Advance ~ July 2012

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

July 2012

Thai PM’s Official Visit to Australia

in this edition

AustCham Business Study Australia and Malaysia Sign Free Trade Agreement Business briefs ATBC Joint Communiqué with the Prime Prime Minister’s Visit to Sydney Minister of Thailand – Business Dinner

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12

member advancing Chamber events 42 New Graduates: Prem Class AustCham Diamond Ball Sponsored by Natural Ville & Lenotre of 2012

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

Business Brief 6 Joint Communiqué with the Prime Minister of Thailand 8 AustCham Business Study 12 Australia and Malaysia Sign Free Trade Agreement

PRESIDENT John Anderson Meinhardt Portfolio: Regional Links

ATBC 14 Prime Minister’s Visit to Sydney – Business Dinner

VICE PRESIDENTS M.L. Laksasubha Kridakon Baan Laksasubha Resort Portfolio: Alumni

community services 16 Convoy for Kids Golf Day 2012 18 Voluntary English Teaching Saturday 19 May at Baan Khao Din School, Chonburi

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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

20 chamber Events 20 AustCham Diamond Ball Proudly Sponsored by Natural Ville & Lenotre at Royal Orchid Sheraton

24 Commonwealth Sundowners on Wednesday, 6 June at Eastin Hotel

members advancing 26 Prem Class of 2012 26 Barbecue Pizza? Easy family fun!

New members & members’ changes 28 AustCham Welcomes New Members

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From the Chamber Office 30 Message from the Executive Director

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 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.

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his year’s ball held at the Royal Orchid Sheraton was another great success.

Thanks to our terrific sponsor Natural Ville & Lenotre and Event Supporters PFJ Asia Pacific, Diageo Moet Hennessey and the Bangkok Post. The ball got off to a great start with free flow Chandon sparkling wine and the band later did a great job getting everyone onto the dance floor. The organising committee lead by Khun Jurrairat Jammanee should be thanked for another great effort.

At the end of May I travelled to Sydney as part of a Business Delegation accompanying Prime Minister Yingluck on her first official visit to Australia. During my stay, I was given the opportunity to speak at a seminar organised by the Board of Investment (BOI) to promote Thailand to Australian investors.

With over 250 persons in attendance, the seminar really highlighted how well Thailand caters for manufacturing businesses investing in Thailand; with organised and fully integrated industrial estates, efficient infrastructure, tax incentives and a host of other benefits on offer.

At the seminar, I presented the summary findings of our survey of Australian Thailand Business which AustCham had recently conducted with AEC Group. The findings were in fact better summarised by the speakers from Futuris and Bluescope who by presenting their companies profile and experience really brought home the key messages from our survey. Both have had great success in Thailand and highlighted many of the positive findings from our survey into Australian Thailand business. Both companies were expanding, had Australian management that was committed to staying in Thailand long term and equally committed work force and had to compete by exercising efficiency in their operations in order counter the growing shortage of labour. They also had invested heavily in vocational education of staff and

still saw this as one of their biggest challenges. Both companies were catering to the local and regional market – less so than just re-exporting product to Australia and relied on research and development in Australia – although in the case of Futuris, design prototyping was now also occurring in Thailand.

The trip was significant for a number of reasons. Not only did I get upgraded to business class thanks to Qantas, but it really demonstrated how important Thailand views Australia. Surprisingly, the investment flow is very much in favour of Australia, with Thais investing 2.5 times more in Australia than Australia did in Thailand.

Australians still very much view Thailand as a nice holiday destination and have overlooked opportunity to invest in this country. Australians still perceive Thailand to be backward and corrupt. Those Australians participating in our study had of course largely experienced Thailand first hand and had very different views. Australians living here see the tremendous opportunities and the can do nature of Thais. It seems though that this message has struggled to be sent home until now. The study has had considerable exposure in the Australian press – with articles appearing in the Australian, Australian Financial Review and other state newspapers. Interesting the survey was even quoted by Secretary General of the BOI as well.

July 4 sees us celebrating Independence day with AMCHAM at our Star and Stripes Sundowners at the Patumwan Princess.

Hope to see you there!

John Anderson President, AustCham Thailand www.austchamthailand.com July 2012

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business brief

Joint Communiqué with the Prime Minister of Thailand

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rime Minister Gillard warmly welcomed Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to Australia on 28 May 2012. Prime Minister Yingluck’s visit was especially significant as it marked the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations. Their meeting was followed by a joint meeting of Australian and Thai Cabinet Ministers.

The foundations of the partnership were established decades ago and have been strengthened by the growth of people-topeople links, security cooperation, trade and investment ties, and shared interests in a prosperous and stable region. Prime Minister Yingluck informed Prime Minister Gillard about the political situation in Thailand following the general election in July 2011. The two Prime Ministers agreed to work together as partners and to intensify bilateral and regional cooperation in all dimensions to meet the challenges and opportunities arising from the profound shifts occurring in the region.

Strong people to people links The two Prime Ministers welcomed efforts to increase the numbers of Australians and Thais visiting each other’s country.

Leaders looked forward to the forthcoming visit to Australia by Thailand’s Australia-Thailand Parliamentary Friendship Group and welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Australian Political Exchange Council and King Prajadhipok’s Institute to establish an exchange program between young political leaders. The Prime Ministers also looked forward to a separate visit to Australia by three young Thai female MPs under a program funded by the Australia Thailand Institute, and the visit of Australia’s Global Ambassador for Women and Girls to Thailand in the coming year.

Enhanced trade and investment ties Since the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) entered into force in 2005, bilateral trade has doubled, amounting to nearly A$20 billion. Australia

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is Thailand’s sixth largest trading partner, and Thailand is Australia’s nineth largest.

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to expand trade and investment ties by working together in 2012 to complete a general review of TAFTA and a review of its provisions on special agricultural safeguards. Leaders looked forward to strong progress on this agenda leading to a ministerial TAFTA Joint Commission meeting. Both leaders stressed the importance, in the meantime, of efforts to address specific issues posing impediments to trade. They also undertook to identify ways for the two countries to cooperate on maximising the benefits of the growing regional free trade agenda.

