ADVANCE ~ March 2011

AustChamThailand

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AUSTRALIA THAILAND BUSINESS COUNCIL www.austchamthailand.com March 2011

15th Annual Australia Day Business Awards embassy news Australia Unlimited Launched in Thailand

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AustChamThailand Advance

community services Voluntary English Teaching at Baan Khao Din School

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member’s news Thai-Australian Alumni’s Online Auction for QLD Flood Relief

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chamber events ESB Sundowners at Hilton, Pattaya, February 2011

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Everybody’s Talking About...

Come and find out why Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok, provides outstanding educational opportunities in a unique riverside setting for children age 3 to 18.

Your child’s learning journey begins here.

Book your school visit now by calling Bonnie Sauder on 02 675 1888 ext 1110 or email bonnie.s@shrewsbury.ac.th w w w . s h r e w s b u r y. a c . t h

Contents PATRON His Excellency James Wise Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand PRESIDENT Andrew Durieux Coverage Portfolio: Regional Links VICE-PRESIDENTS John Anderson Meinhardt Portfolio: Community Services M.L. Laksasubha Kridakon Baan Laksasubha Resort Hua Hin Portfolio: Alumni and Sponsorship

7 Austcham business awards 2011 7 15th Annual Australia Day Business Awards Gala Event

embassy news 10 Australia Day: Celebrate What’s Great!

12 Embassy Briefing at the British Club 14 Australia Unlimited Launched in Thailand

members advancing 16 Cultural Center Becomes the First Building in Thailand to Earn the Highly Coveted Environmental Award COMMUNITY SERVICES 18 Voluntary English Teaching at Baan Khao Din School on 12 Febuary 2011

member’s news 20 An Auction of Ceramic Art to Benefit the Queensland Flood Relief

DIRECTORS Achara Boonyahansa Grant Thornton Portfolio: Marketing Amanda Canavan Energi Design Asia Portfolio: Major Events

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chamber Events 22 Bangkok Sundowners on Wednesday, 2 February 2011 at the British Club 24 ESB Sundowners at Hilton, Pattaya on Friday, 11 February 2011 NEW MEMBERS 26 AustCham’s New Members and Changes of Member Companies Members’ offers 28 AustCham Members’ Offers

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TREASURER Nigel McKinnon Boral Thailand Portfolio: Treasury

From the Chamber Office 30 Message from the ED

Jurairat Jammanee HASSELL Portfolio: Alumni and Sponsorship Martin Kyle Asia Biogas Leigh Scott-Kemmis DBM Portfolio: SME Belinda Skinner TopTalentAsia Portfolio: Communications Ben Yong Baker & McKenzie Portfolio: Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce Thailand, Board of Trade and Other Links Saeed Zaki dwp Portfolio: Member Benefits Ex Officio Maurine Lam Trade Commissioner, Austrade

From the Board

COORDINATORS Paul Whyte New Asia Pacific ESB Coordinator Email: esb@austchamthailand.com Paul Wilkinson CEA Projects 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 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

A new beginning or more of the same?

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eviewing my President’s Messages from last year, I recall writing about things ‘red’. In March, 2011, I wonder what has changed.

Happy Chinese New Year to all. Welcome to the year of the Rabbit (ok so the animal changed!). Valentine’s Day is over for another year. Red lanterns, red roses, red love hearts, red envelopes and even red T-shirts were back again!

The big difference is that this time we have some yellow shirts as well. We also have had ongoing “discussions” with our ASEAN neighbours to the East, and have had some inadvertent accidents with our ASEAN neighbours to the West. At least our friends in the West have had an election, of sorts, recently.

Of course all this is occurring in the context of two upcoming elections.

One which may have already been held before you read this.

This year the AustCham AGM is held on 2 March. On behalf of last year’s Board of Directors I will take this chance to thank all the members, staff and sponsors for their contributions. I know that the board worked very hard to ensure that members continued receiving the wide range of services and benefits that AustCham provides. In particular the board continued and expanded our networking events, business related briefings and updates, advocacy efforts, and our efforts with the alumni group. Of course along the way we had some fun social events (who could forget the two AFL Grand final events in just eight days?). The new Members Benefits scheme and electronic membership card should be up and running very soon as well.

Clearly last year was an interesting one from the Thai political perspective.

The results of our end of year accounts (basically break even) and stable membership numbers reflects a good outcome. April and May were very difficult months for many of our members and also the Chamber office. In light of the uncertainty at the time, the board chose to focus the Chamber staff’s attention on some key issues, of which one result was to move of the Business Awards to align with the Australia Day event in January. Don’t worry folks – the new

board will be providing a chance for you to let your hair down again later in the year – providing of course the other election goes well.

I should also say thank you and good luck to our outgoing Executive Director Brett Gannaway. Brett did an excellent job of steering the chamber during the last two years of political chaos, GFC and Pandemics. The board and in particular myself, wish him all the best for his future endeavours whether they be in Thailand or elsewhere.

The other election of note is the upcoming Thai general election, which is why the various coloured shirts and neighbourhood events are all ramping up.

