Advance ~ August 2012

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AUSTRALIA THAILAND BUSINESS COUNCIL www.austchamthailand.com

August 2012

Australian Manufacturing in Thailand Makes for Smooth Sailing in this edition

Australian Federal Budget – Important Changes That Effect Non-residents with Australian Assets Business brief Community services Australian Manufacturing in Voluntary English Teaching Thailand Makes for Smooth Sailing at Baan Khao Din School

6

12

Chamber events Creative Alumni Showcase: Chef Ik, Kitikong, and Chusak

16

Chamber events Stars & Stripes Sundowners at Pathumwan Princess Hotel

20

THAI

Steve Douglas steve@smats.net

specialist mortgage

ATS

Helen Avis helen@smats.net

smats migration

#17-01 Sim Lim Tower, 10 Jalan Besar, Singapore, 208787 Thailand

Contents PATRON His Excellency James Wise Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand

Business Brief 6 Australian Manufacturing in Thailand Makes for Smooth Sailing 8 Australian Federal Budget – Important Changes That Affect Non-residents with Australian Assets

PRESIDENT John Anderson Meinhardt Portfolio: Regional Links

community services 12 Voluntary English Teaching chamber Events 14 Luncheon: Boardrooms, Mining Booms and Rugby – where’s the common ground?

16 AustCham Site Visit to CUEL 17 Special Film Screening and Aussie Afternoon Tea with Australian Ambassador on

14 18 Creative Alumni Showcase: Chef Ik, Kitikong, Joshua and Chusak at VIE Hotel 20 Eastern Seaboard Sundowners Friday, 22 June at Hard Rock Hotel, Pattaya 22 Stars & Stripes Sundowners on Wednesday, 4 July at Pathumwan Princess Hotel New members & members’ changes 24 AustCham Welcomes New Members

17

From the Chamber Office 26 Message from the Executive Director

VICE PRESIDENTS M.L. Laksasubha Kridakon Baan Laksasubha Resort Portfolio: Alumni Belinda Skinner Top Talent Asia Portfolio: Communications and English Teaching TREASURER Leigh Scott-Kemmis DBM Portfolio: Advancing Trade and Commerce DIRECTORS David Bell Crestcom – Ra-Kahng Associates Portfolio: Speakers and Talks Khun Jurairat Jammanee HASSELL Portfolio: AustCham Ball Warwick Kneale Baker Tilly Portfolio: Community Services Sam Mizzi McConnell Dowell Portfolio: AFL and Eastern Seaboard Industry Sriram Narayan Qantas / British Airways Portfolio: Business Conference and Business Awards Alan Polivnick Watson, Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited Portfolio: Legal Charles Wrightman Natural Ville & Lenotre Portfolio: Sponsorship

18

Saeed Zaki , Ph.D. dwp Portfolio: Breakfast Briefings

From the Board

President’s Message EX OFFICIO Maurine Lam Regional Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, ASEAN COORDINATORS Paul Whyte New Asia Pacific ESB Coordinator Email: paul@newasiapacific.com Paul Wilkinson JVK International Movers Ltd. ESB Coordinator Email: paul.wilkinson@jvkmovers.com Harry Usher Lady Pie Phuket Coordinator Email: phuket@austchamthailand.com Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce 20th Floor, Thai CC Tower 889 South Sathorn Road Bangkok 10120 Tel.: +66 2 210 0216 Fax: +66 2 675 6696 execdirector@austchamthailand.com www.austchamthailand.com

Editorial Committee Belinda Skinner, Josh Hyland, Gary Woollacott Marketing & Production Scand-Media Corp. Ltd 4/41-42 Moo 3, Thanyakarn Village Ramintra Soi 14, Bangkok Tel.: +66 2 943-7166/8 Fax: +66 2 943-7169 scandmedia@scandmedia.com Advertising Finn Balslev Email: finn@scandmedia.com Contributions to Advance magazine are welcome. Please submit content to josh@austchamthailand.com by the first day of the month for publication in the following month’s magazine.

Opinions expressed in Advance do not necessarily reflect the views of the Chamber.

AustChamThailand Advance

B

y the time you read this, the London Olympics will already have started.

This is a good time to be indoors, since August is also traditionally one of the wettest times of the year in Thailand.

It is of course about this time last year that the flooding started in Nakon Sawan, Sinburi before the flood waters moved to Ayuthaya and then of course Bangkok by early October. Since that time, a great deal of work has been done to protect the industrial estates on the northern outskirts of Bangkok from flooding. Earthen levy banks have been constructed along with reinforced concrete flood walls. This work has been carried out by both the Thai government and by the private sector.

The work is not yet complete, but at least there has been a concerted effort to take action to mitigate against a repeat of last year’s disaster.

As AustCham President, I also serve as a Director of the Board of Trade (BOT). At its meeting in July, the Chairman Khun Phongsak advised that he meets every two months with the Customs Department to discuss various issues. He also serves on an Ethics Committee of the Customs Department.

Khun Phongsak wishes to invite all members of the BOT (and therefore AustCham) to make submissions to him on any matters that are causing problems at Customs.