Prime Ministers looked forward to the commencement of negotiations on a new Air Services Agreement and to a review of the Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation to enhance investment between the two countries.

ing English” and welcomed bilateral cooperation on English language education.

Prime Minister Gillard reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to boosting Asian literacy and encouraged Australian education providers to offer programs in Thailand. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Education Co-operation to encourage collaboration between Australian and Thai educational and training institutions. Prime Minister Gillard was pleased to announce the new Discover Thailand scholarship program which will provide assistance to Australians studying in Thailand, as well as partnerships between Australian and Thai schools to boost Asian literacy. Prime Minister Yingluck underlined the importance of vocational training where Australia has expertise and best practice. Both sides looked forward to stronger cooperation in industries such as energy, mining, agriculture, hospitality and tourism.

Education Disaster management cooperation Education is a pillar of the bilateral relationship. Prime Minister Yingluck noted that 2012 is Thailand’s “Year of Speak-

Prime Minister Gillard expressed Australia’s deep regret at Thailand’s losses

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business brief

“…bilateral trade has doubled, amounting to nearly A$20 billion. Australia is Thailand’s 6th largest trading partner and Thailand is Australia’s 9th largest.” during the devastating floods in 2011.

Leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation on disaster preparedness and response, particularly by improving water management capabilities. They looked forward to the visit to Australia by a high-level Thai delegation to examine Australian disaster response and emergency communications capabilities.

Energy cooperation Prime Ministers recognised the potential for enhanced work on energy cooperation. They emphasised the importance of promoting the development and use of clean and renewable energy, including through research and development into advanced coal technologies. Leaders looked forward to a visit to Australia

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by a high-level Thai delegation to explore investment opportunities and share experiences on energy policies.

Food safety Australia and Thailand are both major agricultural producing and exporting countries. The Prime Ministers committed to work together on food safety and food security, including as members of the Cairns Group. They looked forward to Australia and Thailand co-hosting the 20th meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems in Thailand in 2013.

Security cooperation Thailand and Australia enjoy a strong and mature security partnership, includ-

ing deep defence, counter-terrorism and people smuggling ties. They agreed to continue to pursue regional solutions to people smuggling through the Bali Process. Prime Minister Gillard welcomed Thailand’s support for establishing the Bali Process Regional Support Office in Bangkok to assist in the operation of the Regional Cooperation Framework. The two Prime Ministers looked forward to finalising a bilateral Extradition Treaty.

Regional and global cooperation The two Prime Ministers committed to enhanced collaboration in regional and global fora, strengthening partnerships in the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation. The two Prime Ministers expressed support for each other’s bid for a seat on the UN Security Council – for Australia in 2013-2014 and Thailand in 2017-2018. Prime Minister Gillard expressed her appreciation for Thailand’s work at the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

July 2012

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business brief

AustCham Business Study

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ow many Australian business people are there in Thailand? What drives and sustains the Australian-Thai commercial relationship? What opportunities are there for Australian businesses in Thailand? Or for Thai businesses in Australia? What can be done now to boost Australia-Thai commerce in the same way the Australia-Thai Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) did in 2005?

The answers to these questions, and many more, can all be found in the Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) Study of Australian Business in Thailand.

Launched in the lead-up to Thai Prime Minister HE Yingluck Shinawatra’s first official visit to Australia from 26 – 29 May, the study has been covered by the media in both Thailand and Australia. It has been a focal point for various Australian and Thai government agencies.

The AustCham study was prepared with the assistance of leading Australian economic consultancy AECgroup Limited, and is part of the Chamber’s overall effort to increase its focus on businesses and business issues.

A first-of-its-kind in Thailand, an important initial outcome of the study has been the renewed focus it has given to the public dialogue about the AustraliaThai commercial relationship. Given how interdependent the two economies have become, the relative lack of awareness of Australia-Thai Commerce – both in Thailand and Australia– is a surprise. For some it is a concern.

A key conclusion of the study was that conditions are ripe for another major growth phase in the Thai- Australian commercial relationship. Reaping the rewards of closer business engagement was not, however, guaranteed. It would require political will and the strong engagement of businesses, both in Thailand and Australia. Also required would be voices loud

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enough to be heard above the din of ‘China’ and ‘India’, such is the preoccupation in Australia at the moment.

The study very intentionally focused on Australian business people in Thailand as much as it did on Australian businesses.

In a globalised world where company ownership can change almost instantaneously (and given that many companies in Thailand are restricted to 49 per cent foreign ownership) it was felt that too strict a definition of what constituted an Australian company would distort any understanding of the Australia-Thai commercial relationship. Another prime reason was to ensure that the views of Australians working in multinational companies in Thailand were also heard.

There are vexed issues in how governments and institutions such as chambers of commerce define self- and nationalinterest in a globalised business world.

The study saw this as an area warranting further discussion and examination.

It will come as no surprise to Advance readers that Australian businesses were committed to Thailand for the long-term.

In fact, the survey revealed that more than half of all Australian companies in Thailand had been operating here for longer than 10 years. The vast majority of them were aiming to grow their market beyond Australia, and serviced both Thailand and the ASEAN region. This contrasts with a common perception in Australia that businesses move offshore to simply outsource their operations (and jobs) from Australia.

Rather, the reality is that a move into international businesses is more about commercial growth – and given the structural changes occurring in Australia’s economy – sometimes survival. Many of the businesses examined were actually creating (or sustaining) jobs in Australia because of the opportunities they found overseas.

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business brief

Australian businesses in Thailand also placed a premium on good corporate citizenship, each spending on average 5.6 million Baht on worker safety and training and Corporate Social Responsibility programs.

The key enabling factors in doing business in Thailand for Australian firms were the close proximity in travel and distance to markets, consumer demand, business input cost, logistics and transport infra-

structure, and cost and availability of both expatriate and local Thai staff.

That said, labour price was not as seen to be as much of an advantage as might be expected. Rather, a critical message from the study is that with labour force participation already high at 72 per cent, and wages on the rise, Thailand risks becoming a victim of its own success. Many employers are finding labour is gravely short in supply. Tracking down workers

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with the right skills is becoming moreand-more of a challenge, whether it be for the production-line, construction site or back in the office.

