on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts, and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and center of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand’s revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King.

In April 2017, another Constitution was signed by the King, bringing small changes to 2016 one but most of all comforting the position of the military for the next general elections to be held early March 2019.

Legislative Power The National Assembly of Thailand is the bicameral legislative branch of the government. It convenes in the Parliament House, Dusit District, Bangkok.

It consists of: Senate (the Upper House) having 200 seats with its members appointed by the military (under the new Constitution adopted in August 2016) to serve six-year term and the House of Representatives (the Lower House) having 500 seats with its members elected by popular vote to serve four-year term. The executive branch of government is directly or indirectly dependent on the support of the Parliament, often expressed through a vote of confidence. The Government cannot veto the acts passed by the Parliament.

Main Political Parties Thailand maintains a multi-party system, but traditional political parties have seen their role reduced in the Parliament since the military-led coup in 2014. Currently, the Parliament is dominated by the military. General elections are set to be held next year. The main political parties are Pheu Thai Party (PTP), Democrat Party, Bhum Jai Thai, Chart Thai Pattana, Chart Pattana Puea Pandin, Palung Chon, Rak Prathet Thai, Mathabhum, Rak Santi, Mahachon and the New Democrat Party.

Thailand Parliament

Current Political Leaders King Rama X: Maha Vajiralongkorn since 1 December 2016: hereditary.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand: Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak (since August 2015): Military.

Head of the Privy Council: General Prem Tinsulanonda (since 2 December 2016).

National symbols The Sala Thai (Thai Pavilion) is the country’s architectural symbol reflecting the skill of Thai craftsmen. Chang Thai (Thai elephant or Elephas maximus indicus) is a symbol historically and traditionally associated with Thailand.

The national plant is the Rachaphruek (Cassia fistula Linn), known as the Piper Tree orIndian Laburnum in English.

Economy Thailand is one of the great development success stories. Due to smart economic policies, it has become an upper middle-income economy and is making progress towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.

Over the last four decades, Thailand has made remarkable progress in social and economic development, moving from a low-income country to an upper-income country in less than a generation. As such, Thailand has been one of the widely cited development success stories, with sustained strong growth and impressive poverty reduction, particularly in the 1980s.

Thailand is Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy with a gross domestic product (GDP) of around USD 328 billion. With a free-market economy, the Kingdom has a strong domestic market and a growing middle class, with the private sector being the main engine of growth. The Thai economy is well integrated into the global marketplace, with exports accounting for over 70% of the Kingdom’s GDP. The Thai economy is heavily based on agriculture, which contributes 8.2% of the GDP and employs more than 40% of the active population.

The country is one of the leading producers and exporters of rice and has rubber, sugar, corn, jute, cotton, and tobacco as major crops. Fishing is an important activity as Thailand is a major exporter of farmed shrimp.

However, agriculture’s contribution to the GDP is declining, while the exports of goods and services have increased.

Thailand also has a strong industrial sector (40% of GDP) and a robust and growing services sector (50% of GDP) centered on the tourism and financial services industries. Though traditionally an agrarian society and historically one of the world’s few net food exporters, the agricultural sector today accounts for approximately 9% of the country’s GDP. Thailand is a key player in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), enjoying a strategic location that provides easy access to a larger market of nearly 600 million people, which is expected to gain even more strength when the ASEAN vision of One Community materializes in 2015, making it a community of connectivity, a single market and production base.

Furthermore, Thailand’s convenient access to China and India, as well as to other East Asian countries such as Japan and the Republic of Korea, takes this huge consumer market to even bigger proportions.

In addition, Thailand’s friendly relations and expanding networks of free trade agreements with other countries have further opened trade access to markets both within and outside the region. These, coupled with the Kingdom’s strategic positioning, have made the country a regional center for international travel and trade, as well as a hub for various industries, of which the most notable are the automotive industry and agro-industries.

With a favorable investment climate, an entrepreneurial spirit and an open society, Thailand has been chosen by many businesses, media firms, as well as international organizations and non-governmental organizations.

Exports Given the importance of exports to Thailand, it has been a leader in the region in terms of trade liberalization and facilitation with the rest of the world, starting with its Asian neighbors.

Main exports comprise manufacturing products (74%), agricultural products (13%), agro-industrial products (8%), and mining and others (5%). Major manufacturing products are automobiles and automotive parts, computers and components, jewelry, rubber products, plastic pellets, and chemical products. As for agricultural products, major export items are natural rubber, rice, tapioca products, processed chicken, frozen seafood products, and chilled fruits and vegetables. Agro-industrial products include sugar and canned and processed food.

Manufacturing The manufacturing sector accounts for 36.2% of the GDP and is well diversified. The main Thai industries are electronics, steel and automotive.

Thailand is an assembly hub for international car brands. Electrical components and appliances, computers, cement production, furniture and plastic products are also important sectors. The textile sector employs less than a quarter of the active population and is no longer as dynamic as tourism, which has become the main source of foreign currency.

The tertiary sector The tertiary sector, including financial services, is rising and contributes to 55.6% of the GDP. It employs nearly 38% of the active population.

Thailand’s tourism industry marked 35.3 million visitors in 2017, allowing the country to become one of the top 10 travel destinations.

Foreign Trade Thailand is an emerging economy that is highly dependent on exports, which account for more than two-thirds of the GDP. Thailand is an active member of ASEAN and is very open to international trade, which represents nearly 123% of the GDP (WTO, 2016 average).

In 2017, Thailand shipped USD 236 billion worth of products and imported USD 225 billion, ending the year with a trade surplus for the third time in seven years despite continued export contraction. According to the WTO, the country is the 23rd exporter and the 16th importer in the world.

