Magazine of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand Issue 1 2016
Celebrating 70 years in Thailand
Contents BCCT
Board of Directors 2016
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CHAIRMAN Simon Matthews ManpowerGroup Thailand T: 02 2634 7273 matthews@manpower.th.com VICE CHAIRMEN Simon Landy Colliers International Thailand T: 02 656 7000 simon.landy@colliers.com
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Christopher Thatcher Anglo-Thai Legal Co., Ltd. T: 081 803 7377 christhatcher1@gmail.com DIRECTORS Ali Adam Arcadia (Thailand) Co., Ltd. T: 02 108 1822 ali@arcadia-engineering.com Mark Bowling Savills (Thailand) Limited T: 02 636 0300 MWBowling@savills.co.th
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Billy Chomsakorn British Airways PLC T: 001 80044 15906 billy.chomsakorn@ba.com Viriya (Boyd) Chongphaisal GlaxoSmithKline (Thailand) Limited T: 02 659 3000 viriya.x.chongphaisal@gsk.com John Christie Ek-Chai Distribution System Co., Ltd. T: 02 797 9000 john.christie@th.tesco.com David Cumming ONYX Hospitality Group (Amari Watergate Bangkok) T: 02 653 9000 david.cumming@amari.com Stephen Frost Bangkok International Associates Ltd T: 02 231 6201/6455 sfrost@bia.co.th Somporn Leelasestaporn BT Siam Ltd. T: 02 126 8006 somporn.leelasestaporn@bt.com
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Kelvin Tan HSBC T: 02 614 4000 kelvin.tan@hsbc.co.th
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Hugh Vanijprabha Rolls-Royce (Thailand) Ltd. T: 02 263 0500 Hugh.Vanijprabha@Rolls-Royce.com
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Carl Sellick Lucy Electric (Thailand) Limited T: 033 684 333 Carl.Sellick@lucyelectric.com
HONORARY TREASURER John Sim PKF Tax and Consulting Services (Thailand) Ltd. T: 02 108 1591-96 john.sim@pkf.com
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Your Chamber in Thailand – the early years Healthy aging in Thailand
Who pays your medical bills when cancer strikes? Crucial advice about Zika virus threat
Top tips for dealing with knee pain
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Health plans that provide the best cover
The Osborne Bull Are 99 year leases good for Thailand?
Contents Issue 1/2016 The Link is published by the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand. Advertising enquiries: Greg Watkins Email: greg@bccthai.com Editor: Dale Lawrence Email: dalelawrence2008@gmail.com Front cover design: GSBI Production: Scand-Media Corp., Ltd
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The views expressed by individual authors are not necessarily those of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand or of the publisher. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand is strictly prohibited.
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British Chamber of Commerce Thailand 7th Floor, 208 Wireless Road Bangkok 10330, Thailand Tel: 02-651 5350/3 Fax: 02-651 5354 Website: www.bccthai.com Email: greg@bccthai.com Greg Watkins, Executive Director
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Chairman’s Message
Chamber News
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Executive Director’s Message
Chamber events
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Member News By the Numbers
Comings and Goings Final Word
Chairman’s Message
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elcome to the first link of 2016. I am honored once again to be elected as your Chairman and I express my sincere thanks to all those who have supported me and the Chamber in 2015. I am pleased to have as Vice Chairmen Simon Landy, who will continue to represent the Chamber with the Board of Trade and also serve as Chairman of the Overseas Business Network committee, and ‘Mr Events’ Chris Thatcher who will, amongst his many other duties, hair our Events committee.
Simon Matthews Sustaining Partners
I am also pleased that John Sim will continue as Treasurer to ensure that we continue to be financially sound. I would like to thank Khun Viriya Chongphaisal for his support in 2015 as Vice Chairman and his continued support as a Board Director in 2016. I am delighted to welcome two new members of the BCCT Board: Mark Bowling of Savills Thailand and Khun Somporn Leelasestaporn of BT Siam. I am confident they will contribute to make 2016 a fantastic year for the Chamber. I would like to thank Executive Director Greg Watkins and the entire BCCT team for their great work in 2015 and their continued support in 2016. As we look forward there are some key areas that the Board will continue to focus upon.
Sustaining Partners
• Membership: To use our membership survey and other tools to continue to improve engagement and provide services and value to meet our membership needs • Advocacy: To build upon progress made in 2015 and work to closely with other foreign chambers of commerce, the European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC) and the Board of Trade of Thailand in order to best represent BCCT members in seeking change to the key issues that face them • Events: Events are the main touch-point with many members. With feedback received from the membership survey conducted in the fourth quarter of 2015 we will work on improvements to our events and seek to achieve the best possible balance between business/educational and more social events, between income‐generating and free/subsidised events, between Bangkok and upcountry and, ultimately, between quantity and quality • UK Trade and Investment: To work closely with UKTI Bangkok and in UK through the Executive Director’s position on the OBNi Project Board, UK ASEAN Business Council, British Chambers of Commerce, specific trade associations and chambers of commerce in UK in order to grow the number of UK companies exporting to and investing in Thailand and introduce these companies to the wide range of services our members can offer • Investment: With financial stability and a healthy balance sheet we will look at how to invest back to our members I look forward to keeping you updated throughout the year on progress made with these initiatives. As I have mentioned before, this is the 70th anniversary of the BCCT, the oldest foreign chamber, and we are planning a series of amazing events throughout the year. We have already organised the Life and Style party in the British Embassy grounds when over 300 guests experienced the ‘best of British’. The ‘Taste of Britain’ promotion in March was staged at 93 Tops stores in Thailand. In closing I would thank you for your continued support in 2016. The BCCT exists because of you, its members and I encourage you to share your feedback with me or any member of the BCCT Board. Your views help us to improve upon our benefits and services to members I look forward to listening to your views.
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Thrive at A Levels: join the Sixth Form at Harrow Bangkok university. In addition to having access to top class teachers, students are fully supported throughout their studies and in their applications to the best universities around the world including Stanford, Yale, Oxford and Cambridge.
The world class curriculum includes: Accelerated Mathematics Programmes Wider skills programme including Leadership in Action activities, an extensive sports programme, House System, Duke of Edinburgh award, community service and debating opportunities Academic mentors for chosen undergraduate study area: Oxbridge preparation including TSA, critical thinking and interview training Medics Programme for students choosing to study in Thailand and overseas SAT & IELTS classes and testing for students who wish to apply for US universities
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Executive Director’s Message
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CCT’s 70th anniversary year has begun in earnest with two new Board directors: Khun Somporn Leelsestaporn of BT Siam and Mark Bowling of Savills. We look forward to both contributing to BCCT’s activities in 2016. Sadly, we said farewell to Andrew McBean of Grant Thornton who stepped down because of increased corporate responsibilities.
Greg watkins Airline Partner
Supporting Partners
On membership, as I type this message, our special offer of THB 3,600 in event attendance vouchers for all members that pay the 2016 renewal fee by 31st March is about to expire. Any member companies that have not renewed beyond this date please forward payment as quickly as possible in order to avoid the BCCT team being distracted from member support activities to chase payments. If you would like to discuss how to make better use of your membership, please contact me or Khun Jina at the BCCT office. We are currently engaged on three membership retention and recruitment projects. Firstly, the BCCT membership team has undertaken to individually contact each of BCCT’s 600 corporate members during 2016. The objective is to engage with you as members to discuss how BCCT can more effectively help you to develop your businesses in Thailand – our core objective. Secondly, the membership team is going back 10 years to contact all companies that resigned their membership in order to discuss rejoining BCCT. Thirdly, the BCCT membership team is stepping up its activity in converting to members those non-members who attend BCCT events. Our events programme is now in full swing with large attendances at our Annual General Meeting Panel Discussion Luncheon and the Life and Style Garden Party in the British Ambassador’s garden. We organised 130 events in 2015 and look forward to continuing to give you a wide selection of event topics and formats. Sadly, this year we have had to cancel two non-business events due to insufficient bookings – a presentation by a best-selling international author and a dinner with one of England’s 1966 World Cup heroes. Individually there may be reasons why these events failed to attract your interest. Perhaps we should remain more focused on business events. Look out for more information on the new ‘International Business Awards’, a 70th anniversary initiative that BCCT is working on with the Big Chilli team. Award categories are being finalised and arrangements are being made for a Gala Dinner in September at which the awards will be presented. The Business Services team continues to support British SMEs seeking to enter the Thai market. BCCT remains in a strong and widely-respected position despite an environment of reducing funding by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI). In 2015 more than 50 BCCT members were contacted as a direct result of projects undertaken by the Business Services team. I continue to work on the board of British Chambers of Commerce in UK in order to try to develop a Global Business Network by connecting chambers in UK with overseas BritChams. In April I will visit Hull & Humber, Sheffield, Liverpool, Thames Valley and Hampshire chambers in order to discuss specific service level agreements with specific deliverables and targets.
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In April we say farewell to British Ambassador Mark Kent who is moving to Argentina. Since taking up his appointment as Ambassador to Thailand in August 2012 Mark has been an active supporter of BCCT. In March he was awarded Honorary Membership of BCCT, only the second Ambassador to have received this award in BCCT’s 70 year history. We wish Mark and Martine every success in Argentina.
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Your Chamber in Thailand – the early years This year the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand celebrates its 70th anniversary. In this issue we look back at the Chamber’s early years of development in the post-war era.
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hailand in 1946 was, understandably, a very difference place in which to live and work. Many of the British ex-pats living in Thailand at that time were employed by UK companies that were investing in the country. Records note that the average salary of US50 per month was sufficient for comfortable living ‘with plenty left over’. With no air-conditioning it was normal practice to go home each day for lunch, a quick siesta and a change of clothes before returning to the office. Evenings were often spent at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club and the British Club before returning home to dimly-lit rooms with light provided by seemingly unreliable generators. According to BCCT records, ‘Britain was a considerable presence in those days. Large investments had been made within Thailand and most of the country’s external trade was controlled by the British. The number of British advisers was generally greater than that of any other country. Moreover the children of Thai Royalty and
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the upper classes were sent to Britain for their education, which no doubt helped maintain the status of British expatriates within Thailand throughout the early years’. There were nationals of other European countries that were operating in Thailand as well as some US citizens but ‘the British to a large extent held sway’. To work effectively in Thailand in the early post-war years, speaking Thai was almost essential. Most newcomers to Thailand were required to sit examinations in the Thai language and salary increases often depended upon exam results. These exams were invigilated by the International Chamber of Commerce, a multi-national group of foreign-owned companies in Bangkok. Committee members on this Chamber represented a broad spectrum of business interests including Anglo-Thai Corporation, Banque de l’Indochine, Barrow Brown, Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation, Bor-
neo Company Ltd, Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, Diethelm, The East Asiatic Company, B. Grimm, Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, Louis T. Leonowens and Steel Brothers. Many of these firms played a major role in shaping international commercial relations in Thailand. But their first task, after the conclusion of hostilities in 1945, was to reestablish their corporate structures in Thailand. Fortunately, most British corporate assets were unaffected by Allied attacks and the main focus was upon the enforcement of timber leases and the War Claims. The initial tasks for British businesses in Thailand in the late 1940The period after the war was one of rebuilding, as British and other companies sent staff out to re-establish their offices and businesses. Little physical damage was done to Bangkok by the Allied bombing, so most companies had been spared. One of the most pressing issues of the day was the resumption of valuable timber leases
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The British Club was the venue for BCCT meetings from 1946 until 1964.
with trading companies looking to re-establish quickly the lucrative teak export market. Post-war reparations prompted the creation of the Siam Rice Agency, the organisation that was charged with the task of coordinating the shipment of many thousands of tons of rice. Interestingly, it appears that the essential cooperation required between the Siam Rice Agency and British companies as part of this undertaking sowed the seeds for a British Chamber of Commerce in Thailand. It was a natural progression. The International Chamber of Commerce had been dissolved with the onset of hostilities and the British Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1946 with 17 founders and three ‘associate’ (non-British) members. Records reflect the early influence of Charles Mabbatt of D.Couper-John-
stone and Company and Ian McEwen of the Borneo Company, the latter serving as the Chamber’s Chairman for the first five years. There was, inevitably, in the early years a concentration upon maintaining and pursuing the self-interests of the founder members rather than a being a representative body for British commercial interests in general. But with the War Claims largely settled by the end of the 1940s the arrival of a new decade prompted a gradual transformation. Minutes of meetings, recorded in the early days on airmail paper, were kept short and concise because of the requirement to send a Thai translation of each set of minutes to the Board of Trade of Thailand. Charles Mabbatt was also instrumental in re-establishing the British Club – founded in 1903 but used ‘for other purposes during the Second World War – and it was the Chamber’s regu-
lar meetings venue for some 18 years. There were regular discussions on remuneration of employees, timber leases and the supervision of Thai language examinations. Members of the Borneo Company were playing important roles in the development of the BCCT and the company was also handling the Chamber’s administration until the mid-1960s. It was in this decade that the Chamber became more focussed upon the need to be a representative body for the commercial community in Thailand, raising issues of concern such as the congestion at Bangkok Port and the impact of the Alien Business Law. It was this representative role that elevated the importance and status of the BCCT in Thailand - a role that has continued to this day. In Issue 2 we examine the BCCT’s role amid a period of political and economic uncertainty in Thailand.
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Healthy aging in Thailand T hailand is now a top destination for expats due to its job opportunities, warm climate, low cost of living and modern facilities. That’s the view of experts at the Bumrungrad Hospital’s New Life Healthy Aging Clinic, stating that ‘many people who come to work in Thailand first, love the Kingdom and its culture so much that they choose to retire here. ‘However, no matter where you choose to live when you are over 50, tissues and organs age with you, causing inevitable health problems. Knowing what to expect and how to take action in preventing or minimising problems leads to overall better health in the senior years. Armed with proper knowledge about the health changes to expect in older age, along with proper prevention, care, and planning, older adults can live longer and healthier lives’. Bumrungrad Hospital’s New Life Healthy Aging Clinic is recommending four simple practices for good health in older age. Attentive nutrition It is common for older adults to develop nutritional problems and these can cause serious health disorders such as weak, degenerative muscles, low bone mass (osteoporosis and osteopenia), anaemia, weight loss, memory problems, and mood changes. Older adults should ensure that they eat a balanced diet, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables for fibre as well as foods adequate in protein and calcium. Prevent dehydration by drinking six to eight glasses of water a day. Regular exercise Regular exercise and a good diet are the basis of keeping healthy as we get older. Exercise and bodily movement help maintain joint health and muscular strength, and also prevent joint stiffness and pain, which often afflict older adults. An exercise programme should contain a variety of different activities. Regular weight-bearing exercise such as walking, dance, Tai Chi or cycling can prevent osteoporosis. You can practise clenching 12
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your pelvic floor muscles 50-100 times a day to ward off urinary incontinence. Additionally, you can reduce knee joint degeneration by strengthening the muscles around the knee joint. While working at your desk, sit with your feet on the floor and stretch the knees by raising one leg up, holding it in position for a count of ten, gently lowering, and then repeating with the other leg.
Vaccinations
Annual health check-up
Vaccinations are another key component of older adults’ health because they prevent diseases that can affect the quality of life, and can also help to save on medical care costs. The New Life Healthy Aging Clinic advises that all older adults get an influenza vaccination every year before the rainy or winter seasons (June to January).
“Older adults should have a full health check-up once a year, including an eye check and an oral check to minimise the risk of unexpected health concerns,” recommends Dr. Lily Chaisompong, physician at the New Life Healthy Aging Clinic who studied medicine at the University of London and is a Member of the United Kingdom’s Royal College of Physicians. Bumrungrad Hospital has a range of health check-up options for men and women or can customise a check-up for any patient.
A tetanus booster is advisable once every ten years, to guard against infection in a cut or graze. To avoid the misery of shingles, a herpes zoster vaccination is highly indicated for the over 60s. It’s a one-off treatment, as is the pneumococcal vaccine which provides protection against diseases caused by the pneumococcus bacteria, including pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, bloodstream infections, and meningitis and is recommended for those over 65 years of age.
New Life Healthy Aging Clinic The New Life Healthy Aging Clinic of Bumrungrad International Hospital has been established to provide the highest standard of geriatric care and treatment. The clinic specialises in a holistic approach for the overall health of older patients as well as the prevention, treatment and management of common age-associated conditions such as dementia, depression and osteoporosis. Located on the 15th floor of Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok the New Life Healthy Aging Clinic is open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays and from 9am to 7pm at weekends. Bumrungrad International Hospital was the first Joint Commission International accredited hospital in Asia and has held that status continuously since 2002. For general inquiries and appointments, call 02 667 1000 or email: info@bumrungrad.com.
Top tips for dealing with knee pain M
any people suffering from chronic joint pain feel that there is no alternative to surgery, but that is far from the truth. Before pain strikes, there are ways to keep your bones and joints healthy.
Whenever possible, surgeons prefer partial knee replacement as it results in less postoperative pain and increased durability of the prosthetic joint. Bumrungrad International Hospital utilises a recently developed technique known as MAKOplasty, using a robotic arm to improve the accuracy of bone preparation before the artificial joint is attached. This greatly improves functionality after the surgery. Use of this technique shortens recovery time and also ensures more accurate implant placement, less post-operative pain and increased durability of the implant.
Bumrungrad International Hospital’s team of orthopaedic doctors recommend the following tips for better bone health: • Do weight-bearing exercises to increase your bone strength, such as jogging, weight-lifting, tennis or stair-climbing. If these are too ambitious, try yoga, Tai Chi or Pilates • Eat calcium-rich foods such as yogurt, cheese and milk throughout your life, but particularly during the prime bone-building years between 9 and 18 years of age • Make sure your diet contains Vitamin D, Vitamin K and potassium which work with calcium to restore healthy bones. Vitamin D occurs in egg yolks, tuna and shrimp, while broccoli and kale are great sources of Vitamin K. Bananas, tomatoes and unpeeled potatoes (white or sweet) are rich in potassium • Cut down on cigarettes, alcohol and caffeine. They block the body’s ability to absorb calcium Alternatives to major surgery If you are suffering from chronic knee pain, there are often effective alternatives to surgery. • Lose weight: even dropping a few kilos can relieve pain considerably • Physical therapy: a therapist can show you how to exercise to strengthen the muscles around the knee • Injections: steroid injections or platelet rich plasma can lessen pain and increase mobility, while also helping to hasten healing for young patients • Glucosamine and chondroitin: these 14
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natural supplements provide temporary joint pain relief. • Acupuncture: this Eastern treatment is used by many to relieve their pain There is also arthroscopic surgery, which is much less invasive than total knee replacement surgery. This uses a very thin tube with a special video camera to view the condition of your knee. It can repair tendons and cartilage as well as flush out bone fragments or cartilage pieces that may be causing pain. Better results If a patient has tried several alternatives to surgery without success, then it is time to consider total or partial knee replacement surgery. Today’s generation of joint surgery causes much less physical trauma than before, and recovery times are much shorter due to advances in technology and improved surgical techniques.
Total knee arthroplasty (total knee replacement) may, as a last resort, be required. For many years, it was not uncommon for patients to suffer pain after total knee replacement surgery due to faulty alignment of the prosthetic. The operation was very tricky and it is estimated that the implants may have been badly aligned in 20 - 30 percent of cases. Fortunately, computer-assisted navigation surgery, as performed by Bumrungrad International Hospital’s orthopaedic unit, has improved results for patients. Computer-assisted surgery leads to better prosthetic alignment and a higher degree of accuracy than can be achieved from traditional surgery with standard instruments. Total knee arthroplasty performed with computer-assisted navigation achieved accurate implant alignment in 94 percent of researched cases, compared with 78 percent in the conventional group.
The Joint Replacement Centre at Bumrungrad International Hospital is on the 20th floor of the Bumrungrad International Clinic Building. Email: jointreplacementcenter@ bumrungrad.com
Medical treatment at affordable cost By Dr. Iain Corness
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he BCCT is seeking guidance on how individuals and families may secure the best possible medical treatment (and insurance cover) at a sensible and affordable cost. Having been involved in health care for more years than I wish to remember, and having worked in the UK, Europe, Australia and Thailand, I believe I am qualified to comment on this. However, before I begin, I would ask just what does the Chamber consider to be sensible and affordable? What is affordable for some members, may not be as affordable for others. Everything is relative, surely? And then there is the question of insurance cover. I have always adhered to the dictum that medical insurance is a contract between the patient and the insurance company. It is not a contract between the Insurance company and the healthcare provider. Consequently, I do not believe I am qualified to comment on medical insurance cover. I leave that to the individual, but I do counsel that one should work through a reputable agent. I realise that a small saving on premiums may be available by dealing direct with the insurance company but in the event of a difference in opinion (for say a pre-existing condition or otherwise) who will ‘go in to bat’ for you? The insurance company most certainly will not and that’s why you should have an agent as your representative. Back to the Chamber’s question regarding ‘best possible medical treatment at a sensible and affordable cost’. If we then look at cost as the parameter, is this the correct yardstick? As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. The CEO’s Mercedes is better than your Toyota Vios, for example. Sorry, that is just one of the inequalities of life.
