ADVANCE ~ June

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

Child’s Play

Small Smiles in Kanchanaburi Business Awards 2009 Akara Mining: the AustCham Business of the Year Award

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business brief HealthCare Cbre Survey: Investment TurnWork Doesn’t Have To Be over Jumped 215% Year-On-Year “Back-Breaking”!

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chamber events Bangkok Sundowners at the Dusit Thani Hotel

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Contents

AustCham Thailand

Business Award 2009 06 Akara Mining

PATRON His Excellency Paul Grigson Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand

business brief 8 Cbre Survey Finds Q1 Investment Turnover Jumped 215% Year-On-Year 12 Homeland Tax Compliance for Australian Expatriates in Thailand 14 Global, Local and Home Economics 16 Helping Organisations To Survive

PRESIDENT Andrew Durieux Coverage Portfolio: Regional Links

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member profile 28 The Great Indoors

VICE-PRESIDENTS John Anderson Meinhardt Portfolio: Community Services M.L. Laksasubha Kridakon Baan Laksasubha Resort Hua Hin Portfolio: Alumni and Sponsorship TREASURER Nigel McKinnon Boral Thailand Portfolio: Treasury DIRECTORS David Armstrong Post Publishing Portfolio: Talks and Issues Achara Boonyahansa Grant Thornton Portfolio: Marketing Amanda Canavan Energi Design Asia Portfolio: Major Events

18 community services supplement 20 Small Smiles in Kanchanaburi

from the board Meeting 22 AustCham Strategy Update healthcare 24 Work Doesn’t Have To Be “Back-Breaking”!

Jurairat Jammanee HASSELL Portfolio: Alumni and Sponsorship

chamber Events 30 Bangkok Sundowners at the Pathumwan Princess Hotel on 12 May 2010 Members’ changes 32 Changes of AustCham’s Member companies

Leigh Scott-Kemmis DBM Portfolio: SME Belinda Skinner TopTalentAsia Portfolio: Communications Ben Yong Baker & McKenzie Portfolio: JFCCT, BOT and other links

Members’ offers 33 AustCham Members’ Offers

Saeed Zaki dwp Portfolio: Member Benefits

From the Chamber Office 34 Message from the ED

Ex Officio Maurine Lam Trade Commissioner, Austrade

Cover Photo: Kindergarten visit at Wat Putakian, Kanchanaburi, during a Hellfire Pass ANZAC Day weekend trip on 24 April 2010.

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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, David Armstrong, Robert Taylor, Josh Hyland, 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 josh@austchamthailand.com by the first day of the month for publication in the following month’s magazine.

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

AustChamThailand Advance

Amazing Colourful Thailand

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ast month I wrote about loving the way that the Thai people can celebrate so many different events during the year, and still get on with business. How stupid does that sound now?

After a number of major roads were blocked off, electricity and water cut to some locations, AustCham member’s business operations closed, and even a number of our members are unable to get into their houses, there was a crackdown and then arson of something like 35 buildings across Bangkok and beyond. The protest has ceased for now, but there has been a lot of devastation and many deaths. The future remains uncertain.

I have not been this negative on the Thai economy since arriving here more than eight years ago, and I know many of our members share my thoughts. The damage done to the tourism industry, foreign investment and existing business plans for investments will take some time to recover – time that Thailand does not have the luxury of when faced with competitors like the rapidly developing Indonesia, aggressive Vietnam, recovering Japan, solid Singapore, expanding India and the biggest of all China. My real fear is now that Thailand is doing long-term damage to itself and things will only slip backwards from here. I truly hope I am wrong.

I also truly hope that all the AustCham members have their business continuity plans ready for any event. This is just the last of a long line of “X factor” events to have struck, and who knows what will be next.

I should also note that a number of our members operating on the Eastern Sea Board and in other areas of Thailand remain largely unaffected, and their sales are improving as the global economy recovers. However, for things to improve further we need an operating government to be able to make some much needed regulatory change.

Examples include the Map Ta Phut situation, which is yet to be resolved and still causes delays for some of our member’s projects, and the 3G networks issue.

AustCham continues to push for these changes on behalf of our members.

One of the challenges for the AustCham organisation is communicating these advocacy activities, and also obtaining the issues and views from members.

To that end I am now providing more timely updates of our activities via the “Presidents Update” page on AustCham’s website. When possible I will try to update news of my meetings with people like the Foreign Minister or trade delegations as well as other information of importance to members.

One such piece of information is that the Thai government has informed us that they will be offering assistance to companies affected by the protests, regardless of ownership. Any affected member should contact their building management (if located in the Ratchaprasong area) or the AustCham office (if outside the area) for details of how to take advantage of the assistance packages.

The AustCham board also met for a two day strategy session and have determined some minor adjustments that will be implemented over the coming months to improve our services and activities for our members. Details are shown in the magazine and will be issued to all members via e-mail and the web site shortly.

On the regional front, the 20 AustChams will now be known as “Australian Business Asia”, and reciprocal agreements are being drafted for Thailand’s members to take advantage of, if trying to expand their business activities. A logo, website and regional marketing planned are being developed. Please don’t hesitate to ask me for more details if you are looking to expand ........... or maybe to move.

Andrew Durieux President, AustCham Thailand www.austchamthailand.com June 2010

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AustCham Thailand Business Award 2009

Akara Mining Congratulations to Akara Mining for receiving the AustCham Business of the Year Award.

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kara Mining is a highly successful gold mining company. The company owns and operates the low cost Chatree gold mine in central Thailand using world’s best practice for safe, environmental and socially responsible operations. Chatree is the largest gold mine in Thailand and, since its commissioning in 2001, the mine has produced over 900,000 ounces of gold and 2.8 million ounces of silver to 30 June 2009 at cash costs which continue to rank Chatree as one of the lowest cost gold operations in the world.

CLEAR COMMUNICATION Akara Mining Limited is committed to respecting the safety, health, social, economic and environmental needs of the stakeholders that could be influenced by our activities and to anticipating the needs of future generations in the communities where we work. Our commitment is to operate at the forefront of recognised best practice for environ-

FORMULA FOR SUCCESS Akara’s vision is to be a preferred gold mining company delivering shareholder value through profit and growth. Our expertise is based on embracing cul-

tural diversity and skill development, fostering teamwork and a focus on the best result for all stakeholders.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES Akara has consolidated its position as a significant and profitable gold producer, with improved growth potential. The operational and financial results reflect the completion of the plant expansions complemented by exploration success near the mine site and regionally. The key growth initiatives for Akara are the continued development of the Chatree operation.

