Advance ~ September 2012

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

September 2012

Aussie Company Sparkles in Bangkok in this edition

Housing and Condominium Markets along MRT Purple Line Business brief How Does ASEAN Recover After Phnom Penh?

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embassy news Australia contributes to natural disaster preparedness efforts

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Chamber events Community services Voluntary English Teaching at Baan All Chambers Sundowners at Khao Huay Mahad School, Rayong Sofitel Sukhumvit Bangkok

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Contents PATRON His Excellency James Wise Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand PRESIDENT John Anderson Meinhardt Portfolio: Regional Links VICE PRESIDENTS M.L. Laksasubha Kridakon Baan Laksasubha Resort Portfolio: Alumni

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Belinda Skinner Top Talent Asia Portfolio: Communications and English Teaching TREASURER Leigh Scott-Kemmis DBM Portfolio: Advancing Trade and Commerce

Business Brief 6 Aussie Company Sparkles in Bangkok 8 Housing and Condominium Markets along MRT Purple Line 12 How Does ASEAN Recover after Phnom Penh?

EMBASSY NEWS 14 Australia Contributes to Natural Disaster Preparedness Efforts in Thailand

DIRECTORS David Bell Crestcom – Ra-Kahng Associates Portfolio: Speakers and Talks

18 19 Bronze Corporate Sponsor: Mainstay Property Solutions 19 Bronze Corporate Sponsor: Servcorp Thailand

16 community services 16 Voluntary English Teaching AUSTCHAM CORPORATE SPONSORS 17 Silver Corporate Sponsor: Thai Sekisui Foam Company Limited 18 Bronze Corporate Sponsor: The Coffee Club 18 Bronze Corporate Sponsor: NIST

chamber Events 20 All Chambers Sundowners on Wednesday 1 August at Sofitel Sukhumvit Bangkok 23 Key Issues Dinner with HE James Wise on Wednesday 25 July at Grand Hyatt Erawan New members & members’ changes 24 AustCham Welcomes New Members From the Chamber Office 26 Message from the Executive Director

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Khun Jurairat Jammanee HASSELL Portfolio: AustCham Ball Warwick Kneale Baker Tilly Portfolio: Community Services Sam Mizzi McConnell Dowell Portfolio: AFL and Eastern Seaboard Industry Sriram Narayan Qantas / British Airways Portfolio: Business Conference and Business Awards Alan Polivnick Watson, Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited Portfolio: Legal Charles Wrightman Natural Ville & Lenotre Portfolio: Sponsorship Saeed Zaki , Ph.D. dwp Portfolio: Breakfast Briefings

From the Board

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

Editorial Committee Belinda Skinner, Josh Hyland, Gary Woollacott Marketing & Production Scand-Media Corp. Ltd 4/41-42 Moo 3, Thanyakarn Village Ramintra Soi 14, Bangkok Tel.: +66 2 943-7166/8 Fax: +66 2 943-7169 scandmedia@scandmedia.com Advertising Finn Balslev Email: finn@scandmedia.com Contributions to Advance magazine are welcome. Please submit content to sasipa@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

W

ith our illustrious president out of the country, you are blessed with me this month! I felt I was the only one who hadn’t travelled overseas (namely to Europe) this summer - seems to be the place to be last month. For those who were lucky to go abroad, I do hope that you had a very enjoyable and safe break.

It was very pleasing to see such a positive turnout for our All Chambers August Sundowners at the new Sofitel on Sukhumvit. It was a great event, showcasing the new and very impressive hotel. Very nice to see members from all the other Chambers, always a well-attended event and becoming quite the place to be!

Also last month AustCham members were invited to join a joint Chambers luncheon with guest speaker, former Prime Minister Abhisit and leader of the Democrat party, who spoke on ‘Thailand Politics: Friend or Foe’. Judging by the large turnout of over 550 guests, and of the question and answer section, it appeared this was a hot topic!

Hopefully we will be able to hear the other side at some stage also.

AustCham members were also privileged to hear from our Ambassador, HE James Wise in our latest Key Issues Dinner. James is always an engaging and informative speaker and this time was no exception. James has a passion for promoting the Thai-Australia commercial relationship and building links between the two countries. If you have a moment, I encourage you to have a look at this you tube clip of an interview with James where he discusses the relationship between Australia and Thailand, including commercial links and the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA), education and tourism exchanges, and the security relationship. http://youtu.be/fANAPl5zOkk Eastern Seaboard Sundowners is starting to pick up again. It’s a great opportunity for our ESB members to get together and for Bangkok members to make new contacts in the ESB area. This month we were pleased to conduct a site visit to RMA Group. RMA provide essential automotive and infrastructure solutions for clients operating in difficult markets and terrains. They are a provider of the equipment, services, and comprehensive solutions that respond to commercial and humanitarian needs in such environments. They have been producing modified purpose-built vehicles in Thailand for over 10 years now. Site visits are always great opportunities to see first-hand what other companies in Thailand are doing. I hope other members will be willing to open up their premises and showcase their com-

pany for more site visits in the future. If you are interested, please contact the Chamber staff.

We had our usual voluntary English teaching. We are looking for more volunteers – no experience necessary. Just enthusiasm and reliability – nothing much! Watch for next month in the community services section of the magazine and I will tell you more about the program and perhaps entice a few people to try.

Are you looking for an opportunity to market your company to thousands of AustCham members and friends via multiple AustCham advertising channels? Well, I think it’s about time you thought about this… The Australian Rules (AFL) Grand Final function is approaching fast. We already have some supporter sponsors locked in. However, there are still some not-to-be-missed opportunities, including headline sponsorships.

We can tailor a package to suit you, so if you have an interest but are unsure what your options are then give Mark or Khun Chanakarn in the AustCham office a call and they will be more than happy to talk to you about a sponsorship package.

You will note that I have avoided the Olympics topic… but I suppose I should mention it. There certainly were surprising results.

Great to see Thailand appearing in the medal count also, hopefully they will keep building in various sports. Overall personally I thought the games went very well, I certainly enjoyed them. As someone mentioned to me not long ago “Silver is the new Gold!”.

Belinda Skinner Vice President, AustCham Thailand www.austchamthailand.com

September 2012

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business brief

Aussie Company Sparkles in Bangkok This is the second of a series of monthly feature highlighting the depth and diversity of the AustraliaThai business relationship. If you have an idea for an article please contact us.

By Josh Hyland, AustCham Thailand

T

hailand is a country full of surprises.

Who would have guessed, for example, that one of the most successful Australian-owned jewellery manufacturers is located here, just outside of Bangkok?