If the hospitals were to lower prices (and, let’s face it, profit margins as well) there are very well understood end results. Cut-price medical treatment results in simply crowded wards; long waiting lists and outdated technology (pick any two). My experience tells me that this cutprice scenario does not represent the ‘best possible medical treatment’. I would rather have my gall bladder removed by today’s (expensive) ‘keyhole’ surgery than by yesterday’s old (cheap) open abdomen surgery. I would rather have my brain visualised with (expensive) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) than yesterday’s (cheap) simple X-Ray. Unfortunately, technology costs money. So is it a case of open slather in the private hospitals? Simple answer, it is not. There were 1,002 public hospitals, and 316 private hospitals registered with the Ministry of Public Health in 2010. There will be more by now. Costs will move according to prevailing free market forces. Like any business venture it is possible to price one’s self out of the market. The other 315 private hospitals will keep the 316th within the constraints of the market place. And if that is not enough, other surrounding countries such as India and Singapore are actively trying to attract patients from Thailand, using the “price” parameter. Thailand’s private hospital fees, on a world scale, are very inexpensive. This is the reason that Medical Tourism to Thailand is continuing to grow. With procedure costs in Thailand between 30-50 percent of similar procedure fees in Australia or America, for example, Thailand is not considered to be expensive. Returning to the question of how individuals and families may secure the
“best possible medical treatment (and insurance cover) at a sensible and affordable cost,” there are some guidelines. Patients are medical consumers. Like all consumers you should shop around. Get more than one opinion both for the diagnosis and necessary treatment, and for the costs. Do not be afraid of hurting the doctor’s feelings. Second (and third) opinions are part of medical life, and a healthy part, I believe. To get the best out of the consultation with the doctor, tell the doctor your symptoms and let the doctor make the diagnosis. Do not go to the consultation armed with several reams of computer printout to ‘verify’ your diagnosis from the consultation with Dr. Google. So, in confronting the questions of “best possible medical treatment (and insurance cover) at a sensible and affordable cost” (in Thailand), my answer is to talk to an insurance agent and then look at the best insurance cover you can afford, relative to the costs in your favorite private hospital. Finally, be honest with the insurer as to preexisting conditions. Trying to fudge at that stage spells financial disaster when found out (which you will be)!
Dr. Iain Corness is a Consultant at Bangkok Hospital, Pattaya. 301 Moo 6 Sukhumvit Road KM 143, Naklua, Banglamung Chonburi 20150 Thailand Tel: (66) 38 259999 Fax: (66) 38 259919 www.bangkokpattayahospital.com
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BRIGHTON COLLEGE BANGKOK
IMAGINE WHERE YOU CAN GO
Opening September 2016 Brighton College Bangkok, sister of Britain’s highest ranked co-educational school, is now accepting enrolments for Pre-Prep pupils between two and nine years of age. Prep and Senior Schools will open in September 2017.
+66 (0)2 136 7898 admissions@brightoncollegebangkok.com brightoncollegebangkok.com instagram.com/brightoncollegebangkok @BrightonBangkok Soi Krungthep Kreetha 15/1, Huamak, Bangkok
Inspiration | Innovation | Excellence
BRIGHTON COLLEGE BANGKOK
IMAGINE WHERE YOU CAN GO
Opening September 2016 p School e r P e r P ad of kok pton, He n College Bang m o r C y ll Brighto with Ke
Brighton College Bangkok, sister of Britain’s highest ranked co-educational school, is now accepting enrolments for Pre-Prep pupils between two and nine years of age. ow would ySchools Prep andcaHSenior ou respond towill open the much arg me first, the ch ued question icken or the e – What Many peop g g ? in September 2017. le have very diff erent,
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reasoned and va generate though lued opinions, t, research and which learning. In man and questionin y ways, the thinki g is much more ng valuable than th e definitive answ er.
Does difference in gender play a role in early childhood education and teaching? Our children will always be celebrated for their achievements, no matter how large or small and without reference to their gender.
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How do different cu ltures and world vi ews, found in intern affect and shape a ational schools, child’s learning syst em or the ability to distinctive features discover one’s ? At Brighton we celebrat e diversity and combi ne this with clear belie We believe in inspiring fs and strong values. children to succeed in their present and futu their past, wherever th re whilst celebrating at may be in the world .
How do you keep up with constant changes in the world that have an impact on educational trends? Brighton College Bangkok will provide highly individualised learning. We are also able to draw on the knowledge from our sister school network in the UK, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, ensuring we work together regularly to share international educational advances and implement those which will benefit our children.
ing tween teach e b e c n re e iff pupils? What is the d d Secondary n a ry a m ri P , to Pre-Prep most crucial e th is e g ta s Which velopment? children’s de sake means that s g’ in n ar le r fo g if we love of learnin +66 (0)2 136 A 7898 than any other t an rt o p im re urney. no stage is mo admissions@brightoncollegebangkok.com ild and their jo ch le o h w e th e sful, are to valu urney as succes jo at brightoncollegebangkok.com th e ak m We are here to instagram.com/brightoncollegebangkok n as possible. inspiring and fu
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@BrightonBangkok Soi Krungthep Kreetha 15/1, Huamak, Bangkok
Inspiration | Innovation | Excellence
Health plans that provide the best cover By Andrew Crawford
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s it time to adopt a better approach to selecting and buying health insurance? Health care and health insurance costs have been spiralling upwards for many years now, and if you don’t have the right cover in place, this could spell danger. Big medical bills are the leading cause of bankruptcy in the USA According to a study in the USA by Harvard Law and Medical Schools published in 2009, the inability to pay medical bills is the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the USA. The report’s lead author, Dr David Himmelstein, concluded, “unless you’re Warren Buffett, your family is just one serious illness away from bankruptcy.” How is this relevant to Thailand? After all, each year medical tourists flock to Thailand, so the cost of healthcare must be reasonable. Right? Well, according to one commentator, healthcare costs are almost universally the fastest increasing cost to business. And Thailand is no exception; medical costs have been spiralling upward here too. It is not just in business,. Everybody is affected, and your corporate or personal health insurance may no longer offer the cover you need. Without the right insurance cover in place, a medical emergency in Thailand can have a severe financial impact on savings and even home equity. Ironically, in the Harvard study, 72 percent of those that went bankrupt had some form of health insurance . . . just not the right sort. So what is the answer? Choosing the right international health insurance plan can be frus-
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trating and even a little intimidating. Studying the small print and comparing policies is a laborious task. Insurance companies all over the world are notorious for policy small print; pre-existing conditions and underwriting terminology, combined with other insurance jargon make policies difficult to understand. While it is easy to believe that all insurance companies are the same, the policies in fact, are not. For example, a lifetime policy with lower benefit limits, but still sufficient for Thailand, may be a sensible option for a retiree. Alternatively, high levels of cover would be more appropriate for a businessperson travelling extensively to destinations such as China, Europe and North America. Affordable health insurance is of course subjective.
no matter what, whether it is a factory, a car, house, or health. The first task is to identify an in-patient-only policy to cover anything that will result in a big hospital bill: a medical evacuation, a major operation, heart attack, cancer treatment, or even serious injury. And remember, even if budget or personal preference limits the choice an in-patient only plan: most insurers cover outpatient cancer treatment; and some policies include pre and post-hospitalisation outpatient treatment. Admittedly, this leaves people potentially exposed to diagnostic checks such as MRI, CT or CAT scans, which can be expensive. But it is better to pay something than settle for lower overall cover. Preferential rates for families and children
But no matter what the circumstances are, big savings are possible by investigating money-saving features offered by some insurers, and by making certain policy choices, offered by most insurers. Here’s how…
There are quite a number of insurers that offer a five percent discount if three or more family members are insured. That may seem a little modest, but over a period of years, the saving soon mounts up.
Insure the unaffordable
For larger families, one local insurer offers free cover for the second, third, and forth children, which is a substantial cost saving.
Forget about outpatient treatment, dental care, optical check-ups, health checks and vaccinations. Decide whether to include these later. These benefits are great to have for some people, but remember, including even modest cover for outpatient treatment on its own can easily double a health insurance premium. So the first priority is to insure the unaffordable. Remember, the real purpose of any insurance policy is to protect against financial disaster: it applies
Select a voluntary deductible (or excess) A deductible (also known as an excess) is an amount of money paid in out-of-pocket expenses before the insurance policy will start to pick up the costs. Do not be tempted to compromise on the basic in-patient plan. If the premiums for the plan selected are a stretch on the budget, choose a
deductible to reduce the premium. If that is not an option, look for a plan that does have deductible options. Most international insurers offer a number of deductible/discount options: the larger the deductible, the larger the discount. Premium savings of up to 25 percent are common, and discounts of 40 percent, or more, are possible with some insurers.
are not common due to administrative issues, but they do exist. Look for them. Some offer a flat rate, but with others, it is possible by remaining claims-free for three or four years to save as much as 20 percent or 25 percent on the annual premium.
Choosing a plan that offers Baht 10 million in overall coverage with an appropriate excess to make the premium more affordable is better than opting for a cheaper plan with low cover. Having to borrow Baht 30,000 from family or friends to pay the excess will be easier than trying to find Baht 500,000 to pay the hospital bill because the policy has insufficient limits.
In health insurance terms, the geographical area of cover refers to the countries specified in the insurance certificate where cover is provided for routine or elective medical treatment. Some insurers keep it simple to reflect just the greatest difference in health care costs:
There are a number of deductible variations: per claim, per condition, or per annum. The choice normally varies by insurer. An annual excess means that the maximum contribution for the policy year is known from the outset. Combining an in-patient only plan with a manageable excess is cost effective, and is one of the most popular and best ways of providing protecting from financial disaster. The downside? For a family, the excess does normally apply to each member.
Choose which countries you need cover for
• Europe • Worldwide excluding the USA and North America • Worldwide
Choose an insurer that offers a noclaims discount
Others have created additional geographic blocks, sometimes even within the same region, to reflect the differences in health care costs across the world. For example, several insurers have created a low cost Asia region. This includes countries like Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, where healthcare costs are lower, but excludes countries seen as expensive for healthcare such as China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.
Health insurance companies with policies offering a no-claims discount
The difference in the cost for the same plan in the two regions is significant.
In some age bands, those requiring cover in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan have to pay up to three times more. Choosing the low cost Asia region does not mean that no cover is provided elsewhere in the world for holiday and business travel. Most insurers provide short-term accident and emergency cover outside the geographic area to cover travel to the rest of Asia, Europe or USA. Consider health insurance costs longer term Not only do different insurers have different premiums, the increases between age bands can vary significantly. The table below shows how premium increases between age bands varies between two local policies. Both have same level of cover and a starting premium of around Baht 56,000 for a 42 year old.
Andrew Crawford is Employee Benefits Director at Trafalgar International Limited, Bangkok. Tel: +66 2645 1170 Fax: +66 2645 1180 Mob: +66 (0) 81493 7171 acrawford@trafalgar-intl.com www.trafalgar-intl.com
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Who pays your medical bills when cancer strikes? By Jerome Kelly
S
am was in his early sixties, played golf regularly, enjoyed life. Then he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Sam had medical insurance which he believed covered him for such an event; so he thought at least he had a fighting chance of beating the disease without breaking the bank. Unfortunately Sam had not read the small print on his policy. Why did he need to, he’d bought it directly from the insurer, asked if cancer was covered, and been told it was. Which was indeed correct. The problem however was that his cancer cover was limited to a maximum of 10,000 US dollars a year. Sam’s treatment was costing 2,800 US dollars a month. And, even that 20
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meagre cover could only be extended for two more years before Sam was completely on his own. Sadly, Sam’s case is not untypical. While many of you will believe that you are fully covered for cancer – by your company insurance or your own personal medical insurance – the reality may be quite different. Many medical insurance policies have a cap on the amount the insurer will pay for cancer treatment. The cap is normally a maximum monetary sum each policy year, plus a limit on the number of years cover is available after diagnosis. Other insurers offer a lump sum on diagnosis (and even then they will exclude certain cancers, such as all forms of skin cancer that are not
malignant melanoma). After that you’re on your own. What are your chances of getting cancer? According to Cancer Research UK, 50 percent of those born after 1960 in the UK will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime. If you’re male, the highest lifetime risks are prostate, lung and bowel cancers. If you’re female, it’s breast, lung and bowel cancers. To ensure you are fully covered you could try writing to your insurer to ask for a letter stating the limits, if any, of the cancer cover you have in place. If they write back and tell you that you are ‘covered in full for any cancer’, then you can relax. If
they indicate limits on coverage, then maybe it’s time to talk to an insurance broker to help you find a policy that better meets your needs.
such as cancer and a heart attack although it may be nice to have outpatient cover as well if you can afford it. Do you really need to see the doctor every time you have a cold?
Why do you need a broker? Firstly let’s dispel the myth that going through a broker will be more expensive than going directly to an insurer; it will not. The price will be the same, or, possibly lower. So, as you will be paying the same amount, why not take advantage of a broker’s services. A good broker can offer you a range of plans to suit your needs, both medical and financial. By taking the largest deductible available – the amount you agree to pay before the insurance comes into force – you can help maximise your cover, while minimising your premium. By only purchasing in-patient cover you can also keep costs down. The main reason to take out insurance is to cover you for major medical events
If you have an emergency medical problem overseas, most good insurance policies will also cover you for emergency treatment – even if the country you are visiting is not part of your insurance area of coverage. This is important as if you are taken seriously ill in the USA or Canada for instance where medical costs can be astronomical. Medical insurance through a good broker can also take away the hassle of having to pay when you leave the hospital and then claim the money back. A good broker will have a list of hospitals where you can simply sign the bill and let the insurance company take care of the payment directly (assuming of course that your illness was covered under your policy). If you have an issue with the hospital, or problems with the
insurer, your broker will also support you and, if necessary, help take your case to the Office of the Insurance Commission. Finally, a good broker will interpret the small print on an insurance contract for you, to make sure you know exactly what you are being covered for. So if you do get cancer, at least you will know who is going to pay the bills.
Jerome Kelly is CEO of LawtonAsia Insurance Brokers Ltd. He is currently serving as Chairman of the EABC Insurance Working Group. 5th floor, M Thai Tower, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330 jerome@lawtonasia.co.th www.lawtonasia.com Tel: +66 2654 1150 #105 Fax: +66 2654 1151 Mob: +66 89 779 6592
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Advertorial
Discover the landmark transformation of the Plaza Athénée Bangkok, a Royal Méridien As one of Bangkok’s largest and most prestigious conference hotels, Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Méridien will inspire you with over 5,600 square metres of meeting space offering the ultimate in style and flexibility. Located on a leafy boulevard in the heart of the city, the hotel is central, well-connected, and renowned as one of Bangkok’s most fashionable places to stay and play host. Royal roots and influences Recently extensively remodelled and modernised, the hotel pays deference to the fact that it stands on the former site of a Thai colonial-style royal palace. The design of the guest rooms and suites won the Five Star Asia Pacific Property Award 2015-2016 for ‘Best Hotel Interior Thailand’. ISO 20121 exemplary sustainability The hotel has uniquely achieved ISO 20121 certification for planning and delivering sustainable events, notably Green Meetings. The hotel also only uses certified organic rice. Memorable meetings The Atheneum Meetings Rooms offer meeting and event organisers unique opportunities to redefine their strategies. Occupying Level 06 of the hotel the six meeting rooms, boardroom and unique lounge of the Atheneum Meetings Rooms feature elegant style cues and are fully equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual technologies complemented by unobstructed city views. Exquisite events Dramatic remodelling of Level 04, the hotel’s pool garden and fitness floor, has liberated a new mid-size function space – Kandhavas Place – with ideal ambience and proportions for hosting special dinner parties, engagements and weddings, meetings and business events.
AT YOUR SERVICE To ensure that every event is a masterpiece, a full range of the latest technology is available including audio-visual systems, wireless technology, LCD projectors broadband access and full secretarial services. Planning is simplified with meeting specialists to assist with every detail. Online tools speed your planning, turning your vision into reality. Delightful cuisine Comprising three complementary spaces, the Rain Tree Café allday dining and buffet restaurant is conceived in a modern interpretation of Thai neo-colonial interior décor. The Bronze Kitchen upgraded with interactive live cooking stations, The Valaya Room - a formal library-style VIP space - and The Secret Garden for private al fresco affairs. The buffet presents an inspiring voyage of culinary discovery including five speciality dishes of the day from the hotel’s head chefs in charge of its other award-winning restaurants.
Crucial advice about Zika virus threat Z
ika Virus is an emerging disease rapidly spreading through many tropical countries, including the Pacific Islands and particularly in the Americas. International SOS shares information about Zika Virus and the measures one can take against it. What is the Zika Virus? Zika Virus (ZIKV) is a mosquitoborne viral disease that usually causes a mild illness. It has been present for years in parts of Africa, Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands, and has spread geographically over the last 10 months to more regions within the South and Central Americas, including the Caribbean. Though the disease is not considered to be life-threatening, there are evolving concerns of birth defects for the babies of women who become infected while pregnant. There also appears to be an association with the neurological complication GuillainBarrĂŠ Syndrome. The Zika virus is also present in other areas and travellers have been infected in other countries in the past two years. What is my risk? The risk of contracting Zika disease is present wherever there are infected mosquitoes and probably higher where there is a documented active outbreak in people. What are the symptoms? Most people have no symptoms. If symptoms occur they are typically fever, rash, conjunctivitis (red eyes), muscle and joint pains. The symptoms are similar to many other illnesses such as dengue, and
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are generally not severe, nor lifethreatening. No specific medication is available to treat Zika. Most people make a full recovery within a week. If symptomatic relief is required, avoid aspirin and ibuprofen (and other non-steroidal antiinflammatory medications) unless dengue fever has been excluded and your doctor has advised you to take them. The major concern with Zika appears to be for pregnant women who, if infected, may deliver infants with microcephaly (small heads) and/or other abnormalities, and may have an increased risk of early delivery and other poor outcomes. No vaccination is available. Thus, strict bite protection is recommended. What if I’ve been bitten? If you are in a Zika-affected area, and have been bitten by a mosquito, stay calm. First, not all mosquitos carry Zika, even in areas where there is an outbreak. Second, only one out of five people who are bitten by a Zika-infected mosquito develop symptoms.
Monitor your health for two weeks. Seek medical advice if symptoms develop. What if I have symptoms? If symptoms do evolve, they typically will occur within 2 to 10 days. If ill, seek medical attention, ensuring you advise the doctor of your travel. This is especially important if you are, might be, or are planning to fall pregnant. You may be tested for Zika, and may have your pregnancy monitored. May I travel? The WHO recommends travel can continue to Zika affected countries. However if you are (or plan to become) pregnant, or are otherwise concerned for your welfare please review the travel recommendations issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you decide to delay business-related travel to a country affected by Zika, please advise your manager of your change in itinerary. Management is advised to accommodate such changes without requiring that you provide your reason. It is expected that recommendations may change, so monitor-
ing of the situation is recommended. Advice for pregnant women travellers to affected areas The CDC recommends that pregnant women consider postponing travel. It is expected that travel recommendations may change, so, review prior to any travel. Advice for women of childbearing age travelling to affected areas The CDC recommends that women of childbearing age, particularly those seeking to become pregnant, should seek medical advice prior to travel to assess their risks. It is expected that recommendations may change, so monitoring of the situation is recommended. Advice for those returning from affected areas For those returning from affected countries, it is recommended that they monitor their health for 14 days. If symptoms of Zika develop, seek medical attention. It is expected that recommendations may change, so monitoring of the situation is recommended. Advice for pregnant women returning from affected areas For pregnant women returning from affected countries, they should monitor their health for 14 days. If symptoms develop they should seek medical attention, ensuring their doctor is aware of their travel status. Further testing and monitoring may be recommended by your local doctor or your local health authorities. It is expected that recommendations may change, so monitoring of the situation is recommended. Advice for those living/working in affected areas For those living/working in Zika-affected locations, it is recommended that strict bite protection be maintained. Some local authorities have made additional recommendations for women who are contemplating pregnancy, such as delaying pregnancy. It is
expected that recommendations may change, so monitoring of the situation is recommended. Mosquito control programmes must be implemented in living areas to eradicate breeding sites and prevent mosquito bites. Advice for pregnant women living/ working in affected areas For pregnant women in locations where a Zika outbreak is active, strict bite protection is recommended, contact your HR manager to discuss other options. It is expected that recommendations may change, so monitoring of the situation is recommended
• Use an effective EPA-registered insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, PMD or IR3535 • When outdoors, wear clothing that covers most of your body (long sleeves, long pants, socks) • Ensure windows are covered with fly-wire • Consider using an insecticidetreated bed net • Use knock-down insect spray to kill mosquitoes in your room • Choose air conditioned accommodation if possible • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear. Insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin and IR3535 are safe for pregnant women. What is the treatment?
How is it transmitted? The virus is carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also can carry Dengue Fever and the Yellow Fever viruses. The mosquito passes it to people through its bite. What are the signs and symptoms? The incubation period of Zika Virus is not well defined but is likely to be between two and 10 days after the mosquito bite. Generally one in five people infected with Zika virus become symptomatic. The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis. Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headache. The illness is usually mild with symptoms normally lasting between two and seven days. Severe disease is uncommon but there does appear to be an increasing link with the neurological condition Guillain Barré Syndrome. Prevention It can be prevented by following strict mosquito-bite prevention measures. The mosquitos bite both indoors and out, and although they prefer to bite during the day they can also bite at night, especially in areas that are illuminated. Bite prevention recommendations from the CDC include: • Prevent infection by preventing mosquito bites
No specific treatment is available, only supportive measures and symptomatic care with analgesics and antipyretics. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, should not be given until a dengue diagnosis (which has similar clinical picture) is ruled out due to risk of haemorrhage. A vaccine is not presently available. The situation is rapidly evolving and International SOS experts are working around the clock to bring the latest information on developments, travel advice, and how individuals and organisations can respond. Updates are available in the medical alerts and the health threat sections of International SOS country guides. For more information, please contact bbkinfo@internationalsos.com.
