ADVANCE ~ January 2010

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AUSTRALIA THAILAND BUSINESS COUNCIL www.austchamthailand.com January 2010

Voluntary English Teaching IN THIS EDITION

Business and Investment Opportunities in the Upper North Business Awards 2009 Intrepid Receives AustCham Tourism and Hospitality Award

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Silver Sponsor’s news An Unexamined Workscape ...

Is Not Worth Having

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community services 10th Annual Convoy for Kids

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community services AIT/AustCham Joint Christmas Party

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Inside Front Cover

Alan Cooke

1/1 Note: __________________

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ANZ Bank

1/1 Note: __________________

PATRON His Excellency Paul Grigson Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand PRESIDENT Andrew Durieux Coverage Portfolio: Key Links VICE-PRESIDENTS Sutipong Ittipong Siam City Bank Portfolio: Community Services

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Contents

AustCham Thailand Business Award 2009 06 Intrepid

Business Briefs 08 Business and Investment Opportunities in the Upper North 12 BOI One Start One Stop Investment Centre Opens 13 ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement to Start on 1 January 2010 news ROUNDUP 14 THE REPORT Thailand 2009

15 Second Chance Bangkok Creating Second Chances 15 Thai-Australian Technological Services Centre

Silver Sponsor’s Profile 16 An Unexamined Workscape ...

Is Not Worth Having

COMMUNITY SERVICES 18 Voluntary English Teaching on 14 November 2009 20 10th Annual Convoy for Kids chamber Events 22 ESB Sundowners at dusitD2 baraquda on 13 November 2009 24 AIT/AustCham Joint Christmas Party 26 Christmas Sundowners

New Members 28 New Members and Changes

Members’ offers 29 AustCham Members’ Offers

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From the Chamber

Office 30 Message from the ED

Cover Photo: Voluntary English Teaching, Sriracha, 14 November 2009

John Anderson Meinhardt Portfolio: Strategic Reviews; AFL TREASURER Nigel McKinnon Boral Thailand Portfolio: Treasury DIRECTORS David Armstrong Post Publishing Portfolio: Marketing and PR; SME Services Achara Boonyahansa Grant Thornton Portfolio: Alumni Amanda Canavan Energi Design Asia Portfolio: Business Awards; Australia Day M.L. Laksasubha Kridakon Baan Laksasubha Resort Hua Hin Portfolio: Sponsorship; Alumni Anne Lewinski AL Consultancy Portfolio: Sundowners Bangkok Belinda Skinner TopTalentAsia Portfolio: Communications Ben Yong Baker & McKenzie Portfolio: Governance; JFCCT and Policies Saeed Zaki dwp Portfolio: Industry Groups; Regional Sundowners Ex Officio Maurine Lam Trade Commissioner, Austrade

v From the Board

COORDINATORS Paul Whyte ESB Coordinator Email: esb@austchamthailand.com Paul Wilkinson AGS Four Winds International Moving ESB Coordinator Email: esb@austchamthailand.com Steve Brajak Raimon Land Phuket Coordinator Email: phuket@austchamthailand.com Harry Usher Lady Pie Phuket Coordinator Email: phuket@austchamthailand.com Executive Director Brett Gannaway 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, Robert Taylor, David Dombrovskis, Gregers Moller, 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 david@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 AustChamThailand Advance of the Chamber.

Farewell to 2009

I

know there are many of you that will be glad to say good riddance to 2009. I have heard many horror stories about businesses during the last 12 months – late customer payments, layoffs, poor sales and so on.

At the start of 2009 we had just recovered from the shock of the airport closures and there were fears of more financial concerns globally and more troubles brewing locally. Most didn’t think that the government would last until the middle, let alone the end, of 2009.

By the middle of the year, we had seen other financial problems around the world, the declaration of an Influenza Pandemic and locally we had more trouble around Songkran with some unfortunate deaths and buses burning on TV. For the business world, things got somewhat more confusing near the end of the year with the Map Ta Phut cases, and talk of changes to foreign employment and ownership clampdowns. Throw in some $AUS, $US and Baht fluctuations, the ever present shadow of the former PM, hiccups in Dubai right at the end, and all in all maybe the best I can say is that I am glad we live in interesting times.

Putting all of this together meant that I am sure there has been more than a few of our members considering packing up and moving out over the last few months and so I say again 2009 – Good Riddance!

The good news was the government did indeed stay intact, deaths from the H1N1 Flu have been minimal to date, and the global financial crisis, while taking its toll, hasn’t yet caused massive unemployment. The bad news is that the local situation seems to be getting closer to some key critical points, and there is still no clear resolution in sight. But there is hope for all at the end of all this.

At AustCham we are looking forward to a great 2010 for our members. We will kick off the year with the Australia Day Ball on 30 January. This event has grown and grown over the last few years with many people going above and beyond when it comes to the fancy dress costumes.

This will be followed by the first sundowners, some interesting and stimulating breakfasts and lunches, and some exciting updates to the web site and other information services. We will continue on through the year with ESB and Phuket events, and additional events planned for Chiang Mai and the Bangkok Alumni. We will also be inviting more guests than ever from the other chambers of commerce – so that the members can have as many chances as possible to network, obtain information and try to take advantage of every opportunity that comes along.

Don’t forget the AFL Grand Final and the Business Awards and you can see that AustCham will be doing their very best again for the members benefit all through the year.

The time is drawing close for the AGM and re-election of the Board of Directors. Anyone who wants to get involved should contact any of the existing board as soon as possible as time is short.

The final note is for me to say a big thank you to those sponsors who have supported us in the past and decided not to continue in 2009 – many of you will remain active and stay friends regardless! Added to the continuing sponsors, we have a couple of new and exciting companies that have jumped on board.

AustCham will try our very best to provide benefit to each of the corporate and event sponsors at all times – without you all, AustCham could not provide the member benefits that we do.

Happy New Year for 2010!

Andrew Durieux President, AustCham Thailand www.austchamthailand.com

January 2010

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AustCham Thailand Business Award 2009

Intrepid

environmentally-friendly products such as water filters; encourage our passengers to shop locally, spending money at small, family-owned stores rather than big chains; invite travellers to donate through our not-for-profit charity, The Intrepid Foundation that we match dollar for dollar; build visits to The Intrepid Foundation projects into our itineraries wherever possible; and employ over 130 people in Thailand, including trip leaders, 100 per cent of whom are locals.

Congratulations to Intrepid, recipient of the AustCham Tourism and Hospitality Award.