And did you know that you can now purchase direct from the manufacturer?

This hidden gem is Paterson Fine Jewellery (PFJ) Asia. PFJ helped provide the glitter for the 2012 AustCham ball, which celebrated the diamond anniversary (60 years) of Australian-Thai diplomatic relations. In fact, courtesy of PFJ one lucky guest took home the sparkle in the form of a full one-carat diamond from Argyle mines in Australia!

Paterson Fine Jewellery is the quintessential Australian story of the quiet achiever.

Established in 1935, it has grown from humble beginnings in a backyard workshop of a small house in St. Kilda, Melbourne. Now a third-generation family company, it is ably managed by David Paterson. The company designs and manufactures hundreds of different items made from a vast range of precious stones and metals. PFJ craftsmanship is well-known to many Australian families – particularly its opal castings and “My Little Angel” range for the younger jewellery admirer.

Over 77 years of operation, PFJ’s business has grown steadily. Like most great success stories, however, challenges have been faced and tough decisions made. Establishing a business in Thailand was perhaps PFJ’s boldest move. But with seven years of hindsight, it is now clear that the right path was chosen, and PFJ is now enjoying the dividends!

The genesis of PFJ’s establishment in Thailand was changes to the global economy

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September 2012

brought about by globalisation. As the 1990’s gave way to the 21st century, there was a highly noticeable shift in consumer behavior in the gems and jewellery market.

Instead of buying jewellery produced in Australia, consumers began purchasing cheaper – and often lesser quality – jewellery made in Asia. In the face of such competitive pressure, many jewellery manufacturers in Australia buckled, or transitioned from production to wholesale trading.

PFJ was thus faced with an existential decision – move key elements of its

manufacturing operation offshore, or become solely a wholesale business.

Recalling that period, David says, “given my background in manufacturing, I was determined to find a way to continue production of the brands we worked so hard to build. Moving abroad seemed the best and most profitable solution for PFJ”.

Since making the strategic move to Thailand in 2005, PFJ has expanded its office from 20 employees to 40. Output has increased by a massive 350 per cent, with production growing from 2,000 units per month, to 9,000!

From its base in Thailand, PFJ is able now also able to reach a much broader market – including via jewellery fairs held in China and Thailand which attract consumers (both wholesale and resale) from all over the world. “We are able to reach a much more international audience from our new platform in Thailand”, David says.

“Whilst Australia is still our primary market, we have increased our sales by a further 20 per cent since moving here. We now have clients in the US, South Africa, the UK and Italy.”

Quality, however, remains a key PFJ hallmark, stresses David. “Our high Australian standards are important. They set us apart from other companies. PFJ clients identify these standards and have come

AustChamThailand Advance

business brief

to expect them.” For this, David gives much credit to his Thai workforce – “our Thai employees are very diligent and we are very proud of the work they do”.

Reflecting on the decision to set up operations in Thailand over China, David says that amongst things, Thailand has a great expatriate community and that Thailand is a much more “SME [small and medium sized enterprise] friendly” country. “Talking to established companies in both countries, it seemed that the Thai government would be more supportive. Several companies in China told us that obtaining manufacturing and export licenses would be a challenge for small operations such as ours”.

Says David, “the Thailand-Australia FreeTrade Agreement also weighed heavily in our decision to set up in Thailand. There is no tariff on our products manufactured in Thailand and exported to Australia”.

Thailand’s support for manufacturers was also a key consideration. “The locations suitable to set up our business in China were in rural areas far from major cities, whereas Thailand offered us the perfect space just a short drive from the center of Bangkok.” PFJ’s factory is settled in the Gemopolis Industrial Estate – a vibrant jewellery manufacturing business hub, just eight minutes’ drive from Bangkok’s international airport, Suvarnabhumi.

The 320 acre (800 Rai) estate is home to 120 companies from 24 different countries. It is a prime example of Thailand’s efforts to cater for foreign investors from a range of manufacturing backgrounds.

Of the companies in Gemopolis, 90 percent are foreign-owned and range from small boutique manufacturers to leading international brands such as Pandora and Silver Ice. The Gems and jewellery in Thailand totalled and impressive US$11.65 billion in 2010.

“Working from Gemopolis, we have easy access to trading precious stones and metals with our neighboring companies.

AustChamThailand Advance

We can recruit staff direct from the onsite jewelers’ school and take advantage of regular training workshops to keep our employees skills up to scratch. There is also a jewellery networking group here that meets once a month that has provided us with fantastic contacts and industry knowledge.” The park also offers 24 hour security, water treatment facilities and a refining service – all very important when it comes to jewellery production.

Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) policies and Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) strongly support foreign investment at Gemopolis. Companies that establish in the “Free Zone” are eligible for a range of benefits, including exemption from corporate tax and dividend income taxes for five to eight years, exemption of import duty and VAT tax for many products and machinery, 100 per cent foreign ownership of businesses, and expedited

permission to employ expatriates. “A lot of work has gone into catering for foreigners wanting to do business in Thailand.

Under the support of the BOI, we receive many privileges which allow us to operate as we would back home. For example, we are able to bring Australian employees to train our team in Thailand each month,” David said.

For those who prefer to deal directly with their jeweler or those who would like to see great Aussie manufacturing in process, it is certainly worth visiting the impressive PFJ factory. They have recently completed a showroom within their factory / offices to cater to the expatriate community who wish to purchase anything from engagement rings to anniversary and birthday gifts and be personally involved in the custom making process of their jewellery. PFJ can be contacted to schedule a visit via david@pfj.com.au.

September 2012

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business brief

Housing and Condominium Markets along MRT Purple Line

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ccording to the latest survey

by CBRE Thailand there is an increased level of development along the purple line mass transit route currently under construction despite much of the area being affected by the floods in 2011. The construction of the mass transit network in Bangkok and surrounding provinces has had a huge impact on people’s lifestyle. The younger generation is now choosing to live in the city since it is more convenient to travel via BTS, MRT, and Airport Rail Link. Locations next to the mass transit stations are becoming one of the key factors that determine where people buy or invest in property.

“We have seen a positive correlation between the number of passengers on each line and the level of actual demand for condominiums, offices, hotels, and retail centres along the route. In the future, we strongly believe that developers will build more projects along both under construction mass transit routes and the new planned routes” said Mr. James Pitchon, Executive Director and Head of CBRE Research and Consulting.