AustCham, along with many others, hopes that there can be a clear outcome without vote-buying, protests or mud-slinging. If the result requires a handover, then we hope that it will be as smooth as possible and the rule of law will be applied equally, quickly and openly in all cases.

We have had some positive interactions with the current government and their ministries, and seen some positive signs in our advocacy efforts in the areas of property leases, 90 day reporting and customs changes. We expect other positive steps to follow soon, and AustCham will be actively involved on your behalf in all of these discussions, as well as in the upcoming ASEAN 2015 changes, which promise to be significant. My only regret over the last 12 months as President has been the lack of information I have been able to provide in these areas, and can promise you that I will continue attempting to do so.

Good luck to the new board. Of course I may or may not be amongst that group, but I feel confident that most of this year’s board will have been re-elected. I look forward to seeing AustCham and its members continue growing together.

Andrew Durieux President, AustCham Thailand www.austchamthailand.com March 2011

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AustChamThailand Advance

austcham business awardS 2011

The 15th annual AustCham Business Awards presentation ceremony was held on 29 January 2011 in recognition of successful and innovative Australian/Thai businesses which have shown excellence throughout 2010. Receiving an AustCham Business award is an endorsement of the quality of a company’s products, services and ethics. The event gave finalists the opportunity to showcase their achievements and celebrate in a formal dinner dance setting. Thanks must go to Natural Ville & LeNotre and Austrade for their generous support of this occasion, as well as AustCham’s media partner, the Bangkok Post.

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ach year six independent judges give up their time and invest much effort into processing the award applicants, visiting the semi-finalists at their premises and deliberating over who is to receive awards in each category. AustCham wishes to express many thanks to the six judges for their contribution this year. The six judges were:

AustChamThailand Advance

• Dr. Om Huvanandana; Director of Business Administration, Doctorate Programme University (DPU) • Khun Prasert Eamterapiboon; Former Managing Director, Rio Tinto Thailand • Khun Anucha Chintakanond; Assistant Professor, Chartered Director and Adviser to the Chairman, Foreign Affairs and International Business

Development Division, Pan Rajdhevee Group • Maurine Lam; Regional Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, ASEAN North • Dr. Valerie McKenzie; Managing Director, Thana Burin Asia Pacific • Martin Kyle; Chief Financial Officer, Asia Biogas

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austcham business awardS 2011

Following careful consideration, analysis and debate, the following recipients were selected. AustCham Thailand proudly congratulates these companies and individuals for their excellent achievement: Business of the Year Visy Packaging Selected by the six independent judges for their overall performance for 2010.

The Tourism and Hospitality Award Wotif.com Holdings For maintaining the most profitable relations with their clients despite the recent political protests and floods.

Education and Human Development Award Siam Ocean World Bangkok For their outstanding contribution in education, human recourse development, executive coaching and training and increasing employee morale by improving general overall employee relations.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Awareness Accor Asia Pacific For their achievements

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in sustainable development, innovative measures to improve the operating environment, and enhance and encourage corporate social responsibility with their “Yim Kids” project.

KIS International school – for innovative teaching structure and worlds best practice in educational excellence.

Best Services Company Hemaraj Land And Development For their outstanding world class standards and professional business consultancy in the areas of property, real estate and business facilitation.

Popular Choice Award dTAC Voting for Popular Choice Award is cast by peers and guests on the night.

Industrial Excellence McConnell Dowell Constructors Thai For their continuity, staying power and transfer of technology. They achieved significant sales in exports of products, making significant contributions to the foreign exchange earnings of Thailand.

Special Mentions: Special Mentions were awarded to the following three finalists: Superior A.R.T. – for innovations in infertility and IVF treatments.

The Beaumont Partnership – for commitment to improving industry education.

President’s Award This year’s President’s Award was posthumously awarded to Khun Sutipong Ittipong for his committed efforts to the Chamber and its Community Services in almost twenty years of service.

Young Alumni Award Khun Jak Leelathayphawan was awarded the AustCham Young Alumni of the Year for his achievements in strengthening business, social and political bonds between Thailand and Australia.

Khun Naroote Foo and Khun Saroth Oonwattananukool were appointed as the AustCham Alumni Ambassadors for 2011.

Each of the award recipients will be featured with their winning strategies in ADVANCE during this year.

AustChamThailand Advance

austcham business awardS 2011

AustChamThailand Advance

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embassy news

Australia Day: Celebrate What’s Great!

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he Australian Embassy recently hosted a reception to celebrate Australia Day at “The Residence” at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. More than 650 guests, representing the full spectrum of the Australia-Thailand bilateral relationship, attended the function.

Distinguished guests included Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban; Privy Councillor M.R. Thepkamol Devakula; Privy Councillor Atthaniti Disatha-Amnarj; President of the National Assembly of Thailand and Speaker of the House of Representatives Chai Chidchob; Former Supreme Commander General Saiyud Kerdphol AO, Police General Chavalit Yodmani AO, Members of Parliament, Senators, senior bureaucrats and industry representatives.