I

ntrepid is one of the world’s leading small group adventure tour operators. It first started running trips in Northern Thailand 20 years ago. Today, Intrepid takes around 80,000 travellers to over 100 countries worldwide, each and every year. It employs close to 1000 people in over 20 countries worldwide.

CURRENT MARKET POSITION AND FUTURE PLANS

We design truly extraordinary travel experiences, with our award-winning trips taking travellers off the beaten track to travel in an unconventional way, joining locals on their transport, in their markets and even in their homes.

FORMULA FOR SUCCESS Over the course of our 20 year history we have achieved an average compound growth rate of 29%. We attribute this success to: Product innovation – we have been at the forefront of developing a new market segment for the travel sector. This product innovation continues with the development of new product ranges such as urban adventures and carbon offset trips that introduce our style of travel to new customers; Global expansion – from one trip to Northern Thailand in 1989 to over 100 destinations and 23 companies spanning six continents globally; and A strong and powerful brand founded in 6

January 2010

the principles of responsible travel that keeps people travelling with us over and over again.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES Over 45% of our business consists of repeat customers – they list our responsible travel practices among the top three reasons for travelling with us again.

When designing trips, we start with our Responsible Travel Code of Conduct.

In Thailand we: Use public transport wherever possible, lowering our environmental impact and encouraging local interaction; work closely with local suppliers to encourage them to install

By inheriting responsibility for operating our trips in Cambodia, Intrepid Thailand is expected to increase its passenger numbers by at least 5,000 people and leaders by 42. Intrepid Thailand will also further develop its destination management business (whereby it operates trips for other travel companies), particularly in Cambodia where no other company offers this service along with guaranteed departures and competitive pricing.

CLEAR COMMUNICATION We communicate our products to our key sales and marketing regions around the world. This includes Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Europe, US and UK. We have brochures and websites in English and German to ensure that we are effectively reaching our customers.

WINNING CONCEPT Real life experiences; award-winning trips; business expansion and growth; strong responsible travel focus leading to strong customer loyalty.

AustChamThailand Advance

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Fraser Pataya

1/1 Note: __________________

Business Brief

Business and Investment Opportunities in the Upper North

M

ost investment and business activity by Australian firms is concentrated in Central Thailand and the Eastern Seaboard. However, for new business and investment opportunities, Australian companies should look beyond these traditional focus regions.

Of particular interest could be the North of Thailand, which is right at the centre of the Greater Mekong Subregion (this region increasingly includes for example China, Thailand, Laos and Myanmar).

Chiang Mai is the cultural, commercial and educational centre of the Upper North Region, consisting of eight provinces (Nan, Phrae, Lamphun, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son).

Chiang Mai has become an ever-growing economic platform offering the opportunity to not only do business in Northern Thailand, but also access to neighbouring countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Chiang Mai is well connected by roads and is only one hour away by plane from Bangkok. Five domestic airlines and several international airlines provide direct flights to Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui and many regional capitals.

The Upper North has a population of over six million people sharing 8% of the national GDP. The majority of Thai and foreign investment business activities are concentrated in Chiang Mai and Lamphun. Chiang Mai province has a registered population of 1.6 million people and Chiang Mai City is by some accounts the second largest city in Thailand. Chiang Mai has a Gross Provincial Product (GPP) per capita of US$2,450 (2008) – close to the national average. Only Lamphun has a higher GPP per capita of almost US$ 4,900 (2008).

Lamphun is adjacent to Chiang Mai and hosts two major industrial estates – the Northern Industrial Estate (NIE) run by the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, and the Saha Pattana Industrial Estate, owned by the Thai Saha Pattana Group. The NIE alone hosts over 80 companies (most in electronics, but some in other sectors such as food processing,

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jewellery, etc) and provides employment to over 50,000 workers.

Australian Links to Northern Thailand

Structure of the Economy

Australia’s linkages to the North of Thailand are strong. The US is the third most significant foreign investor country in the region after Taiwan and Japan. It is estimated that maybe up to two thousand Australians live in Northern Thailand.

Australia has a Consulate in Chiang Mai - the Honorary Consul is happy to assist Australian firms that are interested in exploring business and investment opportunities in Chiang Mai.

The North is heavily dependent on two major sectors, agriculture/agro-industry as well as tourism. Tourism accounts for 22% of Chiang Mai’s economy. In 2007, 5.4 million tourists visited Chiang Mai. There are over two thousand factories and plants in Chiang Mai, accounting for 18% of the economy. Main industries are food industry, agricultural industry, transportation and beverages. Agriculture is the third most important sector, accounting for 16% of GPP. The six main agricultural products are rice and other fruits and vegetables including longan, lychees, garlic, shallots and onions. Foreign investors are mainly from Taiwan (23%), Japan (21%), USA (21%), Australia (14%), Germany (7%), The Netherland (7%), and Singapore (7%). The local Governor sees that there is an opportunity to create some industrial clusters such as software and IT, food related biotech, and healthcare/ medicine.

Educational Hub with Industry Oriented Universities Chiang Mai alone has seven universities. Chiang Mai University (CMU) is the oldest university outside of Bangkok with over 35,000 students. All major subjects are covered by CMU. The university is ranked No. 3 in Thailand due to its strengths in engineering, medicine and natural sciences. CMU is in the process of setting up a Technology Development Centre to provide a one-stop service centre for private companies.

AustChamThailand Advance

Business Brief

The university is keen to provide services and undertake contract and collaborative research for foreign companies and universities in areas such as biotechnology, medicine, clinical research, materials and nanomaterials, and manufacturing (e.g. hard disks, telecom equipment etc). It has been chosen as one of nine Thai National Research Universities and already has links to many Australian universities and companies. CMU is also planning a Science and Technology Park together with the Ministry of Science & Technology. This would form a product development hub for knowledge intensive industries.

Healthcare and Biotech Hub The North is a healthcare centre with several private hospitals and the huge medical complex of Chiang Mai University (all combined over 6000 hospital beds).

The region also has very high biodiversity, making it very interesting for food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies. Chiang Mai University is particularly strong in medicine and pharmaceutical research – in these areas it is already working with many foreign partners including Avon, the National Health Institute, and others. An (R&D) partnership with Chiang Mai University might be the easiest way to explore the many opportunities for pharmaceutical, biotech and cosmetics companies in the North.

Emerging IT and Software Cluster Chiang Mai’s attractive environment, good connectivity, and qualified labour have made it the location of choice for an increasing number of IT, software development, animation, and multimedia companies. The BOI, the Software Industry Development Agency, Software

Park Thailand, local government and local universities are joining hands to provide the support and services that such firms seek. The Computer Engineering Department at CMU, for example has launched several new courses and programs to meet industry’s needs.