Consequently, where at one time businesses would have simply hired more workers, they are now looking for productivity gains. Productivity is becoming the new mantra of business in Thailand, just as it is in Australia!

The study did, however, see a silver lining to Thailand’s labour challenges, finding that with a strong services sector and decades of experience unlocking productivity gains, Australia is the ideal partner to help Thai businesses adapt and evolve to existing pressures. Pressures that will only intensify with the transition to the ASEAN Economic Community.

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Many of the businesses surveyed pointed to challenges in property ownership, local sources of finance, excess bureaucracy and visas and work permits as hindering Thailand’s commercial potential. While tackling some of these would invariably involve complex policy and legal considerations, the economic gains for Thailand would be well worth the challenge. And there are other areas that seemingly could be addressed by the Thai authorities relatively easily. The 90-day reporting requirement and processes for visas and work permits for non-BOI companies, for example, could be easily streamlined to remove the drag they place on productivity.

In some areas the AustCham study has confirmed what was already thought to be the case about doing business in Thailand. It is now, however, backed up by hard data. In other areas the study has highlighted challenges and opportunities that were hitherto not readily apparent. Overall, the study makes a significant contribution to the somewhat limited body of knowledge about Australian-Thai commerce and is a solid foundation on which to understand and build the relationship – and measure any changes over time.

The Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce’s study of Australian business in Thailand is a cooperative initiative with leading Australian consultancy AEC Group Ltd. and is supported by the Australia-Thailand Business Council.

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AustChamThailand Advance

business brief

Australia and Malaysia Sign Free Trade Agreement

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n 22 May, Australia and Malaysia signed a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) that will open avenues for Australian goods and services into the Malaysian market.

The agreement will further integrate the Australian economy with the fast-growing Asian region, benefiting Australian exporters, importers and consumers.

It was signed in Kuala Lumpur by Australia’s Trade and Competiveness Minister Craig Emerson and his Malaysian counterpart Mustapa Mohamed.

Today’s signing follows an undertaking in March last year by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Najib Tun Razak, the Malaysian Prime Minister, to complete negotiations within a year.

Under the accord, Australia will be as well-positioned in the Malaysian market as Malaysia’s closest trading partners in ASEAN, and in some cases better. For Malaysia, the accord allows the same tariff-free entry to Australia currently enjoyed

by Singapore.

The FTA will guarantee tariff-free entry for 97.6 per cent of current goods exports from Australia once it enters into force.

This will rise to 99 per cent by 2017.

Malaysian exporters, meanwhile, will enjoy duty-free entry to the Australian market.

Australia has also agreed to provide a three-year package of up to 21 short and long-term scholarships, fellowships, awards and exchanges to support Malaysia’s economic reform efforts.

This complements existing exchanges between Australia and Malaysia on public sector and economic governance, including through the Endeavour Scholarships.

Malaysia is Australia’s 10th largest trading partner, with two-way trade worth almost $16 billion in the 2010-11 financial year.

Australian exporters of automotive parts,

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iron, steel and dairy products will benefit from improved market access under the agreement.

The signing of this FTA is an early outcome of the white paper on Australia in the Asian Century.

The FTA will also help diversify the trading relationship by opening Malaysia’s services sector to Australian companies.

The agreement goes well beyond the lowering or elimination of import tariffs. It is a vote of confidence in the Malaysian people, in their economic reform process and in the importance of the Asian region to Australia.

Malaysia has committed to allowing majority Australian ownership of service providers in a range of industries, including telecommunications, insurance, education, tourism, research and development, accountancy and mining-related services.

The FTA will also complement benefits already flowing from the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA.

Malaysia Market Snapshot GDP: GDP per capita: GDP growth: Population: Trade with Australia:

US$278.7 billion (2011) US$9,700 (2011) 5.1 per cent (2011) 28.7 million (2011) A$16.025 billion (2011)

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Eric Kenso Ward, ISB Class of 1979

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

July 2012

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AUSTRALIA THAILAND BUSINESS COUNCIL

Prime Minister’s Visit to Sydney – Business Dinner

Jennie Lang - UNSW/Asia Society Host for dinner; H.E. Yingluck Shinawatra; Tamerlaine Beasley - ATBC Host for dinner

Pratamaporn Svasti-Xuto - ANZ; Grahame Hodges - ANZ; James Wise Australian Ambassador to Thailand

Lyndall Briggs - ATBC; Robert Taylor - ATBC; Bleich - US Ambassador

Kittichai Raktakanit - Loxley; Bunthong Thongyai - Thai Trade Centre; John Hancock - ATBC

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t was a great honour for the Australia Thailand Business Council to host a business dinner for HE Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in Sydney on Monday 28 May at the Shangri-La Hotel with the Asia Society Australasia Centre. Over three hundred people attended, and the business networking was unparalleled.

Prime Minister Yingluck was travelling with four Senior Ministers, the Secretary General of the Board of Investment, and a senior delegation of almost seventy leaders of Thai business. The dinner attendance list was a who’s who of the leadership of the Australia-Thailand business relationship. Key Australian compa-

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nies included: ANZ, Bluescope Steel, Boral, Cochlear, Futuris, Kingsgate, Linfox, Trydel, Trilogiq, UNSW, and Woodside. On the Thai side: Aeroklas, Banpu, BecThai, Centennial Coal, CP Group, Central Group, Hemaraj, Loxley, Mitr Pohl, L-Tag, PTT & PTTEP, Ratchaburi Holdings, SPCG, Surapund, Siam Jumbo and Yarnapund were represented. Peak bodies also represented included: Austrade the Thailand Board of Investment, the Board of Trade, the Thai Banker’s Association, the Federation of Logistics, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Federation of Capital Market Organisation, the Thai Federation of Logistics, The Thai National Shipper’s Council, the Federation of Private Colleges of Technology and Vocational Education.