CURRENT MARKET POSITION AND FUTURE PLANS Responsible mining and corporate social

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June 2010

Akara has spent 2009 delivering on the promise of bringing Chatree North into full production, returning to be a low cash cost mid-tier gold producer and positioning itself to be able to expand the processing plant and advance the exploration potential for future deposits.

The company is reviewing a proposal to increase ore processing capacity to 5 million tonnes per annum and a decision is expected in the last quarter of 2009. A 12 to 14 month construction period is anticipated which could result in the new Chatree North gold processing plant being operational by the start of 2011.

responsibility continue to be key themes at Akara. The mine impacts positively on our workers, suppliers and local communities. A safe and healthy workplace is critical to efficient sustainable operations. Chatree has over 11.3 million hours worked (six years) without a Lost Time Incident and continues to be the safest gold mine in the world based on publicly available data, with no reportable environmental incidents during the life of the operation. All international standards have been maintained and the company is accredited with: Social Accountability SA 8000, Health & Safety ISO 18001, Environment ISO 14001, Quality ISO 9001, Laboratory Standard ISO 17025 and Thai Labour Standard TLS 8001.

mental achievement and community development. Our management systems support this commitment and we integrate sustainability as an essential element in the duties of all employees and contractors. Our motto is “Success Together”.

WINNING CONCEPT Akara believe that “People With Education and Training are Assets, Not Costs”.

Akara promotes education through the building of schools, the sponsorship of educational programs in local schools, providing scholarships to local students, providing educational assistance to employees and hiring students as part of their school training program.

AustChamThailand Advance

business brief

Cbre Survey Finds Q1 Investment Turnover Jumped 215% Year-On-Year Asian Real Estate Investment Markets Remain Resilient in Q1 2010

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he Asian real estate investment market remained buoyant during the first quarter as investor sentiment remained largely positive, and investors continued to demonstrate cautious optimism. The steady flow of small and medium sized transactions witnessed in the latter half of 2009 continued to feed through into the year’s opening three months. Given the relatively low level of trading activity at the beginning of 2009, in the first quarter total direct real estate investment in Asia jumped 215% on a year-over-year basis to an estimated US$16.5 billion, according to CB Richard Ellis’ Asia Investment Market View report for Q1 2010.

Despite the strong growth in transactions, as measured on a yearly basis, transaction volume slipped in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan on a quarter-overquarter basis. This dip in Greater China investment activity was attributable to the fact that investors began exhibiting a more cautious stance in response to the change in government policy settings with respect to the rapid run-up in prices in local real estate investment markets.

Investment Sales Transaction Volume

A drop in transaction volume in Taiwan was partially attributable to the limited availability of investment-grade properties for sale. The US$7.8 billion worth of transactions completed in Greater China during the first quarter was 19% lower than the amount recorded in the fourth quarter of 2009. However, elsewhere in Asia, Japan, Korea and Singapore witnessed a strong rebound in investment activity on a quarter-over-quarter basis, with the volume of investment transaction turnover in these markets rising by 45%, 32% and 24%, respectively.

Throughout Asian investment markets, transactional activity was largely driven by domestic investors, who accounted for 72% of total investment volume. However the US$12 billion worth of transactions completed by domestic investors was US$2.1 billion lower than the previous quarter, this shift, in turn, reflected the

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AustChamThailand Advance

business brief

rising proportion of cross-border activity during the review period and the return of international real estate funds.

“The quarter saw both opportunistic and core international institutional investors return to the Asian real estate markets, attracted by the signs of a sustained recovery,” said Mr. Andrew Ness, Executive Director of CBRE Research Asia.

“At the same time, well-capitalised Asian REITs and sovereign wealth funds also resumed the portfolio expansion which they had halted during the most severe period of the global economic downturn, and their return was marked by rising level of acquisitions in Japan and Singapore.”

Prime office properties continued to attract the most interest during the first quarter, accounting for over US$5.8 billion of investment in the first quarter of 2010, 35% of the total volume recorded.

Office properties accounted for seven of the 10 largest transactions witnessed during the period.

Residential and retail properties continued to attract similar proportion of investment from investors, residential properties accounted for 13%, with the retail sector comprising 14% of the total investment volume. Despite the relatively high proportion of market share, the US$2.1 billion worth of residential transactions was 48% lower than the amount recorded in the fourth quarter in 2009. To a certain extent, this contributed to the tightening of monetary policy and other fiscal and bank regulatory measures which have recently been adopted by Asian govern-

Notes to Editors • Asia property investment sales volume/ value is based on surveys carried out by CBRE Research Asia on major notable property transactions in major Asian cities.

• CBRE Research Asia has adopted relevant measurements and definitions in calculating real estate investment capital flow figures in Asia (i.e. we only track publicly announced deals above a minimum threshold which are converted to US dollars using exchange rates recorded during each survey period.)

• Investment volume excludes development site transactions.

ments seeking to cool down local residential markets.

The revival in Asia business and tourist travel was reflected in Q1 in the surge in activity in the hospitality sector, which exhibited a strong growth during the period under review with a total of seven hotel transactions worth a combined total of US$590 million having been concluded during the first quarter, this sum standing in contrast to the US$62 million and US$26 million recorded in the first quarter and fourth quarter of 2009, respectively.

Reflecting a revival of exports and continued expansion of industrial output within the region, the industrial property sector in Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong all began to see increased investment interest and the emergence of demand from both domestic and foreign investors, their interest underpinned by recent stabilisation of industrial asset prices. In the first quarter, transactions involving industrial properties rebounded strongly, climbing 21% on a quarter-overquarter basis and accounted for a combined total of US$1.5 billion.

About CB Richard Ellis CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services firm (in terms of 2009 revenue).

The Company has approximately 29,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate owners, investors and occupiers through more than 300 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide. CB Richard Ellis has been named a BusinessWeek 50 “best in class” company for three years in a row.

The continued recovery of the regional economy combined with low interest rate regimes continue to provide a favourable investment environment for real estate investors. Overall capital values are expected to stay on a steady upward trend and rental income is likely to improve in the short-term. These relatively stable real estate investment market conditions will act to attract both local and international investors to place their capital to work in the region.

CB Richard Ellis established an office in Bangkok in 1988, followed by Phuket office in 2004, and Samui office in 2007. CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has grown to be a leading real estate services provider, offering strategic advice and execution for sales and leasing for all types of property, property and facilities management, valuation and advisory, and research and consulting. For more information, visit the company’s website at: www.cbre.co.th

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

June 2010

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

Homeland Tax Compliance for Australian Expatriates in Thailand

By Steven Herring Taxation of Australian residents An Australian expatriate in Thailand who remains a resident of Australia is required to report his or her Thailand-sourced income or gains in their Australian income tax return, as either: • Assessable foreign income; or • Exempt foreign income.