He will then raise them at the meetings with the Government. This is a good opportunity to affect positive change in this area, so I would encourage members to take advantage of this open invitation.

In July I attended a very interesting event to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Thailand. Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Trade, the Honourable Justine Elliot together with our Ambassador HE James Wise hosted the opening reception to ‘Experience Australia Unlimited at CentralWorld’. The evening was a superb showcase of Australian products and creativity – the program included a screening of the award winning Australian film “Red Dog”. This is based on the legendary true story of a red dog who united a disparate local community while roaming the Australian outback in search of his long lost master. There was a great turn out of our Australian Alumni at the event.

During July the AustCham board were invited to the Australian Embassy for dinner.

We had an interesting discussion with the Ambassador about a range of subjects

affecting Australia and Thailand business relations including TAFTA and the forthcoming White Paper on the so-called Asian Century. Labour shortages seem to be more and more of a challenge in Thailand.

In house vocational training was seen as a possible solution to build skills. The working holiday visa was also discussed. It is surprising that no Australian has ever taken advantage of this scheme –although it is fully subscribed by Thais going to Australia.

This scheme is intended to attract young people under 28 years old to Thailand for a six-month period and provides for a work permit. I would encourage our members to employ Australian student interns and direct them to apply for a visa under this scheme.

If, as some of our members have indicated, it is a case that the Thai bureaucracy does not recognise the scheme in Australia, we will then raise this with the Thai government through our embassy here in Bangkok. To help facilitate students looking for intern positions amongst our AustCham members, we will soon be adding a feature to our Alumni website to allow interested persons and companies to register their interest online.

The AFL Grand Final day is not far away.

AustCham is still looking for sponsors for this great family day event. If you are interested please contact Sam Mizzi or the AustCham office for further details of the packages that we have on offer.

John Anderson President, AustCham Thailand www.austchamthailand.com

August 2012

5

business brief

Australian Manufacturing in Thailand Makes for Smooth Sailing This is the first of a series of articles highlighting the depth and diversity of the Australia-Thai business relationship. If you have an idea for an article please contact us.

By Mark Carroll, AustCham Thailand

I

f ever there was an example of using the best of Thailand and the best of Australia to produce a world-leading product it is Gold Coast Ships. Tucked away in an unassuming production facility at Ocean Marina just south of Pattaya, the Gold Coast team of Thai and Australian workers are able to produce state-of-theart aluminium catamarans ranging from six meters for eight passengers, to an impressive 42 meters capable of carrying 440!

These are serious ships, whether it be for luxury cruising, fast-ferry operations or demanding commercial applications.

In fact, for its first Thai customer Gold Coast is delivering wave-piercing luxury speedsters. Each equipped with four 250 horse power outboard engines they have a top speed of almost 40 knots. And with a range of over 300 Nautical Miles at 25 knots, day-trips are now possible to exotic offshore destinations that used to require an overnight cruise.

The high-performance vessels produced

by Gold Coast Ships are truly a Thai-Australia endeavour.

Customers first select one of several hull designs that have been refined and proven during tank tests at the Australian Maritime College’s start-of-the-art facility in Tasmania. Using a specialised Australian ‘Maxsurf’ software product – and working hand-in-hand with the customer – the Australian design company (Sea Speed design) then produces an overall blue-print of the new vessel.

Stay tuned for more news as the operator takes delivery of their new ships!

The Gold Coast Ships story of setting up in Thailand is familiar one. Facing a shrinking market in Australia, company founder and Managing Director Craig McKay saw little option than to expand his market offshore.

After evaluating options for an Asian operational base, Thailand came out on top due to a combination of its proximity to Asian growth markets, quality labour force and generous Board of Investment incentives.

Thailand thus became not just a production base for Gold Coast ships, but a strategic launching pad for reaching into regional and global markets.

6

August 2012

Says spokesman Paul Birgan, “for us, expanding into Asia was a matter of survival. The Australian market just wasn’t there. Tourism – one of the main markets for boats – was, and still is, struggling.

The high Australian dollar makes manufacturing in Australia difficult. But with our move to Thailand we’re now looking at markets in the Middle East and Europe as well as Asia.”

Production begins in Australia with the computer blueprint being broken down via the Maxsurf software into individual components and shapes. These are marked-out on large aluminum plates, computer-cut, pre-fabricated and flat-packed.

When all the aluminium components are ready, they are loaded into shipping containers as a ready-to-assemble kit – simiAustChamThailand Advance

business brief

lar to a piece of Ikea furniture – and sent to Thailand.

The Ikea comparison soon ends, however, when it comes to assembly! This is not a do-it-yourself job. In fact, fabrication is where Thai skills (and its cheaper labour force) come to the fore.

Assembly in Thailand occurs under the watchful eye of Paul’s brother Murray (project manager) and master builder Ainslie Pankhurst and other Australian tradesmen. With decades of boat-building experience between them, the team are impressed with the quality and efficiency of their Thai staff. Many of the Thais already had some experience in aluminium fabrication and were quick to pick-up on the specialised requirements of Gold Coast Ships.