There are six mass rapid lines under construction; the BTS Dark Green line extension (Wong Wian Yai – Bang Wa; completion in 2013), the BTS Light Green Line extension (Bearing – Samut Prakan; completion in 2017), the MRT Dark Blue Line 1 (Bang Sue – Tha Pra; completion in 2016), the MRT Dark Blue Line 2 (Hua Lamphong – Lak Song; completion in 2016), the MRT Purple Line (Tao Poon – Klong Bang Pai; completion in 2015) and the SRT Light Red Line (Bang Sue – Taling Chan; completion in 2013).

Prices of condominiums usually do not exceed Baht 2.0 million per unit since the target group is lower to middle-income classes. Most condominium projects offer studio and one-bedroom units with areas of approximately 25.0 to 35.0 squaremetres. per unit and prices ranging from Baht 35,000 – 60,000 per sqare-metre.

MRT Purple Line Map

In the first half of 2012, there were seven new condominium projects launched along this line. CBRE Research included only the developments that are within 800 metres from MRT stations. Since Tao Poon station is the interchange station between the MRT Dark Blue and MRT Purple Lines, there have been many new condominium developments near this station. One of the largest developments is The Tree Interchange Condominium being developed by Pruksa Real Estate with 650 units and an average price of Baht 1.9 million (Baht 66,000 per squaremetre).

In addition, new condominium developments along the route are being seen largely on the eastern bank of Chao Phraya River (Tao Poon – Saphan Phra Nangkloa) while townhouses and singledetached house are being seen on the western bank (Sai Ma – Klong Bang Pai).

There were two large new projects launched in Q2 2012 by public-listed developers including Asian Property’s Aspire Rattanathibet and LPN’s Lumpini Park Rattanathibet-Ngamwongwan. The average price of both projects was less than Baht60,000 per square-metre Buyers will

2012, the line was 44.92 per cent per cent complete and it is expected to start operating by mid-2015.

The survey shows that one of most popular routes for property development is the MRT purple line because of the availability of land plots. The line begins at Klong Bang Yai and runs along Rattanathibet Road to cross the Chao Phraya River next to the Phra Nangklao Bridge, before connecting with the MRT Dark Blue Line 1 at Tao Poon. The total distance covered by this route is 23.0 kilometres. As of June

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AustChamThailand Advance

business brief

get a condominium unit close to an MRT station, paying less than Baht 2.0 million, the sale rates of both condominiums were high.

CBRE believe that the condominium market along the mass transit routes is driven by accessibility, affordability and usability.

There was only one condominium launched on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River which was D Condo Rattanathibet which is located near Sai Ma station, offering 1,325 one-bedroom units.

As the starting price of this development is lower than Baht 1 million and also cheaper than the developments on the other side

of the river, 80 per cent of the units have been sold within five months of the launch.

CBRE also observed that the numbers of new condominiums developed by private property developers is increasing.

However, these usually are small developments with less than 200 units.

There were eight new low rise housing projects along MRT purple line launched in H1 2012; 3 townhouse and five single detached house projects. The townhouse projects near the purple line (Pruksa Ville 54 Rama 5 Road, The Connect Rat-

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tanathibet and Baan Pruksa 76 Bang Yai - Kaew In) were priced at Baht 1.0-3.0 million, with two to three-bedroom units with usable areas between 90 to 110 squaremetres per unit on 17.7-24.0 sq.wah land plots, while single-detached house projects (Bangkok Boulevard Ratchapruk Rama 5, Supalai Ville Ratchapruk – Bang Bua Thong, Casa Ville Ratchapruk – Rama 5, Thanasiri Ratchapruk - Tha Nam Non and Lanceo CRIB Rattanathibet Bang Yai) were priced at Baht 2.9-13.9 million, with house sizes between 135 to 305 square-metres per unit on 36.0138.0 square-wah of land plots.

It can be seen that locations next to the mass transit stations are becoming one of the important factors that determine where people buy or invest in property.

Many projects have been developed along both under construction mass transit routes. The MRT purple line is one of most popular routes for property development because there are more development sites available on this route compared to the BTS and the existing MRT dark blue line. The lower price of land has meant that it is feasible to develop both low rise housing and condominiums on this route.

Mass transit systems are going to continue to change living, working and shopping patterns of Bangkok residents but the impact of each line will be different based on the price of land, availability of land and planning regulations governing the size of what can be built.

CBRE 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 2011 revenue). The Company has approximately 34,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate owners, investors and occupiers through more than 300 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide.

CBRE established an office in Bangkok in 1988, followed by its Phuket office in 2004.

CBRE Thailand 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 and tenancy management, valuation and advisory, and research and consulting. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.cbre.co.th.

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September 2012

AustChamThailand Advance

Eric Kenso Ward, ISB Class of 1979

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

business brief

How Does ASEAN Recover after Phnom Penh?

ASEAN must continue to remain a strong force for regional ties in the Asia-Pacific and avoid short-sighted attempts to undermine the bloc’s unity or exploit divisions.

By Prashanth Parameswaran

Q

uestions are still being asked about ASEAN’s unprecedented failure to issue a joint communiqué for the first time in its 45-year history at Phnom Penh in July due to disagreements over the South China Sea. Regardless of what transpired at the meeting, it was an embarrassing moment for ASEAN and it raises questions about the ability of the organisation to preserve its autonomy and centrality amidst great powers with the potential to dominate the region. If the grouping needs to do some “soul searching” over the next few months, as ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan put it, where should it start?

A logical start should be to try to make some progress on the South China Sea (SCS), since events at Phnom Penh illustrated that intra-ASEAN divisions on the issue can clearly tarnish the organisation’s image.

As a first step, the four ASEAN claimants – the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, and Malaysia – should aim to clarify and codify their various South China Sea (SCS) claims in order to present a more unified front to China, as others have advised.

Beijing has a proven record of exploiting ambiguity to make contradictory claims in the SCS, some of which have very little basis in international law.

If ASEAN countries make their claims explicit by codifying them in domestic legislation and multilateral frameworks in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), they can sort out areas where disputes are particularly intractable and aspects where their opinions converge.

The ball would then be in China’s court to clarify the basis for its own claims. As of now, ambiguity on the SCS only allows Beijing to make dubious claims while simultaneously exposing divisions within ASEAN. While ASEAN should continue efforts 12

September 2012

toward a code of conduct with China, there is no substitute for clarity on this question.

Secondly and more broadly, ASEAN as a grouping should redouble efforts to preserve its centrality and cohesion. The organisation is receiving greater international scrutiny these days and it will continue to grapple with tough issues like the SCS in the future. Yet at the same time, much like Cambodia in 2012, the next few years will see ASEAN chaired by smaller or less-developed states (Brunei in 2013, Burma in 2014, Laos in 2016). While these countries are capable in their own right, they may not have the same capacity to drive regional integration or tackle contentious disputes as an Indonesia or Singapore. And while Southeast Asia has other great leaders, it will be difficult to sustain the decade of vigorous and dynamic leadership ASEAN has enjoyed under Secretary Generals Ong Keng Yeong (2004-2008) and Surin Pitsuwan (2008-2012).