Teresa Wise; Australian Ambassador James Wise; President of the National Assembly of Thailand Khun Chai Chidchob; Honorary Advisor to the President of the National Assembly and Foreign Relations Manager at the Foundation of Islamic Centre of Thailand, Khun Narong Vongsumitr and Khun Phiraphan Phalusuk, Puea Thai MP for Yasothon, Spokesman on Standing Committee on Education, and member of the Australia-Thailand parliamentary friendship group.

TRY THIS:

Barbecue Prawns With Tequila Mayo

Prep: 30 mins

(mostly peeling the prawns) Cook: 3 mins Serves: 4-6 Ingredients: - 24 raw medium king prawns - 70ml tequila - 250g (1 cup) whole egg mayonnaise

• Peel the prawns and put in a bowl.

• Pour over two tablespoons of tequila and toss about a bit. Set aside.

• With a fork, whisk the rest of the tequila (about a shot glass should be left if you haven’t already partaken) into the mayo making sure it’s well combined. Transfer to a serving dish.

• Preheat the BBQ flat plate to high. Place prawns on the BBQ – be a bit careful as the tequila has a tendency to ignite....

• Cook for about three mins turning once during cooking, until cooked through.

• Serve immediately accompanied by the mayo for dipping.

All the excitement of tequila without the next day sorrows Courtesy of ‘Real Men Do it Outdoors’ BBQ cookbook available at The Barbecue Store Thailand, for 15 years Thailand’s leading retailer of quality barbecues and the agent for Australia’s Barbecues Galore.

Check their extensive range of barbecues and accessories at www.bbqthai.com Keep an eye out for our next recipe: BARBECUE PIZZA!

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AustChamThailand Advance

embassy news

In his message, Australian Ambassador to Thailand, James Wise, said Australia Day is a time to reflect on Australia in the broader global community and important relationships, including with Thailand: “Thailand and Australia have broad and deep relations built over almost 60 years of formal diplomatic ties. In government, business, education, tourism, the arts and academia, Australians and Thais have developed rewarding relationships,” the Ambassador said.

A highlight of the evening was the creative and distinctly Australian cuisine, prepared under the masterful guidance of the Grand Hyatt Erawan’s Australian Executive Chef, Lucas Glanville. The fresh foods and drinks were sourced from all over Australia, including South Australian kingfish and Pacific yellow fin tuna, Tasmanian Atlantic salmon, Queensland avocados, Pacific Oysters “Kilpatrick”, Australian beef, a selection of Australian flavored ice creams and a wide range of Australian fine wine, cheese and fresh tropical fruits.

All guests received a box of homemade macaroons.

The Australia Day 2011 celebration was proudly hosted by the Australian Embassy, Bangkok, and sponsored

by Kingsgate Consolidated and Akara Mining Limited, PTT Exploration and Production PLC, Blackmores Ltd., Oogonia Co., Ltd., Dusit Thani Bangkok, Leighton Asia Ltd., New International School of Thailand, Carnarvon Thailand Ltd., The Metropolitan, Linfox

M Logistics (Thailand) Ltd., IDP Education Service Co., Ltd., Further Education Co., Ltd., Pathumwan Princess Hotel, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, University of New South Wales, The Beaumont Partnership Co., Ltd., Primo Food and Beverage Co., Ltd. (Master Franchise of Gloria Jean’s Coffees), Siam Feather Products Co., Ltd. and Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Embassy Briefing at the British Club on Wednesday, 2 February 2011 Prior to Sundowners, AustCham’s members met to hear from Australian Embassy Immigration Councellor, Simon de Vere on the policy and processes of Australia’s business and visitor visa laws. Issues regarding the APEC Business Travel Card were also discussed. Issues were raised and discussed and members provided the Embassy with a lot to think about!

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AustChamThailand Advance

embassy news

Australia Unlimited Launched in Thailand

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he Australian Government recently launched the country’s new national brand ‘Australia Unlimited’, in Thailand.

“Thailand is a country that is undergoing a significant economic transformation; that is liberalising new industries and that wants to be, and is so well equipped to be, a partner to the world. Australia remains committed to expanding our cooperation and partnership with Thailand, and Australia is well placed to work with you,” Twine said.

Speaking in Bangkok at the Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce’s 15th Annual Business Awards on 29 January, David Twine, Austrade Regional Director for South East Asia, South Asia and Pacific said Australia Unlimited reflects the creativity, confidence and global outlook of contemporary Australia.

Australia Unlimited was developed as a consistent and contemporary way to present Australia globally. This brand identity is part of a broader programme that aims to build on Australia’s positive reputation as a place to visit by promoting the nation’s credentials as a global citizen and business partner.

“Australia and Thailand enjoy an exceptionally close relationship,” Twine said.

“Thailand is our ninth largest trading partner with two way trade surpassing AU$17 billion. We have been enriched by more than 55,000 Thai students who commenced study in Australia in the last four years alone, and today there is a long list of Australian companies looking to partner with Thailand, especially as it progresses towards the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.

Australia Unlimited is designed to reflect the positivity of Australia and its people – a creative, confident, ambitious and globally engaged country.

With the brand foundations in place, Austrade, on behalf of the Australian government are now working with both government and non-government stakeholders to roll the brand identity out as widely as possible.