Key Projects There are several projects that are worthwhile mentioning: • The construction of the long-awaited Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (CMICEC) is expected to be completed by 2011 with a total investment of 2.2 billion baht.

• Chiang Mai’s position as a medical hub for the North of Thailand and neighbouring countries will be enhanced with a new healthcare project. The project as a whole costs 5,348 million baht with some significant support from the Dutch Government.

• Chiang Mai Wood (CNX Wood) is a project by Creative Kingdom – a company with US investors. Creative Kingdom has announced that it would develop CNX Wood as a major movie city providing large movie production and entertainment facilities.

• Chiang Mai currently has two large shopping centres and two new ones are planned. Dutch investors are planning to develop a European Style shopping centre, the “Promonada” (an area of 75,000 square metres).

The Central Group is planning to open “Central Festival Department Store” (250,000 sqm). Both are expected to be completed by 2011/2012.

• Also in discussion have been solutions to Chiang Mai’s traffic problems, including a mass transit system. However, it is not clear when there will be movement on this. Opportunities may be more

likely in areas such as waste management, alternative energy, and logistics.

• There have also been discussions about a Software Development and IT Outsourcing Centre. At present there are several business parks offering space for service companies, including the Airport Business Park and the Chiang Mai Business Park. Finally, aforementioned Science & Technology Park could become a significant hub in the mid-term future.

Places for Local Help Interested investors have several ports to call for help apart from the Consulate. The Thai Board of Investment also maintains its Northern Region Office in Chiang Mai. Foreign investors have organised themselves as a Foreign Investment Club, an informal gathering meeting every two months to exchange problems, ideas, etc. Finally, Chiang Mai University is preparing the launch of a one-stop service centre for industry.

Summary The main advantages of the North include the strategic location within the wider region (GMS); good infrastructure and connectivity; the biodiversity and strong agro-industrial sector; BOI incentives in zone three; qualified, and lower cost labour; seven proactive universities keen to support companies and develop linkages with industry; excellent life style; good schooling and health facilities; and good business and investment opportunities in several areas such as IT, software and multimedia; environmental technologies; biotechnology and medicine; logistics; and agro-industry.

Martin Venzky-Stalling martin@venzky-stalling.com

Computers Needed for Schools

Blood Donors Registry

Have you recently upgraded your computer or are planning an upgrade? AustCham can provide a convenient way for you to donate your unused computer to a needy school.

AustCham has set up a database of rare blood types: A neg; B neg; AB neg; and O neg. If you would like to volunteer as a blood donor, please email your name, address, mobile no., email and blood type to: admin@austchamthailand.com

For further information please email: josh@austchamthailand.com

Your name will remain confidential and volunteers will only be approached in an emergency.

AustChamThailand Advance

January 2010

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pg 10

La Mont - Design 1/2 Note: New artwork

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La Mont - Design 2/2 Note: New artwork

Business Brief

BOI One Start One Stop Investment Centre Opens

By Benedict Wei Wen Yong

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n issue consistently raised by investors in Thailand is the fact that the several government agencies with which investors must liaise are spread out all over Bangkok, making coordination difficult. To help address this problem, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva announced the establishment of a new centre for investors, known as the “One Start One Stop Investment Centre” (OSOS) earlier this year. After much planning, the OSOS has officially opened, as of 23 November 2009.

The OSOS operates as part of the Board of Investment (BOI), but will include representatives from over 20 government agencies. This will allow investors to handle several procedures relating to establishment and operations, and will also allow consultation with staff from several agencies, all at one location.

Among others, the Department of Business Development, the Revenue Department, the Customs Department, the Social Security Office, the Labour Welfare and Protection Department, the Food and Drug Administration, and the

ager for each applicant. The project manager’s role will be to liaise with all the relevant government agencies on behalf of the applicant.

Land Transport Department will all be represented at the OSOS. The scope of services to be provided by these government agencies will vary, but initially will include:

The OSOS is located at Chamchuree Square, 18th Floor, at the corner of Rama IV Road and Phayathai Road. Investors in all sizes of business, and of all nationalities, are welcome, whether promoted by the BOI or not.

1 Issuance of company registrations and receipt of Foreign Business License and Certificate applications, by the Department of Business Development; 2 Issuance of taxpayer ID cards, by the Revenue Department; 3 Issuance of social security registrations, by the Social Security Office; 4 Receipt of investment promotion applications, by the BOI (a proposal to expand the scope to include applicant interviews is currently under review; however, for now, applicants must still go to the BOI’s head office for interviews); 5 Issuance of BOI visas and work permits, via the BOI One-Stop Centre; and 6 Receipt of applications for factory licenses and Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) matters, by the Ministry of Industry.

As a comparison, the IEAT also offers a One Stop Service to its customers. However, it tends to focus on IEAT matters, such as issuance of licenses for land utilisation, business operation, and land ownership in industrial estates, as well as issuance of work permits and visas.

Although it too offers coordination with other government agencies (e.g. the BOI, Customs Department, and Ministry of Commerce), its scope differs, as only the OSOS offers company registrations, taxpayer ID cards, and social security registrations.

Benedict Wei Wen Yong Baker & McKenzie www.bakernet.com Tel: 66 2 636 2000

The BOI plans to appoint a project man-

Regional AustChams and Related Business Associations •

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AustCham Beijing www.austcham.org AustCham Shanghai www.austchamshanghai.org AustCham Guangzhou www.austcham-southchina.org AustCham Hong Kong www.austcham.com.hk Australian Business Association of Cambodia (ABAC) www.abac.com.kh Australia East Timor Business Council (AETBC) www.aetbc.net Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce in Chennai

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www.indoaustchamber.com • Indonesia Australia Business Council (IABC) www.iabc.or.id • Australia & New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ANZCCJ) www.anzccj.jp • Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ANZCCK) www.anzcck.org • Australia New Zealand Business Association – Laos (ANZBA – Laos) www.anzba.org • Malaysia Australian Business Council (MABC) www.mabc.org.my

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Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Philippines (ANZCham Phillippines) www.anzcham.com AustCham Singapore www.austcham.org.sg The Australian and New Zealand of Commerce in Taipei (AnzCham Taipei) www.anzcham.org.tw Australian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AusCham HCMC Chapter) www.auschamvn.org Australian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AusCham Hanoi Chapter) www.auschamvn.org

AustChamThailand Advance

Business Brief

Customs Trade and Transport Law Update

ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement to Start on 1 January 2010

By Andrew Hudson

A

lthough it has been the subject of some media coverage, we are pleased to provide the following reminder as to the commencement of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (“AANZFTA”) on 1 January 2010.