The country’s main export partners are China (12.4% of total exports), United States (11.2%), Japan (9.4%) and Hong Kong (5.2%). Main export commodities are machinery (17% of total exports), electric and electronic equipment (14.4%), vehicles (12.1%), rubber (6.9%), gems (5.4%) and plastics (5.4%). The main import partners are China (19.9% of total imports), Japan (14.4%), United States (6.7%) and Malaysia. Thailand mainly imports electric and electronic equipment (18.8% of total imports), mineral fuels and oil (14.1%), machinery (12.1%), Gems and precious metals (6.8%), iron and steel (4.7%).

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Visión Empresarial Querétaro’s invitation to Thailand “Thailand Taking off to New Heights” Turning Opportunities into Realities

2) Investments in the EEC to upgrade industrial clusters and create seamless transport and logistic systems. Thailand is aiming to be the hub of the bioeconomy in the eastern seaboard and the regional aviation center.

attend the “Thailand Taking off to New Heights” Seminar.

3) Implementation of Thailand 4.0 policy with emphasis on digital transformation, and e-government. The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed his optimism for the continued acceleration of Thailand’s economy.

Visión Empresarial Querétaro was invited by the Board of Investment to Thailand’s Board of Investment organized the Seminar on 19 March 2018 at Impact’s Royal Jubilee Hall in Muang Thong Thani Exhibition and Convention Center. The seminar featured a keynote addressed by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and high-level panel discussions on economic reform initiatives and latest investment policies implemented by the Thai government. Prominent speakers at this event included Dr. Uttama Savanayana, Minister of Industry, Dr. Kobsak Pootrakool, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, and Dr. Pailin Chuchottaworn, Deputy Minister of Transportation.

He also noted significant improvement in Thailand’s international ranking, particularly World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business which improved 20 positions to 26th ranking in one year. And also pointed out that the government is enabling an analog to digital transition. The revolution in digital technology will expand e-commerce and foster the growth of entrepreneurs and start-ups.

In his keynote address, Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak highlighted three strategies to transform the Thai economy into an engine of growth and reposition Thailand as an investment, logistics and tourism hub within CLMV and ASEAN, highlighting the recovery of the world economy and the geopolitical shift from Europe to Asia which will provide opportunities for Thailand to be the economic hub of Asia.

The three strategies include: 1) Development of mega projects to improve infrastructure to increase connectivity and expand the development and linkage to regional markets and the Belt and Road Initiative as well as to promote tourism among cities in Thailand. And the construction of railways in Bangkok to other provincial capitals is ongoing while the Thailand-China railway project is also underway.

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Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand

Investment in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC): Thailand is aiming to be the hub of the bio-economy in the eastern seaboard and the regional aviation center.

Enable an analog to digital transition. The revolution in digital technology will expand e-commerce and foster the growth of entrepreneurs and startups.

Dr. Uttama Savanayana, Minister of Industry, outlined the government’s plan to undertake proactive industry policy based upon the development of 11 targeted industries. He stressed the need to develop human capital to serve the need of industries 4.0 and urged a renewed focus on a partnership to develop and use technology, while at the same time promoting technology access and intensified technology usage.

Dr. Kobsak Pootrakool, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, highlighted the 20-year national strategy and 11+2 sectoral reform plans developed by the government to boost national competitiveness and support innovation and adoption of technology. He stressed that the reform target was to advance Thailand to become a developed nation. He also indicated that the focus of the reform would be on the development of new generation of infrastructure, advanced and innovative industries, a new set of laws and institutions.

Dr. Pailin Chuchottaworn, Deputy Minister of Transportation, presented Thailand’s 20-year transport system development strategies poised to become a paradigm shift in the country transportation system. The new strategies would focus on building one seamless transport system covering all modes of transportation including rail, road, sea, and air. He also highlighted that, in 2018, 44 transport projects would be expedited with investment value amounting to 57.7 billion US Dollars.

In the panel discussion on Thailand’s next step to drive its growth through innovation and technology, Duncan Yu recognized Thailand’s commitment to innovate science and technology. Mr. Yu pointed out that BGI as world’s leading organization for genomics research and application attaches great importance to the existing various collaborations with Thai government and institutes. He further stated that BGI would support Thailand in developing biotechnology and healthcare industry and would deepen the cooperation with Thailand in various areas such as biobank, precision medicine, modern agriculture, and talent development.

The seminar also featured information kiosk on the latest Smart Visa program, and as well as a display of latest information on the Eastern Economic Corridor, the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation and Digital Park Thailand.

Thailand seeks to play a constructive role in international affairs and address the challenges faced by the global community.

This mega-event welcomed approximately 3,000 visitors, including investors, highranking executives from leading Thai and foreign companies, ambassadors, commercial councilors, chambers of commerce, Honorary Investment Advisors (HIAs) and over 300 Thai and foreign media representatives from around the world, and Visión Empresarial Querétaro was the only media representative from Mexico.

With this project, Thai Deputy Prime Minister reiterates Thailand in the fast lane towards an advanced economy driven by megaprojects, EEC, and digital development.

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SCG CHEMICALS

During our visit we could see why this region is exemplary model of success in business development as the Thai Government is promoting the initiative called “Thailand 4.0” a visionary scheme to transform the Thai economy by investing in technology and innovation.

A core element of Thailand 4.0 is the Eastern Economic Corridor, or EEC. —comprised of Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Rayong provinces— represents the next stage of the Eastern Seaboard’s economic life.

Within the EEC, the Thai government expects to develop 10 high-tech industries over the next decade: next-generation automotive, smart electronics, biofuel and biochemical, food innovation, digital economy, medical hub, automation and robotics, aerospace, agricultural and biotechnology, affluent medical and wellness tourism.

CPRAM Company Limited To attract world-leading businesses to the provinces, the Thai government will offer a range of attractive incentives, including an up-to-15year-exemption of the corporate income tax, the exemption of import duties on machinery and raw materials used for manufacturing of export products, and a 17 percent rate for personal income tax for foreign experts working in the 10 target industries.

We also visited Thai world-renowned companies. SuperNAP Thailand, CPRAM, Amata Corporation, Siam Bioscience and Sampran Riverside Thai Village; research centers, global industries, entrepreneurship centers, public institutions and we had the opportunity to visit some tourist attractions.