“However, global research shows that while Australia has a very good international reputation, it is built largely on positive perceptions of the natural beauty and lifestyle it offers. It is not as highly regarded in relation to its technology, products and services, or inventiveness.

“We want to better communicate Australia’s credentials in Thailand.

Australia’s economy is the 14th largest in the world – and it is one of only a handful of advanced economies which grew during the global financial turmoil. Australia is home to 11 Nobel Prize winners, the Cochlear hearing implant, Google Maps and Internet Wi-Fi.

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AustChamThailand Advance

AUSTRALIA’S NEWEST FULL-SERVICE INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE HAS ARRIVED!

www.flystrategic.com.au

members advancing

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BANGKOK

Cultural Center Becomes the First Building in Thailand to Earn the Highly Coveted Environmental Award

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angkok, Thailand – November 15, 2010 – International School Bangkok (ISB), one of the premier international schools in the world, has earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certificate from the U.S. Green Building Council for its five story, 6,700 square meter Cultural Center.

The first building in Thailand to receive this distinguished award, highlights of the Cultural Center’s design and construction include: • A solar reflective roof • Occupancy sensing lighting and air conditioning devices • Naturally ventilated corridors and staircases • Double-thick external walls and high performance window glazing • Harvesting of rain water, high effi-

ciency water fixtures and innovative wastewater technologies • Equipment that has a reduced refrigerant charge minimising ozone depletion • Use of building products that are from within the region and that incorporate recycled content • Building automation systems which monitor energy performance and provide feedback

LEED is an internationally recognised green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a structure was designed and built using strategies aimed at the creation of high performance, healthful, durable, affordable and environmentally sound buildings. LEED for schools addresses: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in the design process.

If you would like more information about ISB’s new Cultural Center and it Gold Certification award please contact Mr. Tony Arnold on the details below.

Phone: 081-905-7721 Email: anthonya@isb.ac.th Website: www.isb.ac.th

‘Members Advancing’ is a new section in ADVANCE to allow AustCham Members to share their latest achievements.

For details about getting your latest achievement on these pages, contact: josh@austchamthailand.com

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AustChamThailand Advance

 

KIS International School warmly invites you to a Charity Art Exhibition ‘Moving Forward’ and Silent Art Auction.

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The exhibition features art from talented students from around Bangkok.

Thursday 31st March 6.30pm-9.00pm @ KIS International School 999/124 Kesinee Ville Pracha-Utit Road Huay Kwang

Admission is free and refreshments will be available. For map or directions please go to: www.kis.ac.th. For enquiries please call: (02) 2743444 For competition entries please visit: http://www.kis.ac.th/art_competition/

community services

Voluntary English Teaching at Baan Khao Din School on 12 Febuary 2011 Voluntary English Teaching at Baan Khao Din School, Chonburi on Saturday, 12 February 2011 Volunteers set off for their monthly English teaching trip to Chonburi. This time they were accompanied by Clown Eckie who delighted the children, following their lesson, with a show. Thanks must go to Clown Eckie and the Gift of Happiness Foundation, as well as John Duke and Bangkok Hospital for the kind loan of their van. Last, but not least, AustCham would like to thank all the volunteers for coming along, as well as Khun Panida and Khun Kasemsri for bringing along additional snacks and prizes for the students. For more details of the English teaching program, please contact: varin@austchamthailand.com

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AustChamThailand Advance

since 1951. www.isb.ac.th

member’s news

An Auction of Ceramic Art to Benefit the Queensland Flood Relief

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t always seems to be the case that those in the arts and creative industries more than pull their weight in terms of philanthropic and charitable endeavours. The heartbreaking spectacle of the Queensland flood crisis has again shown the inherent generosity of spirit and character of Australian public sentiment.

Like many others, Khun Vipoo Srivilasa was distressed by the unfolding tragedy.

He organised an auction featuring the donated works of well known and awardwinning artists to raise funds for The Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal (www.qld. gov.au/floods/donate.html).

Khun Vipoo contacted his friends and colleagues, asking them to donate artwork to be entered in the auction. His expectations were exceeded as he fielded expressions of support from as far away as North America. “The response has been overwhelming! I was planning for maybe twenty artists to join me but I reached forty in no time. It’s turning into a much bigger project than I expected”, he admitted.

The auction took place on online auction site, Ebay, where the pieces of art were up for bid from Friday, 4 – Sunday, 6 February 2011.

With bids starting at AU$20 upwards, it was unclear how much money would be raised. At the close of the auction, an astounding AU$20,471 was raised, of which all will be donated to the Premier Flood Relief.

Renowned Thai artist, Khun Vipoo Srivilasa is based in Melbourne. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Ceramics at Rangsit University in Bangkok before moving to Australia in 1999, where he completed his Master of Fine Art and Design (Ceramic) at the University of Tasmania. Khun Vipoo has held numerous solo and group exhibitions around the world including in Australia, South East Asia, USA , Germany, Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Spain, India, China and Russia. Khun VIPOO works mostly in ceramics, exploring similarities between the cultures of his native Thailand and Australia, his adoptive home. For more information about Khun Vipoo, please visit: www.vipoo.com

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AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber Events

Bangkok Sundowners on Wednesday, 2 February 2011 at the British Club

AustCham held its first Bangkok Sundwoners of the year for the first time at the British Club. AustCham thanks the British Club and CEL Engineers for hosting a spectacular evening.