Confronting this challenge will require greater efforts on various fronts. For one, ASEAN must move faster on its goal of creating an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015, given that the bloc is behind on several aspects of that initiative. Greater regional cohesion creates a stronger collective identity among all members of the organisation and strengthens economic linkages between them, both of which will incentivize putting ASEAN first. But if states choose to “keep

to themselves,” as Pitsuwan told the Myanmar Times earlier this year that will only hold ASEAN back. Repeats of Phnom Penh could also be avoided by agreeing on innovative ways to express legitimate disagreements, which will require flexibility from both the chair and other ASEAN countries. And if future crises do occur, solving them may require ASEAN’s older members to demonstrate leadership and innovation, like Indonesian foreign minister Marty Natalegawa’s “shuttle diplomacy”’ that led to the organisation’s six-point principle agreement in July.

Outside actors like the United States and China should continue to support a strong and united ASEAN. Despite its shortcomings, the organisation remains the best hub around which to structure a regional architecture that will socialise actors into a set of acceptable norms and behaviors, and guide Asia towards a prosperous and peaceful future. Equally important, they should also resist short-sighted attempts to undermine the bloc’s unity or exploit its divisions, since they will only undermine this shared goal and leave themselves increasingly isolated in a more integrated world.

Prashanth Parameswaran is a PhD candidate in international relations at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and a non-resident WSDHanda fellow at CSIS Pacific Forum. You can read his blog The Asianist at and follow him on Twitter at @TheAsianist.

AustChamThailand Advance

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Embassy news

Australia Contributes to Natural Disaster Preparedness Efforts in Thailand

T

he Australian Government is supporting Thailand’s efforts to respond to future natural disasters, through the donation of two dedicated emergency vehicles to the Thai Red Cross.

On Friday 27 July the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, HE James Wise, handed over the trucks to the Thai Red Cross as part of a A$500,000 (Baht 15 million) funding commitment in response to the devastating 2011 floods in Thailand. The new trucks will be used during future relief operations to distribute emergency items such as food, water and shelter to affected communities.

“As a firm friend of Thailand, and in this 60th year of bilateral Australia-Thailand relations, the Australian Government is pleased to support efforts in disaster response and preparedness. The Red Cross has a special auxiliary role alongside national governments to assist communities in times of crisis and recovery. These trucks will build the long-term capacity of the Thai Red Cross to deliver services to the Thai people,” Ambassador Wise said.

Mr James Wise, Australian Ambassador to Thailand, handed over two dedicated emergency trucks to Mr Phan Wannamethee, Secretary General of the Thai Red Cross Society, to support natural disaster preparedness efforts in Thailand.

Australia recognises that investing in disaster preparedness and risk reduction not only saves lives and livelihoods; it reduces costs involved in responding to disasters, supports resilience, and helps safeguard countries’ critical infrastructure. Under its Humanitarian Action Policy, the Australian Government remains committed to supporting partner governments and local organisations to prepare and respond to disasters.

Last year, more than 3.4 million people were affected by Thailand’s worst flooding in more than five decades. The Thai Red Cross provided critical assistance to communities across Thailand, some of whom were isolated for long periods.

The A$500,000 (Baht 15 million) funding for the Thai Red Cross was made available through the Australian Red Cross. In addition, the Australian Government provided A$500,000 to Save the Children for flood relief operations; A$50,000 (Baht 1.5 million) to the World Food Programme for

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The Australian Government provided two dedicated emergency trucks to Thai Red Cross Society to build longterm capacity of its disaster relief operations.

sand bags used by the Royal Thai Army; and over A$30,000 (Baht 930,000) to the International Labour Organisation to address specific needs of migrant workers affected by the floods in five provinces.

and risk reduction has grown considerably in recent years. Australia remains committed to helping partner countries reduce their vulnerability to natural disasters.

The Australia Government’s aid expenditure on disaster preparedness

For more information on Australia’s aid program, please visit: www.ausaid.gov.au

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AustCham has changed its phone number!

8/23/12 6:11 PM

We have moved to a new IP based phone system to improve our productivity and reduce office costs. Please note our new number of 02-107-0081. Staff can also be contacted directly via the numbers below: Khun Nisarrat Chuchertkijwattana (Sar), Membership and Events Support Officer 02-107-0081 Khun Varin Kongmeng (Aum), Website Communications Coordinator 02-107-0082 Sasipa Khamklai (Fai), Membership Liaison and Research Officer 02-107-0083 Communications Manager 02-107-0084 Khun Chanakarn Lim (Moo), Office Manager 02-107-0085 Khun Nittayaporn Wisetrit (Nit), Accounting Officer 02-107-0086 AustCham’s old number (02-210-0216) will still be active during the interim.

community services

Voluntary English Teaching Saturday 21 July at Baan Khao Huay Mahad School, Rayong As part of our community services program, AustCham Thailand conducts an English teaching program at three schools in the provinces of Chonburi and Rayong each month. Volunteers work with small groups of children aged between 5 and 12 years and play simple games and activities which encourage the children to use the English language. No prior teaching experience is necessary, just a lot of enthusiasm! Many thanks to all who joined us last time. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact varin@austchamthailand.com.

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AustCham Silver Corporate Sponsor

PHYSICALLY C R O S S L I N K E D SEKISUI TECHNOLOGY Since its introduction in Australia in 1986, Thermobreak has been setting the standard in quality, reliability, performance and safety standards. It has proved its performance with over 500 projects in the Australia, Asia, Middle East and India, including landmark projects such as Dubai Health Care City, Sidra Hospital and Hamad Medical City in Doha, Qatar.

SIDRA HOSPITAL

Testing & Certification As part of Sekisui’s corporate policy, all tests performed on Thermobreak are done with ISO 17025 accredited laboratories. This assures clientele of verified certification and results performed by laboratories that are accredited to perform such tests and do so under strict guidance to the test procedures.

Third party certification such as FM (Factory Mutual) and UL are a further guarantee and reassurance of the high safety standards pursued by Sekisui, due to the follow programs and verifications that are involved. Large scale fire tests such as FM 4924 are extremely demanding and only a handful of insulation manufacturers have been successful. Thermobreak tube has been granted FM approval.