Assessable foreign income Assessable foreign income is income that is derived by an Australian resident whilst working overseas as an employee for either an Australian or an overseas employer and receiving salary, wages, commissions, bonuses or allowances etc, unless the income earned constitutes exempt foreign income (see below).

Thus, unless Thailand employment income earned by an expatriate who remains a resident of Australia is exempt foreign income, employment income earned in Thailand by an Australian expatriate who remains a resident of Australia would normally be assessable income in Australia.

That is, such income is required to be included in an Australian income tax return as assessable (taxable) income, and the tax paid on the income in Thailand claimed in the Australian tax return as a foreign tax credit.

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A government defence or police force worker deployed overseas; and

• The foreign income is not otherwise exempt from tax in Australia because of: - -

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A tax treaty agreement with Australia or a law similar to a tax treaty agreement; or A law or an international agreement to which Australia is a party for diplomatic or consular workers or workers connected to international organisations (such as the United Nations); or Australia recognising that the foreign country exempts tax on employment services income (for example, Saudi Arabia).

Exempt foreign income

According to these rules, unless employment income earned in Thailand is earned as an aid or a charity worker, or an army or a police officer, or an Australian embassy worker, then employment income earned in Thailand would not qualify as exempt foreign income for Australian resident income tax purposes.

Exempt foreign income is income that is exempt from income tax in Australia under specific circumstances. But whilst exempt foreign income is not included in a resident’s Australian income tax return as assessable (taxable) income, it is nevertheless reported in the tax return and taken into account by the Australian Tax Office for the purposes of calculating the amount of tax payable in Australia.

The income earned by an Australian expatriate from a private or a public company in Thailand would not normally qualify as exempt income, and therefore, it would normally be assessable foreign income, which an Australian expatriate who remains a resident of Australia would usually be required to include in his or her Australian income tax return as taxable income in Australia.

From 1 July 2009 (i.e. from and including the 2009/10 Australian tax year), the specific circumstances when income is exempt foreign income have changed, as follows:

You should note that if your Thai-sourced income is required to be included in an Australian tax return, you must add the amount of the Thailand tax paid on the income to the net income amount (called grossing up the income), and then claim the Thailand tax paid as a foreign tax credit.

• The income is earned from foreign service as an employee continuously for 91 days or more; and • The foreign service is for work as: - - 12

An aid or charity worker employed by a non-government organisation; or A government aid worker; or June 2010

Australian tax return filing flowchart These rules could, at first instance, seem to be a bit complicated, and the flowchart on the following page depicts the Australian tax return filing requirements for Australian expatriates in an easier way.

AustChamThailand Advance

business brief

tralia should be advised by answering ‘Yes’ to the question, ‘Are you an Australian resident?’ on the front page of the tax return, and specifying the date of ceasing to be an Australian resident at section A2 of the tax return under the ‘Other items’ heading.

From the date of ceasing to be an Australian resident, foreign sourced income (including Thailand-sourced income) is not reported in Australian tax returns and is not assessable income in Australia.

Also, any Australian-sourced income that is derived after the date of ceasing to be an Australian resident, such as interest, dividend and royalty income, should have the 10% non-resident withholding tax deducted from the income in Australia.

Ceasing Australian resident status If an Australian expatriate wishes to change his or her status from a resident to a non-resident, the ATO in Aus-

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So, in addition to advising the ATO in Australia, the payers of Australian-sourced interest, dividend and royalty income should also be advised of the date of ceasing to be an Australian resident in order for them to deduct the required 10% withholding tax.

The information herein was contributed by Steven Herring, an experienced and senior RSM International tax law consultant for RSM Advisory (Thailand) Limited.

Contact Craig Somerville by telephone on 081 692 8281 or email: craig@jvkmovers.com www.jvkmovers.com

AustChamThailand Advance

June 2010

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business brief

Global, Local and Home Economics

By Paul Gambles

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ocal expatriates missed the opportunity for their annual catch-up with one of the world’s leading global portfolio managers last month, when regular Bangkok visitor Scott Campbell’s planned joint address to the Australian and New Zealand chambers fell victim to the political demonstrations.

Undeterred, MBMG Group’s affiliated portfolio manager, and managing director of award-winning MitonOptimal Guernsey, continued with his trip to Bangkok and, despite a number of other necessary itinerary changes, Campbell presented his views to more than 100 attendees at a series of briefings across the city.

Thailand’s volatile political environment combined with the incredible pressure that was building in the debt-ravaged Greek economy, prior to the riots

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and multibillion-dollar international bailout package, created an anxious backdrop that highlighted the palpable fears of local investors and raised the questions: is the Western world going to be dragged down into renewed recession by the contagion of the sovereign debt crisis that looks set to consume Europe?

And, what does that mean living here, will the momentum of the Asian recovery be sufficient to outstrip the potential second fall of the West and how will domestic political risk affect the Thai economy?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the three-time S&P-award-winning Campbell says that even though foreign investors remain bullish on the growth of emerging markets, Thailand might fail to capitalise on its strengths to become one of the best investment markets in Asia if politics continues to weigh on the economy.

The currency markets provide an indi-

cation that country risk has already affected Thailand’s performance and recovery over the past year or so: Despite complaints from local business chiefs and exporters, any suggestion that the central bank has been intervening in the money market to bolster the Baht seems very unlikely given the very visible build-up of Dollar reserves that have been generated by ‘selling’ Baht.

In reality Thailand’s seemingly “strong” baht has actually underperformed the region’s other currencies by about 10%.

“That is almost entirely down to the local political situation. Currency is a barometer of political risk and the Thai baht has been pretty much flat since last year [on a trade-weighted basis]. If the political risk gets sorted out, then you may see the Thai baht appreciate just to catch up with the other regional currencies which it has lagged during this time.’’ according to Campbell, adding that the fundamentals for the whole Asian region are still very positive.

AustChamThailand Advance

business brief

‘’Asia along with other emerging markets will continue to be the best place for investment for the next 30 to 40 years.

Over the past 10 years, western stock markets have done nothing while Asian stock markets have grown three-to-fourfold,’’ says Campbell.

Thailand is certainly part of that developmental shift, but political uncertainty has dampened economic growth since problems arose in 2004, a point reinforced by observers such as Templeton’s Mark Mobius and John Sheehan of Global Markets Asia.

The turbulence has not only slowed Thailand, it has enabled some other countries in the region to overtake Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy in terms of growth. This can be seen by comparing the kingdom’s economic growth, foreign-exchange rates and stock market valuations with those of comparable economies in Southeast Asia. ‘’If you take the superior GDP (gross domestic product) growth rate of a jurisdiction like the Philippines and apply this higher rate to Thailand’s growth from 2005, it can be seen that by the end of 2008 Thailand’s GDP would be somewhere between US$30 billion and $40 billion higher than now,’’ says Sheehan.