The AANZFTA establishes the ”ASEANAustralia-New Zealand Free Trade Area” and confers a number of advantages on both importers and exporters dealing with those countries.

While there is a significant degree of information available through the websites of both DFAT and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, that information is general in nature and needs to be specifically adopted for those importing, exporting or providing services to those traders. There are also a number of traps to be avoided and a number of steps which should now be taken to ensure that parties secure the benefits of the AANZFTA as at 1 January 2010. However, some issues to consider are as follows.

You need to make sure that the AANZFTA has commenced in relation to the countries with which you or your clients are trading. Not all countries have passed enabling legislation to enable the AANZFTA to commence on 1 January 2010. At the moment, AANZFTA is to commence for Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Myanmar (Burma), Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia.

You should be aware of tariff reductions and other concessions for both imports and exports made available under the AANZFTA. Not all tariffs for goods go to zero immediately on commencement of the AANZFTA. In particular, there

AustChamThailand Advance

remains some “phasing” of import tariffs in ASEAN countries.

If you or your clients already trade under the benefit of the Singapore and Australia Free Trade Agreement or the Thailand and Australia Free Trade Agreement or use tariff preferences relating to developing and less developed countries, then parties can still use those arrangements rather than the AANZFTA. It would be worth checking the costs and benefits in changing over to the benefits under the AANZFTA. The Rules of Origin to apply to goods to qualify under the AANZFTA will be determined by the tariff classifications for those goods and the contents of those goods. Clarifying the application of the AANZFTA will be relatively simple for some goods but may be more complicated for other goods, particularly where there are specific process requirements or where the goods include items from “non-originating countries” (ie countries which are not parties to the AANZFTA).

Australian exporters will need to apply for and hold Certificates of Origin that their goods qualify under the AANZFTA. To do so will require registration with one of the two authorities in Australia who have been currently authorised to issue such Certificates of Origin (being AiG and ACCI). The importer of those goods will need to hold that Certificate of Origin to claim preferential status at the point of making the Import Declaration.

Australian importers will need to hold correct Certificates of Origin issued by ASEAN authorities at the time of making their Import Declarations to claim preferential treatment under the AANZFTA for goods where their FOB value exceeds $1,000. This may be difficult given that only certain Government authorities in

ASEAN countries will be authorised to issue such Certificates of Origin. It is important that Certificates of Origin are held at the time of making the Import Declaration as there are only limited provisions for refunds for goods for which AANZFTA status is claimed after the time of making the Import Declaration.

There are potential penalties associated with an incorrect claim of preferential status under the AANZFTA. These will apply in addition to denial of preferential status and the requirement to repay any duty underpaid based on incorrect claims of preference.

Parties will need to be careful in considering their supply chain for goods from the ASEAN region. For example, if goods qualify for preferential treatment under the AANZFTA, but those goods are then shipped via China or Hong Kong and packing or other work is done in those non-ASEAN countries, then the goods could lose their preferential status.

Necessary records must be kept for at least three years (and five in the case of Australian traders). There are extensive verification provisions for Customs authorities under AANZFTA to ensure claims of preference are made correctly.

As always, there are benefits as well as risks with any new commercial arrangements. Proper due diligence and planning need to be undertaken.

Andrew Hudson Hunt & Hunt Level 26, 385 Bourke Street Melbourne Vic 3000, Australia Tel: +61 3 8602 9231 Website: www.hunthunt.com.au

January 2010

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News Roundup

THE REPORT Thailand 2009

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he Report: Thailand 2009, the inaugural edition of Oxford Business Group’s (OBG) annual coverage on the Kingdom of Thailand was launched earlier this year at the Royal Thai Government House, Santi Maitri Building, Bangkok, in co-operation with the Board of Investment (BOI).

The keynote address for the official launch was given by H.E. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Thailand. H.E. Chanchai Chairungruang, Minister of Industry also addressed the launch.

BDO Advisory Limited, an Australian owned company based in Bangkok and a member of AustCham, is the official exclusive accountancy partner of OBG and will supply relevant information on the challenges facing businesses in Thailand’s dynamic market, including updates relating to fiscal legislation in the country.

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The Report: Thailand 2009 includes an in depth guide to Thailand’s taxation system written by BDO Advisory Limited, and features viewpoints from Andrew Jackomos and Paul Ashburn, Senior Partners of BDO Advisory.

The Report: Thailand 2009 is the most comprehensive economic, political and business review of Thailand ever compiled. It contains in-depth analysis of important sectors of Thailand’s economy including banking, capital markets, insurance, transport, real estate, construction, industry, energy, telecommunications, information technology, tourism, plantations and agriculture, retail, and media and advertising. OBG staff interviewed hundreds of political, economic and business figures in the course of compiling the report, among them former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, Secretary-General of UN Conference

on Trade and Development and former Director-General of WTO Supachai Panitchpakdi, and former U.S. President George W. Bush.

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Abhisit said, “We do look forward to the Thai economy turning around and hope that there will be positive growth in the last quarter of this year, followed by growth firmly back next year, both for Thailand and the region.”

The Prime Minister also stated that the report conveyed a key message, that is, as global and regional economies recover, Thailand will once again stand to gain market share in sectors such as manufacturing of high valueadded goods, agribusiness, transport and tourism. He ended his speech by highlighting the necessity to diversify Thai economy and attract new investment.

AustChamThailand Advance

News Roundup

Second Chance Bangkok Creating Second Chances

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here is something about the tale of Robin Hood that that captures our imaginations. We are drawn to his desire for social equality and the hope he instils in the poor. While his methods are questionable, generally we applaud his exploits that benefit the ‘underdog.’

There’s a hint of Robin Hood in an emerging initiative in Bangkok. Some creative local people from the renowned Klong Toey slum are attempting to recycle, reuse and renew goods from the “rich” and distribute them to the “poor.”

Unlike Robin Hood, Second Chance Bangkok does not steal from the rich in order to give to the poor; rather, it relies on the good will and charity of those more fortunate, to donate their unwanted quality second hand goods.

Essentially, it’s an “op-shop” - Bangkok style! Items are sold at affordable prices – making it accessible to the poor with proceeds going towards projects that benefit children and teenagers most at

risk within the Klong Toey slum. When specific needs are known, goods are distributed free - such as baby goods to new families.