Thai Technical Department Thai Technical Department is one of the leaders in the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) of commercial aircraft, engines and components.

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With over 50 years of experience and professional engineers and skilled mechanics, they have been providing safety and reliability services 24 hour-a-day for routine and emergency support to their customers.

With 3 major maintenance facilities, Donmueang base, Utapao base, and Suvarnabhumi base, they offer line and light maintenance, heavy maintenance including major modification, interior and exterior painting, component overhaul, engine overhaul and calibration services.

Thai Technical Department ensures their customers’ aircraft a safety, quality and environmental care to achieve the highest level of the satisfaction of their customers and provides year-round top class maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to satisfy all customers worldwide by well-trained and highly skilled team of technicians that correspond to recognized safety and environmental standards and regulations.

U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport U-Tapao International Airport is a joint civil-military public airport serving Rayong and Pattaya cities in Thailand. It is in Ban Chang District of Rayong Province.

It also serves as the U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield, home of the Royal Thai Navy First Air Wing. U-Tapao is the home of a large Thai Airways maintenance facility, servicing that airline’s aircraft as well as those of other customers. U-Tapao has been eyed as an alternate international gateway due to relative proximity to the capital. The government wants to make U-Tapao as aerotropolis, the center of infrastructure that will link the airport to expanding cities growing out in rings from the airport.

The plan includes a project to expand and modernize the airport for transport purposes as well as another to develop a maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO).

Biochem PTTMCC is a strategic joint venture between PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (PTTGC) and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) to become the global leader of compostable bioplastic material with a fast-tracking solution for customers to enjoy our vast possibilities in applications.

PTTMCC has invested in research and development of BioPBS (Bio-based Polybutylene succinate) a biodegradable plastic that decomposes into water and carbon dioxide with the microorganism under the soil.

PBS has a high heat resistance among the general biodegradability resin, and PBS has high compatibility with a fiber. Using this goodness, it’s possible to achieve the performance which can’t be shown by itself as the compound with other resin and material duct life cycle.

Derived from natural resources, such as sugarcane cassava and corn, can be used in various applications from the paper coating, coffee capsule, synthetic fiber, flexible and barrier packaging.

Moreover, the company also developed environmental friendly products with compatibility with traditional downstream manufacturing needs, to better integrate bio-based materials into the current value chain in the industry.

Its commitment is to drive the green industry forward on a global scale.

With the determination to give the world a sustainable future through easily adopted bio-chemical innovations.

SCG Chemicals SCG Chemicals is one of the largest integrated petrochemical companies in Thailand and a key industry leader in Asia offers with a full range of petrochemical products ranging from upstream production of olefins to downstream production of three main plastics resins; polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride.

To better serve customers’ requirements and create high value-added products and services, SCG Chemicals assigns prime importance to the development of new technology and innovation for the creation of high value-added products (HVA) and service solutions.

SCG invested in both in-house R&D facilities at Advanced Science and Technology Center (ASTEC) I, II, III and I. and collaboration with network of world-class institutions such as, Chula Engineering Research Center at Chulalongkorn University, SCG-University of Oxford Centre of Excellence for Chemistry, and Norner AS. SUPERNAP Thailand SUPERNAP Thailand is a joint venture among SUPERNAP International, CPB Equity, Siam Commercial Bank, True IDC, Kasikorn Bank, and BFKT (Thailand) Ltd., aiming to develop three state-of-art data centers in Thailand. SUPERNAP Thailand locates in Hemaraj Industrial Estate 2 in Thailand’s eastern province Chonburi. The first MOD is operational since late 2017. The facility is based on the design and operations of the stateof-the-art, multi-tenant Switch SUPERNAP facilities in the U.S. which hold Tier IV Design, Tier IV Facility, and Tier IV Gold Operations certifications, with its capacity of more than 6,000 data server racks. The new SUPERNAP Thailand data center covers an area of nearly 75 rai or 12 hectares and is strategically built outside the flood zone, 110-meters above sea level and only 27 kilometers away from the international submarine cable landing station, which links the facility to national and international telecoms and IT carriers.

CPRAM Company Limited

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CPRAM CPRAM Company Limited has produced and distributed the largest of a readyto-eat food in Thailand. A company’s philosophy is “Food is essential for life.

Quality food means quality life. CPRAM commits to serve quality food with safe, nutritious and pleasure to consume that make our world vitally healthy. Providing goods to retail shop more than 20,000 sites and exporting frozen food to 18 countries. Moreover, we are accepted to be leader in creating innovation, having high-quality of product and good service to build customer trust. And efficiently under CPRAM product brand of Jade Dragon, Le Pan, Deli Thai, Delicasia and CPRAM Catering.

CPRAM Innovation Center, Chonburi is the first private food innovation center in Thailand, a place for innovation incubation center, learning and resource center for local by exhibition and touchable model.

Moreover, we are the most up to date a ready to eat food in Thailand.

Siam Bioscience Co., Ltd

Amata Corporation Amata is Thailand’s biggest industrial estate developer, specializing in planning, developing, managing, and marketing integrated estates. The company strives to provide a location for businesses and create integrated cities with a range of services designed to support its client companies and their teams. Amata’s industrial estates provide international standard road systems, private security that incorporates support from local police, reliable utilities, well-maintained green areas, and ready built factories.

Leveraging on its solid track record in Thailand, Amata has established its first overseas integrated industrial estate on 700 hectares in Bien Hoa City,

Vietnam. Strategically located on Highway No. 1, connecting the South and the North of Vietnam, Amata City Bien Hoa Industrial park proudly houses multinational corporations with a total investment of well over US$2.4 billion and a total workforce of more than 43,000 workers. Currently, Amata is chosen by the EEC Management Committee to as one of developers to develop specialized industrial estates for EEC’s target industries such as smart city for Next-Generation Automotive Industry, Smart Electronics, Affluent, Medical and Wellness Tourism and Aviation and Logistics industry.