Problems in Europe loom large on the economic radar, however. Even though Greece received the largest ever financial bailout package offered to a single country, the package failed to yield the desired bounce in the markets. Despite the huge problems that Greece faces its public debt, equivalent to about 125% of GDP, is a small proportion of the EU’s overall deficit and the fears that the contagion will spread to Portugal, Spain, Ireland and even the UK, are very real.

“Some people are predicting that in the long-term we won’t remember the problems of the last few years as a financial crisis, because that will be subsumed by the emerging sovereign debt crisis in Europe,” says Campbell.

He believes there is at least a 30% chance of the established Western economies being dragged back into recession by the problems in Europe and possibilities of a hollow recovery.

Whether this will happen or not should

AustChamThailand Advance

become clear in the figures of major economies, such as the US, when they are published in the early second half of the year, with job creation and growth key indicators to follow.

Regardless of the situation in Europe, the clear fact is that Asian economies and other emerging markets will dominate the global markets for the next several decades, a time when the former world powerhouses will continue their decline. Campbell says this is down to simple fundamentals and economic cycles. The Kondratieff Seasons, a longterm economic model that essentially explains boom and bust, give a clear outlook on investment opportunities and asset and equity allocations. This combined with a look at population growth, development and demographics paints a positive picture for Asia. ‘’The region is exporting within itself.

This has shown that Asia is much less dependent on the west which is very positive. Asian demographics also are positive with the population distribution being similar to that of the United States Baby Boom era. An economy that has a bigger chunk of people at the bottom [age group] is in a much better shape than the economy that has bigger chunk of people at the top. India, for example, will progress through the baby boom stage and isn’t projected to reach the top heavy state that is starting to impact on the growth of the US today until 2050. In long term trends this is a theme very supportive of emerging markets growth for another 40 years or so.’’

“Of course, there will be business cycles, stock market crashes and credit crunches, but for the next 40 years or so, until the major Asian economies get top-heavy, the region will be the driver of global growth,” he adds.

This changing global dynamic is seeing other economic phenomena migrate from the West to the East.

“In the past, a high-risk portfolio was emerging market bonds, Japanese equities and developing market property. At the same time a low-risk one contained US government bonds, German blue-chip companies and UK property but now, the situation is completely reversed.’’

Asian commercial property is particularly attractive in many cases with low gearing ratios and good yield carry. And while Asian growth may lead to higher interest rates, the strong carry differential will be partially protected by economic growth leading to higher rents and occupancy rates.

Campbell remains bullish on gold as one of the allocated asset classes and based on a number of technical and fundamental factors expects gold prices to ultimately rise to between $2,000 and $2,500 an ounce. Gold has been one of the asset classes that have helped Campbell to achieve exceptional outperformance over the last 10 years; a period in which the Dow Jones Industrial average has fallen by around 30% and the gold price has increased almost fivefold from its lowest point to current levels just below $1,200 an ounce.

From a personal investment point of view, expatriates living in Thailand need to have a balanced global portfolio, diversified across cash, gold, hedge funds and property. But they should also try to keep their regular costs and expenses covered off in Thai baht to reduce currency risk.

“If you live in an emerging market and you have liabilities, costs and debts, you need to match those off in the local currency. If your expenses are in Thai baht, they should be covered off in Thai baht.

The reason why people traditionally did it the other way round is because it made sense when the emerging markets were in a disinflationary cycle while the west was bullish – but now it’s the other way round.”

People who have investments and savings in western currencies would do well to hedge those risks by looking at strong Asian currencies such as the Singapore dollar. Campbell actually manages for MBMG Group one of the only global funds to hedge in Thai baht and Singapore dollars.

Despite the current global and local uncertainties, Asia and Thailand remain strong investment markets, says Campbell.

“If you’re living in this part of the world it is a very positive thing. It is where all the growth and the change is going to be,” he says.

June 2010

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business brief

Helping Organisations To Survive

By Geoffrey R. Storey

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ith the present economic crisis and with organisations looking to fight, not for profit but for survival, we find that there are four emerging issues that are shaping the global risk landscape: systemic financial risk; food security; supply chains; and energy.

Below is a look at the supply chain.

All companies and governments dependent on external suppliers are exposed to the risks of disruption in their supply chain. But the extent and complexity of current global supply chains mean that

that they may never encounter domestically, as well as very different cultural approaches to the management of risk.

As supply chains grow more and more complex and intertwine, the risk of crosscontamination from risky supply chains to secure/safe supply chains increases.

Managing risks, in particular sectors, become very difficult. Cultural barriers can also add to the confusion and lack of common understanding and consensus of what should be done.

A way needs to be established to reduce the exposure and risks, such as the following:

• Culture – Inadequate knowledge about the Peoples, culture and language in foreign countries; • Opportunism – The danger of suppliers or customers behaving opportunistically; and • Oil price – Fluctuations in oil price > logistics costs.

Risk interactions The interactions between the different types of risk, including risk event examples similar to the risk applied in most of the supply chain risk literature: supply risk, demand risk and operational risk.

Risk management strategies

Supply Risks - Supplier opportunism - Inbound product quality - Transit time variability - Risk affecting suppliers Effects

In developing risk management strategies we divide the strategies into seven categories: avoidance; postponement; speculation; hedging; control; transferring/sharing risk; and security.

Effects

Demand Risks - Demand variability - Forecast errors - Competitor movers - Risk affecting customers

Effects

Operational Risks - Inventory ownership - Asset and tools ownership - Product quality and safety

Other Risks Currency Security

the problem of supply chain management is not limited to a single enterprise or industry: even a relatively small supply chain disruption caused by a global risk event may ultimately have consequences across the global economic system.

Vulnerabilities to the supply chain are generally poorly understood and managed. This is partly because the risks in the supply chain are obscured, as enterprises and governments may be indirectly exposed to a global risk disruption through a complex range of sub-supplier arrangements. To some measure this is due to the range of possible global risk disruptions – from geopolitical risk to natural catastrophies to pandemics. A US or European based company which sources key components from Asia will indirectly face risks 16

June 2010

• Currency – Changes in exchange rates; • Transit time – Variability of time spent in transit and port clearance; • Forecast – Errors in prediction of demand leading to shortage or excess of stocks; • Quality – Defective, damaged or wrong products or components, with problems and issues differing from site to site; • Safety – Products causing safety hazards (often due to quality issues); • Business disruption – Supplier’s sudden inability to produce goods; • Survival – Supplier suddenly going out of business/bankrupt; • Ownership of inventory, tools and processes – Confusion or disputes over ownership of inventory or intellectual property;

In selecting the appropriate strategy, managers should consider both market risk and business risk, as each need to be balanced. Supply chain operations are just not capable of doing their normal daily functions and preparing strategy risk plans: can you afford not to have the risk management plan for survival and profitability?