Behind the initiative are two Australians who have been living in the Klong Toey slum for the past few years with their two young daughters. During this time they have come face-to-face with the daily struggle for some of the 80,000 people living in the slum. Over the past few years they have often encountered generous Thais and expats alike who want to help the poor by donating their unwanted household and office items.

The “op-shop” provides a means to receive donations of all shapes and sizes, and to sell them at very reasonable prices.

Second Chance Bangkok offers employment and job training to those who have experienced barriers to employment. In doing so, hopes to re-ignite hope in the lives of many poor families.

Second Chance Bangkok values the importance of re-using and recycling and encourages and recognises that much of our unwanted “stuff” can often be re-used or recycled. Items donated that cannot be re-used will be recycled at appropriate recycling facilities.

Why not become a part of Second Chance Bangkok and this “band of merry men and women” by donating regularly to this great new initiative.

For more information about this project or how to donate, contact Chris 0870 264 295 or Jodie 0870 264 205, or go to www.secondchancebangkok.com.

Second Chance Bangkok also offers a free pick-up service for your convenience. This project is proudly supported

by Crown Relocations, Helping Hands, UNOH, ZealArt.

Thai-Australian Technological Services Centre

T

he Thai-Australian Technological Services Centre (TATSC) is an organisation with a mission to promote human resource development in science, technology, language and culture in Thailand and Australia. It was founded in 1979 by a group of young Thai scholars, mostly graduates from Australian universities by courtesy of the Australians under the Colombo Plan. It was formally registered as an association in 1980 with Dr. Chirayu Issarangkul na Ayutthaya as the first President.

TATSC organises many events for educational and social purposes each year. The events in 2008/2009 included: Seminar/Workshop on Emergency and Business Resilience/

AustChamThailand Advance

on Risk Management; One-day excursion to Supanburi; Study visit on Risk Management in Australia.

Most events are supported by member volunteers and experts from Australian higher institutions.

Executive committee and members at the 2009 AGM

Continuity Management; Workshop on Writing Scientific Articles for Publication; Workshop on A New Form of Science and Math Education; Seminar on Innovation in Science Education; Seminar/Workshop

TATSC now has about 1,200 members, mostly alumni of Australian higher institutions. The association is currently led by Associate Professor Dr. Utomporn Phalavonk as President. www.tatsc.or.th

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Silver Sponsor’s Profile

An Unexamined Workscape ... Is Not Worth Having

D

oes your workplace fit your organisation? Is your workplace giving you the support your staff need ... all your staff, not just the performers? Or are there signs of misfit – high internal email traffic, higher than anticipated turnover or sick leave, under or over-utilisation of some spaces or productivity erosion due to noise and interruptions? The talk for the last four decades was about open plan, ergonomics, indoor air quality and workplace equality. Today it’s about knowledge/innovative/creative economy-focused and IT-fuelled mobility, agility and collaboration. Applying this multi-faceted reality now requires

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a great deal more thought in order to match global potential with local reality.

Four influential pieces of workplace research provide evidence of the shift in workplace drivers: CABE’s 2006 report The Impact of Office Design on Business Performance reframed the value proposition from ‘tangible assets’ to ‘human capital’ by showing that occupant salaries represent an overwhelming proportion (85%) of an organisation’s building-related business costs. A ‘human capital’ perspective is also strengthened by knowledge economy reliance on peo-

ple-focused ‘intangible assets’ such as research and development, marketing, human resource management, innovation management and branding.

Research by UK workplace consultancy Alexi Marmot Associates (AMA) further consolidates the ‘human capital’ proposition. Their 2009 case study on meeting space use shows knowledge transfer is weakest at the organisational level and greatest at the team level. In a knowledge economy, team success precipitates organisational success. Team success is underpinned by the number and quality of the ties between its participants i.e. interaction (both real time and

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Silver Sponsor’s Profile

virtual) that engenders social capital, trust and team performance. Therefore, to succeed in a knowledge economy, team interaction needs to be supported.

To determine the right range of meeting spaces, interaction patterns need to be mapped. Like work styles analysis, interaction analysis becomes another tool to optimise organisational success.

The elevation of ‘human capital’ as an organisational driver doesn’t negate the traditional Centres of Research Excellence (CRE) driven, cost reduction paradigm, especially in the current economic environment. The 2008 Colliers International Tenancy Report consolidates previous findings that relocation, and / or redesign, linked to business expansion, consolidation and (recently) contraction are the most significant drivers for workplace change – more than branding, attraction and retention or building performance. The 2009 occupier research by EMEA for Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) re-affirms the primacy of operational cost reduction drivers for building owners and occupiers, particularly around consolidation and restructuring. This research makes a strong case to deploy workplace strategies to work space harder, largely by increasing utilisation to enable both ‘spaceless growth’ and productivity optimisation. The AMA research provides an evidence-led design strategy to assist this end.

The AMA research also shows that workplace elements represent only a portion of the contributing factors for successful collaboration. Organisational elements are twice as influential which points to the

necessity of encouraging organisations to understand that space alone cannot fix productivity issues. Workplace protocols and procedures are an essential adjunct to spatial leverage across organisational behaviours, over and above that required for successful interaction. Research by UK academic Barry Haynes (2007) reiterates the fact that organisational rather than physical environment have a greater impact on productivity in a knowledge work environment.

The research indicates there are now two pressures driving workplace operation and design: ongoing cost reduction pressures and optimising productivity potential. Tangible, real-time operational imperatives will always have building owner and occupier attention.

Opportunities to improve productivity through workplace change is an irregular, risk-associated cost and a largely outsourced activity which is harder to justify and quantify. It is also now reliant on greater organisational engagement in order to effect a lasting balance between efficiency and effectiveness – something the physical environment cannot do alone.

The creation of a new workplace is an exercise in people solutions, not an accommodation problem. More importantly, it’s the correct alignment of the two. A truly effective workplace environment promotes an organisation’s brand, encourages people to communicate openly, share ideas, and empowers them to meet business objectives. The creation of a new workplace is about pushing boundaries, expanding on the practicalities of every day and creating

a unique place where people can think, discuss, share and challenge.

Put simply, an informed accommodation strategy is an opportunity to leverage the workplace as a business tool.

While each workplace is unique, some key design drivers remain implicit to the HASSELL design signature: a workplace needs to be liveable and perform as intended; it needs to have visual strength and clarity; it needs to be innovative in terms of planning and technology; it needs to act as a narrative of the organisational culture; the spatial outcomes should have meaning for the client; the planning should be intelligible and navigable; and, importantly, it should act as a motivator for its users.

HASSELL are able to achieve this because of an investment in in-house research, resources, tools and processes which are made available to our clients to ensure we deliver exceptional design and commercial solutions.