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AUSTRALIA THAILAND BUSINESS COUNCIL

Thai Prime Minister Dinner Proudly Sponsored by:

Tamerlaine Beasley - ATBC Paul O’Malley - Bluescope; Jason Ellis

Ken Fitzpatrick - PTTEP; Paiboon Nalinthrakurn - Federation of Thai Capital Market Organisation

Event hosts at the ATBC said one of the big challenges of the event was table seating as it is rare to have so many VIP’s in one room. In her introductory speech, President of the Australia Thailand Business Council, Tamerlaine Beasley stated “Many of the key people who have made the investment decisions regarding the nearly $7bn of reciprocal investment in Thailand/Australian business are represented here tonight”. Prime Minister Yingluck highlighted the warm relationship between the two countries, and said her government was committed and ready to further support the Thailand-Australia partnership. Priorities of her government include supporting regional frameworks, encouraging connectivity between regional frameworks and promotion of cooperation in

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specific areas, such as disaster management and energy security. She emphasised this will supplement the physical, software and people-to-people connectivity that Thailand and its partners are already building in ASEAN, East Asia and beyond.

Corporate sponsors for the event were ANZ, Bluescope Steel and Kingsgate, companies with significant investments in, and long-term commitment to Thailand. The Thai Government was a generous supporter of this ‘Thai night with the Prime Minister’, leading many Australian attendees to comment on the clear demonstration of Thai hospitality and commitment to greater business collaboration and networking in the region.

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community services COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMUNITY SERVICES

The 11th Volvo Truck & Bus Thailand Convoy for Kids Charity Golf Day 2012

Charity Golf day 2012 Charity Golf day 2012

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n Friday, 15 15 June 2012, thethe 12th also toto hole and logistics logistics compacompaAustCham transport transport and n Friday, June 2012, 12th Thanks Thanks also holesponsors sponsors– –Tellus TellusSysSys- AustCham Annual Volvo Convoy for Kids Golf tems, Bumrungrad Hospital, Overland nies.

Each year they organise the “Convoy nies. Each year they organise the “Convoy Annual Volvo Convoy for Kids Golf tems, Bumrungrad Hospital, Overland Day” aa total of logistics around 250 250 children DayDay was heldheld at at thethe picturesque Transport BlueScope Day” where where total of around children picturesque Transport Thailand, BlueScope Steel, ILSAustCham transport and compan Friday, 15was June 2012, the 12th Thanks also toThailand, hole sponsors – TellusSteel, Sys- ILS taken out for aa special special the day“Convoy at locations locations Pattana GolfVolvo & Sports Resort.

Once again Freight, RBI Fenix Golf are taken out for organise day at Pattana Golf &Convoy Sports Resort.

Once again Freight, RBILifestyle, Lifestyle, FenixOverland GolfApparel, Apparel,nies.are Annual for Kids Golf tems, Bumrungrad Hospital, Each year they as zoo the beach. beach.

The children the Day golfgolf day was supported by by a long listlist Chesa Swiss The Freight, such as the zoooforaround children the was a long Chesa SwissRestaurant, Restaurant, The Freight, TollDay”such wasday held atsupported the picturesque Transport Thailand, BlueScope Steel, ILS Toll where athe total 250The children include those from The Foundation school, of sponsors and donors.

The Chamber Logistics, BT Midland, Property Care Serinclude those Foundation school, of sponsors and donors.

The Chamber Logistics, BT Midland, Property Care Serare taken out for a special day at locations Pattana Golf & Sports Resort. Once again Freight, RBI Lifestyle, Fenix Golf Apparel, the the Convoy for for Kids vices, Geodis Wilson Slum Project and Sister Joan’s Slum Kids vices, Geodis WilsonThai, Thai,Moonshine Moonshine Bar,suchSister the and golf and day wasConvoy supported bySub-committee aSub-committee long list Chesa Swiss Restaurant, The Freight, TollBar, as theJoan’s zoo orKlongtoey the beach.

TheProject childrenand children Bang Seu slum slum area. would likeand to thank everyone involved forfor SSISSI Schaeffer, Pendulum Watches, Carrichildren from Seu area. would like to thank everyone involved Schaeffer, Pendulum Watches, Carri-include thosefrom fromthe The Foundation school, of sponsors donors.

The Chamber Logistics, BT Midland, Property Care SeronKids such a successful day.

AC, Thermo KingAC, AC, KPTrailer Trailer Rent-Sister Joan’s Klongtoey Slum Project and put put onforsuch a Sub-committee successful day.

TheThe er er AC, Thermo KP Rentandhelping thehelping Convoy vices, Geodis WilsonKing Thai, Moonshine Bar, The from Golf the was Seu started ininarea.

2002 proceeds made from the Golf Day go to al, A.N.T. Services, Pattaya Sports Clubchildren The Golf DayBang started 2002totoininproceeds made from the Golf Day go to al, A.N.T. Services, Pattaya Sports would like to thank everyone involved for SSI Schaeffer, Pendulum Watches, Carri-Club slum crease revenue revenue and it has support the Welfare and AsianTigers.

Tigers.

Many thanksRentto BusiBusi- crease has been been successful successful support thesuch Foundation forfor thetheThe Welfare and Asian Many thanks to helping put on aFoundation successful day. er AC, Thermo King AC, KP Trailer achieving this. this. Over the years thanks of the Crippled as and, ofcourse, course,the ness Golf programme,ASEAN TVfor formeme- ininachieving of the Crippled and, ofDay ness Golf programme, thanks to The Golf Day was proceeds made fromas the Golf go to the al, A.N.T. Services, Pattaya ASEAN SportsTV Club started in years 2002––to in- to contributions by by logistics logistics companies, their Convoy for Kids fun day out for the kids diadia coverage ofour ourevent eventalso! also!

Convoy for Kids fun day out for the kids coverage of contributions companies, their crease revenue and it has been successful support the Foundation for the Welfare and Asian Tigers. Many thanks to Busiclients and and the the many golfers who in November. clients many golfers whoparticiparticiin November. of the Crippled as and, of course, the ness Golf programme, ASEAN TV for mein achieving this. Over the years – thanks to Wearearepleased pleasedtotoannounce announce that that at at this this pate pate in in our our events events -- we have raised a towe have raised We Convoy for Kids fun day out for the kids dia coverage of our event also! contributions by logistics companies, theira toThanks go this to this year’s event sponsor year’s tournament, weraised raiseda atotal totalofofBaht Baht tal tal in in excess excess of of Baht 10 which Baht 10 million million whichhas has Thanks go to year’s event sponsor – – year’s tournament, we in November. clients and the many golfers who particiVolvo Truck and Bus Thailand; gold spon744,000.