Siam Bioscience

Thai Technical Department

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Siam Bioscience Co., Ltd (SBS) was established in 2009 and aspires to be in the forefront of R&D and manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals in ASEAN. The company locates in Nonthaburi’s Bang Yai district, which includes the company’s production and R&D facility to develop various biopharmaceuticals for treatment of anaemia in patients with kidney failure and for treatment of infection among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Moreover, the company has formed strategic partnerships with Mahidol University, the leading research university in Thailand with strong research expertise in medicine, biomedical sciences and biotechnology leaders of the world. To further develop its capability, Siam Bioscience Co has also formed a joint venture with the Cubabased Centre of Molecular Immunology to research and develop biopharmaceuticals for cancer and auto-immune diseases. Currently, the company is supplying its products to ASEAN countries and is planning to export to Latin America from its joint venture with the Cuban firm.

Thailand Board of Investment The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) is the inward investment

promotion agency for Thailand that assists foreign investors in identifying business opportunities, providing tax incentives and privileges, and supporting foreign companies seeking to expand into the Asian market.

The services are free of charge and customized to help business succeed in Thailand.

The Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) is the best guide for doing business in Asia. Whether someone is selecting sites for a manufacturing project, conducting a market study or looking to open an office in Thailand.

BOI operates under the Ministry of Industry and is the principal government agency for supporting international business and encouraging investment in Thailand.

In the United States, are BOI’s North America offices in New York and Los Angeles. The offices serve as investment assistance and service centers and provide information and consulting for North American investors seeking to do business in Thailand.

Investment Promotion Services Thailand is the country’s liberal investment policies. The Thai Government has supported and will continue to support foreign investment. There are no restrictions on foreign currency remittances, no export requirements, no foreign equity restrictions in manufacturing sectors, and no local content requirements.

What can the BOI offer?

BOI provides tax and non-tax incentives for investors to help alleviate the costs of an international expansion and enhance their global competitiveness, which generally includes the following: Tax incentives ·Corporate income tax (CIT) exemption up to 8 years ·Additional 50 percent reduction of the corporate income tax for another 5 years ·Exemption or reduction of import duties on machinery and raw materials

·Double deduction of transportation, electricity, and water supply costs ·Additional 25 percent deduction of infrastructure construction / installation costs ·Non-tax incentives ·Permit to bring in foreign skilled workers and experts to work ·Permit to own land ·Permit to take out or remit money abroad in foreign currency Activities eligible for BOI promotion

There are 7 categories covering over 300 activities in both manufacturing and services eligible for BOI investment promotion: ·Agriculture and agricultural products. ·Mining, ceramics, and basic metals. ·Light industry. ·Metal products, machinery, and transport equipment. ·Electronics and electrical appliances. ·Chemicals, paper, and plastics. ·Services and public utilities.

Category 1.3: Economic forest plantations (except for Eucalyptus).

Category 3.9: Creative product design and development centers.

Category 4.11.1: Manufacture of airframes, airframe parts, and major aircraft appliances, e.g. engines, aircraft parts, propellers, and avionics.

Category 5.6: Electronic design.

Category 5.7: Software.

Category 7.1.1.1: Production of electricity or steam power from waste or refuse-derived fuel.

Category 7.8: Energy Service Companies (ESCO).

Category 7.9.2: Industrial zones or technology industrial estates or industrial zones.

Category 7.10: Cloud services.

Category 7.11: Research and development.

Category 7.12: Biotechnology.

Category 7.13: Engineering design.

Category 7.14: Scientific laboratories.

Category 7.15: Calibration services.

Category 7.19: Vocational training centers.

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One change is that the Board will now consider promoted activities as either being activity-based incentives, Group A or Group B, or merit-based activities.

Group A consists of activities that shall receive corporate income tax incentives, machinery and raw materials import duty incentives, and other non-tax incentives and is divided into four4 subgroups, as follows: A1 activities can receive an 8-year corporate income tax exemption without being subject to a corporate income tax exemption cap; exemption of import duty on machinery; exemption of import duty on raw or essential materials used in manufacturing export products, and other non-tax incentives.

A2 activities can receive an 8-year corporate income tax exemption, accounting for 100% of investment (excluding the cost of land and working capital); exemption of import duty on machinery; exemption of import duty on raw or essential materials used in manufacturing export products and other nontax incentives.

A3 activities can receive a 5-year corporate income tax exemption, accounting for 100% of investment (excluding cost of land and working capital) unless it is specified in the list of activities eligible for investment promotion that the act shall be granted corporate income tax exemption without being subject to a cap; exemption of import duty on machinery; exemption of import duty on raw or essential materials used in manufacturing export products and other non-tax incentives.

A4 activities can receive a 3-year corporate income tax exemption, accounting for 100% of investment (excluding the cost of land and working capital); exemption of import duty on machinery; exemption of import duty on raw or essential materials used in manufacturing export products and other non-tax incentives.

Group B consists of activities that can only receive machinery and raw materials import duty incentives and other non-tax incentives.

This group consists of 2 subgroups, as follows: B1 activities can receive an exemption of import duty on machinery; exemption of import duty on raw or essential materials used in manufacturing export products, and other nontax incentives.

B2 activities can receive the exemption of import duty on raw or essential materials used in manufacturing export products, and non-tax incentives only.

The merit-based category is new to the promotion policy with incentives based on the merits of the project, such as competitive enhancement. This would include projects that have investments or expenditures on: Research and development in technology and innovation including in-house R&D, outsourcing research in Thailand or joint R&D with overseas institutes.

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Donations to Technology and Human Resources Development Funds, educational institutes, specialized training centers, research institutes or governmental agencies in the science and technology field in Thailand, as approved by the Board.

IP acquisition/licensing fees for commercializing technology developed in Thailand; advanced technology training; development of local suppliers with at least 51% Thai shareholding in advanced technology training and technical assistance, or product and packaging design, either in-house or outsourced in Thailand, as approved by the Board.