“Our Australian customers are astounded at the speed and quality of our fabrication and assembly” says Paul. “And these customers are having boats built all over the world”.

expatriates, 20 Thais and a further ten fulltime Thai subcontractors. And any new contracts here are certainly good news for Australian workers. Paul estimates there are at least 20 Australian companies producing components for his ships, with millions of dollars of work and many jobs generated in Australia.

The Australian trade based production team credit the foundation of their success to vocational training in Australia’s TAFE system. They are now passing on their expertise to their Thai employees but would like to see a more structured system in Thailand for building and recognising skills.

Paul says that “without TAFE I wouldn’t have been able to pursue a career in ship design.

It is not the type of skill you can acquire through on-the-job experience alone”.

As orders for new vessels come online, Gold Coast ships is looking to expand its existing workforce in Thailand of five

“Australia has been at the forefront of aluminium catamaran technology for at least 30 years. Our expansion overseas has meant we’ve protected, if not created, jobs in the industry in Australia. It gives us the best chance of continuing this great Australian ship-building tradition and maintaining Australia’s expertise in naval architecture”.

Asked about advice he would give to other Australians considering establishing a business in Thailand, Paul says “even though we had previous business experience in Asia, we weren’t sure about Thailand when the prospect first came up. We weren’t sure about the banking system and there were just a lot of unknowns. We got over that by talking to people with on-the-ground experience and doing our own research. Now I’d say to any manufacturer that there’s a great commercial opportunity here in Thailand. Don’t completely move over here, but use it as a way of supporting your existing operations. It is a gateway to the rest of the world. For us, the future is now looking bright.”

AustChamThailand Advance

August 2012

7

business brief

Australian Federal Budget – Important Changes That Affect NonResidents with Australian Assets

By Stephen Caswell and Stephen French Removal of CGT discount for non residents Non-residents with Australian assets need to consider the impact of the announcement in the Australian Federal Budget of the removal of the 50 per cent Capital Gains Tax (CGT) discount for nonresidents on capital gains accrued after 7.30pm (AEST) on 8 May 2012.

Non-residents are only subject to income tax on capital gains derived on the disposal of ‘taxable Australian property’, which includes Australian real property, assets of a business carried on through a permanent establishment in Australia, and mining assets (or an option or right to acquire these assets) whether these are held directly or indirectly through a company or trust. Prior to the announcement,

non-resident individuals and trusts were eligible for the 50 per cent CGT discount on these gains where these assets were held for greater than 12 months.

The CGT discount will remain available to non-resident individuals and trusts for capital gains accrued prior to this time where non-residents choose to obtain a market valuation of assets as at 8 May 2012. Failure to do so could be extremely expensive.

Therefore, going forward, non-residents currently holding taxable Australian property will have two choices. They can either pay CGT on the full amount of any capital gain made on the sale of taxable Australian property without access to the 50 per cent CGT concession, or they can engage a valuer to obtain a market valuation of the relevant assets at 8 May 2012 to protect their access to the discount on any future disposal. The discount will be applicable on a pro-rata basis.

A simple summary of how the changes could impact tax payable on the sale of Australian real property by a non-resident is illustrated below. The example is based on the purchase price of the property being $325,000, the market value of the property at 8 May 2012 being $485,000, and the selling price being $550,000.

The removal of the discount will have a significant impact on the amount of property bought (and held) by Australian expatriates and other tax non-residents. We anticipate the changes will make listed equities, unit trusts, and managed investment schemes which remain CGT exempt for non-resident taxpayers, a more favourable investment class than say, real property and other affected assets.

Under tax treatment for listed equities, unit trusts, and managed investment schemes, no CGT will apply for the period the inves-

Tax calculations prior to Budget announcement

Tax calculations after Budget announcement (with valuation obtained $485,000)

Tax calculations after Budget announcement (without valuation obtained)

Sale price

$550,000

$550,000

$550,000

Tax Cost Base

$325,000

$325,000

$325,000

Gross Capital Gain

$225,000

$225,000

$225,000

Less 50% CGT discount concession

$112,500

$80,000 ($485,000-$325,000x 50%)

Net Capital Gain

$112,500

$145,000

$225,000

Tax payable by nonresident (based on tax rates for the 2013 financial year)

$38,025

$50,050

$83,250

8

August 2012

AustChamThailand Advance

business brief

tor is a non-resident. If the investor were to become an Australian resident, the cost base for CGT will be set/reset to the market value of the portfolio at that time.

that for residents. Generally it is easier for non-residents to qualify for a tax deduction for personal contributions as foreign salary is not counted towards the 10 per cent rule.

The dividends from the shares, income from unit trusts and managed investment schemes are not assessable income in Australia while the investor is a non-resident. Instead the income is subject to a withholding tax; no withholding tax applies if the income is franked dividends.

Note, any excess franking credits are not refundable to non-residents.

If you generate assessable income in Australia you may be able to make deductible super contributions to an Australian super fund to offset assessable income, up to the maximum contribution limits. Non-resident investors should avoid making contributions to their SMSF as this can affect the fund’s residency. Alternatively, investors can make non-concessional contributions.