Five steps action plan in achieving a function Risk Strategy plan Five steps of global supply chain risk management can be used, following in the footsteps of the classic circular risk analysis paradigm: Identify > Assess and Evaluate > Mitigate > Monitor and Re-assess. In specialist terms, they are called: Risk Identification; Risk Assessment and Evaluation; Selection of Risk Management Strategies; Implementation of Risk Management Strategies; and Mitigation of Supply Chain Risks.

Each step needs to be fully examined and mapped so as to enable one to analysis the information correctly as “Cause and Effect” and then to formulate the strategies that are then needed to act. Once in action these plans need to be assessed regularly to ensure that the strategy plan always remains proactive rather than reactive.

AustChamThailand Advance

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Community services supplement Community services supplement

Small Smiles in

Kanchanaburi

P

articipants on the AustCham Hellfire Pass ANZAC Day weekend trip visited the Kindergarten amenity block at Wat Putakian in Kanchanaburi, which is a major Community Services project undertaken by AustCham.

The kindergarten/day care centre caters for up to 100 children from local families living near Wat Putakian and in the surrounding district. Families rely on the facility to take care of their children while they are at work. The Wat (Temple) is on the main Kanchanaburi to Sai Yok Yai road, approximately 10 kms from the Australian government museum at Hell Fire Pass.

The Thai government does not financially support this community facility.

On 24 April, 46 of AustCham’s members and their friends arrived at the school in the late morning. Around 60 of the small school children were seated outside ready for a show by AustCham’s popular Entertainer; Clown Eckie. The children’s enjoyment of the show was obvious as laughter filled the newly built structure.

After the show, attendees served the children a lunch of sandwiches, milk, and coconut ice-cream. Each of the students went home with gifts brought by those attending. AustCham Treasurer Nigel McKinnon gave stationary goods and dolls to the kids as well as tennis and soccer balls donated by Boral.

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June 2010

AustCham gave out gifts packages of books, pens, drink bottles and toys.

Those attending were invited to contribute towards outstanding items on the purchasing list for the school and improving the dining, kitchen and toilet facilities. AustCham is pleased to announce that a total amount of Baht 28,300 was donated! Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed to supporting the Community Services project. Your gifts will help us improve the lives of the children who attend the kindergarten.

Back in 2009, the kindergarten had only a main building with five classroom bays and a small toilet block. A makeshift kitchen was sited in a tent. The Wat funds one teacher and there are two volunteer assistants and a maid.

Stage 1 Constructing the columns and attaching the roof of the Kindergarten amenity block was completed at the end of February this year.

Stage 2 The floor and kitchen walls, along with the installation of the door and windows, were completed by ANZAC Day. Stage 3 Painting, plumbing and electrical work will be completed in June this year.

AustCham would like to give a special thank you to Meinhardt, HASSELL, ECC Lincoln Scott, and Boral for initiating this project. With many other generous sponsors who shortly followed, all of whom we wish to thank. The list of all these considerate sponsors are listed next page.

The local community is delighted with the new building and is looking forward to using the kitchen and dining room as the rainy season approaches.

Back in March the sub committee inspected progress. During the visit quilts made by Aus Gems, a Sydney quilters’ group were presented to the Head teacher and the children. Aus Gems became aware of the AustCham project through Jo McIntyre, a teacher who worked at St Andrews International School in Sathorn. Jo’s mother is a quilting teacher so she and her group were very pleased to be able to donate 25 quilts to the kindergarten for the children to rest on during their daily nap session.

The gifts were reciprocated when the children kindly offered gifts of tamarind to sub-committee members.

If you would like to contribute to this great cause, please contact Brett Gannaway at: execdirector@austchamthailand.com

AustChamThailand Advance

Community services supplement

The list of donors to this project continues to grow • Allied Pickfords • Australian New Zealand Women’s Group • Aus Gems • Bambi

• BlueScope • Boral Concrete • Choice Foods • Dimet Paint • EEC Lincolne Scott • First Steps

International Kindergarten • Global Turf • Hassell • Karen Carter • Lang Suan House

• Martin Kyle • Meinhardt • NorCE Offshore • Pathumwan Princess Hotel • Robert Hagan

• Sika Thailand Ltd • Sodexo • Staff at TopTalent Asia • Thai-Aust Aluminum • Uhde Shedden • Veritas

by

Dimet (Siam) PCL.

AustChamThailand Advance

June 2010

21

From the Board meeting

AustCham Strategy Update The Board of Directors conducted a strategy review meeting on Friday, 7 and Saturday, 8 May. This update is to inform the members of the outcomes.

O

n Friday the board invited a number of key individuals and stakeholders to offer their views on areas that AustCham can improve. This included past presidents, Austrade, the Embassy and sponsors. Thanks to all who attended and for giving up their time for the members’ benefit.

I think it is an excellent trait amongst Aussies that we can discuss ideas, options and express different views without personal attacks and then make decisions for the benefit of all with all the information available to us.

The key findings on Friday were: • Australian business focus is lacking a little at the moment with a perception that AustCham is more focused on “Social Activities” rather than business.

• There is a risk of alienating the Embassy, Austrade and Big Aussie Businesses.

• Growing importance of networking as a business tool (for AustCham itself as well as for the members).

• Some challenges within the office skill set and knowledge base.

We should also recognise that the strengths of the chamber are in our diversity, tolerance and inclusiveness and that AustCham facilitates business activity through the networking (and social) activities.

The board and guests reviewed the current objectives of AustCham: To represent and promote mutual business interests of our membership in Thailand by 1. Leadership in business community 2. Building on the successes of the Thai Australian Bilateral Relationships 3. Being an information source of all members 4. Promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) through good corporate citizenship.

In discussions, the Board and guests agreed that these words should be changed to better reflect the current objectives, which include: 1. Advocacy on behalf of the members towards the Thai and Australian governments 2. Promotion of key Australian Values: • Informality • Inclusiveness • Tolerance • Diversity 3. Providing business benefits through a balance of social

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June 2010

and business activities.

4. Acting as a Middle Person for business opportunities.

5. Increasing the membership to allow further member benefits.

The board agreed that the following are the key actions that should be undertaken: Membership Criteria The Board plans to review the membership criteria to better align with the AustCham objectives. The criteria for full membership and affiliate membership will be updated and communicated once finalised.

More frequent member briefings are being regarded, possibly prior to Sundowners, as well as more frequent “President’s Updates” which will be delivered via e-mail and on the AustCham website. The information to be provided will include Advocacy updates, information provided by outside groups and other updates which are likely to be of benefit to our members.