Benefits under the merit based incentives include one additional year of CIT exemption if qualified investments or expenditures are not less than 1% of the project’s total revenue of the first 3 years combined, or not less than 200 million baht, whichever is less, with the total CIT exemption period not exceeding eight years; two additional years of CIT exemption if qualified investments or expenditures are not less than 2% of the project’s

Agriculture and Agricultural Products Services and Public Utilities Mining, Ceramics and Basic Metals Metal Products, Machinery and Transport Equipment

total revenue of the first 3 years combined, or not less than 400 million baht, whichever is less, with the total CIT exemption not exceeding 8 years; or three additional years of CIT exemption if qualified investments or expenditures are not less than 3% of the project’s total revenue of the first 3 years combined, or not less than 600 million baht, whichever is less, with the total CIT exemption not exceeding 8 years. It should be noted that for Group B activities only certain activities are eligible for merit-based incentives and to receive these investors need to submit the plan at the same time as the project submission is made. Also, those projects receiving incentives in Group A1 and A2 which already have an 8-year corporate income tax exemption and which also qualify for merit incentives for decentralization, will receive merit incentives in the form of a 50 percent reduction of corporate income tax on net profit derived from the promoted activity for 5 years after the initial exemption expires.

There is a cap on additional CIT exemption set at 200% for investments and expenditures specified in No.1 above, and at 100% for investments and expenditures specified in Nos. 2-6 above.

Another change to the policy includes a revision of the BOI Zoning, which has become only Investment Promotion Zones that now include 20 low income provinces, down from the previous count at 58 provinces: Kalasin, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Phanom, Nan, Bueng Kan, Buri Ram, Phrae, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Mae Hong Son, Yasothon, Roi Et, Si Sa Ket, Sakhon Nakhon, Sa Kaew, Sukhothai, Surin, Nong Bua Lamphu, Ubon Ratchatani and Amnatcharoen.

Projects located in the above areas are eligible to receive 3 additional years of CIT exemption, but the total period of the exemption cannot exceed 8 years. If a project with activities in Group A1 or A2 already receives an 8-year CIT exemption it will instead receive a 50% reduction of CIT on net profit derived from the promoted activity for 5 years after the CIT exemption period expires. All projects in the above areas are eligible for double deduction for transportation, electricity and water costs for ten years from the first date that revenue is derived from the promoted activity; and a deduction from the net profit of 25% of the project’s infrastructure installation or construction costs, in addition to normal depreciation; this

Light Industry Electronic Industry and Electric Appliances Chemicals, Paper and Plastics Others

deduction can be made from the net profit of one or several years within 10 years from the first date such revenue is derived.

The BOI application procedures application forms can be downloaded online through Office of the Board of Investment’s website. All application forms and related publications can be submitted to BOI Headquarters or through one of one of the overseas offices.

Thailand Head Office Bangkok 555 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand Telephone: +66 2553 8111 Fax: +66 2553 8222 E-Mail: head@boi.go.th Los Angeles, USA Thailand Board of Investment Los Angeles Office Royal Thai Consulate-General 611 North Larchmont Boulevard, 3rd Floor Telephone: +1(0) 323 960 1199 +1(0) 323 960 1190 E-Mail: boila@boi.go.th New York Thailand Board of Investment New York Office 7 World Trade Center, 34th Fl., Suite F 250 Greenwich St. New York, NY 10007 USA Telephone: +1 212 422 9009 +1 212 422 9119

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Chao Phraya River, Bangkok

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Indorama Ventures Indorama Ventures is a global chemicals company with 75 production sites

in 25 countries and 2017 revenue of US$8.4 billion and is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. Through our global, integrated, diverse portfolio of chemicals, polymers and fibers, Indorama Ventures delivers innovative, mission-critical solutions to customers in more than 100 countries. We serve major players in diversified end-use markets, including food and beverages, personal and home care, health care, automotive, textile and industrial.

The company’s portfolio is comprised of Necessities and High ValueAdded (HVA) categories. Indorama Ventures’ business consists of three key verticals - Feedstock, PET, and Fibers.

Our success is the direct result of our committed workforce of more than 15,000 and clear company goals set by our experienced management.

We integrate economic profitability with our obligations to society and the environment by incorporating sustainability into our business model and strategy. We are guided by a continued focus on building strong and lasting relationships with all its stakeholders, such as customers, employees, environment, investors, business partners and communities, and to provide the best quality products and services.

We believe in the importance of Sustainability and Risk Management functions, which enables the Company to anticipate and manage current and future economic, environmental and social opportunities and risks arising from the company’s business activities.

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Our historical expansions and investments in the polyester value chain have always been undertaken keeping in mind the value creation initiatives of scale, integration, geography, and product mix. With a continual focus on cost and efficiency, Indorama Ventures is now firmly positioned amongst the lowest cost polyester chain producer in the world.

DJSI Indorama Ventures is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI).

We are ranked among top five of all global chemical companies and one of only two companies in the DJSI Emerging Markets Chemical Industry.

Indorama Ventures Polymers México The plant in México started operation in 1975 is located in Querétaro, Qro. and has an installed capacity of 570,000 tons per year. In March 2011, IVL acquired the PET facility (486,000 tons per year) from Invista S.a’ r.l.

Using one of the most advanced technologies in the world, the PET bottle grade resin plant started operations in 1994. This resin offers customers a wide range of benefits, which include crystalline transparency, lightweight, impact resistance, good retention properties and 100% recyclability.

Another part of the Querétaro business is the Polyester Staple Fiber production that began in 1981; its products are used for the manufacturing of apparel, bed sheets, bedspreads, comforters, carpeting, rugs etc.

Indorama Ventures México has a total polyester capacity of 60,000 tons per year.

Main Product

Capacity Ton/Yr

End uses

HMLS Polymer

24,000

PET Resin.

PET Resin

486,000

Returnable bottles, water bottles, heat-bet and hot fill bottles for juice, teas, sport drinks and food, pharmaceutical, edible oil, liquors and household goods.