Drawing on evidence-based resources not only assists us to adapt our design response, we also use it to assist our clients to understand and contextualise workplace potentials to their own realities and expectations. This means our clients’ workscapes are well examined ... and worth having.

Alison Terry undertakes workplace research for HASSELL an award winning, multidisciplinary design company operating across South East Asia, Australia and China. She can be reached on +61 3 8102 3143 or via aterry@hassell.com.au.

Website: www.hassell.com.au

Find Your inner J.K. Rowling, Aravind Adiga or John Grisham AustCham seeks writers, journalists and co-editor to assist, on a voluntary basis, with the Chamber’s very successful monthly magazine, Advanc. 3,500 copies are distributed monthly. If you have some free time each month to help then please contact: admin@austchamthailand.com Tel.: 02 210 0216

AustChamThailand Advance

AustCham Thailand is now on Twitter.

AustCham Thailand is now on Twitter.

Follow us at: twitter.com/austcham Follow us at: twitter.com/austcham

January 2010

17

Community Services

Voluntary English Teaching on 14 November 2009 On Saturday 14 November 2009, volunteers (together with AustCham staff), visited Wat Pra Pathranporn School, Sri Ra Cha. It was a successful day enjoyed by all. Thank you to the volunteers and Toll Logistics (our English Teaching sponsor) for their continued support.

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AustChamThailand Advance

dTac 1/2 Note: ______________

KIS 1/2 Note: ______________

Community Services

10th Annual Convoy for Kids Thank you to our major sponsors for their contribution to this Year’s Convoy:

William Angus Kent Thank you to to all Donors/Sponsors •

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Bangkok Motor Industrial BNH Hospital CEVA Logistics Chester’s Grill Ek-Chai Distribution

January 2010

• • • • • •

Eternity Grand Logisitics Exel Logistics (DHL) General Motors Geodis Wilson IDS Logistics Linfox

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Max Toys National Starch Thailand Neptune Water Pro-Planner Tesco Lotus

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Thai Namthip Tipco Toll Logistics WCA Weber Shandwick William Angus Kent

AustChamThailand Advance

Community Services

On Sunday, 22 November 2009, the AustCham Logistics Subcommittee, AustCham and the Foundation for the Welfare of the Crippled in Pakkred were joined by Sister Joan’s children and children from the Sor So Asa Group for a great day out at Ancient City, Samutprakarn.

At the start of the day, five bus loads of kids arrived at Ancient City. Volunteers and helpers assisted the kids and guided them through the sites.

This was the first time Convoy for Kids has visited Ancient City, it proved to be both entertaining and educational for all the children.

As usual we had our ceremonial handing over of a cheque (this year - Baht 800,000) to the Foundation. We were also joined by HE Ambassador Paul Grigson, AustCham President Andrew Durieux, Logistics Subcommittee Chairman and organiser for Convoy for Kids David Mills, and the President of the Foundation Khun Araya Arunanondachai.

The pledges (money and in kind donations) came in from local/multinational companies, institutes and individuals. Although the Convoy Day doesn’t generate the full amount for the donation - we do fulfil our intended amount with additional money raised from our annual Convoy Golf Day. Financial help can be made at any time by going to our website: www.convoyforkids. com or contacting AustCham. Alternatively head out to the Foundation in Nonthaburi to have a look at the great work and find out what they need. Teachers, nurses, doctors and just about anyone with a skill, wallet and/or a heart can help financially or in kind.

Please take a look at the occupational skills courses being held there and you will find an enthusiastic future employee who won’t want to go home! With extra help we hope to keep the goodwill going all year and not just on this special day.

Thank you to all the team who were there in body or in spirit and see you at the Convoy for Kids Golf on 4 June 2010. For more information or to register your interest as a player, sponsor or both please visit: www. convoyforkids.com David Mills Chairman, Convoy for Kids and AustCham Logistics Subcommittee

AustChamThailand Advance

January 2010

21

Chamber Events

ESB Sundowners at dusitD2 baraquda on 13 November 2009 On Friday 13 November 2009, Eastern Seaboard Sundowners (ESB) was held at “deep bar�, dusitD2 baraquda, Pattaya. We thank dtac and dwp (corporate sponsors) and dusitD2 baraquda (catering and venue sponsor) for their generous support.

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AustChamThailand Advance

ScandMedia 1/4 Note: ______________

Dimet Siam 1/4 Note: ______________

Chamber Events

AIT/AustCham Joint Christmas Party On Sunday 29 November 2009, the AIT/AustCham Joint Christmas Party was held at Bangkok Prep School, Sukhumvit 53. Members and friends of Australians in Thailand (AIT) and AustCham joined together for a family Christmas lunch. Both adults and kids alike enjoyed a great day with entertainment for the kids and of course, presents from Santa himself.

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Chamber Events

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Christmas Sundowners On Wednesday 2 December 2009, a special Christmas Sundowners was held at The ‘Garden’, Sukhothai Bangkok to celebrate the festive season.

AustCham Thailand wishes to thank dwp (corporate sponsor) and Sukhothai, Bangkok (catering and venue sponsor) for their generous support.

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1) Danny McCafferty - Dusit Thani Bangkok; Shane Torr - Past AustCham President, ISM Technology Recruitment. 2) Khun Chaiyabutr Prasertsuk - The Sukhothai Bangkok; Khun Charoen Inkong-Ngam - Fraser Hospitality. 3) Siti Survo - Bumrungrad Hospital; Maurice Bromley - GoIndustry, President SATCC ; Renita Bromley - Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes. 4) Valerie McKenzie - Thana Burin; Sally Holloway - KIS; Keith Wecker - Bangkok Prep; HE Ambassador Paul Grigson - Australian Embassy Bangkok; Khun Achara Boonyahansa - Grant Thorton. 5) Amanda Canavan - energidesign; Michaela Julian - Servcorp; Khun Thunlawan Likithamanit. 6) Saeed Zaki - AustCham Director, dwp; HE Ambassador Paul Grigson - Australian Embassy Bangkok; Andrew Durieux - AustCham

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AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber Events

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President, Coverage; Khun Poramat Poolsombat - The Sukhothai Bangkok. 7) Khun Sutipong Ittipong - AustCham Vice President, Siam City Factoring; ML Hathaijanok Kritakara - Accor; Khun Achara Boonyahansa - Grant Thorton. 8) Caryn Taylor - Servcorp; Warwick Baglin - Meinhardt. 9) Neil Ager - Qantas/ British Airways; Ross Marks - Central Food Retail. 10) George Reainthong - Splashmark; Khun Sine Chonnicha - SafeComs; Saeed Zaki - AustCham Director, dwp. 11) Heath Rigney - Australian Embassy; Jennifer Saville - Australian Embassy; Jodie Rogers - Australian Embassy. 12) Belinda Skinner - AustCham Director, Talent Plus Recruitment; Amanda Canavan - energidesign; Marlene Halter - Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce.