Investing in Superannuation

Accessing super entitlements are subject to the same preservation rules and the same tax treatment in Australia as for residents, for example super benefits

Eligibility to contribute to superannuation in Australia is the same for non-residents as

are tax-free if you are over 60 and concessionally taxed from 55 to 60 years. It is also important to note that superannuation investment grow in a concessionally taxed environment, 15 per cent for Accumulation and 0 per cent for Pension Funds.

Even where there is no intention of returning or ever living in Australia is it potentially worthwhile commencing or continuing an Australian superannuation income stream.

Tax rate increase on Australian income for non-resident individuals The personal income tax rates and thresholds that apply to non-residents’ Australian income have been adjusted to ensure that they better align with the rates and thresholds that apply to residents of Australia.

From 1 July 2012, the first two marginal rate tax thresholds have merged into a single threshold, with all taxable income below $80,000 taxed at 32.5 per cent (previously, taxable income from $0 to $37,000 was taxed at 29 per cent, and taxable income from $37,000 was taxed at 30 per cent). A non-resident with Australian income of $80,000 was previously subject to tax of $23,630. This will increase to $26,000 ($80,000 x 32.5 per cent) from 1 July 2012.

From 1 July 2015, the same marginal rate will rise from 32.5 per cent to 33 per cent (again aligning it with the second marginal rate for residents at that time).

Anyone with questions or concerns in respect of the above information should contact our office. For more information; On your Australian tax liabilities contact; Stephen French, Director MMT Partners Pty Ltd Phone: +61 2 9587 5000 Email: sfrench@mmt.net.au Investing and contributing to Superannuation in Australia contact; Stephen Caswell, Director Caswell & Associates Phone: +61 2 9531 1533 Email: scaswell@caswell.com.au Skype: stephen_caswell_sydney The information contained in this article is of a general nature only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice.

10

August 2012

AustChamThailand Advance

Eric Kenso Ward, ISB Class of 1979

International School Bangkok Bringing out the superhero in each of us since 1951. www.isb.ac.th

community services

Voluntary English Teaching Saturday, 23 June 2012 at Baan Khao Din School, Chonburi As part of our community services program, AustCham Thailand conducts an English teaching program at three schools in the provinces of Chonburi and Rayong. Volunteers work with small groups of children aged between five and 12 years and play simple games and activities which encourage the children to use the English language. No prior teaching experience is necessary, just a lot of enthusiasm! Many thanks to all who joined us last time. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact: varin@austchamthailand.com

12

August 2012

AustChamThailand Advance

MBMG Group is a multi-award-winning professional research and advisory practice that provides a full spectrum of investment, insurance, financial and legal services for individuals, corporations and institutions throughout Asia.

Founded in Thailand in 1996, MBMG Group has since established a reputation for providing sound, intelligent and impartial advice to clients from all walks of life.

But don’t just take our word for it, look at the awards we’ve won....

• ACQ Finance Magazine Global Award, MBMG Group, Business Advisory Firm of the Year, Thailand 2012 • ICFM Leading Regulated Fund Management Provider, Thailand 2012 • ICFM Continental Awards, Thailand 2012 • Finance - Monthly Tax & Estate Planning Firm of the Year, Global Award 2012

• Finance - Monthly Tax & Estate Planning Firm of the Year, Thailand 2012 • Lawyers World Global Leading Firm, Top Tier Rankings 2012 • Lawyers World Annual Jurisdiction Awards 2012 • Lawyers Monthly Legal Award 2012 • The DealMakers M&A Awards 2012, Independent Financial Consultancy Firm of the Year (Thailand)

MBMG InTernaTIonal Co., lTd. 75/56 Ocean Tower II, 26th Floor, Soi Sukumvit 19 Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0) 2 665 2537 - 9 Fax: +66 (0) 2 665 2996 Email: info@mbmg-international.com Web: www.mbmg-international.com

Follow us on facebook

Chamber Events

AustCham Site Visit to On Friday, 22 June 2012, AustCham members and friends visited the CUEL fabrication yard in Laem Chabang for a fascinating look into the production and transportation of oil and gas facilities. CUEL is a major supplier of infrastructure for both the Thai and regional markets and is playing a major support role in the Australian $34 billion (over Baht 1 trillion) Ichthys Liquefied

14

August 2012

Natural Gas project in Australia.

CUEL’s 689,000 m2 fabrication yard has direct waterfront access to the Gulf of Thailand. The fully self-contained facility has a production capacity of over 60,000 tonnes per annum. Dedicated workshops are equipped with overhead cranes, computer-controlled plasma cutting equipment, plate profile cutting

machine, manual plate cutter, section cutting machines, rolls, hydraulic presses, drills, guillotines and a wide range of manual, semi-automatic and automatic welding equipment. The company has approximately 2,000 skilled employees on site. Many thanks to Steven Hovi, Kym Stutley, John Blyton, and the CUEL team for such an interesting tour of their facility.

AustChamThailand Advance

Saturday 29 September 2012 The Imperial Queen’s Park Breakfast starts at 9.00am

Adults : Baht 2,500 Children (6-18) : Baht 700 Children under 6 free of charge Family : Baht 5,500 (includes 2 adults + 2 children)

AustChamThailand Advance

August 2012

15

Chamber Events

Luncheon: Boardrooms, Mining Booms and Rugby – where’s the common ground?