Contributor: International SOS Medical Team International SOS is the world’s leading medical and travel security risk services company, serving clients across the globe, from more than 850 locations in 92 countries. International SOS offers a range of preventive programmes for business travellers and international assignees and delivers emergency assistance during critical illness, accident or civil unrest.
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Education summit tackles issue of absent children
M
ore than 550 development workers, government officials, education practitioners and private sector representatives from 22 countries have gathered to share innovative strategies on how best to reach Asia’s millions of out-of-school children. The Asia Education Summit on Flexible Learning Strategies for Out-of-School Children offered a three-day platform for the sharing of innovative approaches to provide learning opportunities for disadvantaged youth. There are approximately 17.3 million out-of-school children in AsiaPacific, among them some of the region’s – and the world’s – most marginalised groups: girls in areas where gender inequality is prevalent; children with disabilities; HIV-infected youth; those living in remote areas that are not served by schools; migrants, nomadic people and racial, ethnic and linguistic minorities. UNESCO Bangkok Director Gwang-Jo Kim said that the summit comes at a pivotal time for AsiaPacific as the region pursues the ambitious Education 2030 goal of ‘inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’. “Ensuring that everyone has the right to a quality education is the most effective path that we can pursue to peace and sustainable development,” he said. “In the 21st century, education is no longer only a national issue. Increased mobility between countries means that it is a transnational issue. By reaching and retaining more children in educational programmes, we are making the best possible investment we can make in our collective futures.”
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together to address this issue for the future prosperity and stability of all countries in the region,” said Ichiro Miyazawa, a Programme Specialist with UNESCO Bangkok’s Basic Education Unit. “UNESCO believes that innovative, flexible learning approaches are a necessity when it comes to this important mission.”
UNESCO Bangkok Director Gwang-Jo Kim
According to UNESCO’s Institute for Statistics there are some 6.69 million out-of-school children in East Asia and another 9.81 million in South and West Asia. A recent report released by UNESCO Bangkok showed that if primary school enrolment patterns in Southeast Asia do not change, the unskilled workforce that emerges will cost countries anywhere from 0.1percent of their GDP in the case of Viet Nam to as much as four percent of GDP in Timor-Leste. “More and more research is pointing to the fact that the current outof-school children situation in AsiaPacific is unsustainable. It is high time that countries in Asia stand up
UNESCO is promoting programmes designed to get more Asian children a basic education.
Mr Miyazawa noted that the summit is unique in not only showcasing cutting edge approaches to expand the reach and quality of education but also in highlighting other areas that are critical to addressing the region’s educational shortfalls, such as innovative financing approaches and opportunities for private sector involvement. The summit is an extension of the project ‘Strengthening Education Systems for Out-of-School Children’, organised by UNESCO Bangkok with the funding and support of Educate a Child (EAC). The project targets nine south east Asian countries where the challenges around out-of-school children are particularly acute: the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia and Timor-Leste. The project aims to address their educational needs regardless of their nationality or ethnicity through flexible learning strategies. There are four areas of focus in the project: research and knowledge sharing, regional policy advocacy, regional capacity building, and promoting flexible learning strategies. The project has been expanded to include all Asian sub-regions to spur greater collaboration in flexible learning strategies for young learners. More details at: http:// flexlearnstrategies.net/Summit/ index.html
Cornerstone is one of Thailand leading Project Management / Quantity Surveying companies operating since 2001. With over 100 staff our services cover all sectors of the Construction industry including Condominiums, Hotels, Serviced Apartments, Retail, Offices, Industrial and Residential. Our professional service provide • Project Management • Construction Management • Quantity Surveying • Funder Representative
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E-mail: cornerstone@cornerstonemgmnt.com www.cornerstonemgmnt.com Mr. Richard Bell M.R.I.C.S. Managing Director
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Digital platform helps school selection process T
he international school market has ballooned over the past decade, with a 320 percent increase in the number of international schools across the world. According to figures from the International School Consultancy (ISC), there are now more than 8,000 English-medium international schools across the world, teaching a total of 4.26 million students. Thailand in particular is one of the fastest growing international school markets, with more than 172 international schools established in the country from only a dozen a decade ago. Over half of schools now follow the English Curriculum with established names like Harrow, Bromsgrove and Shrewsbury having a presence in the territory. But despite this expanding market, which reportedly took in $38.5 billion last year, there has not been a relevant portal to connect parents with international schools. Until now. Winter’s International School Finder is a new digital platform that helps parents find and connect with the right international school for their child. The current, pre-launch Winter’s website, which went live earlier this month, has been marketed to international schools around the world, and a number of schools have already signed up to use the platform. The need in the market for a service like this has been made evident by the interest that the platform is generating amongst schools and the current level of traffic to the website. This is expected to increase drastically over the coming months, ahead of the full Winter’s website launch to parents in the Spring, when the website
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Elaine Stallard, CEO and founder of Winter’s International School Finder, set up the digital platform after discovering a gap in the market for linking international schools with parents, back in 2009.
Elaine Stallard
is expected to be generating 40,000 unique visits per month.
During her time project managing the establishment of Sherborne Qatar, the daughter school of Sherborne School in England, she held focus groups and collected insights from the multiple stakeholders involved, including headmasters, schools admissions services and HR professionals looking to relocate staff and expats. From this, Elaine knew more needed to be done to better connect prospective expat parents with schools abroad.
In the past, parents looking for a school overseas had to rely on outof-date school marketing materials, or unserviceable websites that provided little information on the school in question, or on the surrounding area. Parents also lacked an authoritative and trustworthy source with which to compare international schools.
The lack of a trustworthy and easyaccessible service for parents is a major reason why more than half of all job transfers abroad fail, with employees failing to find a suitable school for their child. Winter’s’ website, which will be free for parents to use, allows them to see a school’s facilities, news and achievements, as well as the current vacancies in a school, in order for them to make vital decisions in real time, before they commit to a move.
Winter’s aims to change this. It’s tapped into an unserviced market that helps parents discover international schools they previously had little visibility of.
The website will provide parents with everything they need to know, from key information about the international schools scene, to detailed advice from teachers and Heads.
On top of this, parents will be provided with comprehensive and upto-date information on the schools they’re interested in, including detail about the curriculum and school fees, and will also be shown recent images and videos of the institution so that they can have an idea of what life will be like for their child at the school.
One of Winter’s most prominent features is its unique Child Passport which matches pupils’ interests and strengths to the most suitable school for them wherever they’re relocating to. The feature can filter a parent’s search results based on criteria such as location, the curriculum being offered and school fees.
The site will also offer supportive in-depth articles on local cultures and insights into the international school system to help families navigate the process of moving abroad. The parent-focused content and articles are bespoke to each country, to help parents and children transition and learn the customs of their new home.
Thai Air begins transformation
Winter’s is absolutely free to view, which means our website creates fully informed parents who can be confident with their choice prior to moving, with no bias in the search process. The international school profiles give parents all the facts they need to start their journey, with advice and support to help parents find a place for their child in their firstchoice school. For the first time, schools are able to advertise on a global digital platform, giving them access to a worldwide audience of prospective parents, and parents, for the first time, have visibility of all international schools across the world. “The international education market has grown 320 percent in the last 15 years. With more than 8,000 international schools worldwide, it’s surprising that this billion dollar market has lacked a single authoritative directory for such a long period of time,” said Elaine. “Despite the booming market, parents are still finding it difficult to find the right international school for their child.” She continued: “As digital technology continues to dominate today’s culture, schools have the ability to publish much more information about themselves than has traditionally been the case. This presents an opportunity for parents looking for schools abroad, without the ability to visit them in person. Winter’s offers an online shop window through which a school can be found, whilst also acting as a gateway for families relocating abroad.”
T
hai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) and its subsidiaries has announced an operating loss for 2015 from airline business totalling THB 1,304 million. This, however, is an improvement on the recorded loss of THB 23,019 million in 2014. THAI has a one-time cost arising from the Transformation Plan and impairment of aircraft and assets totalling THB 16,324 million and there were gains of THB 3,512 million on foreign currency movements. Consequently, the total net loss for 2015 was THB 13,047 million. Charamporn Jotikasthira, President of Thai Airways International
Public Company Limited, said that the Transformation Plan, approved by the State Enterprise Policy Committee on January 26, 2015, was designed to reduce losses by amending flight frequencies and culling nonprofitable routes. THAI took delivery of eight new aircraft and decommissioned 15 aircraft in line with the new fleet strategy that reduced the total fleet to 95 aircraft with effect from 31 December 2015. Average load factor was slightly higher than 2014 at 72.9 percent. The total number of passengers carried was 21.25 million - an increase of 11.3 percent on the previous year.
Bright start to 2016 for aviation industry
T
he global air passenger market carried strong momentum into 2016 with a 7.1 percent increase in passenger traffic for January compared to the same month in 2015. The continuation of the strong upward trend in seasonally-adjusted traffic underlines the resilience of industry performance to the equity market turmoil seen early this year.
IATA reports that airlines continue to react to robust travel demand by adding capacity cautiously (total available seat kilometres increased by 5.6 percent year-on-year in January). As a result, at 78.8 percent in January, the industry load factor was the highest ever recorded in the month and 1.1 percentage point higher than in the same period in 2015.
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The Osborne Bull By Paul Gambles
Because night has fallen and the barbarians have not come. And some who have just returned from the border say there are no barbarians any longer. And now, what’s going to happen to us without barbarians? They were, those people, a kind of solution. – Waiting for the Barbarians, Constantine Cavafy (1864-1933), translated by Edmund Keeley
T
he Osborne Bull is a 14-metre-high black steel silhouette which stands on the side of major roads throughout Spain to advertise Osborne sherry. Its form has come to symbolise Spain as a nation and it’s not uncommon to see the silhouette on t-shirts and cars. Consequently the last remaining hoarding in independence-seeking Catalonia is regularly beheaded, usually within weeks of its repair. Social media seems to suggest that there’s a fast-growing minority who would like to adopt a similar approach in relation to Britain’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, each time he announces the latest interminable round of spending cuts. This may be why he recently appears to have prepared the groundwork to defend any such attack. The New Year is traditionally a time for politicians with no economic expertise whatsoever (i.e. almost all politicians) to read out a prepared speech about all manner of perceived threats from beyond their national borders. And if there’s one class of politician better than most at such Barbarians at the Gate speeches, it is a Westminster politician – pretty much since the early days of Empire and colonialism. This year’s stirring rendition came from Chancellor George Osborne, who made a speech in early January warning Britain of a “creeping complacency” over economic success and suggested there was “a dangerous cocktail of new threats” in the global economy.
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These comments could be interpreted as a well-intentioned alert over the tumultuous months ahead. But let’s be honest, it’s a particularly unsubtle way of saying “If the economy goes well, it’s because of us. If it goes badly it’s because of exogenous forces (or what UKIP tends to call them, foreigners). So I need to make more cuts to keep those nasty things away.” The reality is, of course, radically different. There may or not be a financial crisis akin to 2008 this year. For the first time in my career, I feel in no position to make a calendar year forecast. Whilst I see the global economy continuing on its downward path, there may not be enough air to force the bubble to burst. That’s because, while private debt levels are still outrageously high, they have not risen sharply over the last eight years.
Having said that, factors such as analysts’ panic (such as the recent “sell everything” cry by RBS), war, terrorism, currency runs and – most likely of all – the implosion of China’s huge uncovered debt, could all trigger a crisis at some point. Whether that will happen this year or not is impossible to predict. All these are credible threats which can explain Osborne’s speechwriter’s cocktail remark. What is conveniently omitted, however, is the fact that as a G7 member, Britain happens to be one of the main ingredients in this cocktail. Let’s take a closer look at the country’s ‘miraculous’ economic performance. The consumer price index for December 2015 is 0.02 percent up on the December 2015 rate, which
are made redundant; thus consumption is hit and the economy shrinks. The most sustainable way a government can cover its costs is through taxation – but taxation which targets surplus and idle capital and income.
was only 0.04 percent higher than December 2014. The oft-quoted unemployment rate did indeed fall from 7.7 percent in February to 5.4 percent by February 2015. Plus 2015 employment was up 6.4 percent compared with that of 2011 (April to June figures). However a disproportionate part of those new jobs was in estate agency, a sector in which there were 22 percent more jobs in 2015 than in 2011. So employment is particularly growing in a sector which relies on people to indebt themselves! Household debt is a major concern. In 2015 it was around 145 percent of income which, although more than 20 percent down on its 2008 peak, is still frighteningly high. The government’s Help-to-Buy scheme, coupled with the Bank of England keeping base interest rates at a ridiculously low 0.5 percent, is encouragement to increase that household debt even further. It stands to reason that if people have large debt repayments, they will have less spare cash to spend; meaning companies make less profit; and therefore don’t increase employees’ salaries; meaning people have less disposable income; and on and on. And you can forget relying on exports to the EU (which represent just under 50 percent of the UK’s total exports) – a lot of the EU is entering the same debt-deflationary cycle too. The way to break this vicious circle is for the government to forget monetarist intervention and concentrate on ensuring people get more disposable income. This could take many different forms but the most effective would surely be to implement a debt jubilee. Instead of spending huge amounts non-productively (e.g. bombarding Syria), public money could be used to reduce people’s debts. That would allow them to spend more, increasing salaries, employment and consequently VAT and income tax revenues into the treasury. But this government (and, to be fair, most of the rival party propositions in last year’s election) treats its current account as if it were a rather nasty letter from a credit card company – it looks at clearing its debt in the short
Meanwhile, the apologists of austerity continue sowing the seeds of the next great depression, financial crisis and global conflict.
George Osborne
term rather than considering the bigger picture. The bigger economic picture, that is – as opposed to the bigger political picture – in which long-lasting changes that move the economy forwards into what Kondatrieff called a Spring period make for much less rousing slogans than easy headlines about ‘living within one’s means’. As my IDEA Economics colleague, Prof. Steve Keen, has explained, public debt is a sign of the state of the economy – not a cause. Trying to reduce the public debt removes spending capacity from private pockets and results in another unnecessary slump. As public services are reduced the population becomes poorer and public sector workers’ salaries are cut or they
It’s not really Osborne’s fault: after all, he has never studied economics – he has a history degree – and all he is doing is following the policy he’s told to follow (“forget the people, clear government debt first”) and read out the speeches that are written for him. But surely he must have learned from his days of jolly japes at the Bullingdon Club that you should never just read out loud a piece of paper that someone has given to you without first understanding what it means. He might be quite relieved that his brother’s professional travails are taking the spotlight away from his own problems. As for the rest of us: we just have to remain calm and prepare for the worst. Another cocktail anyone? Please note: While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained herein is correct, I cannot be held responsible for any errors that may occur. My views may not necessarily reflect the house view of MBMG Group. Views and opinions expressed herein may change with market conditions and should not be used in isolation.
Paul Gambles is co-founder of MBMG Group – an advisory firm that assists expatriates and locals in south east Asia. Tel: +66 2665 2536 e-mail: info@mbmg-group.com Linkedin: MBMG Group Twitter: @MBMGIntl Facebook: /MBMGGroup Please Note: While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained herein is correct, I cannot be held responsible for any errors that may occur. My views may not necessarily reflect the house view of MBMG Group. Views and opinions expressed herein may change with market conditions and should not be used in isolation.
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Are 99 year leases good for Thailand? By Simon Landy
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he prospect of extending the current maximum leasehold to 99 years has surfaced again. And as usual, lobbies for and against the idea are gathering steam to push their agendas. So let’s look at what the situation is now, how a change could happen and the arguments for and against. Current situation Under Thai law leases of up to three years don’t need to be registered. If the tenant or the landlord wants security for a longer period, they will need to register the lease on the title deed at the Department of Land and pay a registration fee of one percent of the total rent payable.
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Civil & Commercial Code
Leasehold Act
Under the Civil & Commercial Code (C&CC), the maximum lease allowed is 30 years. In theory, one renewal period of another 30 years is possible, but in practice this renewal is problematic. Since the renewal can’t be registered upfront, the parties will have to wait for the first 30year lease to expire before they can register the second term. But that makes the renewal insecure. For instance, if the freehold underlying the lease is sold to another party, the new owner may refuse to register the renewal. The tenant’s recourse would be to sue the original landowner, which is unlikely to help him get his renewal quickly.
Since 1999, there has been a second law governing leaseholds. Its official name (the Act on the Lease of Immovable Property for Commercial and Industrial Purposes) is as unwieldy as its use, so let’s just call it the Leasehold Act. This act actually allows leases of up to 50 years and a renewal of another 50 years to be registered, but again in practice this hasn’t really worked. To get a lease registered under this act is not easy. Apart from a number of restrictions, the process is quite cumbersome. Nominee culture One of the unforeseen consequences
of Thailand’s restrictive leasehold regime is that a culture of nominee ownership has emerged. Most property investments are significantly less attractive on a 30-year ownership term than on a longer term. Evidence from other markets indicates that property on leases of less than 50 years trades at a significant discount to freehold. Once ownership stretches to 90 years or more, the discount is minimal. Restricting foreign investors to 30 years has created a situation where investors try to find a way around the restriction, resulting in the use of nominees, a general lack of transparency and, of course, institutionalised corruption. The Prayut government has already moved to extend the term allowed under the Leasehold Act from 50 years to 99 years. But before you get too excited, you should know that this change is only being proposed for government-owned land. A particular target seems to be land owned by the debt-ridden State Railways of Thailand which is looking to transfer its huge Makkasan depot to the Treasury Department to pay off some of its massive debt. If the transfer were of a 99-year lease, rather than 30 years, the value would be significantly higher and therefore so would the amount of debt written off. Another area that has attracted attention is the Special Economic Zones proposal for the border provinces. Much of the land here is government owned and it is believed that offering investors 99-year leases rather than 30 would significantly enhance the attractiveness of investment in the SEZs. 99-year leases would be a game changer No doubt, allowing 99-year leases under the Leasehold Act would help the government achieve specific goals such as those set out above. But the unwieldy nature of the act makes it unsuitable for more general application. So even if the Leasehold Act allowed 99 years both for government and private land – and even if residential property were covered by the act (which it is not now) – the
impact on the overall market may be negligible. As a result, the private sector – both Thai and foreign – has been pushing for an amendment to C&CC instead. The proposal is to change the 30year limit under C&CC to 99 years, which, unlike amending the Leasehold Act, would be a game changer. Such a move would, by the way, render the Leasehold Act redundant and it could therefore be scrapped. A change of C&CC to allow for 99year leases should and would be viewed as a major liberalisation of the Thai economy. As with any major change like this, there are strong arguments on both sides. The cons Is Thailand ready? One of the main arguments against the change is a perception that Thailand is not ready for this kind of liberalisation. Sometimes this is expressed as concern that foreign investors would dominate the market and marginalise Thai landowners, sometimes known more dramatically as ‘selling the country’. There is an understandable fear that generations of successful diplomacy that successfully protected Thailand from colonisation could be thrown away by a careless legislative amendment. The fear is that highly liquid foreign investors will seize the opportunity to buy large swathes of the country, effectively disenfranchising the Thai people, depriving them of their birthright and, worst of all, condemning countless Thai farmers to servile roles serving foreign interests with no chance of ending the vicious cycle of poverty. There is also a more hard-nosed commercial fear that Thai investors will lose out if they need to compete on a level playing field with deep-pocketed foreign investors for prime assets. These are highly emotive and substantial arguments and they need to be addressed. The typical response from the pro lobby is that (a) we are talking about leasehold only, so the
freehold land will still be owned by Thai nationals, with the lessee (who, by the way, could be Thai as well as foreign) only owning a subsidiary interest for the length of the lease, (b) many large Thai corporates already own large swathes of Thailand, so the poor are already often experiencing the effect of such loss of ownership and a change to the law is unlikely to make their situation better or worse, and (c) even if the land is held by foreigners, they will eventually go home and they can’t take the land with them! Such arguments may seem callous to people whose main concern is the welfare of Thais, especially in rural areas. It may be more useful to understand the validity of such arguments and consider whether there are ways in which they can be accommodated while optimising the potential benefits outlined below. The commercial argument is less emotional but can be just as difficult to counter. In the end, it’s a decision about how open to competition the Thai economy should be. Tax issues Some concern has also been raised that landowners and the tax authorities will lose out if 99-year agreements are based on current values. The theory here seems to be that land prices tend to increase over time at a faster rate than rents payable on land, so by locking in such long-term leases, the future benefits to the landowner and the nation through the tax code are reduced sharply. In countries with experience of long leases, this problem has long been overcome by including rent reviews every five or so years based on market values at that time. Another argument sometimes raised against longer leases is that the promised benefits may not materialise due to a quirk in the taxation system. To register a lease longer than three years, the Department of Land charges a registration fee of one percent calculated on the rent payable over the lease term. But a long lease is likely to have upward reThe Link
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newals in rent payments every three to five years. As the Department of Land does not permit a present value calculation, landlords are effectively paying tax today on proposed future values. Over 30 years, this is an obstacle. Over 99 years, it could be disastrous. But in reality the market is smarter than that. Many leases are structured with a large upfront payment and smaller annual rents. This effectively allows the tax to be skewed more towards present value than would otherwise be the case. However, a registration fee paid on an annual basis would obviously be a plus point - but that’s another story for another day.