Advance Magazine We have been reviewing the outsourcing model used and have received two bids for production of the magazine, but both of these are unacceptable at this time. The Board agreed that we will continue to work with the current provider (ScandMedia), but are re-negotiating the terms and conditions in relation to advertising revenue.

Talks The Board agreed we will focus more on topics of business relevance to our members using the “Australian focus”. There was recognition that members still look for their own marketing opportunities, and events such as breakfast briefings and webinars should still remain available to members who want to provide these. This topic is now a Board Portfolio.

Events AustCham will spend less office resources on events of a social nature and focus more on those activities that are in line with the Australian focus. Events that make good returns will continue as a way to generate funds for to provide business benefits to members. The Business Awards (business focus) will continue, as will the AFL (profitable). The Australia Day Ball and Xmas BBQ are being reviewed.

We will also explore opportunities to work with other groups such as AIT and ANZWG as a way to ensure the social events enjoyed by many are maintained.

Sundowners is clearly seen as a business networking event,

AustChamThailand Advance

From the Board Meeting

so no changes will be made to the Bangkok, Eastern Seaboard, Phuket or Chiang Mai events at this time.

Alumni The group agreed that Alumni has a longer term business benefit to members and Australia, and should therefore be continued and improved. A more detailed strategy and plan for how to make this work in the longer term. Some differentiation between the age groups is probably required.

Community Services Community Services is a worthwhile activity for the chamber to conduct on behalf of the members. However, it is not a key business activity. Therefore only a small amount of office administrative resources should be used to provide this service.

• Major projects will cease once the Kanchanaburi Kindergarten is completed.

• English teaching will continue.

• The board would like to develop something to recognise Khun Suttipong’s legacy but have not determined the appropriate outlet for this yet, and remain open to ideas.

• Convoy for Kids status needs to be clarified in terms of risks and liability and overall management, but in the short term it will continue to be supported.

Commitees and Sub-Committees No existing committees will change as a result of the strategy session.

An initial step will involve the creation of an “Australian Interest” group or committee. Leigh Scott Kemiss assisted by David Armstrong will initially look after this as a Board Portfolio. This will be for Australian owned members only, with the aim of highlighting issues for advocacy with either the Thai or Australian authorities.

There was also agreement that more focus should be made with Industry groups. AustCham has many members in areas such as Infrastructure, Construction, Education and Hospitality, so if sufficient interest can be found amongst the members, sub-committees will be formed.

A review of the Automotive Focus Groups status, activities and membership structure needs to be undertaken.

There was agreement that this group is not to be disbanded as it serves an Industry Focus today. However, issues from this group are not being raised

AustChamThailand Advance

with the Board and liability/administration is not clear.

An advisory group of senior Thais and prominent Australians will also be considered.

Implementation This meeting was the first step, with further canvassing of ideas to continue at Sundowners and via e-mail.

This update is the initial communication of the results of the strategy review, and a wider member briefing will be provided prior to the June sundowners by the president and the board.

The Executive Director has been asked to prepare a detailed project plan for review by the board ASAP with specific actions and timeframes identified to move the chamber towards adoption of the items above. This should be available soon.

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June 2010

23

healthcare

AustCham’s Young Alumni Award Winner, 2009 Dr. Num Tanthuwanit Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Australia, and is a Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. He was the winner of the AustCham Young Alumni Awards in 2009. He offers us some advice today about keeping a healthy posture. Questions can be emailed to: num@bumrungraddoctor.com

Work Doesn’t Have To Be “Back-Breaking”!

B

ack pain is one of the most common complaints that patients present their doctors with and is especially common amongst working-aged people. You might think that only people engaged in labor-intensive work, such as heavy lifting, will suffer from back pain, however you may be surprised that even sitting at your desk in the office, or on the couch at home, can be just as detrimental to your back if you’re not careful.

Most cases of acute back pain are due to ‘soft-tissue’ injuries, that is, sprains and strains of the muscles and ligaments around the spine. This can be attributed to a precipitating event such as twisting the wrong way, bending down to pick something up, or other strenuous activities. In over 80% of cases recovery is expected within a

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June 2010

few weeks with relatively simple measures (such as a short period of bed rest and medication), with no long term consequences.

However, more serious and even permanent damage can be done just by sitting at your desk. Poor posture, especially ‘slouching’ or ‘rounding forward’ when sitting holds the back muscles in a poor position for long periods of time, which weakens them. It can also slowly degenerate your discs (the little cushions between your back bones) and push the discs outward from your back. This is how discs become herniated; otherwise known as a ‘slipped disc’. A slipped disc can bulge outward enough to press on nearby nerves, sending pain signals down your legs, this is called ‘sciatica’.

AustChamThailand Advance

healthcare

This is a side view of your spine. Left: normal disc between two vertebrae.

Right: disc pushed out (herniated) from bad bending habits.

Bending forward incorrectly gradually pushes discs out from the back. Lift and bend properly to avoid damaging your discs.

Check to see if you slouch when sitting, at work or at home.

Poor posture, especially in overweight people, can lead to premature disc degeneration, bulging, and hernias.

AustChamThailand Advance

June 2010

25

healthcare

Other bad habits include sitting on the edge of the seat, too far away from the desk, and crossing your legs.

Another common thing that can hurt your back is sitting too far away from the back of the seat; ‘sliding down’ and leaving a gap between your hips and the chair.

Simple Preventive Measures Instead of sitting forward in your chair, move your hips all the way to the back of the chair, and lean slightly back in comfort. If the chair back is rounded, put a small cushion in the space between your low back and the chair.

At the office: • Move the seat in and sit closer to the desk so you can sit up instead of hunching forward.

• Put the monitor up on a book, block, or shelf. Use an external keyboard for laptops.

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June 2010

AustChamThailand Advance

healthcare

Even without a seat back, you can sit comfortably. Move your seat in, put your monitor up on a block or shelf. Put a cushion or rolled up towel behind the small of your back. Depending on your height, you can lower your seat a bit so you don’t have to reach down for the desk. Sitting up straight will ensure even distribution of pressure on the discs.

Get Up and Stretch at least every hour!

Try these simple exercises at work:

..or lie flat with your knees bent and lift up your hips…

Simply stand up and extend your back …

…or simply lie flat and rest on your elbows for a little while!

So there it is- work doesn’t have to be back breaking!!! So start checking your posture and take care of your spine. Remember also that regular exrcise and keeping your weight within a healthy range will help prevent back pain.

AustChamThailand Advance

June 2010

27

member profile

The Great Indoors

By Christie McKanna, Regional Workplace director dwp (design worldwide partnership)

S

lippery slides, running tracks, fake trees and vertical gardens? Do we really need to create indoor playgrounds to make people work?