Sincere thanks once again to all gone to finance many projects and has toevents finance many projects and has Volvo Truck and Bus Thailand; gold spon-We 744,000.

Sincere thanks once again to allpategone are pleased to announce that at this in our we have raised a tosponsors, donorsand andplayers playersfor for theirgengen– Ceva Logistics, Sika Thailand and sponsors, given great great deal deal of of happiness into lives sorssors – Ceva Sika Thailand donors happiness into the the Thanks go toTourism thisLogistics, year’s event sponsor – and year’s erosity tournament, we raised a total oftheir Baht tal ingiven excess of who Bahthave 10 million which haslives The Authority of Thailand and and participation. of children been dealt a difficult erositySincere and participation. of to children who have been dealt a difficult The Tourism Authority of gold Thailand and744,000.

Volvo Truck and Bus Thailand; sponthanks once again to all gone cap sponsor Jungheinrich as well as silver handfinance of cards.many projects and has hand of cards. cap sponsor Jungheinrich as well as silver sors – Ceva Logistics, Thailand and and for players given great deal of happiness into the lives sponsors – LinfoxSika Logistics, WCA Familysponsors, of Whatdonors is Convoy Kids?for their genWhat Convoy for Kids?

– Linfox Logistics, WCA Family oferosity The sponsors Tourism Thailand and andisparticipation. of children whoinformation have beenabout dealt Convoy a difficultfor For more LogisticAuthority Networks,ofDHL, Loscam Thailand, Networks, DHL, For more information about Convoy for cap Logistic sponsor Jungheinrich asLoscam well as Thailand, silver of cards.

Convoy for Kids was started in 2000 byhandKids please visit: www.convoyforkids.com and Swarovski Thailand. and Swarovski Thailand.WCA Family of Convoy for for KidsKids? was started in 2000 by Kids please visit: www.convoyforkids.com sponsors – Linfox Logistics, What is Convoy Logistic Networks, DHL, Loscam Thailand, and 16 Swarovski Thailand.

2012 20July July 2012

Convoy for Kids was started in 2000 by

For more information about Convoy for Kids please visit: www.convoyforkids.com AustChamThailand Advance AustChamThailand Advance

COMMUNITY services SERVICES community

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community services

Voluntary English Teaching Saturday 19 May 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 5 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.

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chamber events

proudly sponsored by

Saturday, 26 May at Royal Orchid Sheraton The AustCham Diamond Ball on Saturday, 26 June 2012 was a great success, much enjoyed by many members and guests. We would like to thank all those who attended and helped make the night so enjoyable! AustCham would like to thank event sponsor Natural Ville & Lenotre and supporters – PFJ Asia Pacific, Diageo Moet Hennessy and the Bangkok Post.

Without them, the night would not have been possible. Baht 129,800 Raised for Community Services. AustCham’s community services projects will continue this year including supporting Sister Joan and her work in the Klong Toey slums, the Kindergarten project in Kanchanaburi and our English teaching program held once a month at three primary schools in Chonburi/Rayong. Thank you to all members who donated prizes to the charity raffle as well as those who participated. Congratulations to all the lucky raffle winners!

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Event supporters

AustChamThailand Advance

chamber events

AustChamThailand Advance

July 2012

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AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber Events

General Grants: Funding Round Now Open The Australia-Thailand Institute (ATI) provides financial support to selected projects which aim to promote and enhance bilateral links between Australia and Thailand, particularly people to people and institutional links. Applications are now being invited for funding in the 2012-13 financial year, for projects commencing between August 2012 and June 2013.

Funding is awarded through a competitive selection process. Applications should further the goals of the ATI. Applications with an identified Thai partner will be looked upon favourably. Applicants may consider the following ATI priority areas, but should not feel limited by them:

• Education, particularly programs which facilitate Australians studying in Thailand • Sport • Science, technology and innovation, including environment and sustainability • Developing emerging young leaders • Trade advocacy and public administration • Events celebrating the 60th anniversary of the bilateral relations in 2012 • Women and Girls How to apply Application forms, funding guidelines and further information about the ATI’s mission and goals can be found on the ATI website: http://www.dfat.gov.au/ati

Applications must be submitted on-line and in English.

Applications will be considered by the ATI Advisory Board at its next meeting. Applicants will be advised of the Board’s decisions in August 2012.

Further information can be obtained by contacting the ATI Secretariat on +61 2 6261 3202 or via email, austhailand.institute@dfat.gov.au Closing date: Completed applications must be submitted by 2:00pm (AEST) Friday, 20 July 2012.

AFL Grand Final Celebration AustCham is this year seeking three Major Sponsors, and three Event Supporter sponsors. A company may, however, wish to maximise their brand exposure by being the sole Naming Rights Sponsor at a reduced cost. We are of course always willing to discuss a sponsorship package that best meets your needs and will work with sponsors to maximise their sponsorship opportunity.

Please contact Mark or Khun Chanakarn (chanakarn@ austchamthailand.com) at the AustCham office on 02 210 0216 with any enquiries.

AustCham is now seeking sponsors for its 2012 AFL Grand Final celebration. The largest of its kind outside of Australia, AustCham’s AFL family day sees up to 600 guests gather for a full day of fun, feasting and (Australian) football. The day includes a 5-star champagne brunch that runs all day, games and giveaways (including airline tickets to Australia) and Aussie meat pies! The centerpiece is, of course, the AFL Grand Final which is displayed on no less than three big screens – recreating the MCG big game atmosphere.

There is no better way to promote your brand than as a sponsor of our AustCham AFL Grand Final family day!

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Chamber Events

Commonwealth Sundowners on Wednesday, 6 June at Eastin Hotel For our special Commonwealth Sundowners event, AustCham was pleased to invite members from the British, Canadian, Ghana, Hong Kong, Indian, Irish, Malaysian, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Singapore, South African and Sri Lanka-Thai Chambers of Commerce to join us. The night was a great success – we wish to thank our sponsors, Eastin Hotel and AustCham silver sponsor HASSELL, for their generous support.