Staple Plant

60,000

Apparel, bed sheets, bedspreads, comforters, carpeting, rugs, etc.

Indorama Ventures EcoMex IVL México and M&M Polymers entered into a joint venture in December 2014, forming a new entity called Indorama Ventures EcoMex S DE RL DE CV (EcoMex).

EcoMex is one of México‘s foremost PET recyclers, with a flake processing facility in Zapopan, Jalisco State, México. The bottle recovery plant was started in April 2011 with an installed capacity of 12,000 tons per annum of washed flakes.

As one of México‘s largest PET recyclers, EcoMex has a broad bottle sourcing network, facilitating maximum supply chain efficiencies. EcoMex supplies washed flakes to IVL México’s PET plant in Querétaro to make PCR resins under the brand FuTuRePET®.

Main Product

Capacity Ton/Yr

End uses

rPET

12,000

PET Resin

Performance Fibers Operations México In August 2017, IVL entered into an agreement to acquire DuraFiber Technologies México Operations, S. A. DE C. V., now Performance Fibers Operations México, a leading Mexican producer of durable technical textiles for industrial, tire reinforcement, and specialty applications globally. Products: Polyester Staple fiber and Polymers.

Main Product

Capacity Ton/Yr

Tire Cord Fabric (PET+ NYL)

20,000

End uses

Indorama Ventures Polymers México, S de RL de CV / IVL Holding S.de.R.L.de.C.V. Commercial Offices Avenida Prolongación Paseo de la Reforma 1015, Torre A piso 2, Colonia Santa Fe Cuajimalpa, CP 05348, Delegación Cuajimalpa de Morelos, Ciudad de México, México Tel: + 52 55 9177 5700 Indorama Ventures EcoMex S DE RL DE CV Carretera Colotlán 6800 B, Colonia Extramuros, CP 45200, Zapopan, Jalisco, México.

Tel: +52 (33) 1561 3732 Performance Fibers Operations México, S de RL de CV / IVL Holding S.de.R.L.de.C.V. Commercial Offices Avenida de la Luz 77, Zona Industrial Benito Juárez, CP 76120., Zona Industrial Benito Juárez, Querétaro, Qro. México.

Tel: + 52 442 211 3000 Head Office (Bangkok) Indorama Ventures PCL 75/102 Ocean Tower 2, 37th Floor, Sukhumvit Soi 19,Bangkok 10110 Thailand Tel: +66 2 661 6661 Email: communications@indorama.net

Tire production / Industrial Fabrics / Fishing nets

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Picture: David Iliff

Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC): gateway to Asia The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), Thailand hopes to develop

its eastern provinces into a leading ASEAN economic zone. The EEC straddles three eastern provinces of Thailand –Chonburi, Rayong, and Chachoengsao– off the coast of the Gulf of Thailand and spans a total of 13,285 square kilometers. The government hopes to complete the EEC by 2021, turning these provinces into a hub for technological manufacturing and services with strong connectivity to its ASEAN neighbors by land, sea, and air.

The government expects US$43 billion (Thai Baht 1.5 trillion) for the realization of the EEC over the next five years. This funding will come from a mix of state funds, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and foreign direct investment (FDI). The government has identified four “core areas” essential in making the EEC a renowned economic zone: (1) increased and improved infrastructure; (2) business, industrial clusters, and innovation hubs; (3) tourism and; (4) the creation of new cities through smart urban planning. The government predicts the creation of 100,000 jobs a year in the manufacturing and service industry by 2020 through the EEC. Optimizing a region with great potential Thailand’s eastern seaboard already enjoys strong connectivity to neighboring countries and established trade routes. The seaboard has seen success in petrochemical, automobile, and electronic industries.

A major focus of the EEC is to improve existing connectivity and foster manufacturing and innovation. The government envisions creating established sea routes from the eastern provinces of Thailand to Myanmar’s

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on-going Dawei deep-sea port project, Cambodia’s Sihanoukville port, and Vietnam’s Vung Tau port. The government is expanding the Laem Chabang seaport –already the country’s biggest– with the goal of transforming it into a marine hub of South East Asia.

To improve connectivity by air, Thailand is expanding the U-Tapao airport in Rayong province substantially. With the opening of a second passenger terminal and runway, the U-Tapao airport’s passenger capacity will increase from its current 800,000 people to 3 million. The expansion will not only facilitate an increase in tourist arrivals –attracted to Thailand’s eastern beaches– but will also transform U-Tapao into a hub for aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul, air cargo, and logistics.

Connectivity by road will improve with the development of high-speed and double-track railways connecting ports, airports, industrial clusters, and major urban centers throughout Thailand.

Development Projects To realize the abovementioned four “core areas” of development, the government has identified 15 major investment projects for the EEC. •U-Tapao airport and aircraft maintenance.

•Sattaship commercial seaport.

•Develop Laem Chabang port.

•Develop Map Ta Phut port.

•Develop a high-speed eastern rail route.

•Develop double-track railways through the eastern provinces.

•Expand highways and motorways.

•Develop next-generation automotive vehicles with a focus on battery and electric vehicles.

•Develop aviation, industry and lifestyle robotics, smart electronics.

•Advanced petrochemical and bio-economy.

•Turn eastern provinces into a medical hub.

•Promote and facilitate tourism in eastern provinces.

•Develop eastern provinces into a global business hub.

•Create new cities to support a surge in eastern population with a focus on inclusive growth.

•Strengthen public utilities.

Additionally, the government is planning to build a digital park in Si Racha located on the coast of Chonburi in hopes of developing an Eastern Economic Corridor of innovation (EECi), a complimentary project which will provide digital connectivity.

Taking the first step From the above list, the government has selected five projects to initiate the EEC. These projects will be given initial priority and will provide the foundations for subsequent development in the EEC. U-Tapao airport development The government expects the U-Tapao airport to usher in a wave of new tourists. Developing the airport further will also expand the ECC’s reach into the aviation sector. Here is what the Thai government hopes to accomplish.