Do workplaces of the future need to be filled with follies and adult play grounds to add value to the operations of major business? What constitutes valuable real estate decisions in these times of economic volatility? Do we standardise furniture systems and consolidate shared facilities resulting in less nettable floor areas?

What makes a great indoor space for our office workers? dwp workplace is uncovering new trends in the workplace, through research and testing ideas within current projects under construction. As dwp were founded by Australians – the outdoors is a common term used in Australia to show case our natural and diverse, rugged geography and landscape. The great indoors is founded on the longing for people to feel inspired and calm within an enclosed environment.

The glitz and glamour is now replaced by authenticity and driven by functional planning. Our spaces we shape as architects and designers demonstrate the practicalities required in our workplace, designed within envelopes expressing a company’s core values. People often wonder – how we do this? In what way do you create a brand and culture within the built environment? dwp aim to create communities. We unite people in the workplace with shared facilities and a variety of work points. We focus on spaces and places for people to occupy and gather within.

The great indoors is a term we use to create communities specific to the organisation. These places are designed for people to interact, collaborate, focus and socialise. All in a day’s work, from senior director levels to admin our work

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June 2010

ethic is to provide the client with congenial and dynamic working environments.

Our latest project for Beyer Thailand, has these elements introduced early enough in the project to allow the construction process to incorporate post formed slabs that will become the structural envelopes for our designed communities. dwp has introduced external landscape design into the internal areas for informal meetings and discussions.

The central focus on the floor plan is the man feature known as the ‘Beyer Color Wheel’ designed to showcase the new water based paint colours of the rainbow. The architectural feature has a double layer, designed to show case internally the history of the company.

HR and the recruitment counters are all open and transparent upon arrival, adjacent to the Beyer Color Wheel to inspire and inform new staff about the history and corporate responsibility of the company. Beyer has been registered as the first LEED interiors project by dwp Thailand. We believe the client has taken steps and supported the direction of sustainability with their “eco smart program” –and dwp have aligned the “great indoors” to match the aspirations of our clients products and commitment to the environment.

Christie McKanna is a key figure in the design industry and heads the regional workplace portfolio for dwp. With Over 13 years experience in the commercial property industry Christie has worked on projects ranging from education master planning, property portfolio feasibility studies, award winning hotel developments and corporate interior workplace design.

Christie has delivered papers at Cornet Global, Environmental Planning Law Association and the Property Council of Australia. Her projects have covered diverse geographies from UAE, China, Taiwan and APAC. Contact: christie.m@dwp.com

AustChamThailand Advance

TIS

Chamber Events

Bangkok Sundowners at the Pathumwan Princess Hotel on 12 May 2010

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1) Back: Ektanut Suwan - Lang Suan House; Barry Petersen - Lang Suan House; Robin Hyde - Sebera International Movers and Logistics; Alan Verstein - Siam Gazette; Neil Chiu - Allied Pickfords. Front: Andrew Durieux - AustCham President, Coverage; Christoph Knichel, Pathumwan Princess Hotel; Marcel Sawyere, Pathumwan Princess Hotel. 2) Mark Cope - Downer EDI Engineering; Amanda Canavan - AustCham Director, Energi Design; Belinda Skinner - AustCham Director, Top Talent Asia. 3) Jon Matthews - Cojo Productions; Pru Colville - Cojo Productions; Carolyn O’Neill - Photographer. 4) M.L. Laksasubha Kridakon - AustCham Vice President, Baan Laksasubha Hua Hin; Khun Jurairat Jammanee - AustCham Director, HASSELL.5) Khun Wanida Niamhom - Oakwood Asia; Khun Darin Choochuay

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June 2010

AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber Events

Despite the unrest through Bangkok, AustCham made the decision to continue with Sundowners.

There was a great atmosphere at Pathumwan Princess Hotel, who we must thank for their steadfast sponsorship in hosting this event. AustCham would also like to extend its thanks to Akara Mining for continuing with their sponsorship of the evening.

With much unrest in Bangkok it has been great to see AustCham’s Sponsors and Members sticking together and supporting one another.

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- SAS; Khun Nutthaya Tiannanon - Oakwood Asia. 6) Jeremie Duthel - French Embassy in Thailand; Guests of Jeremie Duthel. 7) Luis Carlos Perez Gomez Ramirez - KPMG; Khun Attaporn Pacharanan - KPMG; Thomas V. Jacobs - KPMG; Amanda Spikes - KPMG. 8) Jo Hagan - B. Com; Robert Hagan - Artist; Barry Petersen Lang Suan House; Khun Sawaeng Panthurasri - Lang Suan House; Khun Ektanut Suwan - Lang Suan House. 9) Christoph J Knichel - Pathumwan Princess Hotel; Martin Kyle - BTS Group; Marcel Sawyere - Prathumwan Pincess Hotel. 10) Khun Waranya Sangtong - Tellus; Khun Putita Rojsiriphan - Tellus; Khun Panchaya Hotrakit - Tellus; Khun Maythiya Yodsawas - Shewsbury International School. 11) Eddie Howarth, Guest of Eddie Howarth Ian Webb - BTD Asia.

AustChamThailand Advance

June 2010

31

New Members and Members’ Changes

Change of Company Name

Change of Representative

Global Fleet Sales Co., Ltd. has changed company name to be RMA Automotive Co., Ltd.

Mr. Volkert Geertsen, Director of Sales + Marketing is a new representative of Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Méridien Hotel.

Tanayong Public Company Limited has changed company name to be BTS Group Holdings PCL.

Khun Pratamaporn Svasti-Xuto, Group Representative, Thailand is a new representative of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited.

Find Your inner J.K. Rowling, Aravind Adiga or John Grisham

AustCham Thailand is now on Twitter.

AustCham Thailand is now on Twitter.

Follow Followus usat: at: twitter.com/austcham twitter.com/austcham

AustCham seeks writers, journalists and coeditor to assist, on a voluntary basis, with the Chamber’s very successful monthly magazine, Advance. 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

Corporate Sponsors 2010 GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

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June 2010

AustChamThailand Advance

Members’ offers

Amari Orchid Pattaya Enjoy one of the best BBQ sensations for only Baht 990 per person. Delicious Wagyu Beef BBQ Night is on every Saturday from 18.30 and features our chef’s finest selection of Australian Wagyu Beef and free flow drinks.

AusWa Thai AustCham members can get their profiles including company logo, link to their website and an extract of their company details registered at Longdo Map Thailand for FREE! To receive full details of this offer, please email freeaustchammem-map@austhai.biz.

Baan Laksasubha Baan Laksasubha at Hua Hin is delighted to offer readers two nights stay in the Garden Veranda for only Baht 7,000.