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1) Veronique Sirult - Park Plaza; Gary Woollacott - AustCham Past President, Opus Recruitment. 2) Eilidh Callum - Botique Asset Management; Alka Puri - Raffles Colleges; Helen Featherstone - IMS Helath. 3) Harry Usher - Lady Pies; Susan Usher - Lady Pies; Kompalya Thunderbird - Eclectic L; Peter Taylor - Baker Tilly. 4) Simon Moran Manheim Asia Pacific; Jason Ellis - Bluescope Steel; Gil Amilbangsa - Bluescope Steel; Shane Torr - AustCham Past President, PeopleServe; Gary Woollacott - AustCham Past President, Opus Recruitment. 5) John Stenton - HASSELL; John Anderson - AustCham President, Meinhardt; John Westoby - Eastin Hotel; John Casella - ThaiCanadian Chamber of Commerce. 6) Khun Patcharit Arthayapan - Tenface Bangkok; Khun Sisi Sookprayoch - Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce; Khun George Reainthong

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- Conrad. 7) Andrew Smith - Agoda Services; Danielle Marie Taeger - Starwood Hotels and Resorts; Sidd Ketkar - Ketkar Group. 8) Markus Wehrhahn - Resource Link; Matthew Silvester - Meinhardt.9) Abigail Evans - Meinhardt; John Hocking - JKC International; Andrew Langston - Banyan Tree. 10) Saeed Zaki - AustCham Director, dwp; Karen Hochhauser - APM Group; Sheldon Kenton - Cigna; Khun Katherine Aphaivongs - Cigna.11) Susan Usher - Lady Pies; David Armstrong; Harry Usher - Lady Pies. 12) Daniel B. Doolan - Clubhouse Bar; Khun Jurairat Jammanee - AustCham Director, HASSELL; Mark Paterson - HASSELL.13) Dean Outerson - Sasin Institute of Business Administration; Jim Yarbrough - Asian Tigers; Eric J Recame - Operational Excellence; Khun Sirisuda Bunpitaksakul - Sodexo.

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members advancing

Prem Class of 2012

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n exciting moment arrived in May for the forty-two students who had finally finished the International Baccalaureate Diploma at Prem Tinsulanonda International School – “Prem”.

Graduation had come at last, and will be followed by entry to universities around the world. The IB Diploma is one of the most challenging high school credentials but it is also one of the most valuable for entry to world-wide universities.

In addition to English and a second language, IB Diploma students study a science subject, mathematics, a humanities subject and either a visual/performing arts subject or another science subject.

To graduate with an IB Diploma students must also complete a major research essay and achieve success in the subject called Theory of Knowledge. Added to this are 150 hours of creativity, action and service. In addition to their studies they

universities - as ranked by London’s prestigious Times Educational Supplement.

The remaining students achieved placements in courses relevant to their aspirations: Hotel management, chemistry, sports management, design, psychology, business management, pre-medicine, media and communications, engineering, liberal arts, economics, automotive engineering, hospitality, fine arts, languages, foreign relations and criminology also completed university applications, did SAT examinations or medical school entrance exams, attended interviews or sat for Thai university entrance exams. No wonder the class of 2012 was happy and proud to complete this awesome achievement. 23% of the Prem graduating students gained entry into the world’s top fifty

In six years’ time, I could be watching the UN delivering an aid program somewhere in Africa. The event manager, the doctors accompanying it, the translators, the film crew, the CNN reporter, the computer support staff, the financing and accounting and the engineering crew, may all be Prem graduates. We anticipate a bright and wonderful future for this class!

BARBECUE PIZZA? Easy family fun!

By Brad McElroy Must be cooked on a hooded barbecue or kettle barbecue. Prep time 10 minutes.

Cook time 15 minutes.

Ingredients for two Pizza’s: - Large Pizza base - 250 g tomato pasta sauce - 250g grated mozzarella cheese - 200g roasted red capsicums, chopped - 1-2 cabanossi, sliced - 150g thickly sliced ham, chopped - Salt and pepper Here’s how to prepare your barbecue for the perfect pizza. You’ll only need your barbecue’s hotplate as the cooking surface for cooking a pizza, so remove the grill plates or any other plates and move the hotplate to the centre of the barbecue.

Then, with the hood down, preheat the whole barbecue to around 200 degrees celsius.

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Note: when the pizza is actually cooking, indirect heat is the best environment, but before the pizza is added, in order to ensure the base will be crispy, you need to preheat the hotplate as well.

When the desired temperature is achieved simply turn off the burner under the hotplate and leave the external burners on to enable the indirect heating environment – indirect heating is just like your kitchen oven, so its preferred for cooking pizza or any baking or roasting on the barbecue.

With a charcoal barbecue, preheat the coals for about 35 minutes, then just before putting the pizza on, place a baking tray on the coals under the grill.

Now to the pizza preparation and cooking: The key to a good crispy based pizza is the quality of the dough. You can either make your own pizza base (500g flour, water, yeast, salt, olive oil) or purchase from the supermarket. Cover the pizza

base with tomato sauce, then top with mozzarella, capsicum, cabanossi and ham. Season with salt and pepper. Once the barbecue is around 200 degrees celcius, put the pizza on the hotplate and close the barbecue hood. Leave it to cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese melts and the base is golden, not blackened!

Tips: Other toppings you can use include jars of antipasto; sliced mushrooms and char grilled eggplant. Sliced tomato, chargrilled zucchini or crumbed goats cheese.

Once the pizza is cooked throw on a handful of rocket leaves, shavings of parmesan cheese, chopped avocado or toasted pine nuts.

BIG TIP: to make things super easy, The Barbecue Store sells Pizza stones with a Giant Pizza Spatula (image above).