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1) Khun Suklin Rathabhakdi - The British Club; Simon Roberts - The British Club. 2) Hugh Kennedy - Montpelier; Les Kitching - Veritas Graphics; Stuart Baker - Thailand Insurance Sercive. 3) Michael Thomas - Samudra Beach Resort Residences; Stephane Miralles - dwp. 4) Phillip Williams Infinity Financial Solutions; Leah Kartesz. 5) Caroline Herbert - Planet NGO; Eric Lynn - MyifeQs; Khun Pornpen Wongsakorn - Nova Fusion. 6) Max Tranboo - Panomatics; Pascale Morillon - dunnhumby. 7) Khun Jurairat Jammanee - AustCham Director, HASSELL; Khun Nattawan Iamsittipol - Thana

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AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber Events

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10 Burin; Khun Kasemsri Kaewthammacha - Thana Burin; Khun Suporn - Thana Burin. 8) Helen Featherstone; Warwick Kneale - Baker Tilly; Khun Achara Boonyahansa - AustCham Thailand, Grand Thornton; Eugene Cody; Timothy Leake. 9) Khun Somsak Pattanarukhut - AES Group; Khun Supara Suwannarat - AES Group; Khun Farantee Taechathanabut - AES Group. 10) Gerhord Hamang; Khun Boonlert Hornapant - KONE ; Khun Nucharin Kaewphet - KONE; Henny Beeber - AES Group.

AustChamThailand Advance

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Chamber Events

ESB Sundowners at Hilton, Pattaya on Friday, 11 February 2011 The first ESB Sundowners for the year was held for the first time at the stylishly decorated Hilton Pattaya. AustCham thanks them for hosting this networking event, as well as corporate sponsors Cranes and Equipment Asia, Cromwell Tools and Modulift.

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1) Stuart McKenzie - Sales and Engineering; Elwin Kemming - Hilton Pattaya; Chris Hagerman - Internet Consulting Asia. 2) Dr.Iain Corness - Bangkok Hospital, Pattaya; Jack Firth - CEA Projects. 3) Khun Yawadee Fangseeda - dusit D2 hotels & resorts; Michael Ganster - dusitD2 baraquda pattaya; Khun Pattita C. Adinolfi - dusitD2 Hotels & Resorts. 4) Khun Sakda Yodsalae - Hilton Pattaya; Khun Tanaphol Rodpinyo - Dusit Thani; Khun Wiracha Suchonthong - Hilton Pattaya; Khun Nattawan Thammarak - Dusit Thani; Khun Achawin Sornthip - Dusit Thani. 5) Sandra Cooper - Able the Disabled Foundation; Khun Tientong Barro - Watermark. 6) Neil Ross - RMA Parts and Service; Christine Ross - RMA Parts and Service. 7) Sandra Cooper - Able the Disabled Foundation; Khun Tientong Barro - Watermark.

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AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber New members Events and Members’ changes AUSTCHAM Members’ offers

IRPC Public Company Ltd. Energy Complex Building B, 6th Floor 555/2 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Rd. Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, THAILAND Tel: +66 2 649 7137 Fax: +66 2 649 7166 Email: www.irpc.co.th Website: mktasset@irpc.co.th

Principal: Mr Narong Pongpatranon Alternate: Mr Samrerng Saypan IRPC Public Company Ltd. or IRPC (Company), formerly Thai Petrochemical Industry Plc. Co. Ltd. or “TPI”, was registered in 1978 by the Leophairatana family. TPI was transformed into a public company limited on 10 October, 1994 and listed on the SET on 17 March, 1995.

IRPC started to produce applications of petroleum and petrochemical products in 1982 and expanded its line of production of various petrochemical products. It expanded the plant and infrastructures to a fully integrated petrochemical complex. IRPC suffered from the financial crisis in 1997 and entered a rehabilitation process in 2000. The rehabilitation was deemed successful on 26 April, 2006.

their most challenging transactions and assignments. With offices in major business and financial centres, they deliver an outstanding service to their clients anywhere in the world.

In Bangkok they advise across a range of practice areas including the full range of financing law; banking, projects, acquisition finance and real estate finance; all areas of capital markets, including international securities advice and structured finance. Their corporate M&A team is recognised as a market leader for all disciplines, including private equity.

M & C Energy (Thailand) Ltd AA Floor, Zone A, Rajanakarn Building 183 South Sathorn Road Sathorn, Yannawa Bangkok 10120, THAILAND Tel: +66 2 343 9227 Fax: +66 2 286 9951 Email: Laddawan.tantisantiwong@ mcenergygroup.com Website: www.mcenergygroup.com

Principal: Mr Alexander McKinnon Alternate: Mr Andrew Sloan Linklaters (Thailand) Ltd. 20th Floor, Capital Tower All Seasons Place, 87/1 Wireless Rd. Lumpini, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330, THAILAND Tel: +66 2 305 8000 Fax: +66 2 305 8010 Email: bangkok@linklaters.com Website: www.linklaters.com

Principal: Mrs Wilailuk Okanurak Alternate: Mr Pichitpon Eammongkolchai Linklaters LLP Specialises in Advising the world’s leading companies, financial institutions and governments on

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M&C Energy (Thailand) Ltd is the regional office of M&C Energy Group Ltd. (formerly known as McKinnon & Clarke).