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The pros Attracting foreign investment is often cited as a key reason for extending the lease term. With leases at a maximum of 30 years and no right to own land outright, many foreign investors find the potential returns unattractive and too risky. As a result, they prefer to invest in other countries in the region with more generous lease allowances. ASEAN Economic Community As Thailand enters the era of the ASEAN Economic Community, this point has become more powerful. The goal of becoming a regional hub cannot be achieved without foreign
investment. Granted, foreigners are allowed to own land for Board of Investment promoted activities and a few other specialised uses, but property developers, investment funds and other institutional investors can only really play in the listed property sector – and increasingly the REIT market – which can capture equity investors but not funds dedicated to direct investment in property. As a result, institutional investors gravitate to Singapore and Malaysia, where 99-year leases are allowed, and even Vietnam, which has far more foreign funds in the property sector than Thailand as leases of up to 70 years are possible there. With-
out this source of money, the Thai market remains immature, relatively undeveloped and potentially more volatile. If Thailand is to effectively compete for global funds in the AEC era, it should therefore allow investors comparable opportunities to its main competitors to the south – 99-year leases. Main beneficiaries are Thai citizens Another strong argument for longer leases is the fact that banks are very reluctant to lend against properties on leases of only 30 years. A lease of over 90 years is generally considered to be almost as safe to lend against as a freehold property, so buyers of leasehold property should be able to access mortgage loans at a similar loan-to-value ratio as buyers of freehold property. This point is particularly relevant to low-income households. The government is keen to encourage private developers to construct low-income housing on land that would be leased from the government at low rates. This attractive idea is unlikely to work if low-income earners are unable to access decent mortgage loans. On a 30year lease, the buyer is likely to get a mortgage loan of around 50% (or at most 70%) of the full value, meaning he or she will need to come up with more equity in percent terms than the buyer of a normal middleincome condo in Bangkok who is likely to get a mortgage of around 85% of the full value. This highlights an issue that is often overlooked in the discussion on longer leases: the main beneficiaries will be Thai citizens, not foreign investors. While the country would benefit from the new source of foreign investment that longer leases will attract, Thai landowners will be the biggest winners. Those who are reluctant to sell their land will be able to offer longer leases, and therefore make much more money, than before. Developers building on long lease land will not only be able to pay
more for the privilege, they will also be able to build higher quality buildings in the knowledge that there is sufficient time to earn returns on the invested capital. Buildings limited to a 30-year lease are often forced to sacrifice quality as the market will be paying a discount for the product. Are 99-year leases good for Thailand? Pros • Thai landowners can gain more income without sacrificing ownership • Thai developers would be able to deliver higher quality product • Better access to bank loans for developers and buyers, particularly low-income households • Game changer for attracting foreign investment and developing Thailand as AEC regional hub • More competitive marketplace • Reduce corruption related to land ownership and make town planning more efficient Cons • Some Thai developers/investors may find it difficult to compete for prime land plots • Fear that low-income Thais, espe-
cially farmers, will end up landless • Higher lease registration fees Conclusion Our conclusion is that 99-year leases would overall be a good thing for Thailand and should be supported. Given the problems experienced implementing the Leasehold Act, the logical and simplest way to reform the leasehold system would be to amend the terms of the Civil & Commercial Code from stipulating a maximum term of 30 years to a maximum term of 99 years. However, in order to make sure the amendment is used for its intended purpose of encouraging urban property development, rather than allowing massive land grabs, it may be necessary to maintain the restriction of 30 years on agricultural or rural land while allowing 99 years on urban and resort properties. Colliers International, Thailand Tel: +66 2 656 7000 Mob +6681 837 7100 Fax +66 2 656 7111 17/F Ploenchit Center, 2 Sukhumvit Road Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand simon.landy@colliers.com
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Thailand outlaws gender discrimination By Stephen Frost
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he Gender Equality Act (2015) came into force in September 2015. Prior to this, there were only general anti-discrimination rights contained in the Constitution. In this article, we consider the nature and scope of its provisions. Unfair gender discrimination means any act, or omission of an act, which causes division, discrimination or limitation of any right and benefit, either directly or indirectly, without justification, due to the fact that a person is male or female, or of a different appearance from his/her own sex by birth. The Act sets up two regulatory committees. The Gender Equality Promotion Committee (Sor Tor Por) has duties to establish policies and action plans for promotion of gender equality, to advise the Cabinet with policy recommendations and proposals, to collect statistics, and draft regulations for the Wor Lor Por Committee. The Committee for Consideration of Unfair Gender Discrimination (Wor Lor Por) has the following powers: • to decide cases where there have been complaints of unfair gender discrimination • to take temporary measures for protection or mitigation • to issue orders • to submit complaints to the Ombudsman Strangely, members of both Committees must be Thai nationals by birth and aged over 35. It is ironic that an Act such as this is so discriminatory in defining the composition of its regulatory committees. The Act provides that: 36
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• Policies, rules, regulations, notifications, projects or procedures, whether by government agencies, private organisations or any individual which amount to unfair gender discrimination, are prohibited • Implementation of principles to eliminate discrimination or to encourage persons to exercise their rights and freedom as others, for protection of a person’s safety and welfare, for compliance with religious principles, or for national security, are deemed not to be discrimination Any person believing that he/she has suffered or is likely to suffer loss caused by acts of unfair gender discrimination (providing not subject to pending proceedings or the subject to a final court judgment, may complain to the Wor Lor Por Committee for consideration whether an act is discrimination or not. The decision of the Wor Lor Por Committee is final. Such a complaint does not prevent the right of a person to sue for damages in civil proceedings. In such case, the court may award damages other than in money. If the discrimination was intentional or by gross negligence, the court may award damages at four times the actual loss. A complainant can either pursue legal action himself/herself or ask an organisation to sue on their behalf. Legal proceedings must be issued within two years from the date on which the Wor Lor Por Committee has made a decision, or from the date on which the Administrative Court has issued a final decision. Whilst a complaint is under consideration, the Wor Lor Por Committee
may issue a temporary order before making a decision to protect or mitigate loss faced by the victim, as necessary and appropriate. Where a decision has been made by the Wor Lor Por Committee that there has been discrimination, the Committee may issue the following orders: • that any relevant government agency, private organisation or relevant individual takes any action to end and prevent discrimination, and • to ensure that there is damages and remedies provided to an injured party The Wor Lor Por Committee may prescribe conditions deemed necessary in order for offenders to take action. Where the Wor Lor Por Committee has decided that there has been discrimination, but there no judgment has been issued by the Constitutional Court, it shall then submit the case to the Ombudsman for onward submission to the Constitutional Court, to assess whether such legal provision is contradictory to the Constitution. The Wor Lor Por Committee or its officers have power to: • enter any residence or premises to collect evidence under a search warrant • to send an inquiry letter, or summon a person to give a statement, or supply things or documents to support its considerations Once the Wor Lor Por Committee has issued a decision that there has been discrimination, an injured party is entitled to damages and remedies. He/she must claim this within one
year from the decision of the Wor Lor Por Committee. The right to receive damages and remedies is not assignable and does not survive death. Damages for an injured party shall be provided in cash or kind, as follows: • damages for loss of income during a period of inability to work • damages for loss of commercial opportunity which can be calculated in money, • damages for expenses of medical care, including physical and mental rehabilitation • damages and remedies in other form or character Damages and remedies do not end any right to issue civil proceedings claiming damages.The Act contains a scheme of fines, and in some cases, imprisonment, for breach of duties imposed by the Act. Comment: This Act is novel in several regards: • apart from general duties imposed under previous constitutions, this is the first occasion that a specific Act has been issued to prohibit gender discrimination • The definition of discrimination is very widely cast, it applies to “any right or benefit” and therefore may be invoked e.g. to discrimination in employment, education, or the provision of goods or other services • The definition of discrimination is also wide enough to enable transgender people to bring claims under the Act There are still enabling regulations to be issued before this Act can be invoked. And we shall have to wait to see the attitude in practice of the regulating Committee and the Courts to complaints of discrimination. Stephen Frost, Bangkok International Associates 2016 Bangkok International Associates is a general corporate and commercial law firm. For further information, please contact Stephen Frost by email at sfrost@bia.co.th or telephone (66) 2 231 6201 or 6455.
Voting registration for EU referendum
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he UK Electoral Commission has encouraged British citizens living overseas to register to vote ahead of the referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union. The Commission is advising UK expats to register sooner rather than later so they can be sure they are registered in time. Expats can now register online to vote in just a few minutes at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote At the 2015 General Election there were almost 106,000 overseas electors on the register, three times the number that were on the register ahead of the previous general election in 2010 and the highest number of overseas voters registered ever. This is a fraction of the 5.5 million UK citizens estimated to be living overseas, and potentially eligible to vote at the EU Referendum. To register as an overseas voter, UK residents overseas must have previously been registered in a UK constituency within the last 15 years. Once registered, overseas voters can then choose
how they wish to vote. They can vote by post, by proxy (voting by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf ), or even in person at their polling station if they will be in their local authority area on polling day. It should be easier to vote by post for this referendum as the timetable for postal votes has been extended to allow postal votes to be sent out even earlier than usual, giving overseas voters further time to receive, complete and return their ballot to the UK.
More arrivals in January
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irports of Thailand is reporting increases in aircraft movements and passengers during January at six airports under its management. Latest figures published by the AoT show that these six airports served over 10.9 million in January 2016 - an increase of 14.7 percent on the same month last year. Aircraft movements increased by just over 10 percent. Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport recorded 5.11 million passengers, followed by Don Mueang with 2.99
million and Phuket 1.42 million. Chiang Mai airport handled 888,827 passengers.
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Member News
New Landmark hotel on track for 2016 launch
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he latest addition to the Landmark Lancaster Hotel Group’s portfolio of properties in Thailand is on track to open later this year.
and remains a popular choice for UK and overseas guests. The Landmark London, on London’s Marylebone Road, was formerly known as The Regent and the company has also redesigned and upgraded the K West hotel in west London.
The five star Lancaster Bangkok, now under construction on the city’s Phetchaburi Road, will offer the highest levels of service in its 231 rooms and suites, each featuring luxury furnishings and the latest technology including an in-room digital tablet, unlimited complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and a large flat screen TV with own device link capability.
The company remains quietly confident about business prospects for its UK and Thailand hotels in 2016, expressing belief in the resilience of Thailand’s economy in the face of a global economic downturn and potential recession in some source markets.
The hotel’s facilities include an entire floor devoted to wellness, fitness and spa treatments and another floor dedicated to state of the art conferences with all rooms featuring floor to ceiling windows and the latest audio visual technology. General Manager Simon Mahon is leading the pre-opening management team.
sil Street Apartments in the heart of London’s fashionable Knightsbridge district. The overseas operations were launched in 1992 with the purchase of the famous 418-room Lancaster London Hotel in Bayswater.
The Group is also active in the United Kingdom and recently acquired Ba-
The hotel re-opened in 1997 after a major refurbishment programme
Simon Mahon
“We believe that tourism will be one of the first industries to emerge from the present downturn in business and the Landmark Lancaster Group continues to be a major investor in this area,” said Tosaporn Sihanatkathakul, the Group’s Executive Director. “We’re confident that the Lancaster Bangkok will be a fantastic addition to the city’s luxury hotel sector.”
A technical gremlin in the production process of the last issue of The Link created a most unfortunate superimposition of photographs that caused embarrassment to Shrewsbury School Principal Mark Turner, Mrs Elizabeth Turner and their sons Gideon and Alexander. We are happy to print the photograph once again and we apologise to the Turner family and to Shrewsbury School for the error which was, regrettably, beyond the control of the editorial team.
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Member News
More awards success
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llied Pickfords has been named yet again as the ‘International Moving Company of the Year’. The company, part ofd SIRVA Worldwide, received the award from the Forum for Expatriate Management (FEM) at the recent ‘Emmas’ awards ceremony in Singapore. This is the third consecutive year the company has been recognised with an Expatriate Management and Mobility Award (EMMA). “This is a fantastic achievement for Allied Pickfords. To win this award
three times in a row is amazing. It’s a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Allied Pickfords employees and their commitment to delivering a custom, quality moving experience,” said Jacob George, president of SIRVA for the Asia and Middle East markets. The Emmas are the global mobility industry’s premier awards, celebrating excellence in global mobility worldwide and signifying continued improvement and innovation in the delivery of relocation services
Bhutan royal visit to Regent’s School
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with the excellent facilities as well boarding houses. She mentioned that HM Queen and King of Bhutan will receive her report on this visit and that she recognises the importance of the school.
shi Sonam, aunt of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, has been touring Regent’s International School in Bangkok. It was four years ago that she presented school founder and Chairman Dr Virachai and his family to His Majesty King Jieme, assisting in the launch of scholarhips offered in the names of the King and Queen of Bhutan. The scheme allows Bhutanese students to study at the school and is proving to be a great success both in Thailand and in Bhutan.
During her visit Ashi Sonam and her family were most impressed with the academic results, politeness and good conduct of the students along
She shares Dr. Virachai’s vision for education and has seen many successes from students - including her own son who graduated with the IB Diploma and was selected by HM King Jigme to attend the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
SANO Hospital has introduced Narrow Band Image International Colorectal Endoscopic Classification (NICE) using magnification to Samitivej Hospital. With the use of green and blue lights enhancing details, other aspects of gastrointestinal endoscopy efficiency is increased and offers a wide range of benefits including early detection of colorectal diseases; more accurate diagnoses leading to precise treatments, and a shortening of medical procedures that promotes faster recovery and reduces complications with no need for inpatient hospital stays. If abnormalities are detected, biopsies may be taken with no need for unnecessary surgery. Every doctor working at Samitivej’s Liver and Digestive Institute is now trained in this technique.
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Dusit Thani Bangkok hosts travel summit
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hailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul was the guest of honour at the joint annual summit of the Thai Hotels Association (THA) and Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) held at the Dusit Thani hotel in Bangkok. Focussing on the topic ‘Thai Tourism and Market Trends in 2016’ the high-level summit was attended by more than 500 senior travel industry executives and members of the THA, ATTA as well as several other tourism associations. Mrs Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul briefed participants on the policies and strategies that will drive Thailand’s largest foreign exchange earnings industry in 2016 and beyond. Attendees also re-
From left to right: Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); Kalin Sarasin, Chairman of the Board of TAT; Suchin Jienjitlert, Secretary-General and Surapong Techaruvichit, President of THA; H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul; Charoen Wangananont, President, Sak Lurklappananon, Honorary Treasurer and Cherdsak Daokaew, Committee of ATTA
ceived an outlook report from ATTA President Charoen Wangananont and THA President Surapong Techaruvichit. Both applauded the industry’s growth trends but raised a number of issues that need to be addressed.
Hua Hin International School welcomed the Chinese Year of the Monkey in wonderful style with the Early Years pupils performing on stage and singing in Mandari. Older students at the school gave a presentation about the New Year celebrations. Head Julie Wood expressed thanks to the many parents that helped with the arrangements.
During the summit, Tourism Authority of Thailand representatives in Europe, Russia, India and Australia briefed the participants by live videolink on trends and opportunities in their respective markets.
Members of the Board of Directors at Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School (Bangkok Prep), and the Head of School Valerie Thomas-Peter invited representatives from the Primary and Secondary Student Councils, parents and teachers to join in the Groundbreaking Ceremony that took place on the site of the new Secondary School Campus, set to open in August 2017. From left to right: Dr Anumongkol, Nigel Wilsonlock, Acting Head of Secondary School; Valerie Thomas-Peter, Bangkok Prep’s Head of School; Patrada Yomnak, Bangkok Prep’s Licence Holder; Duncan Stonehouse, Head of Primary School; Associate Prof Dr Tortrakul Yomnak, Board Member of Bangkok Prep; and Tharisa Ketudat, Board Member of Bangkok Prep. The Link
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Member News
Yangon’s real estate market cools down in 2015
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yanmar’s economic capital of Yangon has enjoyed a flurry of real estate activity in recent years following the loosening of military rule and a gradual process of liberalisation.
“Based on feedback from our clients in the country, many occupiers are still in the wait-and-see mode adopted before the election. As a result, it’s likely that the first half of 2016 will be relatively quiet before activity picks up in the second half when the new administration is in control,” adds Gulbrandson.
However, 2015 proved to be a fairly quiet period for the city’s real estate as the market cooled in the run up to November’s elections and the torrent of foreign investment slowed, causing office rents to slide and residential sales to come to a halt. That’s the view of experts at JLL. “After peaking near US$100 per sq./ month in mid-2013, Grade A office rents have since tumbled by 35-40 percent as new supply has entered the market, yet despite the decline in rents, occupancy has fallen, most noticeably in existing projects,” explains Andrew Gulbrandson, Head of Research and Consulting for JLL Thailand.
Andrew Gulbrandson
JLL monitoring indicates that most tenants have sought less expensive accommodation in newer nonprime buildings and other alternatives such as villas, hotels and retail centres, while some have left the market.
NIST plays host to major education conference
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IST International School has been hosting the 2016 biannual Alliance for International Education conference. Speakers included M.L. Pariyada Diskul, founder and former president of the International Schools Association of Thailand, former director of Bangkok Patana School and Deputy Secretary to the Minister of Education; Mechai Viravaidya, former Deputy Minister of the Interior, former Chairman of the NIST International School Foundation and
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founder/director of the Population and Community Development Association; and Nick Alchin, High School Principal at United World College of South East Asia. More details at: intedalliance.org.
Foreign investors have played an important part in the early development of Yangon’s real estate markets with investment coming from all over Asia; from well-known developers based in Singapore, Korea, and Japan to lesser known but equally impactful investors from Thailand, Hong Kong, China, and Vietnam. The market is also attracting investment from more global investors, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank. To date, IFC has disclosed investments totalling almost US$200 million in project specific engagements such as the Shangri-La Hotel and Executive Residences as well as entity-level investments including a US$ 25 million loan to CityMart – Myanmar’s leading supermarket operator. “Foreign interest across sectors in Myanmar is still very high. However, with numerous limitations in a number of sectors, but most pertinently, banking, we may see lower levels of foreign investment in 2016 than in previous years,” says Andrew Gulbrandson. “Though many challenges remain, we believe the outlook for this dynamic landscape in 2016 to be positive.”
Member News
Shrewsbury students inspired to support UN goals
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land faces both in both regional and global contexts following the recent launch of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
With his unparalleled insights into both the political and financial worlds, M.R. Pridiyathorn provided a clear assessment of both the challenges and opportunities that Thai-
The presentation provided inspiration for students who, in line with the theme of this year’s conference, have been challenged to research, generate and present their own initiatives to help Thailand achieve some of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
hailand’s former Deputy Prime Minister and former Governor of the Bank of Thailand M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula was the keynote speaker at Shrewsbury School’s 2016 Sixth Form Leadership conference.
The entire community at Shrewsbury School in Bangkok has again joined forces to raise much-needed funds for good causes. The school’s annual ‘charities week’ raised substantial sums for local organisations including the Good Shepherd Sisters and the Mercy Centre. The alwayspopular School Fair raised THB 282,700.
Mario Beyer, General Manager of Emporium Suites by Chatrium, presents a bouquet to Miss Khin Yadanar Thein Myint, crowned Miss Myanmar World 2015, and Miss Nang Sandar Hla Tun, 2nd Runner up of Miss Myanmar World 2015, during their recent visit to Thailand. From left to right: Preecha Su-phacharoen, F&B Manager of Emporium Suites by Chatrium; Pornprapa Tanakijphairote, Director of Sales and Marketing; Miss Nang Sandar Hla Tun; Mario Beyer; Miss Khin Yadanar Thein Myint, and Chate Mungkhalodom, General Manager of BEC – TERO Myanmar.
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Member News
NIST welcomes Ajahn Brahm
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hile Thailand and much of Asia share a rich Buddhist tradition, its philosophy and perspectives have only made stronger inroads in the West over the last century. One of the driving forces behind its growth is Ajahn Brahmavamso Mahathera, better known as Ajahn Brahm, a British monk whose journey led him from the study of theoretical physics to the establishment of the first dedicated Buddhist monastery in the southern hemisphere. On 17 February he visited NIST International School where he spoke to students, parents and staff on the importance of mindfulness and service. Interspersed with humour and personal anecdotes his talks served as a reminder of the universal importance of empathy and reflection. Born in London in 1951, Peter Betts earned a scholarship to Cambridge University where he studied theoretical physics. With a passion for understanding the universe, and our place in it, he followed his formal education by travelling to Thailand to study Buddhism.
Ordained as Ajahn Brahm he quickly became recognised for his sharp mind and was invited to teach in Australia. Within a few years he had co-founded the Bodhinyana Monastery, now the largest Buddhist community in Australia. In 2004 received the John Curtin Medal, granted by Curtin University, to those that demonstrate ‘vision, leadership and community service’. During his visit to NIST he drew upon his wide range of experiences in speaking to students, emphasising how service plays a crucial role in bet-
tering society. On an individual level he described how mindfulness, an awareness of one’s thoughts on a moment-by-moment basis, can help us become more balanced and reflective. During a smaller session with environmental science students he focused upon their question of the value of nature from a religious perspective. NIST parents also had the opportunity to engage with Ajahm Brahm in an evening session, where he touched on his personal experiences and answered questions from the audience. “Like most other not-for-profit schools in Thailand, NIST does not adhere to any one creed or philosophy. However, the school’s community respects the many rich traditions that shared cultures have passed down for generations and also recognises the value they offer.