Thermobreak has been tested to most international smoke and fire standards including BS 476, AS1530.3, ASTM E84, ISO5659, and BS 6853. It complies with NFPA 90A and 90B including the latest requirement to ASTM C411, a test requiring the insulation to be exposed to 120C for 96 hours.

Green Product Sekisui’s commitment to green products, protection of the environment and Indoor Air Quality are evident in the properties of Thermobreak. It offers a number of advantages that can accumulate points under the LEED system. It complies with Green Star requirements in terms of VOC content. Quality requirements under the Green Building Guide are assured by Green Star compliance as well as ASTM G21 tests for Anti Microbial properties.

Insulation properties for long term performance Thermal conductivity and Vapour permeability are at the heart of any insulation material and should be key considerations in any selection of insulation material. Thermobreak offers the lowest thermal conductivity of any flexible insulation material.

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Middle East Office: P.O. Box 50694, E-LOB Office No. E-69G-22 Hamriya Freezone, Sharjah, UAE. Tel: +971 6 5306772 | Fax: +971 6 5306773 www.sekisuipilon.com.au

THAI SEKISUI FOAM Company Limited 700/329 Moo 6, Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate, Tumbol Donhua-loh, Amphur Muang, Chonburi 20000 Thailand Tel: +66(0) 3821 3219 ~ 26 Fax: +66(0) 3821 3281 Email: info@thaisekisui.co.th www.thaisekisui.co.th

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As any other building material, its properties are affected by the environment over time. Thermal conductivity is affected by vapour permeating into the insulation. Insulation performance and therefore energy costs will be affected over time if the thermal conductivity of the material changes from design data. Thermobreak exhibits very stable thermal conductivity over a 10 year period due to its physically crosslinked structure, as well as use of thicker reinforced aluminium foil composite.

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SEKISUI PILON PTY LTD 1-5 Parraweena Rd, Taren Point, NSW 2229 Australia Tel: +61 2 9525 9880 Fax: +61 2 9525 8004 Email: info@pilon.com.au www.sekisuipilon.com.au

AustCham Bronze Corporate Sponsor: Coffee Club

THE COFFEE CLUB STEAMS INTO EKAMAI The Coffee Club opened 17th August 2012 Located: Major Ekamai, 1239 Unit B, Ground Floor, Sukhumvit Road, Wattana.

Phone: 02 381 2736 Open: 7.00am - 11.00pm daily Parking Available, Wifi The Coffee Club is the place to catch up with friends and family, linger over a coffee and watch the world go by. It is also the perfect place for breakfast business meetings with free WIFI available.

The Coffee Club’s world-class “signature blend’ coffee has arrived in Thailand to set a new bench mark in coffee standards. Behind every cup of coffee indulged at The Coffee Club is a talented and trained Barista ensuring a perfect extraction from first class coffee making equipment. The premium blend coffee is sourced from the coffee growing regions of South America, Asia and Africa delivering perfect harmony of Arabica beans with a hint of Robusta.

The Coffee Club coffee is UTZ certified which comes with an assurance that every coffee prepared by our baristas is produced in a socially and environmentally responsible way. The Coffee Club serves Breakfast All Day. Their unrivalled breakfast menu includes the signature dish, Eggs Benedict with options for shaved ham, smoked salmon or spinach and mushroom. Other

delicious menu items include omelettes, pancakes, breakfast wraps to name a few.

Ekamai marks the 7th outlet for the brand in Thailand, with 2 outlets in Pattaya, 2 in Phuket, 1 in Samui and 1 at Suvarnabhumi.

The Coffee Club is one of Australia’s largest and fastest growing locally owned café groups. From its inception more than 22 years ago the group has grown to over 288 outlets in Australia, 35 in New Zealand, 3 in China, 2 in Egypt, 1 in New Caledonia and now 7 in Thailand with a further 20 planned over three years.

AustCham Bronze Corporate Sponsor: NIST

NIST launches its one-to-one iPad Programme in its Elementary School In August 2012, NIST introduced a bold new iPad programme in its Elementary school, equipping year one to year three classrooms with sets of Apple iPads and providing one iPad per student in years four to six. Over 500 iPads are now used in the elementary classrooms to complement the PC laptops and tablet computers used in its secondary school 1:1 programme.

NIST has been amongst the leading international schools in the region for the past seven years to embrace technology-enhanced learning, with its one-to-one tablet programme, interactive whiteboards and Front Row audio amplification system.

“Although we would never advocate pursuing every new technology for the sake of technology, we are very convinced that the iPad offers a unique opportunity to impact teaching and learning. NIST’s Vision for Technology is to develop responsible global citizens equipped with the critical thinking and technological literacy skills necessary to participate effectively in the worldwide community of learners. To this end NIST seeks to use technology as a cognitive tool to support teaching and learning,” said Jay Priebe, NIST Technology Director.

What this means for students, teachers, administrators, and ICT support teachers is that the focus is to use technology to facilitate learning not just to have technology. The NIST framework for technology learning goes beyond the use of the computer or device into the conceptual areas of communication, collaboration, creation, investigation, organisation, and being responsible. When students have technological understanding at conceptual levels, they are better able to apply them to new situations and even new devices.

AustCham Bronze Corporate Sponsor: Mainstay Property Solutions

Tailored Property & Facility Solutions Mainstay Property Solutions Company Limited (MPS) provide an extensive range

Commercial | Education | Catering & Hospitality | Hotels & Serviced Apartments | Industrial | Manufacturing | Construction Cleaning • Construction Clean-Up • Detailed / Pre-Opening Cleaning • Kitchen Deep Cleaning • Public Area Cleaning • General Cleaning • Washroom Hygiene • Housekeeping Services • One Time Cleaning Services • High Level Cleaning • Abseiling Security Solutions • Mobile Patrols • Access Control Systems • Central Control Room CCTV & Alarm Monitoring • Intruder Alarm Systems • K9 Detection Unit

Grounds Maintenance & Landscaping • Daily Service • Monthly Service • Design • Landscaping • Receptionists • Couriers • Mail Room Management • Data Entry • Secretaries Other Solutions • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) • IAQ – Air Conditioner and Air Duct Cleaning Services • Waste Handling, Waste to Energy Management, Recycling, • Elevator and Escalator

Mainstay Property Solutions Company Limited (MPS) 102, Na Ranong Road. Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 02 348 8570-73 | Fax: 02 348 8577 | Email:

www.mps-fs.com

Installation and Maintenance • Air Conditioning Service, Repair and Maintenance • Energy Audits and Energy Saving Products

Labour Supply • Drivers • Handyman • General Labour • Relocations

enquires@mps-fs.com

AustCham Bronze Corporate Sponsor: Servcorp Thailand

Servcorp Business Shorts “Creating Breakthroughs in your Personal and Professional Life.”