Weaving the discussion through corporate boardrooms and rugby fields, Mr Lee gave members and insight into the importance of good governance for international businesses.

He discussed the governance pressures companies are likely to face as the ASEAN Economic Community blurs boundaries and forces companies to operate across different policy and legal jurisdictions. If there is a lesson for international companies from the two speed Australian economy, and ongoing global financial turmoil, it is that the new ‘normal’ means Directors and Boards must manage the strategic growth of their companies and monitor the risks with ever greater diligence.

Rick Lee is the highly-respected Chair of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). A former Rhodes Scholar, his directorship portfolio is an impressive composite of mining, insurance, industrials and communication companies. Until recently he served on the Board of the Australian Rugby Union and remains an avid rugby fan.

Magazine Ad -like PZM.pdf 1 23/7/2555 AustCham would to thank Mr 15:59:41 Lee for his presentation.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Valid until August 31 2012 ใชไดจนถึง 31 สิงหาคม 2555

16

August 2012

AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber Events

Special Film Screening and Aussie Afternoon Tea with Australian Ambassador Proudly Sponsored by RMIT English Worldwide, Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, HE James Wise, held a special afternoon tea with AustralianAlumni, followed by a screening of the Australian family film ‘Red Dog’. Given away as a special prize on the day were two return

AustChamThailand Advance

tickets to Australia courtesy of Qantas.

Congratulations to the lucky winner Khun Penporn Monchaya!

This special event was part of the sixday “Experience Australia Unlimited at CentralWorld” showcase. As well as to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic

relations between Australia and Thailand, the Australia Unlimited promotion showcased famous Aussie brands such as Blackmores, David Jones, Penfolds and many more.

Below are photos from the various activities and exhibitions from the Australia Unlimited showcase.

August 2012

17

Chamber Events

Creative Alumni Showcase: Chef Ik, Kitikong, Joshua and Chusak at VIE Hotel On 27 June 2012, AustralianAlumni – a joint programme between AustCham Thailand and the Thai Australian Association – held a special evening showcasing our creative alumni. Each of our skilled presenters spent significant time living and studying in Australia, and have gone on to excel in their chosen fields.

Thanks to the following Australian alumni below for showing us skills on stage – it was a very special event to witness.

18

August 2012

Cooking a fun and simple dish from his days as a student in Australia, Khun Bunn Borriboon (Chef Ik), Moderator of the popular ‘Indy Kitchen’ TV programme.

Teaching how to make easy yet striking floral arrangements, Khun Chusak Paungphaka, Hotel Stylist and Chief Florist at Swissotel Nai Lert Park.

Making amazing prints on paper using stencils carved into wooden panels, Khun Kitikong Tilokwattanotai, Founder of Chiangmai Art on Paper (C.A.P) and Joshua Lee, renowned printmaker.

Many thanks also to sponsors VIE Hotel and Opus Recruitment, as well as emcees Khun Nikan Wasinondh, and Khun Edward Kitlertsirivatana for supporting this extraordinary event!

AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber Events

AustChamThailand Advance

August 2012

19

Chamber Events

Eastern Seaboard Sundowners Friday 22 June at Hard Rock Hotel, Pattaya Hosted by AustCham and held in conjunction with the British (BCCT) and American Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM), June Sundowners saw a great crowd meet for an enjoyable evening of networking. AustCham would like to thank Catering and Venue Sponsor, Hard Rock Hotel, for use of their venue and fantastic support.

20

August 2012

AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber Events

Stars & Stripes Sundowners on Wednesday, 4 July at Pathumwan Princess Hotel Sponsored by Baker Tilly Thailand and hosted at the venue of Pathumwan Princess Hotel, Sundowners was once again a great success. This month we enjoyed the company of our colleagues from the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM) in a special “Stars and Stripes” Sundowners event to acknowledge the 4th of July US national day. Thanks to our generous sponsors for a spectacular evening and their ongoing support.

1

2

4

3

5

6

7

8

1) Hector Guillermo Martinez – EMC International SARL; David Plumber – EMC International SARL; Ian Meadows – Gallagher. 2) Leigh Scott-Kemmis – AustCham Director, DBM; Larry Kessler – Caelan Wright; Rick McMorran – P.R. Recruitment and Business Management. 3) Abigail Evans – Meinhardt; Karen Hochhauser – APM Group; Rosanne Diamente – Women With a Mission. 4) John Anderson – AustCham President, Meinhardt; Warwick Kneale – AustCham Director, Baker Tilly Thailand; HE James Wise – Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand; Judy Benn – AMCHAM; David Lyman – AMCHAM Director, Tilleke & Gibbins; Christoph Knickhel – Pathumwan Princess Hotel. 5) Belinda Skinner – AustCham Vice President, Top Talent Asia; Sam Mizzi – AustCham Director, McConnell Dowell; Lynsay Railton – P.R. Recruitment and Business Management; Peter Fitzroy – P.R. Recruitment and Business