Management team members at Chatrium Hotels & Residences have participated in a workshop designed to encourage reductions in the carbon footprints of their properties. The ‘Carbon Footprint for Organisation Reporting Programme’, held at the Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, examined what’s required to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compound emissions.
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In a world that increasingly faces conflict within cultures, being compassionate toward others and reflecting on choices are critical for students as they move on to universities and careers. Only through mindful awareness and a willingness to grow will they be capable of meeting the many challenges of the 21st century,” said ADD NAME LATER.
Member News
Regent’s new university links
R
egent’s International College Bangkok is providing teaching support for two University of London International Programmes: the Economics, Management, Finance and the Social Sciences (EMFSS) and the International Foundation Programme (IFP). Course content and academic direction is provided by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Since its foundation in 1895, LSE has been regarded as an international centre of academic excellence and innovation in the social sciences. Its teaching and research is recognised worldwide as a benchmark of quality. LSE alumni and former staff include 16 Nobel prize winners, 37 past or present heads of state, and Rolling Stones singer Sir Mick Jagger. LSE
academics come from all over the world and from many social, educational and ethnic backgrounds. They are in constant demand as commentators and analysts in the media,
act as advisors to governments, and are seconded to national and international organisations. The launch was attended by British Ambassador Mark Kent.
New Thailand role for Ai Chen Lim at HSBC H
banking together with her previous background as Head of sales for ASEAN make her the right candidate to lead HSBC Thailand’s payments and cash management. She will be instrumental in building and developing new capacities and capabilities to serve clients having both domestic and international cash management needs.”
SBC has appointed Ai Chen Lim as Country Head of Global Payments and Cash Management (PCM) for Thailand. Miss Lim is responsible for ‘building out the Payments and Cash Management Growth Strategy in Thailand and delivering global cash and liquidity management services and products to corporates and financial institutions’. She was previously Regional Head of Sales, Multinationals, for ASEAN markets. Krisda Phatcharoen, Head of Commercial Banking for HSBC Thailand,
said: “Ai Chen’s deep knowledge and extensive experience in regional treasury center (RTC) and international
Ai Chen Lim joined HSBC in 2010 in Singapore. She brings extensive experience in working capital and transaction banking advisory services with multinational clients, large local corporates and non-bank financial institutions in Asia. The Link
Issue 1/2016
45
Member News
Time to upgrade workspace
K
night Frank, the independent global property consultancy, has published its Asia Pacific Prime Office Rental Index for Q3 2015. The index monitors the prime office rents in 19 cities across Asia Pacific. The index increased by 1.4 percent in that quarter although the average vacancy rate inched up by 0.1 percentage points. Ten out of the 19 markets tracked experienced rental growth, while three registered no movement.
Tokyo witnessed the highest rental growth in the region for the second consecutive quarter. Nicholas Holt, Head of Research for Asia Pacific, said, “We are seeing opportunities for office occupiers in 2016. The construction boom inspired by past rental appreciation will deliver a barrage of new supply in a number of markets in Asia Pacific. This presents opportunities for tenants to upgrade their workspace in order to attract and retain talent.”
Marcus Burtenshaw, Executive Director, Head of Commercial Agency for Knight Frank in Thailand, said that the amount of vacant office space in Bangkok fell again in third quarter of 2015 where demand for space continues to be driven by the expansion of existing tenants. This has supported yet further rent hikes in the city where the average Grade A office rents in the Central Business District are now in excess of THB 810 per square metre/ month.
David switches roles
T
ech start-up expert David Shelters has changed roles with MBMG, becoming an external consultant for MBMG Group’s Corporate Advisory team.
his authorship and thought leadership in the areas of tech entrepreneurship, crowd funding and the development of start-up ecosystems can change the business environment for the better.
Following the launch of his second book Bootstrapping Strategies for Tech Start-ups and the recent publication of his Thailand Startup Funding Report 2012-2015 David is now working to complete the final book in the trilogy. A statement from MBMG said that ‘while David remains committed to supporting businesses in a practical way and helping them benefit from
his wealth of experience, he is also hugely enthusiastic about the ways
Consequently, David will be spending his time in future split between further research and writing, spreading the messages of his first two books, completing the trilogy and continuing to support MBMG Group’s various activities and adventures across the world in corporate finance and advisory as an external consultant; especially on projects related to his specialist fields’.
Dusit Smiles, a programme run by Dusit International and the Thailand chapter of Operation Smile, concluded 2015, has raised THB 920,000 to help fund reconstructive surgeries for children born with cleft lip and cleft palate. The funds, collected through various initiatives by staff and through donations from hotel guests, represent the culmination of a year’s worth of special activities and events in support of this worthwhile organisation. Members of the Dusit International team joined students from Bangkok’s Concordian and NIST International Schools in support of the Operation Smile mission to Nakorn Maesot International Hospital. Pictured is Operation Smile Thailand’s Assoc. Professor Dr. Apichai Ungsaphat with the students.
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Member News
Bangsue set for further expansion
K
night Frank Thailand is predicting that Bangsue will become a new central hub for transport and for business in Bangkok. and Thailand. Managing Director Phanom Kanjanathiemthao says that ‘Bangsue is now being developed in line with the development plans of the State Railway of Thailand. Bangsue station is set to become the central railway terminal for two high-speed rail lines and will also become the centre of the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS).
Khun Phanom, pictured right, added that the SRT is still in the planning process for developing the ground around Bangsue Grand Station. The area of 305.5 rai shows potential for business development and this new business area will be divided into four zones. One zone is designated as a ‘modern business hub’ with hotels and a food plaza. The condominium market in Taopoon covers the area around Bangsue station and demand is continuing to grow with only some 2,000 units remaining in current projects.
Slam dunk for championships
T
raill International School have been crowned as champions in the inaugural NCAA U18 Basketball Charity Shield Championships, beating hot favourites Assumption Thonburi in a highly anticipated match. Composed of mostly Thailand National team players, Assumption Thonburi has dominated Thai high school basketball in recent years. In a tense and nail-biting match the Traill team was losing 72-71 with just 15 seconds remaining but a two-pointed in the closing moments
snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. The next NCAA tournament
takes place in May 2016 at the Indoor Stadium Huamark.
Take off for Air France link with PayPal
A
ir France is offering travellers the opportunity to purchase tickets online with PayPal in the UK and Germany. From 31 March 2016 this new service will also be available in France and in several other countries on the Air France booking App (tablet and mobile). Tjalling Smit, SVP Digital at Air France-KLM, said, “We strive daily
to optimise the booking experience for our customers, regardless of the sales channel they use. This partnership meets the expectations and requirements of Air France passengers, providing a simple, fast and secure solution.” “Customers mainly purchase their air tickets online and, thanks to this
partnership with Air France, PayPal intends to make life easier for travelers. We are very excited about this collaboration and hope to provide our expertise and experience to best meet the needs of customers. PayPal makes online payment easier for all tourism companies, regardless of their size,” said Damien Périllat, General Manager of PayPal in France. The Link
Issue 1/2016
47
Member News
Thailand takes lead in giving women senior business roles
A
global survey published on 8 March (International Women’s Day) by Grant Thornton has revealed that the Asia Pacific (APAC) region continues to make slow progress in getting women into senior roles within companies. Globally, the proportion of senior business roles held by women stands at just 24 percent - up slightly from 22 percent in 2015.
Sumalee Chokdeeanant, Audit Partner at Grant Thornton’s Bangkok office, “In Thailand we’ve consistently held a leading position among the world’s best performing nations when it comes to the occupation of senior business roles by women. A well-established culture of women receiving further education and advocacy of women in business has spurred change.”
Russia still has the highest number of women specifically in executive roles (45%), while the lowest proportions are reported in Japan (7%). Just 23 percent of senior management roles in APAC are held by women. In developed countries across Asia Pacific this figure has risen to 57 percent from 53 percent in 2015, while it has fallen substantially among the regions’ emerging economies to 20 percent from 29 percent a year ago. APAC countries with the highest proportion of leadership roles held by women are the Philippines (39%), Thailand (37%) and Indonesia (36%).
When we asked senior business people what attribute they thought was most important in good leaders, communication came out on top, with more than a third (35%) of the global leaders saying it was important. However, Thai females in senior management roles think passion (64%) is the most important attribute for good leaders, compared to Thai male leaders who think that integrity (63%) is the most important attribute. Sumalee continued, “While these results differ greatly it is encouraging to see a well-rounded view. In the
Thailand’s Tourism Minister Khun Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul was promoting the nation’s many compelling attractions during her visit to ITB, Berlin where she met Bangkok hotelier Klaus Sennik (left), GM of the Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside, and the hotel’s Director of Sales & Marketing Jose de Jesus Ting.
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Issue 1/2016
past, many businesses were handed down from parents and there were different expectations for male and females leaders in those family businesses. This result shows that this can still be found in Thailand today and this adds to the strength of diversity for most companies.” The report also reveals that just one in three (31%) businesses in the APAC region have no women across their senior management. In Thailand, this number is just 21 percent whilst this number in developed APAC rose from 53 percent last year to 57 percent. Sumalee added, “In our IBR survey last year we revealed that companies with diverse boards, or those with more women on the board, will have a better financial performance than male-only boards. Research from the Kellogg School of Management and the Scientific American has also shown how heterogeneity can boost decision-making. Therefore, it’s not surprising that many companies worldwide and in Thailand are trying to promote this issue.” “Companies across developed nations have talked the talk on diversity in leadership for long enough. It’s time to put their promises into practice and deliver results. We know that businesses with diverse workforces can outperform their more homogenous peers and are better positioned to adapt to a rapidly changing global business environment. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to the world’s leadership diversity shortfall but, as outlined in our new report, achieving progress will require the collaboration of companies, governments and women,” Sumalee concluded.
Member News
St. Andrews International School Dusit joins Cognita
S
t. Andrews International School Dusit Campus in Bangkok has been acquired by Cognita and extends the company’s family of St. Andrews schools in Thailand.
St. Andrews Sukhumvit 107 is now benefiting from Cognita’s recent THB 500 million investment to develop a 200-seat professional theatre, a floodlit football stadium, NBA-sized indoor basketball arena and an Innovation Centre. St. Andrews Dusit becomes Cognita’s 68th school.
Alistair Down (pictured right), Head of St. Andrews Dusit, observed, “We are delighted to bring our exceptional teaching and learning at Dusit into the Cognita fold. We look forward to collaborating with the wider St. Andrews family to provide the very finest educational experiences in Bangkok.” St. Andrews Dusit is a primary school running UK National Curriculum for children aged two to 11 years. With a current capacity of 290 students, Cognita will invest to enhance and expand the school and its facilities.
Students from St. Andrews Dusit will graduate to St. Andrews Sukhumvit 107 secondary school, also within the Cognita group.
Brian Rogove, CEO Asia Pacific for Cognita, said, “We look forward to sharing our local and global experience, enabling Dusit to continue to thrive and improve the already high standards of education and care provided to students each and every day. Most importantly, we are very pleased to have the entire talented Dusit team join our Thailand organisation.”
Lights out for Earth Hour 2016
T
he popular Eurasian Grill at the Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside hotel demonstrated dedication and commitment to energy conservation by hosting a candlelight dinner on Saturday 19 March in support of EarthHour 2016. Guests were invited to dine in romantic surroundings with light provided only by 100 percent beeswax candles and soy candles. These candles, importantly, are smoke-free, non-toxic, non-allergenic and assessed to be carbon neutral. Hotel General Manager Klaus Sennik stressed the importance of supporting Earth Hour 2016. “There is no doubt that the world now stands at a climate crossroads and our actions in
the immediate future will determine the lifestyle of generations to follow. We believe that it is very important to demonstrate environmental responsibility throughout the year.”
Joining General Manager Klaus Sennik (centre) in support of Earth Hour 2016 is Training Manager Khun Charin Saringkanun, Khun Kitti Sanpong - Executive Housekeeper and guests.
The Link
Issue 1/2016
49
Dataconsult
Five Year Economic Projection for Thailand
Chamber Events
2016
2017
Years 2018
2019
2020
GDP Personal consumption
3.5 2.3
4.1 2.6
3.8 2.6
3.4 2.5
3.2 2.5
Government consumption Gross fixed capital expenditure Exports Imports
5.4 4 4 4.6
4 4.9 7 6.8
4 5.2 7 7.3
4 5.7 6 6.6
4 5.7 6 6.8
Personal consumption
50.2
49.5
48.9
48.5
48.2
Government consumption
16.2
16.1
16.2
16.3
16.4
Gross fixed capital expenditure
24.6
24.8
25.2
25.7
26.3
Exports
76.8
78.9
81.3
83.3
85.6
Imports
69.1
70.9
73.3
75.5
78.2
Net exports
7.7
8
8.1
7.8
7.5
GDP Production, real growth
3.5
4.1
3.8
3.4
3.2
Manufacturing real growth
2.6
4.5
4.6
4.3
4
27.8
27.9
28.1
28.4
28.6
5.5
4.7
4.7
5
5
2.8
2.8
2.8
2.8
2.9
Item
By the Numbers
REAL GROWTH (%)
Chris Bruton Director, Dataconsult Ltd. Thailand’s growth prospects are unlikely to bring happiness to the people, much to the sadness of the beloved leader (General Prayuth). Furthermore the suggestion recently made by the aged leader (General Prem) that Thailand is corrupt from top to bottom, will bring tears to honest eyes and smiles to larcenous lips. Clearly these are not boom times (except for bombs in the South, and sometimes Bangkok), and we will have to become accustomed to the “new normal” of negative indicators.
SHARE OF GDP (%)
GDP PRODUCTION (%)
- share of GDP Construction real growth - share of GDP
Nevertheless our own forecasting team has taken a reasonably positive view of the outlook, with GDP growth at better than three per cent per year throughout the next five years, personal consumption above two per cent per year, and exports in the four to five per cent growth level per year or even higher.
Source: IMA Asia: Forecast to 2020 Q1 1016
However it will be difficult for Thailand to achieve its full potential, given the continuing political uncertainties, which include not only whether democracy of some sort will return to the Thailand scene but also whether elections will be followed by stability or else a return to chaos. Apart from political factors, there are uncertainties created by demographic factors, notably ageing population, resulting in labour shortages.
The saving grace was supposed to be the pump-priming stimulus of public infrastructure investment, notably the inter-city rail system (high-speed and double-tracking) and urban mass transit. However such public works have a reputation, almost a tradition, of being slow off the mark, sometimes not happening at all. The urban mass transit projects are in process of realisation, although somewhat behind schedule but the much
larger inter-city schemes appear to be harder to bring to realisation, especially since they require massive financing and cooperation from international partners, notably from China and Japan.
Most sectors are handicapped by various challenges, such as weak external demand, high household debt, severe drought conditions, the fall-out from the previous disastrous rice pledging scheme, and vacillating, not always consistent, policy measures.
However ultimately these are likely to happen, especially the Lao border to Laem Chabang and to the Malaysia border schemes, not least because they are fundamental to geo-political aspirations of China. But they will almost certainly be slower, extended over many budgetary periods, and therefore less supportive of shorter term economic growth aspirations than were previously planned. Overall, little to be happy about, but no need yet to abandon hope.
Thailand Statistical Update (Mar 2016) 2016 Jan
Dec
Nov
Agricultural Production Index (y-on-y %)
2.8
42.9
Manufacturing Production Index (y-on-y %)
n.a.
1.3
Industrial Capacity Utilisation (%)
n.a.
62.9
Item
Year 2015 Jul Jun
Oct
Sep
Aug
May
Apr
-26.2
-7.4
-10.4
-11.3
-10.1
0.3
-0.8
-0.3
0.5
2.6
63.6
63.8
64.9
62.7
65.3
64.8
Mar
Feb
-7.7
-11.9
-0.6
-0.1
-12.7
-1.5
2.9
-0.1
-1.0
64.0
1.7
57.9
70.8
67.1
Production Indicators
Key domestic product sales Electricity (KWH bn.)
14.04
14.29
14.93
15.12
14.96
15.25
15.50
15.50
16.32
14.56
15.58
12.91
Benzene/gasohol (mn. litres)
853.40
889.08
811.56
827.17
786.21
823.94
824.82
781.65
797.38
796.23
787.83
723.57
Beer (mn. litres)
166.33
243.76
204.95
184.86
143.20
146.27
155.22
153.72
142.05
176.03
226.57
182.75
Soda / soft drinks (mn. litres)
176.00
211.85
190.85
177.55
179.88
182.28
214.25
189.24
200.58
201.20
218.51
186.66
Passenger cars (000 units)
16.38
34.60
25.73
24.27
22.58
22.75
22.23
21.27
23.16
23.47
30.14
25.43
Motorcycles (000 units)
161.07
122.72
121.60
118.52
134.43
125.62
113.48
172.52
144.94
106.31
183.98
152.04
Commercial vehicles (000 units)
35.34
66.82
50.69
43.64
39.28
39.24
38.63
38.94
33.58
30.59
43.98
38.52
Cement (mn. metric tonnes)
2.87
2.77
2.59
2.73
2.75
2.46
2.46
2.63
2.72
2.26
2.99
2.61
Passenger cars (y-on-y %)
n.a.
-5.2
-12.0
-19.5
-25.5
-24.0
-25.1
-35.4
-21.1
-24.7
-13.4
-12.5
Motorcycles (y-on-y %)
12.9
7.8
6.9
-6.5
-0.7
-6.4
-23.2
12.5
-5.4
-18.4
18.1
0.7
Commercial vehicles (y-on-y %)
n.a.
26.3
15.7
7.2
1.2
0.9
-3.1
-4.5
-19.7
-27.3
-10.6
-9.6
Cement (y-on-y %)
-0.3
4.1
2.6
-0.3
0.4
-0.6
-2.0
3.1
-0.5
-3.3
0.6
-2.4
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Item
2016 Jan
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Year 2015 Jul Jun
May
Apr
Mar
Feb 102.9
Producer / Consumer Price Indicators Producer Price Index
102.3
101.0
101.8
102.2
102.2
102.3
103.1
104.0
104.0
102.8
102.9
Change (m-on-m %)
-1.4
-0.8
-0.4
0.0
-0.1
-0.8
-0.9
0.0
1.2
-0.1
0.0
0.6
Change (y-on-y %)
-5.4
-2.7
-3.0
-3.1
-3.6
-3.8
-3.8
-3.7
-4.8
-5.4
-5.0
-4.9
Construction Materials Price Index
115.6
116.3
117.1
118.0
119.0
119.9
126.7
121.3
121.5
121.8
121.7
122.1
Change (m-on-m %)
-0.6
-0.7
-0.8
-0.8
-0.8
-0.5
-0.7
-0.2
-0.2
0.1
-0.3
-0.9
Change (y-on-y %)
-6.2
-6.7
-6.7
-4.8
-6.1
-5.6
-5.3
-4.6
-4.3
-4.3
-4.5
-3.8
106.46
105.74
106.15
106.49
106.28
106.30
106.57
106.60
106.53
106.35
106.33
106.15
Change (m-on-m %)
-0.26
-0.39
-0.32
0.20
-0.05
-0.23
-0.07
0.10
0.17
0.02
0.17
0.12
Change (y-on-y %)
-0.5
-0.9
-1.0
-0.8
-1.1
-1.2
-1.0
-1.1
-1.3
-1.0
-0.6
-0.5
0.6
0.7
0.9
1.0
1.0
0.9
0.9
-0.9
0.9
1.0
1.3
1.5
106.18
106.11
106.13
106.08
106.03
105.96
105.93
105.80
105.80
105.71
105.59
106.65
Change (m-on-m %)
0.07
-0.02
0.05
0.05
0.07
0.03
0.10
0.06
0.05
0.11
-0.06
0.09
Change (y-on-y %)
0.6
0.7
0.9
1.0
1.0
0.9
0.9
-0.9
0.9
1.0
1.3
1.5 88.9
Consumer Price Index (2011 = 100)
Headline Inflation (Change y-on-y%) Core Inflation (2011 = 100)
Consumption & Confidence Indicators Industrial Confidence Index
86.3
87.5
85.8
84.7
82.8
82.4
83.0
84.0
85.4
86.2
87.7
Business Sentiment Index
48.5
49.9
49.1
50.2
47.3
46.4
46.4
49.1
50.3
45.2
52.4
49.4
Private Consumption Index
113.1
126.0
117.0
112.3
116.2
112.6
112.8
108.6
111.7
119.6
118.1
102.9
Private Investment Index
123.9
122.5
122.1
121.2
119.6
119.1
118.4
118.2
118.4
118.4
118.6
119.3
Consumer Confidence Index
36.4
37.2
37.6
36.2
35.4
34.6
33.7
38.9
38.9
38.8
40.0
42.4 35.09
Fuel Prices Benzene 95 (Baht/litre)
30.37
31.16
32.51
33.37
33.26
34.01
34.99
35.42
34.75
33.70
35.38
Gasohol 95 (Baht/litre)
23.41
24.20
25.55
26.41
26.39
27.45
28.43
28.27
29.08
28.14
29.53
29.54
Diesel (Baht/litre)
19.84
21.37
23.06
23.31
23.21
22.90
24.51
29.57
26.07
25.34
27.04
26.22
Manufactured products (Baht bn.)