M&C Energy Group was established in the United Kingdom in 1976. Since then, the company has become a truly international organisation and now operates 20 offices in 13 countries across Europe, Asia and America servicing clients in over 40 countries. M&C Energy are world leaders in energy and carbon management consultancy; saving money and improving energy efficiency for clients. They are experts in all areas of energy management including purchasing, environmental solutions, engineering and auditing of energy and utilities markets. Combining these skills, along with data gathering and the procurement, planning and ongoing management of energy costs and usage, they enable

their clients to operate more efficiently while also making significant savings to their energy costs. For more information, please visit www.mcenergygroup.com

Siam Firm Inter Laws Ltd. 120/7 Sukhumvit Soi 23 Klongtoey Nua, Wattana Bangkok 10110, THAILAND Tel: +66 2 260 3025-7 Fax: +66 2 260 3028 Email: info@siamfirm.co.th Website: www.siamfirm.co.th

Principal: Mr Somsak Chopaka Alternate: Mr Brian Bennett Siam Firm Inter Laws Limited was founded by Somsak Chopaka, a Thai attorney with substantial experience practicing international law. Prior to establishing the firm, he worked as inhouse legal advisor for international companies such as Asahi Glass Group, Mobil International Inc., Grampian Food Siam, and Golden Food.

With over 30 years experience in assisting foreign and local professionals in Thailand, Siam Firm Inter Laws has built a reputation of reliability, quality, trust and a high level of expertise.

At present, Siam Firm is the Legal Counsel of Brunei Embassy, French International School, French Foundation for Education, Unicity Marketing (Thailand) and other big companies. Siam Firm is included in the List of Attorneys of both U.S. Embassy and UK Embassy.

With a team of bi-lingual attorneys, Siam Firm is well equipped to deal with any legal challenge put to them. Be it company formation, land and house purchase, retirement visa application, civil and criminal case, or family law.

AustChamThailand Advance

New members and Members’ changes

TEAM Group of Companies 151 Team Building, Nuan Chan Road Nuan Chan, Bung Kum Bangkok 10230, THAILAND Tel: +66 2 509 9000 # 2025 Fax: +66 2 509 9090 Email: chawan@team.co.th Website: www.teamgroup.co.th

Principal: Mr Chawan Theungsang Alternate: Mr Issarin Patramai Founded in 1978, TEAM GROUP is a conglomerate of Thai-based consulting firms that provide integrated consulting services to customers throughout Thailand and the region. The group services cover four major areas including:

AustChamThailand Advance

1. Infrastructure and environment (which covers water resources management, transportation and logistics, environmental engineering, environmental management, and building and infrastructure) 2. Energy 3. Management and training 4.

Media and communications, integrated services are viewed as a critical business strategy in their quest to improve competitiveness and ability to respond to customer demand.

Their valued clients include government agencies, state enterprises, private companies in various sectors, and financial institutions, as well as international organisations and funding agencies.

Change of Representative • Mr. Tareq Bagaeen, Director, Sales and Marketing is a new representative of Banyan Tree Bangkok.

• Mr. Fraser Ross, Director of Sales and Marketing is a new representative of Anantara Bangkok Sathorn.

• Mr. Lee Reeves, General Manager is a new representative of Metron Medical Co., Ltd. Change of Company Address Strategic Migration PO Box Q1927, Queen Victoria Building NSW 1230 AUSTRALIA Tel: +61 2 9262 3173 Fax: +61 2 9299 2124 Nitas and Associates Limited 88 AP Nakarintr Tower, 21st Floor Soi Lasalle 58, Kwaeng Bangna Khet Bangna, Bangkok 10260

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AUSTCHAM Members’ offers

Amari Orchid Pattaya Sivara Spa is offering a special two and a half hour package for only Baht 2,999. It includes a mint foot scrub, feeling fruity body scrub, aromatic oil massage and manicure or pedicure. For more information, contact: sivaraspa@orchid. amari.com

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 and 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.

Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa Receive an extra Baht 800 of credits while booking a room with a special rate starting at Baht 4,300. Choose even greater awards of Baht 1,600 credits for a room with a special rate at Baht 4,600 or get a credit increase up to 2,400 for a room valued at Baht 4,900.

This offer is available from now until 31 March 2011. For more information or reservations, please call: +66 2 477 0755 or email: reservemarriott@ minornet.com

28 March 2011 28 March 2011

Clarity IT ClarITy will visit your office (CBD area) and carry out a half day audit and review for your use of IT (based on well proven principles) and then brief on ways you can improve your overall IT. Please contact: + 66 (0) 2 650 4770 or email: enquiry@clarity.co.th

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 per cent discount for all AustCham members. Call 02 261 8485.