22

August 2012

AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber Events

9

10

11

12

13

Management.6) Amy Byrum – RSM Advisory; Anne Duvaux – Asia Biogas; Richard Stepney – RSM Advisory. 7) Gerry C. Healy – Raimon Land; Marisa Chicarelli – Linktakers; Daniel Doolan – Clubhouse Bar. 8) Khun Kasemsri Kaewthammachai – Thana Burin; Dr Valerie J. McKenzie – Thana Burin.9) Khun Nannapat Sriwlai – Grant Thornton; Chris Thatcher – Sutlet Group; Khun Duangvipha Makkitti; Khun Prae Sunantaraks – Opus Recruitment. 10) Khun Purita Worawechwongsa – Coffee Works; Khun Khanok-on Thongwatana – ACCOR; Khun Natawan Intalak – Banyan Tree. 11) Antony Erswell – Management and Executive Recruitment Consultants; Nigel McKinnon – Boral Thailand Concrete & Quarries. 12) Arnaud Kleinveld – MyWellcard; Andrew Federick Langston – Banyan Tree Bangkok. 13) Khun Chonnicha Chaiwichit – PeopleServe Asia; Bjorn Richardson – Oakwood Residence.

AustChamThailand Advance

August 2012

23

Chamber Events NEW MEMBERS and members’ changes

Affiliated Computer Services Australia Pty Ltd Level11 461 Bourke Street Melbourne Victoria 3000, Australia LS&H International Office One Pacific Place Building, Suite 907, 9th Floor, Sukhumvit Road Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110 Phone: 662 653 4397 Fax: 662 653 4396 Website: www.xerox.com

Representatives: Mr Rodney Oborne - Director Asia Pacific Operations Background: ACS Xerox company is the largest provider of Innovative Mobility Solutions to governments in over 35 countries worldwide.

From fare collection to toll solutions, from back-office processing to infrastructure installation, we provide a full range of systems and services that help solve intractable transportation problems.

For more than 40 years ACS has worked with clients delivering reliable solutions, consistently achieving results and performing beyond expectations.

Products / Services: • Business Process Outsourcing • On&Off Street Parking • Photo Enforcement • Electronic Toll Collection: congestion charging • Commercial Vehicle Operations • Fare Solutions for Public Transport and CAD/AVL Solutions

BTS Assets Company Limited (Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok) 33/1 South Sathorn Road, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120 Phone: 662 210 8100 Fax: 662 210 8199 Website: www.eastingrandsathorn.com Email: docse@eastingrandsathorn.com

24

August 2012

Representatives: Miss Suwanich Kanjanakunya - Director of Catering and Sales Miss Pitchapa Assiri - Senior Event and Catering Sales Manager Background: Opened in May 2012, Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok is owned by BTS Assets Company Limited and managed by Absolute Hotel Service. The hotel is located at one of the best locations in Bangkok and has direct access from the BTS Surasak Station. Located on Sathorn Road, the prime business area, Eastin Hotel is just minutes away from the Chao Phraya River and 200 metres away from the expressway to Suvarnabhumi International airport, Pattaya and Eastern part of Thailand.

Products / Services: Designed in a contemporary classic style but featuring modern element and the latest in conveniences and services, the hotel features 390 luxuriously appointed rooms with room sizes ranging from 32-78 sqm. Other hotel facilities include an Executive Lounge, family floor, kid’s room, all-day dining restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant, authentic Chinese restaurant, bar lounge, infinity swimming pool, fitness center and business center. The hotel features 1,200 sqm of meeting facilities with the Surasak Grand Ballroom being able to accommodate up to 600 guests.

JNP Legal Co.,Ltd 399 Sukhumvit Road, Interchange Building, 26th Floor, Unit 4 Klongtoey Nua Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Phone: 662 611 2798-99 Fax: 662 611 2797 Website: www.jnplegalthailand.com Email: info@jnplegalthailand.com

Representatives: Mr John Lloyd - Consultant Mr Nippita Pukdeetanakul - Managing Director

Background: JNP Legal is a law firm based in the heart of Bangkok. We are a boutique legal practice that caters to the needs of intra-national and international companies which are already trading in Thailand or who wish to set up a new business in Thailand.

The principal of our firm is a qualified Solicitor and Barrister with international academic qualifications. Our firm has close ties with an Australian legal firm whose principal is Hungarian born and speaks fluent Hungarian. We represent clients in various industries and various sizes, both international and local corporations. In acting for these corporations, we have carried out work in a nature of company formation, advising on company tax matters, mergers and acquisitions, general advise in relation to commercial contracts (English, Thai, or Hungarian languages), Immigration, Intellectual Property, Real Estate, Employment law and Litigation.

Products/services: Contract Drafting • Structuring of contracts N • Negotiating with the other party • Execution of contracts.

Corporate • Corporate structuring / restructuring • Partnership agreements • Joint ventures • Mergers and acquisitions • Company’s secretarial services (filing and keeping of corporate documents) Employment Contracts and Disputes • Employment agreements and regulations • Advising on employment rights, benefits, obligations and legal positions Intellectual Property • Trademarks • Copyright and patent registrations • IPR (international property rights) • Assignment agreements Real Estate • Buying / selling of property • Leases • Time sharing agreements • Asset and property management agreements • Legal due diligence Family law • Marriage • Divorce • Prenuptial agreements • Inheritance Probate • Wills, living wills and inheritance Work Permits & Immigrations • Visas and work permits Notary Public Services • Affidavits, administration of oaths and authentication of documents AustChamThailand Advance

NEW MEMBERS and members’ changes

Change of Representative • Mr Charin Tuncharoen, Director of Sales & Marketing is a new representative of dusitD2 baraquda pattaya.