Servcorp Thailand, the finest provider of Serviced and Virtual Office solutions in Thailand, held their quarterly Business shorts seminar on July 11th 2012 at the new location Park Ventures Ecoplex, located on Wireless Road, Bangkok, with direct access to Ploenchit BTS. Inspirational guest speaker, Mr. Michael Guss consultant from INSIGNIAM, presented the topic, “Creating Breakthroughs in Your Business and Personal Life.”

Servcorp, has once again, successfully played host to its business shorts event wherein world-renowned and respected professionals gather to share the secrets of their success to fellow businessmen and industry colleagues. Servcorp is pleased to welcome people from all industries to this open invitation event held each quarter.

The Business Shorts event consistently offers an informative evening selecting guest speakers from an extensive range of business domains to share their professional knowledge, provide savvy advice and offer helpful information motivating attendees’ to achieve their own personal and work related goals. The evening is further complimented by providing likeminded business men and women the chance for social and business networking. Needless to say, Servcorps fabulous new location in Park Ventures and

catering related back to the 5 star quality reputation the company are renowned for worldwide.

Servcorp Business Shorts will not only help bolster closer ties between companies from different business domains; but also provide a wonderful method of sharing information and tips to the attendees’ directly from the subject specialist.

Guest speaker, Mr. Guss attended both the Japan America Institute of Management Science and Wharton. Furthermore, he has lived in Asia for over three decades developing his understanding and expertise towards Asian market functions and common trends. During the most recent Business Shorts event, Mr. Michael Guss was kind enough to share his own experiences as a seasoned veteran and business professional. He enthused all by posing the belief that breakthroughs are possible in both work and personal lifestyles. The key to achieving this, he urged, is by unhooking ones’ selves from the past

Chamber Events

All Chambers Sundowners on Wednesday 1 August at Sofitel Sukhumvit Bangkok Inviting all Chambers of Commerce in Thailand to join us for our largest Sundowners event for the year, All Chambers Sundowners was a great success with over 400 people attending. Sincere thanks to AustCham Gold Sponsor and Australia’s largest manufacturing investor into Thailand, BlueScope Steel, and the fantastic, newly opened Sofitel Sukhumvit Bangkok for their sponsorship of this event.

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1) Khun Sophie Israsena Na Ayudhya-Bughin - The Beaumont Partnership; David Watkinson - 3D Interiors. 2) Richard Stepney - RSM Recruitment; Frederick Puckle Hobbs - Broadgate Financial. 3) Brett Estin - Experian Asia Pacific; Adrian Meyers - Inetasia Solutions; John D. Casella - Baker Tilly Thailand. 4) Khun Sompop Suvanhongkul - BlueScope Steel; Leigh Scott-Kemmis - AustCham Treasurer, DMB; Jason Ellis - BlueScope Steel; Christophe L.M. Caron - Sofitel Sukhumvit Bangkok; Belinda Skinner - AustCham Vice President, Top Talent Asia; Warwick Kneale - AustCham Director, Baker Tilly Thialand; and guest. 5) Khun Jurrairat Jammanee - AustCham Director, HASSELL; Nathan Christoff Litehouse Asia; Bob Coombes - Choice Foods Thailand; Khun Luxana Kiratibhongse; Lesley Coombes - Choice Foods Thailand. 6) Ben Digne - Broadgate Financial; Amelie Poncelet - BNH Hospital; Robert J. Twiddy - NLP Top Coach. 7) Dr. Ian McEwan - Hogs

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Chamber Events

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Breath Cafe; Lloyd Wilson - Berkeley International School. 8) Joe J. Wong - UniGroup Worldwide; Khun Kris Ponsuwan - The Landmark Bangkok; Khun Thapanit Thiebpattama - The Landmark Bangkok. 9) Khun Yupada T. Srithai - Natee International Law Office; Asst. Prof. Natee Thongdee - Natee International Law Office; Arthur Veron - Broadgate Financial.10) James Iles - MUFASA; Khun Rungnapha Kaewduangsri - Santa Fe; Debbie Steel - CROWN Worldwide; Alexander Strecker Alexnder Strecker Management Consulting & Training. 11) Khun Anutra Khamthian - Phachara Suites; JP. Bos - MyWellcard. 12) Khun Thitiphon Untrakul - NIST; Khun Supranee Taecharungroj - NIST; Jacqueline Patterson - NIST; Will Cody - NIST. 13) Sally Holloway - KIS; Sebastien Leblond - NLP Top Coach; Jacqui Cuthbertson - Pan Pacific; Sandra Helming - NIST.

AustChamThailand Advance

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

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

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Chamber Events

Key Issues Dinner with HE James Wise Wednesday 25 July at Grand Hyatt Erawan Following the Ambassador’s recent trip to Australia to participate in the first official visit there of Thai Prime Minister HE Yingluck Shinawatra, he spoke at a dinner to update AustCham members on Australian-Thai relations. During his trip, HE James Wise held a range of meetings with various business, academic and political leaders in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Darwin, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth. The Ambassador spoke on the Thai Prime Minister’s Australia visit, the outlook for Australia-Thai commerce and impressions from his consultations in Australia.

AustCham wishes to thank the Ambassador for his presentation on the night and the robust discussion that followed.

AUSTCHAM Members’ offers

Angsana Laguna Phuket Residence Summer Promotion at THB 16,200 +++ per night Enjoy a private three bedroom pool residence nestled in a luxury villa community of Laguna Phuket.

Enjoy complimentary daily buffet breakfast, round trip airport transfer and a complimentary evening cocktail each day and benefit from all the resort’s facilities and services available through complimentary shuttle bus and boat.

AustCham Members receive a 10 per cent discount and an additional 25 per cent when booking seven days in advance.

Offer Until: 31 October Call: +66 (0)76 324 101 Email: reservationslagunaphuket@angsana.com

AustChamThailand Advance

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

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

Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Stay More, Benefits Galore Package Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach are offering a special Stay More, Benefits

Galore Package. The package is inclusive of Deluxe Garden View Room with daily buffet breakfast, round trip transfer from and to Phuket airport and complimentary wired/wireless internet throughout your stay.

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

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

Package Price: Deluxe Studio BAHT 12,000++ per room per night Executive Suite BAHT 15,000++ per room per night A minimum length of stay of

four consecutive nights is required.