Call 02 662 6665 or view at WWW.BBQTHAI.COM

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

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Chamber Events NEW MEMBERS and members’ changes

Boutique Asset Management Ltd. 170/67 Ocean Tower1,21st Floor Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Phone: 662 620 8777 Fax: 662 620 8778 Website: www.boutiquecorporation.com Email: info@boutiquecorporation.com

Representatives: Mr Prabsharan Singh Thakral - Managing Director Ms Sophie Marie Huyuh - Executive Manager Background: From our inception in 2004 with a single serviced apartment project, the Boutique Group of Companies has expanded and evolved into one of the leading real estate developers and owners in the Limited Service Hospitality Sector in Thailand. Boutique is now expanding into retail developments in order to leverage our expertise in real estate and project development. Moving into retail will also enable us to diversify our hospitality portfolio.

Founded by Mr Prab Thakral, Boutique has a proven track record of success in developing high quality serviced apartments and enjoys the ability to secure premium sites and streamline construction methods. In 2005, Boutique partnered with Singapore’s Ascott Group, the world’s largest owner / operator of serviced apartments and successfully launched Asia’s first Citadines property.

To date, Boutique has expanded its portfolio to six operating properties in a short period of time, with a total of 715 hotel rooms in Sukhumvit, making us a leader in our segment.

Representatives: Mr Arnaud Kleinveld - Managing Director Mr Jean Paul Bos - Chief Executive Officer Background: Mywellcard concept was born from the recognition that the medical industry was fractured, inaccessible are poorly understood by many. There was a need to help bridge the gap between those who wanted more healthcare options and the healthcare providers. In bridging that gap it became important to provide introduction for member to quality providers who can help them achieve their health goals. Mywellcard has since expanded to help introduce members and corporations to fitness providers, beauty and aesthetic providers as well as family and seniors oriented business.

Products/services: Mywellcard will not only assist with employee retention, but can of course also be used for any other target market. Mywellcard employee benefit membership program comes with an extensive offering of specialist training and development programs as a value added service equipping you with quality and growth impacting your organization, your employee and positively making a difference in our world.

Orion Investigations Co.,Ltd Unit 2001-2002,20th Floor, BBC Building 29 Sukhumvit 63, North Klong Tan Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Phone: 662 714 3801-3 Fax: 662 714 3804 Website: www.orioninv.co.th Email: info@orioninv.co.th

Products/Services: Serviced Apartments, Hospitality Representatives: Mr Peter Holmshaw - Managing Director Mr Andrew Smith - Director of Computer Forensics Mywellcard Pte Ltd Sino Thai Tower,14 Floor, Soi21 (Asoke), Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110 Phone : 662 259 4766 Fax : 662 259 4768 Website: www.mywellcard.com Email : info@mywellcard.com

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Background: Orion Investigations provides effective and ethical solutions for your commercial investigation, computer forensic and intellectual property representation requirements. Through our unique combination of services, we are able to provide comprehensive, results orientated and cost-effective solutions to our clients.

Orion Investigations is managed by Peter and David Holmshaw. Peter and David have many years of experience in Thailand and place a high value on responsive customer service – always remembering that the client comes first and that the first stage of any project is to establish the client‘s targets and agree upon an action plan to achieve these targets. During a project, the client is provided with regular update reports culminating in a comprehensive final report with recommendations for follow up action if appropriate. Orion’s staff recognise the need to be an effective, ethical, responsible, innovative and loyal organisation at all times. With investigators, lawyers and computer technicians working together, we provide results-oriented solutions of the highest standard.

Orion Investigations is based in Bangkok and can provide our full range of services throughout Thailand. We provide commercial investigations services in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar and through our associates. If our clients have projects outside Thailand, we are able to either coordinate the project ourselves or refer our clients to our associates in those countries, depending on the client’s preference. In today’s international business world, such crossborder capabilities are often essential for the successful completion of a project.

Products/services: Intellectual Property Investigations Computer Forensics Intellectual Property Representation Polygraphs/Lie Detector Tests Due Diligence Corporate Investigations Company Background Checks Individual Background Checks

VIE Hotel Bangkok Mackenna Land Co., Ltd 117/39-40 Phayathai Road, Thanonpetchburi, Rachathewi Bangkok 10400 Phone: 662 309 3939 Fax: 662 309 3841 Website: www.viehotelbangkok.com Email: info@viehotelbangkok.com

Representatives: Mr Hester Chew - Owner representative Mr Banthueng Talayarak - Resident Manager Background: VIE Hotel Bangkok, a chic AustChamThailand Advance

NEW MEMBERS and members’ changes

boutique five- star hotel, considered as an oasis in Bangkok city. The hotel located close to BTS Ratchathewi station, five minutes to MBK, Siam Paragon, Central World, Patunam, Platinum mall, Silom, Sathorn, Sukhumvit and rail link to airport. Guest rooms start from 38 up to 420sq.m., services include Aigner bath amenity, free Wi-Fi in public areas, world class fitness centre, beautiful rooftop, swimming pool, VIE 39 entertainment complex. Awarded Best Boutique Hotel by AsiaRooms.com, VIE Hotel Bangkok has also won the “Trendy in Asia” award in the Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards, the “Best Newcomer in Bangkok” award from Wotif.com, and has been nominated as “Best Urban Hotel” by Anywhere Magazine. Its restaurant, VIE Wine&Grill recently also received the Thailand’s Best Restaurants 2010, 2011 and 2012 award from Thailand’s Best Restaurant Guide.

Products/services: VIE Hotel Bangkok features 154 high ceiling and spacious rooms and suites, each providing dramatic views across an inspiring cityscape with its floor-to-ceiling windows. Vibrant silks, richly coloured woods and intriguing Asian design accents a refined and relaxed ambience for discerning guests.

VIE Hotel Bangkok offers unique facilities including a state-of-the-art business

centre and a collection of VIE function rooms designed to comfortably accommodate meetings, incentives, conferences and events. Stylish, spacious and bathed in natural light, the rooms are also ideal for product launches, talk-of-the-town social events and memorable dinners.

Guests at VIE Hotel Bangkok can dine in style and discover a world of tastes and traditions. Culinary pleasures include inspired a la carte menus, memorable wine dinners, exquisite buffets, tempting tapas and signature cocktails, all served in a chic and contemporary venues. Discover the passions of our gifted chefs today.