• Mr Anon Sirisaengtaksin, CEO is a new representative of PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited.

• Ms Prim Held, Assistant Director of Sales is a new representative of Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport hotel • Mr Keith Hardie, General Manager is a new Principal representative and Mr Vikram Mujumdar, Hotel Manager is a new alternate representative of Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers • Mr Rubel Miah, Director of Sales and Marketing is a new representative of Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit • Mr Eric Piatti, General Manager is a new representative of Swissotel Nai Lert Park Bangkok

• Mr Anake Kamolnate, Executive Vice President is a new representative of Binswanger Brooker (Thailand) Ltd. • Mr Richard Langonné, Resident Manager is a new representative of “Pullman Bangkok Hotel G” (Sofitel Bangkok Silom)

Intelligent Risks Pty, Ltd 29/1 Piya Place Langsuan, Unit 10B/1 10th Fl., Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit Rd. Lumpini, Patumwan Bangkok 10330 Tel: 02 652 1001 Fax: 02 652 1003

Change of Company Address

Austhai Geophysical Consultants (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 4th Floor, RM. 403, 40 Soi Sukhumvit 62, Sukhumvit Road Bangjak, Prakanong, Bangkok 10260 Tel: 02 741 6403 Fax: 02 741 6403

Management and Executive Recruitment Consultants Ltd. 82/2 Soi Sukhumvit 61 Klongton Nua, Wattana Bangkok 10110 THAILAND Tel: 02 714 8332, 02 714 8371,

02 713 8372 Fax:02 714 8326 i-tic co., ltd.

41/13 M1 Ao-udom Road Amphur Siricha, Chonburi 20230

Change of Company Name Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok change to “Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok” Sofitel Bangkok Silom change to “Pullman Bangkok Hotel G”

AUSTCHAM Members’ offers Le Meridien Bangkok Delegate Package – Baht 4,999 net/night - Vista room with daily breakfast at Latest Recipe - High Speed Internet access in Vista room and meeting room - Full day meeting package - Creative Hour at Bamboo Chic Bar - One upgrade to Avantec Suite for VIP guest - A minimum of 10 rooms with two nights stay Offer Until: 31 August Call: +66 2 232 8888 Email: sales.lmbkk@lemeridien.com

Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Stay More, Benefits Galore Package Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach are offering a special Stay More, Benefits Galore Package. The package is inclusive of Deluxe Garden View Room with daily buffet breakfast, round trip transfer from and to Phuket airport and complimentary wired/wireless internet throughout your stay.

Offer until: 31 Oct 2012 Call: +66 76 603 699 Email: reservations@ holidayinnmaikhao.com

AustChamThailand Advance

The Sukhothai Bangkok Exclusive ‘Romance Package’ Honeymoon The Sukhothai Bangkok now offers a unique ‘Romance Package’ which gives couples a variety of indulgent added value extras during your stay; from stimulating cuisine to sensual spa treatments.

Package Price: - Deluxe Studio BAHT 12,000++ per room per night - Executive Suite BAHT 15,000++ per room per night A minimum length of stay of four consecutive nights is required.

Offer until: 28 December Email: reservations@sukhothai.com

Swissôtel Le Concorde Bangkok “Executive Wow” Swissôtel Le Concorde Bangkok is offering an “Executive Wow” package that entitles business travellers to many exclusive benefits such as express check-in and out, evening cocktail, all day coffee and complementary Wi-Fi. The package also guarantees late check-out till 18.00 hrs and

special additional discounts at Spa De Concorde & Business Center and lots more!

The Executive Wow package is offered at an exclusive rate of Baht 3,700 net/night for single and Baht 4,200 net/night for twin.

Offer until: 30 September Call: 02 694 2222 Ext. 1205

Emirates Airline, Bangkok Emirates offers special exclusive fares to Sydney.

Emirates offers special exclusive fares for Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce with 7% discounts on Economy Class to Sydney for bookings and travelling any time from now until 30 November 2012 Visit http://www.emirates.com/ th and use the promo code: THAUS12 Offer Until: 30 November 2012 Call: +66 2 664 1040-5 Email: BKKSALES@emirates.com

Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach Meet Free Package At Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach, understand the focus it takes to do business right.

Enjoy a free meeting package. All

you have to pay for is the room!

Seamless meetings await!

Room rate starts from Baht 2,499 net. Minimum 10 rooms with 2 consecutive nights stay on single occupancy.

Valid until: 31 October Call: +66 76 603 699 Email: salesmgrhkt@ holidayinnmaikhao.com

Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld Seafood Sundays at The World and Ginger The new seafood style dinner buffet by Executive Chef Paul Hoeps feathers seafood from Australia and the Atlantic Ocean including blue swimmer crab, rock lobster, Pacific oysters, sea crab, green mussels and shrimp. It has a wide selection of other hot dishes and a carvery station, plus a decadent selection of desserts.