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

Swissôtel Le Concorde Bangkok “Executive Wow” Swissôtel Le Concorde Bangkok is offering an “Executive Wow” package that entitles business travelers to many exclusive benefits such as express check-in and out, evening cocktail, all day coffee and complementary Wi-Fi. The package also guarantees late check-out till 18.00 hrs and special additional discounts at Spa De Concorde & Business Center and lots more!

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

Offer until: 30 September

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Chamber Events NEW MEMBERS and members’ changes

Angsana Laguna Phuket Bangtao Grande limited 10 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road Cherngtalay, Talang, Phuket 83110 Phone: 6676 324 101 Fax: 6676 324 108 Email: reservations-lagunaphuket@

angsana.com Website: www.angsana.com/en/phuket

Representatives: Mr Jerry John - General Manager Ms Paritchawan Kraiponrak - Director Sales Background: Located on the shores of Bang Tao Bay in the northwest of Phuket Island in Southern Thailand, Angsana Laguna Phuket is just a 20-minute drive away from Phuket International Airport and from Phuket town. It is part of Laguna Phuket, Asia’s first integrated resort, which consists of five luxury hotels, six palm-fringed lagoons, 600 acres of parkland, three kilometers of pristine beach and an outstanding array of recreational and dining facilities.

Products/Services: A premier holiday destination for the discerning, stylish and energetic holidaymaker, the new flagship property of the Angsana Hotels and resorts is located within the Laguna Phuket resort complex.

Positioned along the pristine white sandy shores of the island’s famed Bang Tao Bay, Angsana Laguna Phuket has unparalleled beachfront access to warm aquamarine waters of the Andaman sea.

The resort complements the architecture and culture of Thailand in a stylish fusion of contemporary and traditional design.

Soothing sounds of the ocean and beautiful sunsets can be enjoyed from the guest rooms, lofts, suites and private residences. The resort facilities include seven dining establishments, a destination beach club, a tree house inspired Kid’s club, the award-winning Angsana Spa, an Angsana Retails Gallery, state-of-art meeting rooms and a 358 Square metre ballroom.

Ownership: Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts Senior Management: Mr Jerry John-General Manager

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Centre Point Hospitality Quality House Public Company Limited 1522/2 Soi Kaysorn 1 (Charoenkrung 50) Charoenkrung Road, Bangrak Bangkok Thailand 10500 Phone: 662 630 6345-9 Fax: 662 630 6353-4 Website:www.centrepoint.com Email: reservations@centrepoint.com

Representatives: Miss Lasa Chiamchintanakul - Group Sale Manager Miss Petpailin Stirasard - Marketing Executive Officer Background: Operating nine properties in prime locations of Bangkok, Centre Point Hospitality is the leader in executive serviced apartments, hotel and residence businesses in Thailand. The locations are Petchburi15, Sukhunvit10, Silom, Langsuan, Wireless Road, Saladaeng, Sukhumvit-Thong Lo, Ratchadamri and Sukhumvit. Each location is within easy walking distance to the BTS sky train or MRT subway stations allowing tenants to travel with ease.

Products/Services: With more than 20 years of experience, Centre Point Hospitality guarantees a professional quality of service and high attention to the finest details. Today, they are a shining example of leading luxury executive services apartment in Thailand.

Centre Point Hospitality is managed by the renowned Quality Houses Public Company Limited listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. The company is the leader in quality and services in Thailand’s real estate development businesses with various kinds of housing and condominium projects, office buildings, services apartments and hotels.

You will experience a heavenly stay like no other and enjoy all the conveniences of modern life; at Centre Point “you’ll call it home”.

Ownership: Quality House Public Company Limited

Greg Rowe and Associates (Pty Ltd) Level 3, 369 Newcastle St. Northbridge Western Australia 6003 Phone: 618 9221 1991 Fax: 618 9221 1919 Website: www.greg-rowe.com.au Email: greg.rowe@greg-rowe.com

Representatives: Mr Greg Rowe - Principal & Managing Director Mr Doug Smith - Senior Associate Background: For over 20 years Greg Rowe and Associates (GRA) has been providing expert planning advice to a range of clients. We specialise in master planning, urban design, project management and town planning.

GRA is one of the largest planning practices within Western Australia.

With a highly qualified and experienced team and the latest technology in-house, we are able to provide a service that is fast, accurate and efficient. Service to our Clients is always provided on a one-on-one basis to ensure that our client’s needs are interpreted correctly and followed through from planning to completion.

Our portfolio of projects include retail, education, tourism, commercial and residential developments and our staff expertise can cater from small subdivision applications right through to town sites comprising a mix of uses and thousands of lots.

One of the benefits of having successfully completed many projects is the broad experience that has been developed within the organisation. This experience enables our senior personnel to provide astute decision making advice that ultimately saves our clients time and money. Our key focus is being able to understand a project’s constraints and schedule the project accordingly to reduce our clients timelines and hence avoid unnecessary expense.

Products/services: Urban master planning Urban structure planning Urban design Land subdivision project management Built form project management Land use and development, Industrial, commercial, residential, institutional and tourism proposals AustChamThailand Advance

NEW MEMBERS and members’ changes

Ownership: Sole Proprietor Company

Ownership: The Erawan Group PLC

Senior Management: Mr Greg Rowe - Principal & Managing Director Mr George Hajigabriel - General Manager

Senior Management: Craig J. Ryan - General Manager Jatuporn Phiukhao - Executive Assistant Manager Sudachan Apirattanapimonchai - Director of Finance and Business Development Darika Chaloeithoi - Director, HR

Holiday Inn Pattaya 463/68 Pattaya Sai 1 Road, Nongprue Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Phone: 6638 725 555 Fax: 6638 725 562 Website: www.holidayinn.com/pattaya Email: info@holidayinn-pattaya.com

Representatives: Ms Chutima Konfai - Director of Sales (Corporate) Ms Ketsara Saetae - Director of Sales (MICE) Background: Holiday Inn Pattaya first opened its door in October 2009 and is owned by The Erawan Group PLC and under management of Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG).Conveniently located on the bustling Beach Road in north-Pattaya, Holiday Inn is just 90 minutes traveling time from Bangkok, 75 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport, 35 minutes’ drive to the Eastern Seaboard and only 20 minutes’ drive to Laem Chabang Industrial Area. For golfers, Holiday Inn Pattaya offers an easy access to Sukhumvit road where many of the World class gold courses are within just short travel distance. Holiday Inn Pattaya is the choice for everyday travelers.