Conrad Bangkok To celebrate Chinese New Year, Conrad is offering the following special rates from 2 - 16 February. Chinese set lunch is at Baht 999 or 1,288 per person and “Gong Hei Fat Choi” set dinner for 10 persons is available at Baht 16,800. Special a la carte and regular menus are also available.

For information and reservations, please call 0 2690 9999 or email: info@conradbangkok.com

Holiday Inn Holiday Inn Silom Bangkok is offering AustCham Members a special 25 per cent discount on Food and Beverages. Enjoy their sumptuous International Buffet at The Brasserie, Northern Indian Cuisine at Tandoor, an outstanding a la carte selection of Afternoon Tea at Orchid Lounge

or Relax after a long hard day of work at Hari’s Bar with tasty snack and great music. For more information please call 02 238 4300 or email: reservations@ holidayinnsilom.com

Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa Choose and enjoy between a set menu of four or seven courses on the beach that fuse the finest ingredients and most tantalizing flavors of Italian and Mediterranean specialties. Prices are Baht 1,800 per person for four courses and Baht 2,000 per person for seven courses.

For more information and reservations, please call: +66 32 511 881 ext. 1804

InterContinental Hua Hin Resort Thai residents can enjoy a grand deluxe room with daily breakfast and late check out, wth prices starting at Baht 5,500 for weekdays or Baht 8,000 for Saturday and Sunday, per room, per night. For bookings and enquiries, please call +66 32 616 999, or email: rsvn@ichuahin.com

Intrepid We would like to offer 20 per cent discount on all Intrepid Urban adventure tours worldwide. These are unique day trips ranging from three hours to full day in over 100 cities around the world. To make a booking simply go to our website: www.urbanadventures.com when you make a booking, enter the promotion code ‘AUSTCHAMTH’. This discount is open ended with no end date and no limit on the number of bookings.

I Visions We’re offering Auscham members a 10% discount and a free iPad when you purchase our products.

The promotion is valid till 15 April and include i-Vis DocuCare; a document management system to automate the document flow and move towards paperless office, i-Vis ISO MTS; a ISO management and tracking system to automate the ISO work flow and track all records and documents; i-Vis MMS; a maintenance management system for the equipment or machinery and products on lease, and i-Vis LMTS; a legal management system including time sheet system. For more information, please contact 0814591943 or email: hinduja@ ivision.co.th

Le Meridien We are offering a 20 per cent discount on food (only) at Latest Recipe, Bamboo Chic, Tempo and Latitude13, for one to 20 guests.

Children between 3 - 12 years old receive 50 per cent discount and below three years old dine for free. This promotion cannot be combined with any other promotions. Please provide you member Name and card number when you make a reservation and present you card for identification at the venue. This offer is valid until 31 December 2011. For reservations, please contact 02 232 8888 or email fbadmin. bangkok@lemeridien.com

Manohra Dining Cruises Board a Manohra Dining Cruise beautifully restored antique rice barge and take advantage of our silver selection which is now

AustChamThailand Advance AustChamThailand Advance

AUSTCHAM Members’ offers

available at an incredible price of Baht 1,400 per person, promising a sumptuous variety of seven memorable courses. Our Gold set menu of nine courses is also available at Baht 1,990 per person. For further information or reservations, please call +66 2 476 0022 Ext. 1416 or email: manohra@manohracruises.com

Millenium Hilton Thai residents can take advantage of Baht 3,000 for room and breakfast with complimentary upgrade to Executive Room or Baht 3,500 for room and breakfast with Complimentary upgrade to Executive Suite and Thai Massage for two persons. For information and reservation please call 02 442 2000.

Swissotel Nai Lert Bangkok Swissôtel Nai Lert Park, Bangkok offers a gastronomic journey package featuring Michelin star chef Dominique Gauthier from Le Beau Rivage, Switzerland. From 14 to19 February, delight your tastebuds and take advantage of our special rate for two persons at only Baht 8,888. To make a reservation, please call 02 253 0123.

Pacific City Club Pacific City Club is offering a special offer to AustCham Thailand members: A 100% waive the regular joining fee of Baht 130,000 (4K USD) until 31 March 2011. We will also offer the following discounted Monthly Dues payment (normally Baht 3,000 per member/per month):

AustChamThailand Advance AustChamThailand Advance

• 3 Months @ Baht 3,000 per member/month • 6 Months @ Baht 2,500 per member/month • 12 Months @ Baht 2,000 per member/month This is a limited and exclusive offer to the first 250 AustCham Member Representatives. For more information or to obtain an application form, please logon to the AustCham website.

Phachara Suites Strike when the deal is hot with our unbeatable exclusive deal starting at Baht 2,500.For more information or reservation please call +66 2 262 9888.

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit AustCham Members are offered 20% discount on show packages for the Frank Sinatra Musical - “Frankly… I was a fool for love” - live at The Living Room from 3-6 and 10-13 March, 2011.

Only Baht 1,200 per person inclusive of two standard drinks or Baht 2,500 to include a threecourse set dinner at Rossini’s.