The World and Ginger Seafood Sunday Dinner Buffet is available every Sunday from 18:00-22:30 and priced at Baht 1,490++ per person.

Offer until: 26 August Call: 02 100 6255 Email: diningcgcw@chr.co.th

August 2012

25

Calendar of Events

From the Chamber Office

WEDNESDAY 1 AUGUST All Chambers Sundowners

Message from the Executive Director

18:00-21:00 Venue: Sofitel Sukhumvit Bangkok Corporate Sponsor: BlueScope Steel

T

THURSDAY 2 AUGUST Asarnha Bucha Day

hanks to all members who attended the briefing and open forum prior to Sundowners on 4 July. This was an important opportunity to review some of the new business-focus initiatives AustCham has completed over the previous 18 months, discuss the AustCham ‘narrative’, and hear your feedback and respond to your questions. It was also a good opportunity to look ahead at some initiatives in the pipeline.

In the lead-up to the open forum we conducted a ‘sixty-second survey’ to help gauge members views on some of our key activities.

We were particularly pleased with the number of responses and thank members for taking the time to share their opinion with us. We were also heartened with the results of the survey, although the positive responses give us no cause for complacency. We recognise that we must continually strive to engage members’ interests.

The survey results indicated that members overwhelmingly supported our businessfocus initiatives – 84 per cent supported our strategic use of the media to promote Australian business in Thailand, and 82 per cent valued the Study of Australian Business in Thailand. There was strong support also for our existing activities such as Sundowners, the Members Directory and business briefings. Perhaps most importantly, the number of negative responses was very low.

There were a range of valuable comments provided as part of the survey and we are now going through them to ensure the views are taken into account in our planning. One clear message is that there is interest in an expanded series of luncheon and dinner speaker events. If there are particularly topics members would like us to focus on then please let us know.

We also took the opportunity at the members’ briefing to foreshadow a review of how we interact with members via our website and the ‘Worthwhile’ or ‘highly worthwhile’

Not worthwhile

Media articles

84%

2.3%

Business study

82%

3.7%

Sundowners

78%

3.7%

Handbook

77%

4.2%

Briefs/luncheons

69%

2.2%

Asian Century submission

68%

3.7%

26

August 2012

AustCham Office Closed SUNDAY 12 AUGUST HM The Queen of Thailand’s Birthday

AustCham Office Closed on Monday 13 August FRIDAY 17 AUGUST

18:00-21:00

Eastern Seaboard Sundowners

Venue: Dicey Reilly’s, Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa SATURDAY 18 AUGUST Voluntary English Teaching

link between our website, membership processes and the member directory. In fact, we are at an advanced state of testing a new website ‘back-end’ that will integrate – and to a certain degree automate – processes for joining the chamber and renewing membership, sending broadcast emails, booking events, invoicing and receipts, and displaying the online membership directory.

We are looking at few new features on the website such as discussion forums and a more advanced ability for members to promote their products and services to other members (at preferential prices!). There is also potential for the new system to give members greater ability to manage their financial transactions with the chamber.

Bus departs from Thai CC Building at 8:00am and returns at 16:00 Location: Baan Khao Din School, Chonburi SAVE THE DATE! SATURDAY 29 SEPTEMBER Largest AFL Grand Final Event Outside Australia

9:00 onwards Venue: Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel See page 15 for full details

Thank you to July sponsors:

Also under consideration as part of the new system is a streamlined process for renewing membership and updating company information for publication in the member directory. Ideally, this would allow us to public the handbook around July each year, which is a better fit with the April-March membership year.

No final decisions have yet been made and we would welcome feedback from members. If there is interest we would be happy to offer briefings on the new system presently being evaluated.

Mark Carroll Executive Director, AustCham Thailand www.austchamthailand.com

We would like to offer congratulations to AustCham staff member Khun Varin Suwanchompob and her husband, Khun Rome Kongmeng, on the birth of their son. We’re very happy for the three of you and wish you the best in life together!

AustChamThailand Advance

OPEN

ON

G SO N I THE COFFEE CLUB EKAMAI

GOOD FOOD GREAT SERVICE EXCELLENT COFFEE Australia’s largest home grown cafe brand is opening soon in Bangkok.

The Coffee Club is the perfect place to catch up with family and friends, for a business meeting or simply have some time out with a relaxing coffee.

Our signature blend coffee is UTZ certified which comes with an assurance that every coffee prepared by our baristas is produced in a socially and environmentally responsible way.

From great value All Day Breakfast, Pastas, Gourmet Sandwiches, Salads, Grills, Thai favourites, and of course delicious cakes and excellent coffee; there is something for everyone at The Coffee Club.

:: FREE WI FI :: NO SERVICE CHARGE

PHUKET:: Jungceylon | Turtle Village SAMUI:: Chaweng Beach PATTAYA:: Royal Garden Plaza | Naklua Road BANGKOK:: Suvarnabhumi Airport | *Ekamai (Opening Soon) @thecoffeeclubth

The Coffee Club Thailand