AustChamThailand Advance

January 2010

27

New Members and Members’ Changes

NEW CORPORATE ORDINARY MEMBERS HOTEL BANGKOK SATHORN

1-2-WIN Co., Ltd. La Maison 22, 10th Floor 77/4 Sukhumvit 22 Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 08 799 60 679 Fax: +66 02 663 3327 Email: info@1-2-win.net Website: www.1-2-win.net

Principal: Jean-Francois Cousin ‘1-2-WIN Coaching Beyond Success’ focuses exclusively on Executive Coaching and support for careerdevelopment since 2006. Its Managing Director, Jean-Francois Cousin, is the only “Professional Certified Coach” accredited by the International Coach Federation in Thailand (as of November 2009). He has coached over 150 executives from over 12 nationalities.

1-2-WIN’s Clients encompass world-famous Fortune-500 Companies, successful CEOs as well as fast-growing SMEs. Mr. Cousin also conducts high-impact workshops in group-coaching style, emphasising practice (role-plays), “learning-with-movies”, requesting action-plans and commitment from participants.

Coaching accelerates performanceimprovement, behaviour-adjustment and enhances fulfilment at work and beyond. Coaching delivers results fast, because it focuses strictly on the client’s agenda, requests actions, follows-up until success and capitalises learning.

Most frequent areas of Executive Coaching in Thailand are cross-cultural management, leadership development, career-transition, work-life balance, priorities & time management, accountability, effectiveness at people-development, communication, assertiveness, conflict management and emotional intelligence. www.1-2-win.net offers more information, free downloads and videos.

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January 2010

Radisson Hotel Bangkok Sathorn 36 Narathiwat-Ratchanakarin Road Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120 Tel: +66 2 210 9000 Fax: +66 2 210 9001 Email: mranoa@radisson.com Website: www.radisson.com/

bangkokth_sathorn

Principal: Samir R. Wildemann Alternate: Melanie Ranoa Radisson Hotel Bangkok Sathorn is the leading upscale, full-service brand managed by Carlson Hotels Worldwide – Asia Pacific. Radisson® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading, full-service hotel brands, offers vibrant, contemporary and engaging hospitality that is defined by its distinctive “Yes, I Can!” service philosophy.

Radisson includes more than 400 locations in 68 countries. It is part of Carlson Hotels Worldwide, a leading global hotel company with more than 1,000 locations in 74 countries under the brands of Regent® Hotels & Resorts; Radisson® Hotels & Resorts; Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts; Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM and Park Inn®.

mesh for architectural & security screen applications. We pride ourselves in our excellent quality and customer service.

Additionally Meshtec also provides the Majestec brand of security screens, doors and windows throughout South East Asia and other countries worldwide. Meshtec provides a complete range from production capabilities of weaving, powder coating and fabrication. Our service extends to in-house product design and development through fabrication of finished products according to customer specific needs and requirements. Meshtec is Quality Endorsed to ISO 9001:2008 and 14001:2004 standards to ensure we always provide the highest levels of customer satisfaction.

NEW CORPORATE AFFILIATE MEMBER AusWaThai 52 Melville Parade South Perth, West Australia 6151 Tel: +61 89 3688900 Email: Phillip@austhai.biz Website: www.auswathai.com

Principal: Phillip Smith

Meshtec International Co., Ltd. 168 Moo 3 Chiang Mai – Lampang Rd. T. Saraphi, A. Saraphi Chiang Mai 50140 Tel: +66 53 963 284-5 Fax: +66 53 963 287 Email: info@meshtec.com Website: www.meshtec.com

Principal: Peter Read Alternate: Anthony Robertson Meshtec International Co., Ltd. is a wholly Australian owned company based in Thailand and operating under B.O.I. privileges. Meshtec is recognised internationally as a leader in the design and manufacture of high tensile premium woven stainless steel wire

As a frequent visitor to Thailand I gained great personal growth from Thai Culture (refer to website above). The opportunity to”give back” (make merit or Tham Bun) came about by populating awareness of the W.A.Thai Community. The popularity of the website inspired us to build more links which focus on “Bilateral” including Travel and Business.

The AusWaThai Team are mostly enthusiastic volunteers and.. the more we try the more it happens!! Details of our mission statement and background are shown on our website.

Change of Representative • Mr. Stephen Jaggs, Partner is a new representative of Allen & Overy (Thailand) Co., Ltd. • Mr. Dermot Gale, Executive Assistant Manager i/c Food and Beverage is a new representative of Amari Hotels and Resorts.

AustChamThailand Advance

New Members and Members’ Changes

AustCham Members’ Offers enjoy this “Holiday Inn 1 Plus 1 Escape”, please quote ID2F1 when making reservations.

Amari Hotels and Resorts Get into the Festive Spirit at Sivara Spa, Amari Orchid Pattaya. Indulge in a stimulating 30-minute Body Scrub, with anti-oxidant properties and efficacy in helping the body to absorb important vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, to feel renewed and aglow. It’s time for a dose of skin and well-being therapy – yours to enjoy for only Baht 4,700Baht++. Available from 1 Dec 09 to 31 Jan 10 at Sivara Spa at Amari Orchid Pattaya.

To make a booking please email: chuenkamon.l@orchid. amari.com or to find out more about Sivara Spa, please visit www.sivaraspa.com

Holiday Inn Holiday Inn 1 Plus 1 Escape.

Starting with the destination of your choice, book one night and get the next night on us! Rates starting from Baht 3,600 net per room per night. Chiangmai: 0 5327 5300 or rereservations. chiangmai@ihg.com Cha-Am: 0 2255 2818 or reservations@ holidayinnregentbeach. com Phuket: 0 7634 0608 or holiday@phuket.ksc.co.th To

InterContinental Bangkok Special Privileges for Preferred Dining Available Now! Preferred Dining a world of dining opportunities. With over 25 restaurants InterContinental Bangkok, InterContinental Hua Hin and Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts throughout Thailand, Preferred Dining offers you unparalleled luxury at remarkable value.

Have lunch in one of fully participating city hotels and your party of up to eight will enjoy an astounding 50% discount off food. For dinner your party of two to four will receive 50% discount.