Set in plush landscaped gardens, spacious guestrooms are ideal for a romantic getaway or weekend retreat with the family.

Enjoy dining at our Costanera Beach Restaurant & Tapas Bar which overlooks a private beach and serves a variety of culinary delights. To book this offer, kindly email rsvn@baanlaksasubha.com or contact us on 032 514 525-31 and quote ACOO1.

Conrad Bangkok Escape the summer heat and retreat to The Conrad Bangkok with our special “Great Getaway: 20% off for stays between 28 May – 6 September, 2010”.

Simply book between now and 15 July 2010 to enjoy up to 20% off Best Available Rate.

Classic rooms start from Baht

5,200 / single room per night.

Reservations can be made through: reservations@conradbangkok.com or by calling +66 2690 9999.

Coverage SARS, Tsunami, Bird Flu, Coup, Swine Flu, Riots, - what’s the next X for Thailand? What’s next for your business? Are you prepared? Coverage knows and understands all parts of your business and can help provide a plan, training and exercise for you and your staff in English and Thai. Andrew is offering a 20% discount for all AustCham members. Call 02 261 8485.

Emirates Fly Emirates and enjoy 10% discount on all fares as an esteemed member of the Australian Chamber of commerce. Be privy to a choice of over 100 destinations worldwide and enjoy our award-winning service. We also offer our First and Business Class customers a complimentary personal airport transfer in a chauffeur-driven car at selected airports. This offer is valid for bookings made by 30 November 2010 when you quote the promotional code: THEMBZY * Mile restrictions apply

Manohra Dining Cruises Board a beautifully restored antique rice barge and enjoy a gold menu set of 10 courses for Baht 1,990 per person or a Silver set menu of 8 courses valued at Baht 1,250 per person. The boat departs at 19.30 each evening.

For reservations, please call 02 476 0022 Ext. 1416, or email manohra@manohracruises.com

Marriott Resort and Spa Schedule your next meeting at Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa to take advantage of their “Achieve & Relax package”. Offering a special price for deluxe rooms starting at Baht 3,400 per night.

Book before 30 June to take advantage of this offer which will run until 31 October, 2010. For more information or reservation, please contact the Sales Center at (66) 2 476 5005, or email marriottevents@minornet.com.

Millennium Hilton Bangkok Millennium Hilton is offering Special Treats for those residing in Thailand: Baht 3,000 for room and breakfast with a complimentary upgrade to Executive Room. Baht 3,500 for room and breakfast with a complimentary upgrade to Executive Suite and Thai Massage for two persons. Breakfast for two, afternoon tea and evening drinks are some of the additional priveledges included.

For information and reservations please call 02 442 2000.

Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square is offering x10 Bonus points when holding banquets and meetings in May and June. In addition to the regular point collection program, you will receive ten times the regular amount of points redeemable for an International Buffet Dinner Voucher, for every Baht 5,000 spent. For more information, please call Banquet Sales on 02 209 8888.

Rajas Fashions We are offering AustCham Members some great deals for the month of June! Buy any suit and

get two free Egyptian Cotton dhirts for free. Buy four egyptian cotton shirts and get the fifth one free. Buy a Baht 5,000 gift voucher for your colleague or loved one for only Baht 4,000. These offers expire at the end of this month.

Shangri-La Hotel Shangri-La is offering rooms for just Baht 4,500 per night.

Their special weekend offer includes breakfast for two, and your choice of lunch or dinner at Next 2. The offer is valid until the end of June.

For bookings and enquiries, please call the Reservations Department at Tel: 02 206 8788 or email: reservations. slbk@shangri-la.com.

Sukhothai Sukhothai offers you a 30 minute Absolute Skin Purifying sea salt scrub and marine seaweed wrap to improve blood circulation and eliminate toxins. Followed up with a one hour Sukhothai signature massage and complimentary fruit juice, this package is valued at Baht 3,400 for one person, or Baht 6,400 for two. For information or reservations, please email: promotions@sukhothai.com

Westin The Westin Power Up Package includes a daily complimentary buffet breakfast at the new international restaurant ‘Taste’ and complimentary high speed internet access. Bookings are subject to availability with rates starting from Baht 4,900/room/ night for stays from now until 31 December 2010. For reservations, please contact: 02 207 8000

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

AustChamThailand Advance

June 2010

33

From the Chamber Office

Message from the ED

W

e were all deeply saddened by the events that took place last month in Bangkok and various provinces throughout Thailand. The disturbances caused the chamber to postpone a number of our events scheduled in Bangkok, Rayong and Chiang Mai and while the chamber and directors realise the inconvenience caused to our hosts, sponsors and members, everybody’s safety was the chambers first priority. Thank you to all of our members for your understanding and we apologise for any inconvenience caused due to these postponements. As things get back to normal the Chamber will continue to provide you with great events, informative lunches and breakfast sessions and fantastic networking opportunities.

Speaking of events, this year it looks like we will be making some key changes to one of our major events, the Australia Business Awards. We are busy crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s on a new revamped and restyled awards evening and I will bring you further details as they arise. It is never too early to get your application in or to nominate someone who you believe is worthy of one of the six category awards. The nominations are open to Australian and Thai companies and to other companies that can demonstrate a contribution to the Thai and/ or Australian economies. Nomination forms and guidelines for nominees can be downloaded at: www.austchamthailand.com On pages six and seven of this month’s edition of Advance, you can find a summary of a recent strategy meeting that took place with stakeholders of the Chamber which included the current board, past presidents, embassy representatives, Austrade representatives, and sponsors along with representatives from the AustCham secre-

Calendar of Events WEDNESDAY, 2 JUNE Bangkok Commonwealth Sundowners

18.00 – 21.00 Venue: TBA FRIDAY, 4 JUNE Convoy for Kids Charity Golf Day

10.30 Registration 12.30 Shotgun Start Venue: Laem Chabang Golf and Country Club

tariat office. The aim of the meeting was to take a look back at our recent history, distinguish where we are as a chamber and our future direction. The board of directors then had the rare opportunity where they could sit down as a group for a full day and work out the best way to achieve those goals which provide the best benefit for our members. By having the representatives from the various organisation s, it allowed us to have input from all sides and get a balanced view from all stakeholders concerned.

The process of continuous improvement for the chamber and continuing great value to you, our members is an ongoing one. As always, I welcome everybody’s comments and feedback so please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you would like to share your views and opinions.

FRIDAY, 11 JUNE Eastern Seaboard Sundowners

18.00 – 21.00 Venue: Hard Rock Hotel, Pattaya SATURDAY, 12 JUNE Voluntary English Teaching

Venue: Baan Khao Din School, Chonburi

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

Thank you to all May sponsors

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AustChamThailand Advance

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