499.26
539.62
539.10
586.50
596.69
519.88
547.84
540.95
515.60
489.14
546.10
499.37
Agricultural products (Baht bn.)
43.96
51.31
41.31
48.38
42.02
46.90
45.24
44.71
48.96
39.93
47.13
43.03
Total exports (Baht bn.)
563.42
609.37
602.16
661.14
665.59
604.36
609.13
603.38
592.52
548.46
610.98
558.29
Total exports (y-on-y %)
-8.9
-8.7
-7.4
-8.1
-5.5
-6.7
-3.6
-7.9
-5.0
-1.7
-4.5
-6.2
Foreign Trade of Thailand: exports
Foreign Trade of Thailand: imports Consumer goods (Baht bn.)
59.26
61.96
60.72
58.70
60.48
57.47
54.99
56.40
51.44
54.62
55.79
54.89
Raw materials (Baht bn.)
280.76
285.13
286.42
305.36
323.14
321.04
330.84
347.28
299.88
329.58
313.22
297.07
Capital goods (Baht bn.)
162.60
147.14
166.44
187.91
148.69
160.35
143.54
159.07
133.49
148.08
127.07
143.80
Other Imports (Baht bn.)
58.76
68.59
84.93
41.21
40.87
47.59
60.84
42.78
36.15
40.00
73.22
56.32
Total Imports (Baht bn.)
561.38
562.81
598.51
593.17
573.18
586.46
590.21
605.53
520.96
572.28
569.30
552.07
Total Imports (y-on-y %)
-12.4
-9.2
-9.5
-18.2
-26.2
-4.8
-12.7
-0.3
-20.0
-6.8
-6.0
1.5
Suvarnabhumi and Donmueang Arrivals (000 persons)
n.a.
1,901
1,680
1,417
1,276
n.a.
1,767
1,482
1,491
n.a.
1,670
n.a.
Change (y-on-y %)
n.a.
2.93
4.89
-0.78
7.95
n.a.
50.54
65.25
26.01
n.a.
37.76
n.a.
Nationwide Arrivals (000 persons)
3,001
2,987
2,549
2,228
2,031
2,600
2,642
2,282
2,309
2,289
2,532
2,689
Change (y-on-y %)
14.99
4.69
5.13
0.95
8.67
24.72
39.38
53.06
38.21
18.34
25.50
29.60
Hotel Occupancy Rate (%)
67.04
66.41
64.47
54.63
52.66
61.20
61.20
54.87
58.97
61.32
66.24
71.54
Loans (Baht billion)
n.a.
13,040.3
13,075.2
13,008.6
12,718.1
12,915.0
12,857.2
12,854.4
12,829.5
12,937.5
12,791.1
12,792.3
Deposits (Baht billion)
n.a.
12,091.7
12,012.7
11,943.4
11,837.4
11,772.2
11,740.4
11,792.4
11,928.2
11,951.8
11,894.9
11,759.7
Tourism Indicators
Commercial Banking Indicators
Stock Exchange and Foreign Investment indicators SET Index (1975 = 100)
1,300.98
1,288.02
1,359.70
1,394.94
1,349.00
1,382.41
1,440.12
1,504.55
1,496.05
1,526.74
1,505.94
1,587.01
Market Capitalisation (Baht bn.)
12,415
12,282
12,898
13,223
12,761
13,064
13,580
14,143
14,024
14,317
14,116
14,863
Foreign Purchase (Baht bn.)
210.68
189.93
180.28
196.21
173.89
195.14
174.19
183.91
181.31
197.03
246.51
182.54
Foreign Sale (Baht bn.)
218.64
222.46
194.76
196.00
195.04
239.44
200.61
194.40
178.17
196.90
243.77
189.44
Foreign Direct Investment (net, Baht bn.)
n.a.
-2.50
5.13
1.34
10.88
-15.76
21.59
14.84
-1.31
28.91
-13.06
66.64
Foreign Portfolio Investment (net, Baht bn.)
n.a.
-72.23
-40.02
41.92
-46.46
-55.71
-42.58
-36.84
-42.98
-15.72
6.37
2.86
Applications (Baht bn.)
n.a.
22.5
16.0
23.9
36.4
14.3
34.0
22.9
10.6
8.8
11.3
9.9
Approvals (Baht bn.)
n.a.
25.4
90.3
28.0
123.4
55.6
74.0
21.0
66.2
107.9
102.3
83.7
Certificates (Baht bn.)
n.a.
63.9
55.5
34.8
80.3
54.9
34.1
67.6
68.9
43.4
59.6
45.5
Board of Investment indicators
International monetary indicators US$ / Baht (mid-rate)
36.16
36.01
35.78
35.72
36.02
35.42
34.30
33.73
33.55
32.51
32.63
32.57
ÂŁ / Baht (mid-rate)
52.12
53.98
54.41
54.72
55.27
55.24
53.34
52.52
52.02
48.70
48.86
49.89
Euro / Baht (mid-rate)
39.28
39.16
38.45
40.13
40.47
39.46
37.72
37.86
37.43
35.16
35.32
36.99
Japan (100) Yen / Baht (mid-rate)
30.61
29.59
29.22
29.77
29.98
28.79
27.83
27.28
27.79
27.22
27.11
27.48
A$ / Baht (mid-rate)
25.36
26.08
25.58
25.72
25.43
25.85
25.43
26.04
26.52
25.19
25.22
25.38 24.05
S$ / Baht (mid-rate)
25.23
25.57
25.32
25.47
25.45
25.34
25.20
25.07
25.13
24.12
23.69
Exports (f.o.b. US$ bn.)
15.56
16.96
17.01
18.29
18.52
17.59
18.11
17.68
18.23
16.75
18.77
17.07
Imports (f.o.b. US$ bn.)
12.92
13.74
14.92
13.96
14.52
14.68
15.40
15.69
14.08
15.04
15.30
14.50 2,568.42
Trade balance (US$ mn.)
2,635.96
3,219.60
2,086.16
4,330.78
4,001.07
2,906.90
2,708.39
1,988.12
4,151.50
1,707.35
3,464.65
Current account balance ( US$ mn.)
4,066.01
4,879.41
2,996.81
5,178.39
1,557.04
2,649.76
2,159.74
1,563.21
2,803.84
1,790.32
2,271.73
3,553.78
Balance of payments ( US$ mn.)
4,544.30
-660.50
-849.10
2,440.70
549.90
-1,187.30
-1,745.80
1,401.90
116.30
1,807.80
1,096.40
2,169.50
160.11
156.51
155.68
158.29
155.53
155.84
156.94
160.27
158.52
161.10
156.32
156.94
Foreign currency reserves ( US$ bn.)
Statistical sources: these statistics have been derived from the following official sources: Bank of Thailand, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Finance (Department of Customs, Fiscal Policy Office), Ministry of Industry, Board of Investment, Immigration Department, Stock Exchange of Thailand. The above statistics represent the principal economic indicators for Thailand, but the original sources provide much more extensive and detailed coverage of different aspects of the economy. Statistics as presented are, in most cases, provisional figures, which will be adjusted at a later date when final returns are available from the respective sources. While best efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, readers are referred to original sources for definitive statistics. Note: month-by-month figures are updated as adjustments are made in the original statistical sources
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Chamber News
BCCT Annual Report 2015 As presented to the AGM on 28th January 2016
On Thursday 28th January 2016 the BCCT held its Annual General Meeting at The Landmark Bangkok Hotel. Pictured are the Directors elected to serve on the BCCT Board. From left to right - top row: David Cumming (Amari Watergate), John Christie (Ek-Chai Distribution), Viriya Chongphaisal (GSK), Somporn Leelasestaporn (BT Siam), Mark Bowling (Savills). Bottom row left to right: Ali Adam (Arcadia), Chris Thatcher (Anglo-Thai Legal), Simon Matthews (Manpower), Simon Landy (Colliers) and Stephen Frost (Bangkok International Associates). Directors absent were Billy Chomsakorn (British Airways), Carl Sellick (Lucy Electric), Kelvin Tan (HSBC) and Hugh Vanijprabha (Rolls-Royce).
T
hailand’s slow economy and continuing political uncertainty created difficult trading conditions for many BCCT members in 2015. For BCCT 2015 was a busy and successful year. Membership increased with fewer cancellations; more events were organised; members satisfaction is good as measured in the membership survey conducted in October and November; on advocacy, BCCT’s maintained productive relationships with the Board of Trade of Thailand, other foreign chambers of commerce and the European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC), and BCCT’s Business Services team is recognised as one of the top three (of 40+) in the Overseas Business Networks initiative with UKTI. 52
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The main priorities at the beginning of 2015 were: • Enhance member value and measure current member satisfaction in an independent membership survey • Implement an advocacy strategy based on members’ needs • Events based on members’ needs and the financial needs of the Chamber • Under UKTI’s Overseas Business Network initiative, develop tailored support for British SMEs seeking to enter the Thai market • Identify how to use surplus BCCT funds to best support members Enhancing the value of Membership was a key focus in 2015:
• In 2015 BCCT membership passed the 600 mark to 601 - the highest ever level of paid membership. This was an overall increase of 30 (or 5%) on 2014 numbers. This is mainly due to the hard work of BCCT Membership manager Jina Phenix and her team of Air and Fon. They are tasked with both recruiting new members and retaining existing ones. Inevitably companies leave the Chamber and we always seek to understand why. There are many reasons, from change of ownership or leadership to budget constraints. We always seek to find ways to persuade them otherwise or help with any difficulties. The BCCT is always keen to find out what members think and in 2015
Chamber News a major survey took place to seek views directly. This was carried out by BMRS Asia - an organisation external to BCCT. A summary report will be given at the AGM and the full report will be made available to those members wishing to see it. We seek to find ways to reflect the needs of members in many ways and there are regular discussions both at Board meetings and Officer meetings about such things as subscription rates, membership services etc. Members own the Chamber and as such, their views are what matter. Chris Thatcher chairs this group and would welcome any feedback (to christhatcher1@gmail.com). Advocacy has followed a mix of direct lobbying and joining forces with other organisations: • In 2015 BCCT activity concentrated on various issues related to members’ ongoing concerns, including with visa, work permits, land tenure and specific legislation and obstacles to business. BCCT has made representations both individually and collectively with like-minded chambers on several issues and has had two face-toface meetings with the Prime Minister, among other meetings. • BCCT Vice Chairman Simon Landy is the only foreign chamber representative who is also an executive director of the Board of Trade of Thailand. He has also been appointed to a number of Board of Trade committees working on specific issues, most recently a proposal to extend the leasehold law from 30 years to up to 99 years. • Negotiations on the EU-Thailand Free Trade Agreement have been suspended but BCCT continues to work with the European ASEAN Business Centre’s (EABC) advocacy groups to ensure that members’ interests are represented. Events continue to be the lifeblood of the Chamber and the principal form
of interaction for the membership: • 2015 was an extremely successful year for BCCT Events. The BCCT Events team is under the guidance of the Events Group led by BCCT Vice Chairman Chris Thatcher. In 2014, we held 96 meetings or events (an increase on previous years) and in 2015 this increased to 126 whilst maintaining or improving the quality. • 2016 is a special year for the BCCT – it is our 70th anniversary. During the year there will be some events focusing on this and making the year something to remember. Hopefully all members will be able to join in with the celebrations in one way or another. • The BCCT Events Group meets on a bi-monthly basis and considers all matters relating to BCCT Events. During 2015 it has again been a highly active group, advising on all aspects of events and trying to represent what members would wish. The Group also looks at the financial aspects of BCCT Events and is extremely well-supported by Rungjit (RJ to most) the BCCT Events manager and her team of Dolly and Tem. • The quality of BCCT Events has been consistently high in 2015 even compared with previous years (according to member feedback gained from Survey Monkey after every event). • We run many different types of events – networking (both T3 and After Hours), lunch and dinner events with specific speakers of interest and occasional breakfast briefings. In 2015 Events included, talks about items of interest, training events in both Thai and English, larger events (such as the Life and Style at the Embassy and the BCCT Christmas lunch) and many others. • We seek to hold events in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and the well-established ESB networking events in Pattaya. Some of our events are shared with other chambers to widen the appeal. In
2016 we are intending to widen this even further to other up-country areas. • Nothing is perfect but comments received have suggested that, more often than not, the BCCT gets it right. • BCCT has its own dedicated meeting room (the British Business Centre or BBC) and this enable us to hold talks and presentations efficiently and cheaply. The room is fully equipped and holds up to 60 people. It is also available for hire to member companies for their own purposes. • Members’ views are what matter and feedback is always welcomed. The Events Group is always open to new members so please get in touch if you are interested or know someone in your company who might be keen to get involved. Meetings usually take place at lunchtimes at the BCCT Office and a sandwich lunch is provided. Contact the Chair of the Group, Chris Thatcher, (christhatcher1@gmail. com) if you want to volunteer. The BCCT Business Services team has now reached a consistent level of quality in providing bespoke support to British SMEs under UKTI’s Overseas Business Network initiative (OBNi). The OBNi Steering Group met before every board meeting and also during some special occasions too. The role of this Group is: • Provide oversight and governance for the Overseas Business Network project as a whole including providing input and review of annual performance against goals, and future budget requests • Report and make recommendations to the BCCT Board as a whole • Be advised on financial performance by the BCCT Treasurer who has financial oversight of the project • Provide strategic advice and input to ensure the success of the 2017 Vision • Act as examples to others in BCCT and encourage others to:
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Chamber News Objectives:
BCCT Chairman Simon Matthews (second left) pictured with AGM panel members Songkran Grachangnetara (left), Dr Thitinan Pongsudhirak and Voranai Vanijaka.
1. provide ad-hoc advice on their business sector to the OBN project Team (and occasionally to UK companies that are new to market) 2. identify specific business opportunities available to UK companies - Support BCCT’s work in gaining Accreditation from the British Chambers of Commerce and providing oversight to key metrics once implemented - Make best efforts to ensure the OBN project is relevant and valuable to the wider BCCT membership Members of this group are Officers of the Board, the Executive Director, key UKTI staff and representation from a few other companies which are represented on the Board. At each meeting the accounts are reviewed as are a pipeline of all key business activities from the OBNi team. These are then discussed and any appropriate recommendations given. During the course of the year one of the most significant events was the possible future funding and organisation of the project given changes in the UK Government and especially around budgeting. The OBNi team
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had special meetings to discuss this both at the Embassy and as a group in order to plan for and mitigate any potential changes. These plans were followed through the year as the HMG’s plans became more tangible and the mitigation could be amended. They were presented to the December Board. Another event that occurred during early part of the year was the departure of the Project Director, Barry Nicholson, and the OBNi team looked at options for the management of the OBNi team and made recommendations to the Board for a final decision on on-going management of the project.
(a) To promote trade, industry, investment and economic relations between the United Kingdom and Thailand, especially when pertaining to the Eastern Seaboard (b) To assist members of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) in the promotion of trade, industry, investment and economic relations between the United Kingdom and Thailand, especially when pertaining to the Eastern Seaboard (c) To provide advice, ideas, and suggestions for BCCT members’ business interests on the Eastern Seaboard, in the field of trade, industry, insurance, investment and in other related matters and to provide a business forum for members to consult one another (d) To compile news, information and statistics on trade in general, on industrial and commercial affairs, and on legal and financial matters worthy of interest, for distribution to members Committee Activities 2015: •
BCCT GROUP REPORTS EASTERN SEABOARD Mission Statement: To serve the needs and promote the development of BCCT members on the Eastern Seaboard and, as ‘Partners in Progress’, contribute directly to the economic advancement of the Eastern Seaboard, which, in this case, are the provinces of Chonburi and Rayong
•
The committee for 2015 started with BCCT Mark Bowling chairing the group and heading into 2016 with a number of initiatives to be put in place. Several events have taken place in the last 12 months including the usual networking events, dinner with H.E Mark Kent, British Ambassador, Boardroom briefings on topics such as Social Media, The Thai Political situation and The AEC. Furthermore an additional event ‘After Hours’ has proved to be successful towards the end of the year, The current committee is: Mark Bowling – Savills (Thailand) Ltd, Andrew MacDowell, Dr. Tim Eaton – Regents International School, Dr. Iain Corness - Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, Mr. Pratheep S. Malhotra – Pattaya Mail Publishing Co., Ltd. There is a need for both manufacturing and SME’s to be represented and for events
Chamber News
• •
•
•
•
to be focused to the needs of the members based there. 3 BCCT Eastern Seaboard Group meetings were held in 2013. Currently 48 members of the BCCT are based on the Eastern Seaboard with a further 7 Bangkok companies having provincial offices in the area 12 Monthly Networking events where held on the Eastern Seaboard all in conjunction with AMCHAM, AUSTCHAM and the SATCC. 12 Eastern Seaboard Group monthly reports highlighting the economic development of the region have been posted to date on the BCCT website in 2015 Events under discussion for the ESB in 2016 include: 1. A members’ night to ascertain feedback on how the BCCT on the Eastern Seaboard can better serve them 2. Panel Event focused on the needs of the Eastern Seaboard Industrial Sector 3. Dinner Event welcoming incoming British Ambassador to Thailand 4. An SME focused event 5. Business Briefings on economic and political updates 6. Training courses on the Eastern Seaboard in conjunction with the BCCT management development group 7. Factory Site visits 8. 4 x Quarterly After Hours Events
During 2015 the ICT Group worked in close cooperating with AmCham’s ICT Committee as a number of the events that were organised during the year by both groups had attraction for both Groups. However the British Chamber took the lead on two significant events during the year.
•
The first of these was the Digital Economy dinner on the 13th August. At this event the (then) Deputy Prime Minister and “Digital Economy Supremo” and his key Digital Economy team spoke to around 200 dinner guests about the Government’s plans around the Digital Economy. This event was the first that the government gave after the various issues around the Digital Economy had been resolved and one of the last events where the DPM spoke publicly about those plans.
•
The second large event of the year was Gadget Night on November 1th. This attracted 200 guests from 5 different chambers and saw companies like Microsoft, Samsung and Apple (amongst many others) show off their cool new gadgets of the year. The event received great feedback for the variety of gadgets on show and the quality of the networking.
• •
LEGAL & TAXATION During 2015, the Legal & Taxation Committee met six times. Discussions took place on many different and divergent issues, including:
ICT Thanks to the always-passionate members of the ICT Group for all of their energy and support during 2015! During the year the Group met several times to discuss events of interest to the members. In August we heard the sad news that one of our most passionate members, Vasilij, had passed away during an operation. He is very fondly remembered by his fellow group members.
•
• •
• • •
Foreign Business Act licencing Taxation changes, particularly Inheritance Tax (coming into operation in early 2016) and a new Property Tax (still under discussion); The new International Headquarters concept (to replace Regional Operating Headquarters) Class actions to be permitted under the Civil Code Changes to company law regarding holding of virtual meetings, and
•
• •
• • •
•
proof of payment for shares when capital is increased (some cases) Changes to the definition of “work” under the Foreign Employment Act so that in some cases a work permit would not be required Clearing the backlog of pending residence permit applications A possible Data Protection Bill (still under consideration) The Licensing Facilities - government departments to publish internal guidance manuals The Business Collateral Act (changes to the law on security interests) The rules concerning whether an arbitration clause is permitted in a contract with a government department Possible changes in the Transfer Pricing rules New double taxation treaties under negotiation E-filing of corporate financial statements to be introduced Changes to the Copyright Act AEC 2015 and whether this would change anything Further changes to the Civil Code regarding guarantees and mortgages, and other matters.
Events were organised on a wide range of subjects: • • • • • • •
Arbitration IP licensing fees and taxation SEC Property Funds Recent developments in intellectual property Investment in Vietnam An open forum on taxation International Headquarters (replacing the Regional Operating Headquarters vehicle)
Committee membership is open to any law firms or accountancy firms in Thailand, or to consumers of legal or accountancy services. PROPERTY & INFRASTRUCTURE The BCCT Property & Infrastructure (P&I) Group’s mission is to support and advance BCCT work in relation
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Chamber News to P&I; to organize quality events of interest to members at a reasonable cost; and to compile reports on market developments.
•
The group holds quarterly meetings at which events are planned for each quarter. Committee Meetings Members of the Property and Infrastructure Group during 2015 were: The Property and Infrastructure events were well attended and following have taken place in 2015: • •
•
•
•
•
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6 January 2015 - A pre-inspection of the MRTA Blue Line Extension Project - limited numbers. Further visit planned for later in the year for the wider membership - 6 members visited the Blue Line Tunnel under the Chao Phraya River; 21 January 2015 - Outlook for the Bangkok Property Market in 2015 by James Pitchon; CBRE. This was a joint BCCT/RICS event and 53 attended 17 March 2015 - Update on Solar Energy in Thailand - Raymond Schonfeld Managing Director Single Market Ventures, Dr. Sopitsuda Tongsopit from the Energy Research Institute of Chulalongkorn University, Dr. Dusit Kruangam Chairman of Thai Photovoltaic Industries Association. This was a joint BCCT/RICS event and 47 attended 7 May 2015 – An Overview of Thailand’s Infrastructure Development 8 Year Strategic Plan - Urban and Inter-City Railway Development Plan. Presentation by Khun Roengsak Tongsom, Director of Railway Network Development Division from the Office of Transport and Policy & Planning (OTP) at the Ministry of Transport. This was a joint AMCHAM/BCCT event and 58 attended 27 May Yangon’s Unique Heritage - David Gole, Senior Heritage Architect, Yangon Heritage Trust and Principal at Conrad Gargett Architects (Australia).