Change of Representative • Mr Andrew Federick Langston, Area General Manager BT – Bangkok, Samui, Laos and Maldives is a new representative of Banyan Tree Bangkok.

• Mr Laurent Ferry, Managing Director is a new representative of Geodis Wilson Thai Ltd. • Mr Akapol Kamparanont, National Sales Manager is a new representative of Geodis Wilson Thai Ltd. • Mrs Vanessa Williams, Executive Assistant Manager – Sales & Marketing is a new representative of The Sukhothai Bangkok.

• Mr David Cole, General Manager is a new representative of Chassis Brake International (Thailand) Ltd. • Mrs Amelie Poncelet, International marketing executive is a new representative of BNH Hospital.

• Khun Rattasorn Kiattinunth, Director is a new representative of Fabrinet Co., Ltd. • Mr Eric Piatti, General Manager is a new representative of Swissôtel Nai Lert Park Bangkok.

Change of Company Address Raja’s Fashions 160/1 Sukhumvit Road (On the main road near Soi 8 in front of NANA BTS Station) Bangkok 10110 THAIALND Tel: +66 2 253 8379 / 2 253 8389 RMA Group Co., Ltd 283/74 Home Place Office Building 15th Floor, Soi Sukhumvit 55 (Thonglor 13), Sukhumvit Road Klongton-nue, Wattana Bangkok 10110 Change of Company Name Bosch Chassis Systems (Thailand) Ltd. has changed company name to be Chassis Brake International (Thailand) Ltd.

AUSTCHAM Members’ offers 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 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

AustChamThailand Advance

wired/wireless internet throughout your stay.

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

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

The Oasis Spa SAVE 20% or 30% and Discover Online Booking

Book Online for a Limited Time and SAVE BIG! It’s now more convenient than ever to order your treatments at any Oasis Spa with the new online booking at http://oasisspa. net/promotion * Appointments before 1 pm save you 30% * Appointments after 1 pm save you 20% For a limited time you can enjoy the ease of booking online and get a great discount on every treatment you enjoy.

Valid until: 31 July 2012

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 travelers 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

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From the Chamber Office

Calendar of Events

Message from the Executive Director

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n important outcome of Prime Minister Yingluck’s recent visit to Australia was the commitment by both leaders to a general review in 2012 of the Thailand Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA). The Prime Minister’s said they looked forward to ‘strong progress’ on the free trade agenda.

They said they wanted the review to lead to a ministerial TAFTA Joint Commission meeting.

As part of the TAFTA review process, AustCham was invited to present at a TAFTArelated Seminar hosted by the Thai Ministry of Commerce and entitled “Thailand-Australia – Six Decades and Beyond”.

Drawing on our Study of Australian Business in Thailand our presentation focussed on how the untapped potential in the Australia-Thai commercial relationship could be unlocked.

We pointed out that an examination of Australian and Thai relative strengths revealed more complementarity than competition.

That meant the economic relationship was much more about win-win than zero-sum. We emphasised that capitalising on the potential in the Australia-Thailand commercial relationship was a choice for the two governments to make, and not at all a given.

Services was an area we pushed particularly strongly. Recalling the findings of our study about the structural shortage of labour that risked unravelling some of Thailand’s remarkable industrial success, we argued that Australian service providers were ideally placed to help Thailand unlock productivities and maximise the opportunities (and minimise the risks) of the forthcoming ASEAN Economic Community. We recalled that a brand new free trade agreement had been concluded between Australia and Malaysia, and that it was particularly friendly in a range of services areas including education, financial services, telecommunications and professional services such as accounting, auditing, bookkeeping, management consulting and taxation services.

As we saw it the Malaysia Australia Free Trade Agreement (MFAT) was at least partly a product of Malaysia preparing for the AEC, including by leveraging Australia’s services expertise for its own benefit.

More fundamentally, we argued that Asian integration means that bilateral free trade agreements are no longer just about access

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to each other’s markets. They are now more about how countries can exploit relative strengths, to together take advantage of regional and global markets.

We also pointed out that the AustCham business study had identified a number of constraints for Australian businesses already working in Thailand, specifically in the areas of property ownership, local sources of finance, bureaucracy and visas and work permits. We encouraged the Thai government to consider whether improvements could be made in these areas. We noted that despite inevitable complexities, the economic and productivity gains for Thailand would be well worth the challenge. Productivity was, in fact, a theme that came through strongly in many of the presentations at the seminar.

Whether the Thai and Australian Governments can produce a positive outcome for business from the review of TAFTA of course remains to be seen. No doubt there are complex political and policy considerations on both sides.

Beyond TAFTA, Australia’s free trade agenda would appear to moving apace with initiatives such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). With the very high benchmarks it looks to set – and the reportedly rapid pace of negotiations – it would be great to see Thailand join the TPP free trade super-highway.

For AustCham’s part we hold the simple belief that free trade and a stronger Australian-Thai commercial relationship is to the benefit of both countries. We have no doubt it would also benefit all AustCham members. As well as building AustCham’s membership base, stronger Australian-Thai links help us (and others) demonstrate the value that foreign businesses bring to Thailand. Stronger Australia-Thai links would also help create a positive environment for all businesses in Thailand as the AEC approaches.

WEDNESDAY 4 JULY Stars and Stripes Sundowners

18.00-21.00 Venue: Pathumwan Princess Hotel Corporate Sponsor: Baker Tilly Thailand FRIDAY 13 JULY Luncheon: Boardrooms, Mining Booms and Rugby

Guest Speaker: Rick Lee, Chair of the Australian Institute of Company Directors 12.00-14.00 Venue: Dusit Thani Bangkok FRIDAY 20 JULY Eastern Seaboard Networking:

hosted by BCCT 18.00-21.00 Venue: TBA SATURDAY 21 JULY Voluntary English Teaching

Bus departs from Thai CC Building at 8.00am and returns at 16.00 Location: Baan Khao Huay Mahad School, Rayong

Thank you to June sponsors:

black logo

70% grey logo (for B&W printing)

Pantone warm grey 11 c

CMYK grey logo

Pantone 207 c

CMYK red logo

Diageo Moet Hennessy logo colo

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

AustChamThailand Advance