•Construct a second runway.

•Construct second passenger terminal (2.24 million square feet).

•Connect airport with high-speed railway.

•Develop commercial area (1.08 million square feet).

•Develop a maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) center.

•Develop a new Free Trade Zone as well as a Training Center within the airport.

Laem Chabang Port The government plans to increase the Laem Chabang port’s connectivity and capacity within the first year of the EEC’s development.

•Double container accommodation from seven million to 18 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) a year.

•Increase car export accommodation from one million to three million units a year.

•Become a logistics hub and gateway into South East Asia.

•Improve railway connection from the port.

High speed and double track railways In developing the EEC, the government is prioritizing the creation of faster and more comprehensive routes between airports, ports, industrial clusters, and urban centers.

•Further develop a high-speed railway from Bangkok to Rayong which will connect three international airports (Don Muang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao) within one hour.

•Increase the capacity of Bangkok-Rayong high-speed railway so as to accommodate 110 million passengers annually.

•Connect seaports to industrial clusters with a double-track railway.

•Upgrade railway to double-track between Laem Chabung port and Map Ta Phut port.

Under the broader vision of Thailand 4.0, the government’s development strategy, Thailand has identified five existing industries to further develop as well as five new industries to target for additional growth. The government hopes to attract these industries to the EEC through tax exemptions and other benefits.

The first five sectors to build upon include: •Next-generation automotive.

•Smart electronics.

•Affluent medical and wellness tourism.

•Agriculture and biotechnology and.

•Food innovation.

The subsequent five sectors the government plans to establish include: •Industry and lifestyle robotics.

•Aerospace.

•Logistics and aviation.

•Biofuel and biochemical.

•Medical services and healthcare.

The development of the EEC is a clear indicator that the Thai government is aiming to diversify its economy, moving away from previous dependences on the garment and agriculture industries. The government plans to expand urban centers within the EEC and is working to develop advanced training programs to improve its skilled workforce.

Expansion of airports, railways, and seaports may very well transform Thailand’s eastern provinces into a robust and dynamic commercial region.

With the creation and expansion not only of manufacturing centers but entire cities, the success of Thailand’s EEC may open up Thailand as a premier investment and business location of ASEAN.

DONMUANG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SUVARNABHUMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CHACHOENGSAO STATION

LADKRABANG STATION

CHONBURI STATION

SRIRACHA STATION LAEM CHABANG PORT

PATTAYA STATION U-TAPAO STATION

SATTAHIP COMMERCIAL PORT

U-TAPAO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

MAP TA PHUT STATION

RAYONG STATION

MAP TA PHUT PORT

HIGH SPEED TRAIN PORT & INDUSTRIAL DOUBLE-TRACK RAILWAY BANGKOK-PATTAYA-RAYONG HIGHWAY

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Bangkok

Best places to visit in Thailand Thailand, also known as the Land of Smiles, is a jewel of Southeast Asia,

is a country ripe with opportunity for once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.

There are many fascinating places to visit in Thailand but the seaside resorts attract most of foreign visitors. There are a lot of world-class hotels and all manner of international cuisine.

Cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai are bustling hives of activity and commerce, in the mountains we can find elephants or the bold monkeys (who will steal your lunch as soon as look at you). Thailand’s attractions are diverse and each provides a rewarding and memorable experience in its own way.

Bangkok Bangkok began as a small trading center and port community on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River 200 years ago. Today, while the city is up to speed with modern times, the grandeur and glory of its illustrious past still prevails. It has dazzling temples, spectacular palaces, a world-famous floating market or colorful Chinatown, each of these famous places has an intriguing story to tell.

Grand Palace If there is one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it’s the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city’s most famous landmark. Built in 1782 –and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government– the Grand Palace of Bangkok.

It has beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.

Within the palace complex are several impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains the small, very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century.

Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) The impressive silhouette of Wat Arun’s towering spires is one of the most recognised in Southeast Asia. Constructed during the first half of the 19th

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Ayutthaya Historical Park Picture: Tourism Authority of Thailand

century in the ancient Khmer style, the stupa showcasing ornate floral pattern decked out in glazed porcelain is stunning up close. Apart from its beauty, Wat Arun symbolises the birth of the Rattanakosin Period and the founding of the new capital after Ayutthaya fell.

Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), or Wat Phra Chetuphon It is located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, it’s one of the largest temple complexes in the city and famed for its giant reclining Buddha that measures 46 meters long and is covered in gold leaf. This is also a great place to get a traditional Thai massage. Wat Pho is often considered the leading school of massage in Thailand.

Jim Thompson’s House Jim Thompson’s three decades of dedication to the revival of Thai silk, then a dying art, he changed the industry. After he mysteriously disappeared into the jungle of Malaysia, he left a legacy behind, which is reflected through his vast collections of Thai art and antiques now on display at the Jim Thompson’s House and Museum, itself a lovely complex of six Thai-style teakwood transported from Ayutthaya and Bangkok’s Ban Krua community, echoes Jim Thompson’s 30-year love affair with Southeast Asian art and cultural heritage.

Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha) The Golden Buddha, officially titled Phra Phuttha Maha Suwana Patimakon, is a gold statue, with a weight of 5.5 tons. It is located in the temple of Wat Traimit, Bangkok. At one point in its history the statue was covered with a layer of stucco and coloured glass to conceal its true value, and it remained in this condition for almost 200 years, ending up at what was then a pagoda of minor significance. The statue is 3 metres (9.8 ft) tall.

Wat Suthat Wat Suthat is the highest royal temple. Inside the wí·hăhn (sanctuary for a Buddha sculpture) are intricate Jataka (stories of the Buddha) murals and the 8 meters high Phra Si Sakayamuni, Thailand’s largest surviving Sukhothai-period bronze, cast in the former capital of Sukhothai in the 14th century. Today the ashes of Rama VIII (King Ananda Mahidol; 1935–1946) are contained in the base of the image.