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This was a joint BCCT/AusCham event. 41 attended 6 August 2015 - Logistics & Infrastructure Development Plan of ASEAN countries. Dr. Ruth Banomyong, PhD, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of International Business, Logistics and Transport Management at the Faculty of Commerce & Accountancy, Thammasat University Thailand. This was a joint AMCHAM/BCCT event. 53 attended 18 August 2015 - BCCT Boardroom Briefing on Construction Arbitration - How to Mitigate Legal Risks - Presentation by Vanina Sucharitkul, Senior Associate, Herbert Smith Freehills. 27 attended
P&I Group meetings for 2015: • • •
2 February 2015. 27 May 2015. 1 September 2015.
Other speakers to be confirmed. This will be a joint BCCT/AMCHAM event. SME The BCCT SME Group has not met in 2015. The BCCT groups focusing on more specific areas (e.g. Legal and Tax, Property and Infrastructure, ICT) have tended to cover areas of particular interest to SMEs. Meetings held by these groups have covered a wide range of subjects including: 1. Visas and work permits 2. Accounting and auditing 3. Taxation (includes PIT CIT VAT withholding taxes and stamp duty) 4. Buying/leasing property 5. Legal 6. Employment law and human resources
The P&I Group has also supplied various reports on the P&I sector for members which are posted on the BCCT website.
Any member feeling that an SME specific group is needed is welcome to contact the BCCT to discuss this further.
The planned events for 2016 are as follows:
TRAVEL AND TOURISM
•
Committee
•
• •
•
11 February 2016 - Outlook for the Bangkok Property Market in 2016 by James Pitchon; CBRE. This will be a joint BCCT/RICS March - date to be confirmed. An update on Environmental Impact Assessments. Speaker will be Cristina Pellegrino Partner at ERM Exclusive visit for members to the MRTA Blue Line Extension and or the Purple Line Project Thailand/Cambodia Property & Infrastructure event. David Tibbott Country Manager Hong Kong Land and Chairman of British Chamber of Commerce Cambodia is a potential speaker Update on Thailand’s Infrastructure Development Plans - Ali Adam.
David Cumming, Amari Watergate Bangkok; Billy Chomsakorn, British Airways; Sukamal Mondal, Oriental Residence Bangkok; Douglas Glen, The Landmark Hotel; Jacqui Cuthbertson, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Bangkok; Struan Robertson, Spice Roads; Dale Lawrence, ScandMedia Corp., Ltd.; Lily Udomkunnatum, Burasari Group Co., Ltd. Under the Chairmanship of David Cumming the Travel and Tourism committee was active in 2015 with a regular series of meetings and events. The aforementioned committee was formed early in 2015 and met on a number occasions and organised the following events:
Chamber News •
•
•
Panel event on “Thailand’s Hotels Readiness to Deal with Serious Security Related Incidents” was held at The Landmark Bangkok Hotel Luncheon in partnership with the American, Australian and Netherlands Chambers of Commerce welcomed Khun Sugree Sithivanich, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, on “TAT Moving Forward and What it can do for Thailand” Panel Event on the “Qualities, Perspectives and Practices in Unlocking the Right Talents” was held at Oriental Residence Bangkok.
At each event there was in excess of 60 members in attendance to hear about developments in Thailand Tourism Sector. The mission and main focus areas of the group for 2016 will lie in the following main areas:
Mission: The Travel and Tourism Committee will aim to continue provide a platform for the members of BCCT involved in this field to facilitate communication and business opportunities by linking and driving communication between Thailand and the UK tourist sectors. The goal is to enhance Thailand’s overall tourist and travel experience by helping it to maintain a competitive advantage relative to neighbouring alternative destinations in S.E. Asia while assisting all sector related businesses to capitalize on the ever increasing Thailand tourist market. The main areas of focus for the group in 2016 will be: •
•
To continue to work with the members in order to help drive the success of the Thai Travel and Tourism industry Tourists security and their confidence in Thailand as a destination
•
•
Education, a focus on internships, service expectations, placements and support to our members Coordination, collaboration and dialogue with TAT with an aim of establishing how this can be carried forward to the field
In addition the aim of the group for 2016 is to complete an article for members twice yearly while also providing 6 major travel and tourism events; these may take the form of: • • • •
Travel and Tourism Panel Event - one on e-commerce is planned for late February Dinners with Speaker CSR for the Tourism Industry Meetings with TAT, TCEB and other Industry associations Travel and Tourism networking events
This report was presented to to BCCT members at the Chamber’s AGM on 28th January 2016.
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Chamber News
Lucy’s accident prompts appeal to BCCT members B CCT invites members to support The Blood Care Foundation (BCF), a British charity established in 1991 to provide blood (including rare blood groups) in emergencies when the required blood is not available or difficult to obtain. The call comes in the wake of the recent much-publicised appeal for blood donations to assist British tourist Lucy Hill who was seriously injured whilst on holiday in Chiang Mai. The work of the Foundation is funded through individual and corporate membership fees of its Blood Care Programme (BCP). This programme provides members with the blood they require completely free of charge, regardless of where they are in the world. The Foundation also assists non-members but they are asked to meet the costs involved. Lucy Hill’s family greatly appreciated the support provided by the Founda-
tion and have subsequently become active supporters. The quality of the BCF services has been acknowledged by the MHRA, which has awarded the Foundation with a Blood Establishment Authority, similar to those issued to all the blood centres.
Recognising business success in Thailand
T
he BCCT has joined forces with popular magazine The Big Chilli to launch the Thailand International Business Awards, designed to recognise the achievements and successes of business and individual entrepreneurs. Nominations are invited for any company registered in Thailand regardless of size of affiliations and for individual men and women working for a legally registered entity in Thailand. Entries are not restricted to current members of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand.
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These new awards, conceived by Big Chilli publisher Colin Hastings and BCCT Executive Director Greg Watkins, include special categories for SMEs under the heading ‘Expat Entrepreneurs’. A panel of independent judges will review nominations and select winners who will then receive their awards at a gala dinner later this year.
For more details about these exciting new awards, please email: thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com
Thailand, like most countries in the world, suffers shortages of blood and the BCF Trustees invites BCCT members to protect their expatriate and local employees through membership of the Blood Care Programme. More details from Julian Bruce, the Charity’s CEO, at: ceo@bloodcare.org.uk
Event venues Events hosted by the BCCT take place either at the British Business Centre – part of the Chamber’s head office in Wireless Road, Bangkok – or at member venues. Indeed, the Chamber considers only those venues that are owned/operated/managed by organisations that are members of the BCCT. For more details about how to host a workshop, networking evening, business lunch or conference/seminar, contact the BCCT team on 66 (0) 2651 5350.
Chamber News
European SME’s guide to Thailand A
s part of its efforts to promote trade and investment between Thailand and the European Union (EU), the European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC) embarked upon a series of Outreach Events across the EU in 2015.
The aim of the outreach events is to promote Thailand as market destination for European products as well as to educate European companies on the Thai business environment and to inform them of the business support services that the EABC and its Consortium Partners are able to provide. The EABC conducted 16 outreach events in countries such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, England, Estonia, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and the Netherlands. These outreach events were conducted by the EABC in close collaboration with its Consortium Partners such as EuroChambres, the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand
and the Swedish-Thai Chamber of Commerce), as well as in coordination with other EU funded initiatives in the ASEAN region (EU-Vietnam Business Network, EU-Indonesia Business Network, EU-Philippines Business Network and the EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry). The EABC roadshows in EU member states were conducted mainly as business seminars, where represen-
tatives of the EABC presented important information about the Thai market. These roadshows also served as a great opportunity for European SMEs to consult directly with EABC experts on how to best enter the Thai market. The EABC aims to continue its efforts to bolster trade ties between Thailand and the EU, particularly focusing to assist SME’s by serving to be the EU’s ‘window to Thailand’. The European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC) is a European Trade Organisation situated in Bangkok Thailand with an objective to contribute to the improvement of trade and investment for European companies in Thailand and to increase European Trade and Investment in Thailand. For more information, please visit: www.eabcthailand.eu Tel: (66-2) 670 0624 Fax: (66-2) 670 0680 For SME service, please contact service@eabc-thailand.eu For membership, please contact members@eabc-thailand.eu
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THE
& proudly announce THE
Thailand International Business Awards 2016 BUILDING on the success of the Expat Entrepreneur Awards 2014, the BigChilli is joining forces with the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) to launch a new initiative aimed at recognising Thailand’s most successful and dynamic businesses and entrepreneurs. The inaugural Thailand International Business Awards will feature a range of categories to reflect the wide diversity of businesses operating in this country. These will include one category specifically designed for small and medium enterprises under the banner ‘Expat Entrepreneurs.’ Nominations will be open to any company registered in Thailand regardless of size or affiliations. A team of independent judges will review the nominations and select the winners in each of the categories. This prestigious event will culminate in an Awards Gala Dinner mid-2016. Raise your company’s profile, build contacts, create new business opportunities and tell the world about your achievements through the Thailand International Business Awards 2016.
Nominees so far...
Richard Bell, Cornerstone
Tim Beaumont, The Beaumont Partnership
Eddie Evans, X-treme Sports Gear
Graham Murrell, Risk Protection
Matthew Harrison, Civil Master International
Fred Tibbitts, Fred Tibbitts & Associates
Nicolas Vivin, VIVIN
Benjamin Leiner, NYC-Thai BD
Daniel Fraser, Smiling Albino
Julian Olds, DMC
Carsten Fischer, VaVa Pipes
Dennis Harte, Tuk Tuk Factor y
Bob Coombes, Food Glorious Food
Michael Cluzel, Eatigo
David Armstrong, Maeping Mango Riverside Resort
Ido Berger, Tea & Fruits
Patricia Frost, B么 Interiors
Tony Taylor, T.I.N. Trading
Paul Greenhalgh, Trepax Innovation
Nominate your company or send us your nomination. thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com
Chamber Events
Life & Style garden Party On Thursday 10 March, more than 300 BCCT members and guests enjoyed the best of British music, cars, motorcycles, food and drinks at the BCCT Life & Style Party in the garden of the British Embassy. Once again we very grateful to Ambassador Mark Kent for graciously hosting this popular event in the Chamber’s calendar. Many thanks, also, to our fantastic organisers and sponsors.
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Chamber Events
Christmas luncheon The traditional BCCT Christmas Luncheon is always well supported by members, friends and guests and the lunch on 9 December 2015 was no exception. Festive spirits were high with the fun and games continuing throughout the afternoon. Many thanks to all our generous sponsors for once again ensuring that the event was an outstanding success.
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Chamber Events
BCCT-MBMG Insights
Third Thursday Networking Evening
17 November 2015
19 November 2015
Adrian Dunn, Investment Manager and CEO of Brooker Sukhothai, and Paul Gambles, Co-founder and Managing Partner of the MBMG Group and Director of MBMG Investment Advisory, were guest speakers for BCCT-MBMG Insights on “Outlook for Emerging Markets”.
BCCT held its last T3 Networking Evening for the year on Thursday 19 November at Savelberg Restaurant at Oriental Residence Bangkok.
The Insights Workshop was well attended.
Pictured from left - BCCT Chairman Simon Matthews - Savelberg Chef Henk Savelberg - Oriental Residence General Manager Sukamal Mondal
Joint Chambers ESB Networking
Phuket Business Dinner
20 November 2015
22 November 2015
Together with AMCHAM, AustCham, BeLuThai, GTCC, NTCC and SATCC, BCCT hosted the Joint Chambers Eastern Seaboard Networking Evening at Cape Dara Resort Pattaya on Friday 20 November.
On Sunday 22 November, BCCT in collaboration with the Netherland, Canadian, French and Irish Chamber of Commerce held the Phuket Business Dinner “Meet the Ambassadors” at Amari Phuket.
This event was kindly sponsored by Cape Dara Resort Pattaya, Maikhao Dream Hotels & Resorts, Bromsgrove International School and Pernod.
Pictured from left are Canadian Ambassador H.E. Philip Calvert, British Ambassador H.E. Mark Kent and Irish Ambassador H.E. Brendan Rogers.
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- BCCT Vice Chairman Chris Thatcher - Savelberg’s Christian Vera
Chamber Events
BCCT Boardroom Briefing
BCCT Boardroom Briefing
2 December 2015
12 January 2016
Khun Suebsiri Taweepon, Attorney-at-Law at Tilleke & Gibbins, was guest speaker for BCCT Boardroom Briefing on “Trends of IP Laws and Online Infringement in Thailand” on Wednesday 2 December.
Michael Clark, Programme Leader for International Human Resource Management, Asia Pacific University of the West of England, Bristol was speaker at BCCT Boardroom Briefing on ‘HRM works – but only if line managers believe in it’.
Khun Suebsiri Taweepon
Michael Clark addressed attendees at the Boardroom Briefing.
BCCT/British Embassy Briefing
Third Thursday Networking Evening
13 January 2016
21 January 2016
Speaking at the recent Embassy briefing on ‘How UKTI assists UK companies and Thai investors - and the growing role of the BCCT in delivering export support for UK SME’ were Col. Chris Luckham OBE, and Colin Sykes.
The Landmark Bangkok Hotel successfully hosted over 100 members and non-members for the first BCCT Third Thursday Networking Evening at their Rendezvous Bar.
Pictured from left - Marcus Winsley; Colonel Chris Luckham OBE; Colin Sykes
Pictured from left: BCCT Chairman Simon Matthews; South East Asia Capital Managing Director Ian Ferguson; The Landmark Bangkok Hotel General Manager Douglas Glen; Consortium UK Managing Director Justin Moseley
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Chamber Events
BCCT After Hours
BCCT Annual General Meeting
27 January 2016
28 January 2016
The Sportsman Bar & Restaurant hosted BCCT ‘After Hours’ on Wednesday 27 January.
BCCT held its Annual General Meeting at The Landmark Bangkok Hotel and elected the 2016 BCCT Board of Directors.
Pictured from left are: Paul Poole, John Murphy (Sportsman Bar); Eric Gottschalk; and Joseph Veriato (Sportsman Bar).
Back row (l-r): David Cumming, John Christie, Viriya Chongphaisal, Somporn Leelasestaporn and Mark Bowling. From row (l-r): Ali Adam, Chris Thatcher, Simon Matthews, Simon Landy and Stephen Frost. Directors absent were Billy Chomsakorn, Carl Sellick, Kelvin Tan and Hugh Vanijprabha.
BCCT Panel Discussion Luncheon
BCCT Two-Day Workshop
28 January 2016
2 February 2016
BCCT Panel Discussion Luncheon on “Thailand’s 2016 Economy and Political Situation” was held on Thursday 28th January at The Landmark Bangkok Hotel.
Neil Stoneham, Managing Director of Voxtree, facilitated BCCT Two-Day Workshop “Write to Sell” on Tuesday 2 to Wednesday 3 February at Amara Bangkok Hotel. This workshop allowed participants to learn practical techniques to turn their selling skills into writing skills.
Guest speakers were Entrepreneur Khun Songkran Grachangnetara, Political Scientist and Professor at Chulalongkorn University Dr. Thitinan Pongsudhirak and Editor-inChief at GQ Magazine Khun Voranai Vanijaka.
Neil Stoneham addresses workshop attendees.
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Chamber Events
BCCT Evening Presentation
BCCT/RICS P&I Presentation
4 February 2016
11 February 2016
Held at the Residence of the British Ambassador on Thursday 4 February, Philip Bowring, a Hong Kong based journalist and writer, was guest speaker for BCCT Evening Presentation on “Anglo-Siam Treaty of 1855”.
James Pitchon (pictured), Executive Director of CBRE Thailand, was guest speaker for BCCT/RICS P&I Evening Presentation “Outlook for the Bangkok Property Market in 2016” held on Thursday 11 February at Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom.
Philip Bowring’s talk attracted a large gathering.
James Pitchon shares his forecasts.
Joint BCCT/ITCC Ambassadors Dinner 10 February 2016 The British and Irish Chamber of Commerce Thailand held the Joint BCCT/ITCC Ambassadors Dinner with guest speakers British Ambassador H.E. Mark Kent and Irish Ambassador H.E. Brendan Rogers on Wednesday 10 February at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. This event was in partnership with the St Andrew’s, St David’s, St George’s and St Patrick’s Societies and the Gaelic Football Association of Thailand.
Pictured from left are: ITCC President Paul Scales; Irish Ambassador H.E. Brendan Rogers; BCCT Chairman Simon Matthews; British Ambassador H.E. Mark Kent.
Guests enjoyed a splendid evening with the Ambassadors.
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Chamber Events
Audience with Lord David Puttnam
Half-Day Thai Language Workshop
15 February 2016
16 February 2016
BCCT welcomed Lord David Puttnam as guest speaker for BCCT’s luncheon “An Audience with Lord David Puttnam” at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok on Monday 15 February.
Over 40 members joined BCCT Half-Day Thai Language Workshop on “Presentation Skills” held at the British Business Centre. This workshop was kindly facilitated by Pachara (Billy) Yongjiranon, Corporate Trainer & Presentation Coach at SpeakPro Training.
Lord David Puttnam
Presenter Billy captivates his audience.
Third Thursday Networking Evening
BCCT Taxation Forum
18 February 2016
29 February 2016
Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit hosted BCCT Third Thursday Networking Evening at their Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar.
BCCT Taxation Forum was held on Monday 29 February at The BCCT.
Pictured from left are: BCCT member Lloyd Wilson; Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit Director of Food and Beverages Orhun Denizoglu; and BCCT Vice Chairman Chris Thatcher.
Pictured from left are BCCT Legal & Taxation Group Chairman Stephen Frost, KPMG Thailand Executive Director (Tax) Tatiana Bespalova, Mazars Thailand Partner (Taxation Practice) Damian Norris, Bangkok International Associates Senior Associate Teerakarn Noichiaum and Bangkok Global Law Office Partner Picharn Sukparangsee.
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Comings and Goings The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand welcomes the following new members: neering companies.Interested? Get in touch with us today for a quote! Ashby Precision Engineering Unit 31, Nuffield Centrum, Nuffield WayAbingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 1RL, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 1235 531279 Fax: +44 (0) 1235 535801 Email: Scott@ashbyeng.co.uk Website: www.ashbyeng.co.uk Representative: Mr. Scott Howell, Financial Controller Background: Ashby is one of the leading precision engineering companies in the UK, using hi-tech machining, highly skilled craftsmen and experienced engineers in order to deliver high quality products in the fastest possible time.Regardless of the size and quantity of the parts or components you require, Ashby Precision Engineering will deliver to the highest quality standard. We’ve worked with a wide range of industries, including: medical, F1 and other motorsports, cryogenics and other scientific use. This range of experience means that our professional precision engineers are able to handle all unique requests. • Order Bespoke Parts – whether you need small flanges or stainless steel components, we can create bespoke parts to your exact requirements. • Specifically Tailored Services – we offer an extensive range of services that can be tailored to your unique needs. • Our Equipment and Capabilities – to do any job properly, you need the right tools. We use state-of-the-art CNC machines • Who We Work With – find out which industry leading companies we work with.Why Use Ashby Engineering?Since 1977, Ashby Engineering have been delivering high quality precision engineering to a wide range of industries. We pride ourselves on using state-of-the-art machines that are capable of creating high-tech, extremely complex projects. Combining this with our experienced and skilled craftsmen, over the years Ashby has become one of the UK’s most reliable precision engi-
Ayathai Travel Company Limited 454/62, Kanchanabhisek Road Prawet, Bangkok 10250 Tel: +66 2397 6911 Email: vorawan@ayathaitravel.com Website: ayathaitravel.com Representatives: Dr. Vorawan Kanlayanasukho, CEO Mr. Patrice Veuthey, Executive Director
Beehive Asia Company Limited #3005, 30th Floor, Bhiraj Tower 689 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0) 2017 2753 Email: admin@beehiveasia.co.th Website: www.beehiveasia.co.th
Representative: Mr. Justin Wright, Regional Head S.E. Asia Background: As the Responsible Executive for Asia, Justin represents Beehive’s interests across the region. Having set up the strategic development and regional head office in Thailand, he is leading the growth of the Beehive-Asia platform and promotion of P2P innovation throughout ASEAN, working closely with regulators and industry leaders to deliver smart finance solutions to SME’s. Justin has over 18 years of investment banking experience combined with more than 12 years in Asia Pacific deal advisory roles, both public and private spanning a range of sectors and countries. He began his career in the management team of Herzog Heine Geduld International in London, during which time, he was appointed as a full time member of the Brussels based ‘EASDAQ’ market advisory committee. He has subsequently made regular live
appearances on CNBC Asia’s business programs as a markets and economic commentator as well as holding the position of Executive Fundraising Officer at Kampuchea Balopp, a FrenchKhmer,non-government organization assisting disadvantaged and disabled Cambodian children with a youth development through sports program.