You will receive 18 fantastic vouchers including buffets for two people for all our city properties and buy-oneget-one-free room nights.

Twelve month membership is Baht 6,800 which includes a complimentary partner card.

For further information simply email: preferreddining@ ihgbangkok.com or call Preferred Dining Service Centre 02 656 0444 ext. 3515 or 3517.

Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel AlCLUB Meeting Planner. New Generation of MICE Business - Get more advantages with AlClub while organising your meetings at Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel.

Free hotel gift vouchers or free convert to Airline Miles from earning AlClub points on every group event you book at Accor participating hotels.

Be rewarded when booking group meetings at Accor hotels: Sofitel, Pullman, M Gallery, Mercue and Novotel hotels worldwide. Easy to Enjoy Rewards. 2 Euro = 1 AlClub point. Apply for free now at: www.a-club.com/en

President Park The President Palace Hotel is a brand new hotel ideally located in Sukhumvit Soi 11, just a short walk from Nana BTS Skytrain station. To celebrate our opening, we are offering unbelievable rates to help us spread the word about the President Palace Hotel. 2,200 baht + tax & service charge; complimentary fully-stocked mini bar; room upgrade; VIP

check-in and check-out etc. To get this special offer bookings must be made directly to +66 2 120 8888 or email rsvn@presidentpalace. com. The promotion code (hawkta1) must be mentioned when booking.

The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok Inspired dining package – cuisine with passion in Asia’s food capital at the Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok.

Enjoy a rejuvenating break in Bangkok with “Inspired Dinning Package” at the Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok and receive Baht 2,500 net credit per stay to spend on food and beverage.

Stay for a minimum of two consecutive nights from now until January 31, 2010 and you’ll benefit from our special room rates starting from Baht 5,600++ per room per night plus Baht 2,500 net to spend on dinning.

For reservations and information please call 02 207 8000 ext. 8340-3 or email rsvn-bangkok@westin.com (quote rate plan APPR02).

Please note, all details are subject to change, please contact respective businesses directly for latest details.

• Mrs. Patrada Yomnak, Managing Director is a new representative of Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School (Bangkok Prep).

• Mr. David Adcock, General Manager is a new representative of Blackmores Ltd. • Mr. Pipat Aphicholthikhul is a new representative of Geodis Wilson Thai Ltd. • Mr. Kevin Riley, Head Master is a new representative of Harrow International School.

• Ms. Tanya Klimentieva, Director of Sales & Marketing is a new repre-

AustChamThailand Advance

sentative of Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel.

• Mr. Andrew Stoutley, Manager, Marketing and Communications is a new representative of Tilleke & Gibbins International Ltd. • Khun Nareerat Cotchatorn is a new representative of Servcorp Co., Ltd. • Khun Sutipong Ittipong, Honorary Chairman of the Board is a new representative of Siam City Factoring Public Company Limited.

• Mr. Reid Nixon, Creative Director is a

new representative of Siam Gazette Co., Ltd. (Bangkok Trader).

• Mr. Suchart Hensawang, MBA, Managing Director is a new representative of TRSC International LASIK Center.

• Ms. Choo Leng Goh, General Manager is a new representative of Plaza Athenee Bangkok, A Royal Meridien Hotel.

• Mrs. Debrah Pascoe, Director of Sales & Marketing is a new representative of Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok.

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From the Chamber Office

Message from the ED

O

n behalf of the Chamber, it gives me great pleasure to welcome everybody back to a New Year and the beginning of a new decade. I look forward to working with you all over this coming year and providing you all with informative sessions via our breakfasts and lunches, useful information and updates via our Advance magazine as well as continuing our very successful Sundowner networking evenings.

Last month’s Christmas Sundowners was held outdoors at the Sukhothai and was a fantastic evening enjoyed by nearly 500 guests. Thank you to the Sukhothai for providing such a fantastic venue and for dwp for your continued sponsorship of our Christmas Sundowners.

This month AustCham will be kicking off the year with the Tri nations BBQ in conjunction with the South African and New Zealand Chambers. This traditional “Braai” will be held at the Sukhothai on Tuesday, 19 January so make sure that you mark it in your calendar.

Don’t forget that the Australia Day Ball will be held in the Ballroom at the Dusit Thani Hotel this coming Saturday, 30 January 2010. The theme for this year’s ball is Heroes – Unleash the hero within just for one day – so come dressed as your favourite hero or heroine. The ball promises, fabulous food, great entertainment and many prizes to be given away so if you haven’t done so already, make sure that you book your tickets now. Tickets can be purchased online via the website or by calling the office directly.

The first Sundowners for 2010 will be held at the Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok and I look forward to seeing you all there. We have seen a steady increase of guests at Sundowners over the last few months so make sure that you book and pay on-line prior to the event. By doing so, it will not only give you a cheaper entry price but also allow you to avoid lines at the registration desk.

Finally, I would like to say a special thank you to David Dombrovskis who left the Chamber in December and has returned to Australia. During the past 18 months David was heavily involved in the production of the Advance magazine, the Handbook, Voluntary English teaching and Convoy for Kids. He did an outstanding job during his tenure so thank you David for all your hard work.

Once again, I look forward to meeting and working with all of our members throughout the coming year and as always I appreciate all comments and feedback from you. If you have any comments or suggestions on your Chamber, feel free to contact me at: execdirector@ austchamthailand.com

Calendar of Events TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY Tri Nations BBQ

18.00 – 21.00 Venue: The Sukhothai WEDNESDAY, 27 JANUARY Breakfast Briefing: Public Speaking

7.30 – 8.30 Guest Speaker: Bjorn Turmann, Speaking Energy Venue: AustCham Office SATURDAY, 30 JANUARY Australia Day Ball

18.30 – Onwards Theme: “Heroes: Unleash the Hero Within – Just for One Day” Venue: Dusit Thani, Bangkok WEDNESDAY, 3 FEBRUARY Bangkok Sundowners

18.00 – 21.00 Venue: Westin Grande Sukhumvit THURSDAY, 11 FEBRUARY Thai-Australian Alumni Night

18.30 – 20.30 Venue: TBC FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY ESB Sundowners

18.00 – 21.00 Venue: TBC SATURDAY, 13 FEBRUARY Voluntary English Teaching

Venue: TBC

Brett Gannaway Executive Director, AustCham Thailand www.austchamthailand.com

Thank you to all December event sponsors

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AustChamThailand Advance

Inside Back Cover

Eclipse Management 1/1 Note: __________________

Back Cover

Natural Ville

1/1 Note: __________________