Lumphini Park Named after the Buddha’s place of birth in Nepal, Lumphini Park is the best way to escape Bangkok without leaving town. Shady paths, a large artificial lake and swept lawns temporarily blot out the roaring traffic and hulking concrete towers.

Phuket Phuket is Thailand’s biggest island, it is about 50kms long by 20 kms wide, and it is connected to the mainland by a road bridge.

Krabi In Railay we find white sand beaches, clear blue water, and a feeling that you’ve found a slice of paradise. You have to take a boat to reach the island getaway, with services available from Krabi town and Ao Nang. You can also go elephant trekking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and snorkeling, or take on some lighter options such as cooking classes and indulging in a massage. There’s also the tourist-friendly Diamond Cave, with a convenient walkway to accommodate curious visitors looking to do some exploring between stretches of sunbathing.

The Phi Phi Islands The Phi Phi Islands are one of Thailand’s most popular resort areas for a reason. Only Phi Phi Don is inhabited, with day trips available to the surrounding islands. One of the fun spots on Koh Phi Phi is Monkey Beach, where you’ll come face-to-face, literally, with the namesake creatures. You can hire a guide to take you out on a small wooden boat or rent your own kayak. There’s also a small stand where you can buy snacks and fruit shakes, but hang onto your treats. If you leave them unguarded, the monkeys will brazenly dig in and chow down right in front of you. Long Beach is another nice spot on the island; it’s not a secluded place, but is great for watching the sunset. If you’re lucky and the tide is out, it’s a beautiful walk back toward the main part of the island.

Ayutthaya: a fascinating historical park and UNESCO World Heritage Site Ayutthaya was the second capital of Siam (Thailand) for 417 years from 1350 to 1767 until its destruction by the Burmese. In their attack, Burmese forces burned the city to the ground and destroyed sacred shrines, chedis, and Buddha statues. The structures that managed to survive the fire were buried beneath the ground for hundreds of years.

Nowadays, much of Ayutthaya has been unearthed and its ruins form an archaeological park. Visitors can walk around the ruins with relative freedom to see magnificent temples, palaces, and Buddha statues. The park is home to several striking buildings. Among them are Wat Phra Ram Temple, Wat Chaiwatthanaram monastery, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet.

Ayutthaya presents a glimpse into the glory of ancient Thailand, where you can visit the ruins of the former capital. After the Sukhothai period, the city was the most important in Thailand, and the old palaces and temples stand as a testament to this. There are also several foreign settlements, where you can gain a greater understanding of the influence other countries had in Thailand at the time.

Royal Palace

Our hotels are strategically located in the main industrial corridor where you'll find comfort in our modern facilities as well as the best service when you stay at any of our resorts: Crowne Plaza®, Holiday Inn® Diamante and Holiday Inn® Kristal, whether for a family or business trip, you will find all you need for rest or for your meetings.

QUERÉTARO T: + 52 (442) 227 0900 Anillo vial II Fray Junipero Serra 1500 Col. Arboledas, Queretaro, Qro 76140 Mexico

Querétaro Zona Diamante

T: + 52 (442) 211 7090 Anillo vial II Fray Junipero Serra 1500 Col. Arboledas, Queretaro, Qro 76140 Mexico

Reservations: 01 800 00 999 00, www.ihg.com Contact your travel agent. ©2015 InterContinental® Hotels Group. All rights reserved. Most hotels are independently owned and/or operated.

Querétaro Zona Krystal

T: + 52 (442) 238 9900 Carretera QRO-SLP 10672 Col. El Salitre, Queretaro, Qro 76127 Mexico

Sunset at the Temple of the Great White Buddha.

Province of Phuket, southwest of Thailand.

Curated by www.av3aerovisual.com

Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)

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Phi Phi Island

After the destruction of Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam was established along the Chao Praya River in Bangkok. The Grand Palace complex was built for the new capital; a 218,000 square-meter walled city comprised of royal residences, throne halls, government offices, Buddhist temples, and priceless works of art.

Chiang Mai Chiang Mai sits atop Doi Suthep, a mountain overlooking Thailand’s northern rose of a city. In a crowd of monks, devout Buddhist followers, and fellow travelers, you’ll have a chance to marvel at intricate religious carvings, observe worship rituals, and gaze out over the ever-growing sprawl of Chiang Mai city.

A visit to one of the floating markets is a fun way to do some shopping and eating while supporting local vendors and observing local commerce in action. Some do seem to cater more to the tourist crowds than to be part of the fabric of local Thais’ daily lives, but there are others that make for a nice authentic travel experience. You’ll need to get up early to visit a floating market, as vendors are out in their long wooden boats first thing in the morning with their goods, fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and tasty dishes.

There are several floating markets near Bangkok, Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak being among the most popular.

Chiang Mai is known as the “Rose of the North.” Expats from all over the world are seduced by Chiang Mai’s laid-back culture, beautiful Buddhist temples, plentiful restaurants, and spirited nightlife. Every evening, the city hosts its night bazaar, a favorite among bargain shoppers.

Chiang Mai is located far away from the sea in the hills of northern Thailand. Its mix of beautiful scenery and the architectural reminders of its rich history particularly appeals to people looking for a more cultural experience on their holiday.

Wat Rong Khun Wat Rong Khun, or the “White Temple,” is a visually striking, ornate Buddhist temple located a 20-minute drive south of Chiang Rai. Conceptualized and built by Thai artist, Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat, the White Temple has become a highlight on many Thailand itineraries.

The White Temple’s design does not match the traditional styles of other Buddhist temples throughout Thailand, and that was the artist’s intention.

Chalermchai has created a surreal representation of what he sees are obstacles to the path of enlightenment.

Floating market Thailand’s markets are exciting, lively and a significant part of the local culture. Experiencing the flurry and sensations of a floating market from a long-tail boat is a memorable way to spend a morning.

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Floating market Picture: Tourism Authority of Thailand