Brink’s (Thailand) Ltd. 919/586-591 Jewelry Trade Center Building, 47th Floor, North Tower Silom Road, Silom, Bangrak Bangkok 10500 Tel: +66 2630-0661 Fax: +66 2630-0660 Website: www.brinks.co.th
Representative: Ms. Sallyann Whittingham, Country Manager Background: Brinks Provides domestic and international armored transportation services, vaulting and security center; airfreight and customs brokerage of diamonds, jewelry, precious metals, travelers’ checks and currency for gem and jewelry industry and banking community; ATM and currency processing services, cash and cheque distribution centres, secured storage and retrieval of records and data (physical and electronic). A full range of out-sourced banking services is providing nationwide.
Company Vauban Co., Ltd. Vauban Group, The Trendy Office & Plaza, 10/31, Sukhumvit Soi 13 Klongtoey Nua, Wattana Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0) 2168-7047 Fax: +66 (0) 2168-7048 Email: contact@companyvauban.com; marketing@companyvauban.com Website: www.companyvauban.com
Representatives: Mr. Cyrille Hareux, Managing Director Mr. Thibaut Marhuenda, Marketing Director The Link
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Background: Vauban Real Estate is a leading real estate brokerage firm with strong presence in Thailand since 2006. The group has 6 branches in Thailand most dynamic real estate markets: Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Samui, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Vauban Real Estate has an extensive experience in Thailand property market and long track records dealing with individuals and institutional clients. Vauban Real Estate covers the real estate needs from advices to property management. The group assists every year hundreds of clients for their property investments, rentals and relocations. Vauban Real Estate distinguishes itself by an objective vision and ability to advise to the needs of its customers, and provides continuity of services, in particular because of its strong presence and its integrated network of agencies, making it one of the only global real estate’s firms in Thailand. The company services include buy/sell/rent and property management services.
Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP St.Bride’s House 10 Salisbury Square, London EC4Y 8EH, United Kingdom Tel: +44 207 842 7100 Email: robin.stevens@crowecw.co.uk Website: www.crowehorwath.net/uk
Representatives: Mr. Robin Stevens, Corporate Finance Partner Mr. Stephen Bullock, Corporate Finance Partner Background: Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP is a leading firm of accountants and business advisers with over 70 partners and approximately 600 staff based in 8 offices around the UK. We provide a range of audit, accounting, corporate finance and taxation services to private and public company clients, professional partnerships, not for profit entities, private clients and pension funds. We have many private and public clients operating in South East Asia and our team members visit the region on a regular basis, working closely with
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our members firms of Crowe Horwath International. Designers Bathware (Asia) Co., Ltd. 152 Kian GWan House III Wireless Road, Lumpini Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 (0) 2651 4100 Fax: +66 (0) 26514093 Email: dbath@dbath.co.th Website: www.parisid-bline.com Representatives: Mr. Antonio Calderazzo, Managing Director Ms. Napatsanan Pawatthanapan, Sales Director
Digital Monopoly (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 444 Olympia Thai Tower, 18th Floor Ratchadapisek Road, Samsennok Huaykwang, Bangkok 10310 Tel: +66 (0) 2541 4407 Email: bkk@digitalmonopoly.com.au Website: www.digitalmonopoly.com.au
Representative: Mr. Benjamin Barling, Managing Director Background: A leading APAC digital agency; Digital Monopoly, and our group companies, are able to provide a complete web site and web presence experience from new website design to conversion rate optimisation on webpages for both desktop and mobile devices. We build websites with your businesses requirements in mind. This drives the design and development process so the final product looks stunning, functions perfectly and is simple and easy for you to use. We also provide a full digital marketing service including paid advertising and organic traffic optimisation (SEM/SEO) and can review existing digital marketing campaigns developing strategies to maximise return on investment. We can ensure your website will rank well across all of the major search engines. We follow rigorous processes to ensure the success of every campaign we implement on all internet and social media platforms.
Mr. Emil Lambrinos 1655/435, The Address, Petchaburi Road, Asok Bangkok 10400 Tel: +66 (0) 62 863 0226 Email: limeson67@gmail.com Background: Emil Lambrinos has established himself as a manufacturing and supply chain leader who offers a wealth of experience, knowledge, and success in his field. With a 20+-year background in the FMCG industry, along with transferrable skill sets, an excellent work ethic, and a year-overyear record of positive results, he offers the type of strategic and outcomedriven leadership that helps companies achieve both immediate and long-term growth. Lately, as the Head of Manufacturing and Supply Chain for Leventis Foods Ltd. (a $20 million food products business), Emil directed all aspects of the Production, Engineering, QA/QC, and Raw/Packing Materials stores, with products exclusively sold in the Nigerian market. In this position, he lead a team of over 160 (4 direct reports), planned and executed both plant and equipment-based projects, and evaluated operations continually to identify areas for improvement. In a span of a little over 1 year, Emil facilitated dramatic changes and generated significant achievements that include over $1.5 million in cost savings and double-digit efficiency improvements. Prior positions with Leventis Foods yielded similar results, including multimillion-dollar revenue growth in his role as a Business Unit Manager and leadership of a $10 million, mission-critical project in his role as Project/Plan Manager (the build-out of the factory in Abuja). Before his hire at Leventis, Emil enjoyed successful tenures with IKEA in Athens, Greece and PZ Cussons, Ltd. in both Ghana and Nigeria. In fact, his management career began with PZ Cussons when he was only 25 years old, directing a team of 8 managers, 18 supervisors, and 1,000 junior staff members. Throughout his career, Emil has demonstrated the ability to exceed expectations and create innovative solutions. The common denominator among his achievements and key contributions is
a drive and determination to produce results, and his accomplishments span diverse operations in multiple countries and environments, including Africa and Europe. Emil graduated with a Master of Science in Operations Management and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry; in addition, he has an extensive list of training courses and maintains ongoing professional development in his career areas.
Interex Interex House, Maitland Road Lion Barn Industrial Estate Needham Market, Suffolk IP6 8NS United Kingdom Tel: +44 0 1449 721700 Fax: +44 0 1449 726284 Email: steve@interex.co.uk Website: www.interex.co.uk
Representatives: Mr. David Dodd, Managing Director Mr. Steve Landricombe, Sales Director Background: Interex and Interex Motorsport have been providing a supply solution to our customers globally since 1997. We specialise in the Automotive, Motorsport and Industrial sectors offering spare parts, vehicles, machinery and equipment. Our customers include fleet users, government departments, wholesale distributors, general trading companies and race teams/ constructors. A previous winner of the Queens award for enterprise we are providing a tailored service including consolidation, export packing, shipping and technical back up.
Mr. Michael Judd APT 212, Saleh Bin Lahej 341 Al Barsha 1, Dubai United Arab Emirates T: + 971 50 8543189 SkypeName: Mikejudd2699 Email: Mikejudd2699@hotmail.com Background: Michael is an Internationally recognized, experienced ICT Specialist in the field of ICT Infrastruc-
tures, consulting to the Construction Industry across a diverse range of initiatives from small residential complexes to major projects as Airports, Data Centers, Sporting Events and Government Projects. Examples of which include the following: - Heathrow T5 - Muscat/Salalah Internatiional Aiports - Manchester Commonwealth Games - Doha ASIAN Games - GCHQ Cheltenham UK Currently residing within Dubai, with relocation to Bangkok for Q1 2016 to be with long term partner and closer focus on opportunities within ASEAN region.
Pearson Education Indochina Co., Ltd. Capital Tower, All Season’s Place F/16 Unit 1604-6 87/1 Wireless Road, Lumpini Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 2613 4900 Fax: +66 2613 4999 Email: thaigen@pearson.com Website: www.pearson.com
Background Brinda – Freelance Wedding Planner and Event Consultant Brainy – Freelance Conference Organizing Consultant BRINDA The excellent combination of a group of professional social and marketing event stylists and organizers, Brinda realizes that our clients often wish for magical moment at various steps of their life. We are hailed as an artistic visionary whose ability, uniquely creative talents and outstanding reputation have made us a tremendous success in the lifestyle arena. We love to exceed the expected with an unmatched level of inspiration, imagination and innovation to create the latest trends in entertaining. Brinda’s services: Brinda is here to deliver greatly successful event in the most efficient cost as one stop services marketing and event management, as follows; Concert Organizer and Promoter Corporate Event Stylist and Organizer: Dealer’s Party, Anniversary Party, Award Night, Incentive Event, Product Launch, Theme Party, Aspirational Celebration PR and Marketing event management: Activity in Showcase Area, Public Relations Campaign, Customer Relations Campaign, Below the line marketing, Press Conference
Representatives: Mrs. Savaree Garner, Key Account Manager South East Asia Mr. Robert Charles Horwood, General Manager South East Asia Background: Welcome to Pearson. We have a simple mission: to help people make more of their lives through learning. We are the world’s leading learning company, with 40,000 employees in more than 80 countries helping people of all ages to make measurable progress in their lives. RAIL PRO LOGO ASIA.indd 1
Ms. Pichaya Mayalarp 42/121, Mooban Laddarom (Ekamai-Ramintra Express Way) Nuanchan Road, Nuanchan Bhungkum District, Bangkok 10230
Tel: +66 (0) 2363 7568 Fax: +66 (0) 2363 7567 Mobile: +66 (0) 94 659 3646 Email: piichaza@gmail.com; pm@ brindaandbrainy.com
Tailor Made for Exclusive Group: Fine Dining, Signature Design, Special Gift, Exclusive Member Activity
South East Asia
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR RAIL
www.railprofessional.com
Rail Professional (South East Asia) Limited Hallmark House, Downham Road, Downham Road, Ramsden Heath Essex CM11 1PU United Kingdom Tel: +44 1268 711 811 Email: info@railprofessional.com Website: www.railpro.co.uk/ 07/11/2015 10:00
Representative: Mr. Douglas Lewis, Director
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Roc Oil Malaysia (Holdings) Sdn Bhd Level 12, Menara Darussalam No.12, Jalan Pinang Kuala Lumpur 50450 Tel: +603 2787 2200 Fax: +603 2787 2299 Email: gbalchin@rocoil.com.au Website: www.rocoil.com.au
ferred to Singha Estate Plc. This move, along with business expansion through the acquisitions of assets, has extended projects under the Company’s businesses from residential properties to investment properties and the hotel business.
Thanyapura Phuket 120, 120/1 Moo 7, Thepkasattri Rd. Thepkasattri, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Tel: +66 76 336 000 Fax: +66 76 336 067 Website: www.thanyapura.com
Imonit and has now registered a new company to operate a restaurant, produce and distribute healthy beverage drinks. The details of the new restaurant and location will be updated soon.
Urbana Co., Ltd. 33/7 Soi Charoenchai, Ekkamai Soi 12 Sukhumvit 63, Klongtanua Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0) 81 821 2430 Email: robert@urbana.co.uk Website: www.urbana.co.uk
Representatives: Mr. Graham Balchin, Country Manager Mr. Simon Daniel, GM Operations Background: ROC Oil is a leading international oil & gas operator with offices in Sydney, Perth, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, Shanghai, London and Houston. Its workforce has a broad range of expertise in geology, geophysics, petrophysics, petroleum engineering, facilities engineering, reservoir, and drilling. The company has international track record for delivery and has an attractive appraisal and development portfolio.
Representatives: Mr. Philipp Graf von Hardenberg, President and CEO Ms. Nathaphat Asavathanachart, Director of Communications Background ASIA’S LEADING SPORTS RESORT IN PARADISE Thanyapura is a hotel based on fitness, health and your well-being with world class facilities on the tropical island of Phuket.
Singha Estate Public Company Limited 968 U Chu Liang Building 20th Floor, Rama IV Rd, Silom Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: +66 (0) 2632-4533 Fax: +66 (0) 2632 4534-5 Email: info@singhaestate.co.th Website: www.singhaestate.co.th
Representatives: Mr. Paul Elliott, VP Hotel & Convention Business Mr. Methee Vinichbutr, Chief Financial Officer Background: For the past 19 years, the Company has focused on the property for sale. It was not until September this year that the Company underwent the business integration by entire business transfer whereby businesses under the Singha Property Management Group and Santiburi Co., Ltd. were entirely trans74
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Fifteen minutes from Phuket International Airport, Thanyapura presents a unique and inspiring destination for individuals and groups, for those looking for a balanced approach to their lifestyle, from amateur sports enthusiasts to professionals.
Unique Concepts Co., Ltd. 32/11-12, Sukhumvit Road 21 (Asoke) Klongtoey Nua, Wattana Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0) 2664 0920 Restaurant: +66 (0) 2664 3477 Email: ace@imonit.co.uk
Representative: Mr. Robert Mathieson, Managing Director Background: Urbana is a consultant construction project management company based in Bangkok Thailand. Urbana was incorporated in Bangkok 2000 and has now accumulated 15 years of experience working on an extensive portfolio of prestigious projects. Robert Mathieson, the Managing Director was educated as an Architect and has twenty five years’ work experience in the construction industry.
Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle 129/99, MooBan Nong Kae T. Nong Kae, A. Hua Hin Prachuabkhirikhan 77110 Tel: +66 3290 9606 Fax: +66 3290 8770 Email: info@vananava.com Website: www.vananavahuahin.com
Representative: Mr. Michael R. Fijas - General Manager Ms. Usa Boonchalakulkosol - Director of Sales & Marketing Representative: Mr. Ace Nazif, Managing Director Background: Unique Concepts Co., Ltd. Was a member of the BCCT under
Background: Vana Nava Hua Hin, Asia’s First Water Jungle is located in Thailand’s most beloved resort town of Hua Hin. Vana Nava Hua Hin has literally transformed an empty plot of
land into a tropical jungle, with over 200,000 plants and trees delivered from across Thailand in its 20 rai (3.2 hectares) property. Combining stateof-the-art technology and modern facilities with 20 attractions comprising of signature rides, exciting slides, such as The AbyssTM - the world’s largest waterslide, BoomerangoTM – the longest water slide in Thailand, AquaLoop – Thailand’s only vertical looping slide and the only one in Thailand. The 20th attraction, the VANADIO - Thailand’s First Professional Underwater Studio, presenting a Splash-tasy World using ChromaKey technology to express the magical features of a captured moment. Every element has strengthened Vana Nava Hua Hin in being “More than just a water park”, but an entertainment complex filled with lifestyle activities for all ages and solidly marked on the tourism map as a significant destination in Thailand. Verlagshaus Buhn / KVB Publishing House Jollystr. 5, Munchen 81545, Germany Email: info@verlagshausbueh.de Website: www.verlagshausbuehn.de Representative: Ms. Patricia Buhn, CEO Mr. Michael Walsch, General Manager/ Asia Background: The Bühn publishing company has been devoted to the business of location and image promotion for more than 50 years. We compile high-quality, multilingual cultural and commercial portraits that show regions and locations in Europe and Asia from their best sides, and that offer enterprises the opportunity to raise their exposure with a PR presentation. Regional aspects such as culture, economy, science and research, tourism and gastronomy are presented with texts from expert authors and professional high-resolution photos. We are partnered by chambers of commerce, trade associations and municipal authorities.
Wild Dog Design 44-46 Old Steine, Brighton, Sussex BN1 1NH Tel: + 1273 278 766 Email: info@wilddogdesign.co.uk Website: www.wilddogdesign.co.uk
Representative: Mr. Michael C Hughes, Managing Director Background: Wild Dog Design is an award winning UK based design agency (established 1996), with expertise in branding, responsive website design and high-end print marketing collateral. Working with an international clientele, our extensive knowledge of both the specialist travel marketplace and b2b organisations we have clients across Asia, the Europe and the USA.
Workammo Placement (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 888 Mahatun Plaza 1ST Floor Ploenchit Road., Lumpini Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 81-802-8058 Email: sopa.rattong@workammo.com Website: www.workammo.com
Representatives: Ms. Sopa Rattong, Finance & Compliance Manager Mr. Alan Lonie, Managing Director Background: Workammo is a global organisation focused on helping people achieve in the workplace. The fundamental belief being that if people achieve, then teams, organisations and ultimately economies achieve, delivering sustainable country and global economic opportunities for future generations. Our intelligent, end-to-end suite of solutions on the one hand enables individuals to take ownership of their career journey through an online service called Careerline, and on the other hand radically simplifies recruiting – enabling business and HR leaders to focus on developing and engaging their workforce. PiAmmo is the world’s first of it’s kind global integrated Human Resources Performance System (iHRPS) that has redefined HR processes, leveraging technology to advance a transformational way of thinking and delivering performance around people processes.
Resignations & Cancellations 1. ACCA 2. Barnsley College TLC 3. Great Heck Brewing Co., Ltd. 4. Green Planet Innovations 5. Merlin Entertainment (Thailand) Limited 6. Mint Cosmetics UK LTD 7. Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam 8. Vale Windows 9. White Ball Co., Ltd. Change of company representatives 1. Avon Automotive UK Holdings Ltd., changed from Mr. Andy Smith, to Mr. Ryan Brown 2. FIRCROFT, changed from Mr. Ary Pratama, to Mr. Russell Marland 3. Inlingua School of Languages, changed from Mr. Fraser Morrell, to Mr. David Latham 4. JLL, changed from Mr. Andrew Langdon, to Mr. Maarten Prins 5. Le Méridien Bangkok, changed from Ms. Renee Benedetti, to Ms. Eriko Yokoyama 6. Study Group (UK) Ltd., changed from Mr. Stephen Carter, to Mr. Amorndej Cholpilaiponk 7. Westin Grande Sukhumvit, The, Bangkok, changed from Mr. Charles Jack, to Mr. Martin Raich Change of company name 1. Cabin Chiang Mai Co., Ltd., The, changed to Cabin Addiction Services Group, The 2. Jardine Pacific (Thailand) Limited, changed to S5 Asia Limited 3. Securitas Security Services Thailand Ltd., changed to Securitas (Thailand) Limited Change of address 1. Absolute World Group Phuket Villa Kathu 2, 16/133 Moo 2 Kathu, Phuket 83120 Tel: +66 (0) 76-203-600 Fax: +66 (0) 76-203-606 2. Fitness First (Thailand) Ltd. 3rd – 4th Floor, Sathorn Square Office Tower, 98 North Sathorn Road Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: +66 (0) 2118 6600 Fax: +66 (0) 2118 6699 3. Flow Inter Co., Ltd. 23 Soi Chalermprakiat Rama 9 Soi 9, Sub-soi 2, Nongbon, Prawet Bangkok 10250 Tel: +66 (0) 2748-1900-4 Fax: +66 (0) 2748-1905 4. William Grant & sons (Singapore) Pte Ltd. 8 Kallang Avenue, Tower 1, Aperia, #13-01 to 04 Singapore 339509 The Link
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FINAL WORD
Full steam ahead By Dale Lawrence
F
or nostalgia and sentimentality there’s simply nothing to match the sight of a steam train in all its glory. That’s why train spotters from all over the world flocked to Britain’s East Coast Main Line to witness the return of The Flying Scotsman. This magnificent steam locomotive, built in Doncaster in 1923, was used to haul a new premium passenger service from London to Scotland. It was retired from service in 1963, having covered some two million miles, when the age of steam was fading inexorably into railway history. It was purchased in April that year for just £3,000. The engine was kept busy in retirement with a US tour in the late 1960s and a record-breaking trip around Australia in 1988/89 that covered some 20,000 miles. It was later owned by well-known rail enthusiast and pop impresario Pete Waterman before the National Railway Museum in York acquired the iconic engine on behalf of the nation for £2.31 million using grants from
the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund and public donations. I was privileged to be at the NRM on a memorable day in May 2004 when the Flying Scotsman edged gracefully into the Museum’s sidings. Now, 12 years later, the steam engine has returned to York after a £4.2m refurbishment and restoration programme. It departed London’s King’s Cross station hauling 11 carriages with passengers including broadcaster and former Cabinet Minister Michael Por-
tillo; Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin and former Flying Scotsman firemen and drivers. The Flying Scotsman was the star of Britain’s first ‘talkie’ movie in 1929 and symbolised the stylish Edwardian era with an on-board cinema car, cocktail bar and hairdressing salon – facilities sadly lacking on today’s overcrowded trains. To learn more about the Flying Scotsman, visit: http://www.flyingscotsman.org.uk/ events/ and http://www.nrm.org.uk/
Off the rails
T
here’s less palatable news emerging from the corridors of Network Rail. Reports suggest that four of Britain’s most famous railway stations could fall into foreign hands as part of a fire sale by cash-strapped rail operators. With debts at Network Rail spiralling out of control the government-
owned rail operator has reportedly stuck ‘For Sale’ signs outside three London stations – Paddington, Euston, Waterloo – as well as the recently refurbished Birmingham New Street. Network Rail CEO Mark Carne has hinted that a further 14 stations could also be up for grabs as well as
the sale of car parks, depots, freight yards and derelict land. But the sale of such assets could yet prove to be politically sensitive. City analysts are warning that the country’s railway heritage could fall in to foreign hands with Chinese and Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds looking to increase stakes in Britain’s aging infrastructure.
The views and opinions expressed on this page by Editor Dale Lawrence are entirely personal and do not reflect official BCCT policy. 76
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Issue 1/2016
Fulfilling Potential Since 1957
Residential visits form an integral part of our curriculum for all students from Year 3 upwards. These enrich learning, bolster personal and social development and promote the important attributes of open-mindedness, inquiry and informed risk-taking in our students. 643 Lasalle Road, Bangna, Bangkok www.patana.ac.th admissions@patana.ac.th +66 (0) 2785 2200
Bangkok Patana School is an IB World School, accredited by CIS and NEASC