For reservations, please call 02 6498353 or email dining.sgs@ luxurycollection.com

Siam Ocean World Siam Ocean World invites you to the fantastic underwater world experience with Siam Ocean World membership card of only Baht 1,500 for adults, 1,200 for children and an even better deal for a family pack with four

membership cards priced at Baht 4,000. The membership card also offers a double reward with 50 per cent discount for our Glass Bottom Boat activity, 4D movies and a ten per cent discount for food and beverages and at the Shark Shop.

The Aetas Baht 2,750 is being offered to celebrate the opening of “The AETAS Bangkok”. This Superior Room offer comes with ABF and internet and will be upgraded to a Delux Room with a 20 per cent discount on food and beverages at ‘Moments’ and ‘Pause’ if staying for three consecutive nights. For more information or to make a reservation, please call: +66 2 618 9000 or email: contact@aetashotels.com

on Friday, 11 March 2011, and the second Friday of every month for selected drinks, light bites, live music and more. This offer is available for only Baht 590 per person. For more information or reservations, please call 02 207 8000 or email: fb.bangkok@westin.com

Tiny Seeds International School We would like to offer to waive our registration fee worth Baht 40,000 for all AustCham members who enrolls their child(ren) at The Tiny Seeds International Preschool.

For more information, please contact: +66 2 260 2926-7 or email: thetinyseeds.pre.school@ gmail.com

The Sukhothai Bangkok The Business Package rates start from Baht 11,500 for single and 11,900 for double occupancy with a minimum of two consecutive nights booking in an Executive Deluxe Room including daily buffet breakfast at the Colonnade restaurant, in-room mini bar and complimentary one way airport transfer. Offer until 31 March.

For reservation, please email reservations@sukhothai.com

The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Join The Westin Grande Sukhumvit at Zest Bar & Terrace

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29

From the Chamber Office

Message from the ED

T

he first quarter of the year is traditionally a busy one for the AustCham office. This year is no exception. We kicked off the official calendar with an elegant Tri nation’s BBQ at the Sukhothai hotel, quickly followed by our gala black tie AustCham Thailand Business Awards. We also held our first Sundowners networking evenings in Bangkok at the British Club, and on the Eastern Seaboard at the Hilton. Coming up this month we will be especially privileged to hear from Thailand’s Prime Minister H.E. Abhisit Vejjajiva at a luncheon address held under the auspices of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand.

We will also hold an SME-focussed lunch in cooperation with our colleagues at the British and New Zealand chambers, and there will be another round of Sundowners, including our first for the year in Phuket. And of course, we will hold our annual general meeting (AGM) at the beginning of March, including to elect a board of directors for the 2011/12 year.

We had hoped to be in a position to introduce a new Executive Director (ED) in this issue of the Advance magazine. Events, however, have conspired against us and we are not yet in a position to make an official announcement on who will succeed Brett Gannaway in the position. Processes to appoint a new ED are well underway and we hope to bring you further news in the coming weeks. In the meantime, we would like to thank Brett for his contribution to AustCham over a significant period. Brett has left his mark on the chamber and we expect we will never see Sundowners the same way again!

The annual AustCham Business Awards are a premier event for the Chamber and a rare opportunity to celebrate business excellence across a diverse range of industries and sectors. We congratulate the award recipients, all of whom have excelled in their own particular way. The awards are competitive and of course not all entrants receive the full recognition that their professionalism deserves. We would like to thank all those who participated and encourage them to do so again in the years ahead. The Business Awards are an ever-evolving endeavour and we have already received valuable feedback.

Some members have asked whether holding the Business Awards to coincide with Australia Day means that AustCham will not host a social ball this year. The answer is that there will be an AustCham ball and further details will be announced in the near future. We will at the same time be reviewing the sequencing and format of our major events for forthcoming years, and would welcome any suggestions or comments from members. AustCham serves a diverse membership and it is important as a chamber that our resources are apportioned appropriately to businessrelated and social activities – though in true AustCham style we always seek to mix pleasure with business!

AustCham Office.

Thank you to all February sponsors

Calendar of Events WEDNESDAY, 2 MARCH AustCham Thailand’s Annual General Meeting

17.00 – 18.00 Venue: Grand Hyatt Erawan, Bangkok Bangkok Sundowners

18.00 – 21.00 Venue: Grand Hyatt Erawan, Bangkok FRIDAY, 4 MARCH Prime Minister’s Luncheon Competitive Economy

11.30 – 13.30 Venue: Plaza Athenee, Bangkok FRIDAY, 11 MARCH ESB Sundowners

18.00 – 21.00 Venue: Amari Orchid, Pattaya SATURDAY, 12 MARCH Voluntary English Teaching

Wat Phra Pathranporn School, Sri Ra Cha FRIDAY, 25 MARCH Phuket Sundowners

18.00 – 21.00 Venue: TBA SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2011 Official Opening of the Wat Put Takian Kindergarten in Kanchanaburi

As part of AustCham’s ANZAC Day trip, members and friends are invited to join us at to cut the ribbon at the Chamber’s major Community Service Project for 2009/10.

MONDAY, 25 APRIL 2011 ANZAC Day

To join the Chamber for ANZAC Day at the historic Hellfire Pass and Kanchanaburi Cemetry, please contact the office. More details are avaliable on our website.

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March 2011

AustChamThailand Advance