Products/Services: Holiday Inn Pattaya offers 367 smart guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies with enchanting sea views. Our unique KidSuites and Kids’Club are suited for families traveling with children. Relax and enjoy at any of our three swimming pools and the tranquil Tea Tree spa. All five dining outlets offer a variety of tantalising food and beverage choices. Our fully equipped meeting facilities include three meeting rooms and two ballrooms with 8.55 m high ceiling which can accommodate from 12-950.

AustChamThailand Advance

Trinity SF Co.,Ltd 1-7 Zuellig House, 3rd Floor, Unit 304 Silom Rd., Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Phone: 662 636 3823 Fax: 662 636 3824 Website: www.trinity-sf.com Email: rapat.tamgtrakoon@trinity-sf.com

Representatives: Mr Oliver Smith - Chief Investment Officer Mr Sebastien Desvignes - Chief Investment Officer Background: Trinity, in conjunction with boutique investment fund Trinity Investment Partners LP., acquires 100 per cent equity interests in companies holding fixed assets, with a focus on real estate. Our investment strategy identifies companies looking to undertake a corporate restructure and capitalises on the dislocation in value arising from structural inefficiencies.

We acquire these companies and their assets, eliminate these inefficiencies and realise potential capital gains.

Our team has a depth of technical expertise and local knowledge, allowing us to successfully purchase complex legal structures arising from situations such as divestitures, real estate asset deals, M&A transactions and market exits. Our target market is South East Asia, focusing primarily on Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia.

One of our strengths is carrying out financial restructuring, unlocking trapped value from complex legal structures for investors and achieving optimum returns on capital within a short timeframe.

Products / services: Real Estate Investment: Trinity can acquire both the assets and holding entities, allowing shareholders to efficiently repatriate cash and alleviate the burden of managing divestiture.

Simplification of International Corporate Structure: When an international group wishes to simplify its corporate structure, we can acquire special purpose holding vehicles and the assets within those structures to expedite the restructures to expedite the restructure and the release of value.

Corporate Divestiture and M&A Deals: Trinity plays a crucial and constructive role by acquiring non-core business assets or legal structures post-divestiture, leaving key assets to be consolidated through the M&A deal.

Senior Management: Ms Anne Cunningham - Chief Operating Officer Mr Oliver Smith - Chief Investment Officer Mr Sebastien Desvignes - Chief Operating Officer: Real Estate & Special Situation

Change of Representatives

Change of Company Address

• Mr. Chanin Suksuwan, Director of Manned Security Services is a new representative of G4S Security Services (Thailand).

• Mr. Nathan Tan, IAD and Sales Manager is a new representative of G4S Security Services (Thailand).

• Mr. Clinton Lovell,General Manager is a new representative of Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom.

• Ms. Narumon Silaboonsak, Protective Coatings Manager is a new representative of Akzo Nobel Coatings.

• Mr. Watcharapong Pathompanich, General Manager - Business Development is a new representative of L-Tag Technologies.

ARV Offshore Co., Ltd. 199/62 Landco Building Vibhavadee-Rangsit Road Samsen Nai, Phayathai Bangkok 10400 Thailand Akzo Nobel Coatings Ltd. 120 Ample Tower, 15th Floor Bangna-Trad Road, Bangna Bangkok, Thailand 73160 Phone: 66 2 744 1299 Fax: 66 2 744 1298 Raja’s Fashions 160/1 Sukhumvit Road Bangkok 10110 Thailand On the main road near Soi 8 in front of NANA BTS Station

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From the Chamber Office

Message from the Executive Director

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Calendar of Events

re you an AustCham member and travel to – or do business in – countries in Asia in addition to Thailand? Are you interested in meeting the members of Australian business associations there?

WEDNESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER Bangkok Sundowners

Well, thanks to a new agreement between the 16 member organisations of Australian Business Asia (ABA), it is now possible for AustCham members to attend the events of other ABA member chambers and business councils.

SATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER Voluntary English Teaching

Under this new agreement, AustCham members who are based permanently in Thailand can now attend most events organised by other ABA organisations. AustCham members not permanently based in Thailand will be able to attend up to three events per ABA organisation, per year.

FRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER Eastern Seaboard Networking Event:

In order to attend another ABA organisation’s event you will need to register for the function as required by the receiving ABA Organisation, letting them know you are an AustCham member. Please do so at least 48 hours in advance so that we can send them an email confirming your membership status, if necessary.

A list of ABA Organisations, their contact details and events listings can be found at www.australianbusinessasia.org.

Under the auspices of ABA, this month also saw the publication of a magazine featuring each of the 16 member organisations, as well as various articles on business in Asia. Each AustCham member company will be receiving a copy of the publication and an on-line version will soon be available.

Several AustCham member companies are represented in the book, including Bangkok Patana School, BlueScope Steel, Boral, Ceva, KIS International School, Qantas, RMA Group, Toll, University of Melbourne and University of Queensland. ABA will receive a significant portion of the advertising revenue which will be crucially to financially sustaining ABA as the umbrella body for Australian chambers and business associations in Asia.

Is your business in Thailand interested in engaging a university graduate from Australia on a short-term internship? Well, to help facilitate this, AustCham has established a new portal to advertise internship opportunities via the AustralianAlumni website (www.australianalumni.com/internships).

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18:00-21:00 Venue: Banyan Tree Bangkok Corporate Sponsor: Akara Mining

Bus departs from Thai CC Building at 8:00 and returns at 16:00 Location: Wat Phra Patharnporn School, Sri Ra Cha

It is envisaged that most Thailand internships for Australians would be conducted under the auspices of Australia’s working holiday arrangement with Thailand. This program is yet to be activated for Australians coming in Thailand (it is fully subscribed in the other direction), but there is an extant agreement between Australia and Thailand whereby Australian university graduates between the ages of 18-30 are able to live, work and travel in Thailand for a total of one year, with a maximum of three months per employer. If required, AustCham is happy to help member business in arranging the issue of working holiday visas.

hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM) 18:00-21:00 Venue: TBA SATURDAY 29 SEPTEMBER Largest AFL Grand Final Event Outside Australia

9:00 onwards Venue: Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel See page 22 for full details

If you wish to advertise an internship opportunity on the AustralianAlumni website please contact me or anybody else in the AustCham office.

Finally, it is with mixed feelings that the AustCham office bids farewell to our Communications Manager Josh Hyland.

On the one hand we are pleased to see him go onto new and exciting challenges with one of our member companies. On the other, we hate to lose him! Since joining AustCham as an intern some three years back, Josh has enthusiastically contributed to practically every area of AustCham activity. His contribution has been nothing short of fantastic, and we wish him well for what is sure to be an impressive career ahead.

Thank you to August sponsors:

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

AustChamThailand Advance