BCCT Link Magazine - Issue 1 2017

Great Britain in Thailand Export & Import Opportunities

BCCT Board of Directors 2017

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

Christopher Thatcher Anglo-Thai Legal Co., Ltd. T: 081 803 7377 christhatcher1@gmail.com

David Cumming

ONYX Hospitality Group (Amari Watergate Bangkok) T: 02 653 9000 david.cumming@amari.com

DIRECTORS

Ali Adam

Arcadia (Thailand) Co., Ltd. T: 02 108 1822 ali@arcadia-engineering.com

Mark Bowling

Pattaya Realty Co.,Ltd. T: 038 412 301 mark@pattayarealty.com

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

Stephen Frost Bangkok International Associates Ltd

T: 02 231 6201/6455 sfrost@bia.co.th

Kate Manning

Adelphi Digital Consulting Group T: 02 662 1499 kate.manning@adelphidigital.co.th

Carl Sellick

Lucy Electric (Thailand) Limited T: 033 684 333 carl.sellick@lucyelectric.com

Kelvin Tan HSBC T: 02 614 4000 kelvin.tan@hsbc.co.th

Summer Xia

British Council T: 02 657 5678 summer.xia@britishcouncil.or.th

HONORARY TREASURER

John Sim

PKF Tax and Consulting Services (Thailand) Ltd.

T: 02 108 1591-96

john.sim@pkf.com

Issue 1/2017

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

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.

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

SIMON MATTHEWS

Sterling Partner

Chairman’s Message

Welcome to the first issue of The LINK in 2017. I am honoured once again to have been elected to serve as your Chairman and I express my sincere thanks to all those who supported me and the Chamber throughout 2016.

I am very pleased that Simon Landy and Chris Thatcher have been elected as BCCT Vice Chairmen. Simon will continue to represent the Chamber at the Board of Trade as well as serving as Chairman of the Overseas Business Network committee. Chris’ many duties in 2017 will include chairing our Events committee. David Cumming continues as Chairman of our Tourism committee and I am also pleased that John Sim will continue as Treasurer, thus ensuring that we continue to be financially sound.

I am delighted to welcome two new board directors, namely Summer Xia of the British Council and Kate Manning from Adelphi Digital. I am confident that they will help us to make 2017 another fantastic year for our Chamber. I would also like to thank Executive Director Greg Watkins and the BCCT team for their great work in 2016 and for their continued support in 2017.

Sustaining Partners

As we look ahead there are some key areas that your Board will continue to focus upon.

• Membership: To use our membership survey and other tools to continue to improve engagement and provide services and value to meet our membership needs with a renewed focus on retention

• Advocacy: To build on progress made in 2016, working 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 our surveys we will work on improving our events and seek to achieve the best balance between business/educational and more social themes, between income – generating and free or subsidised events, between Bangkok and upcountry and, ultimately, between quantity and quality

• Department of International Trade: To work closely with DIT Bangkok and in the 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 again at how to invest back to our members

I will update you throughout the year on the progress we are making with these initiatives.

In closing I would thank you for your continued support in 2017. The BCCT exists because of you, its members. As such I would encourage you to provide feedback and comment on any issues that you wish to raise or to be raised on your behalf.

Let us know how we can improve our service to you, our valued members. Lobby us at our many events throughout the year or email any member of the Board of the Directors. Contact details are published on page 2 of this magazine.

I look forward to hearing your views.

Supporting Partners

Executive Director’s Message

What a start to the New Year! At the AGM in January we welcomed two new board directors – Kate Manning, Group Commercial Manager - Adelphi Digital Consulting, and Summer Xia, Deputy Director - British Council. Both are hitting the ground running.

Kate has established a new BCCT Young Professionals Group and Summer is working with us on BCCT/British Council event collaboration that includes the return of Thai language presentations after a 10 year hiatus.

From time to time, members ask what BCCT is doing in terms of advocacy i.e. supporting members through bureaucratic hurdles and seeking positive change to laws and regulations. BCCT is active in many ways:

• The first and most direct way is by assisting individual members. This could be a discussion on the best way to address a specific issue based on our long experience. It could be sign-posting to a specific person in a government department who has undertaken to respond. It might involve recommending contact with another member who could act as a mentor in resolving a specific issue.

• BCCT engages fully with the Thai public and private sectors on a bilateral basis. BCCT Vice Chairman Simon Landy is the only non-Thai representative on the Thai Chamber of Commerce/Board of Trade Executive Committee and reports to the BCCT board on a monthly basis. Engaging with the Thai Chamber of Commerce/Board of Trade has been the most effective way of achieving positive change.

• We have Honorary Advisers who are, with two exceptions, senior Thai nationals who on request help us to better understand and navigate our way through specific issues.

• BCCT works closely with other foreign chambers in Thailand e.g. the American and Australian Chambers on advocacy issues. We are currently working together on more effective engagement with the Board of Trade and its seven sub-committees.

• BCCT has played a positive role in the evolution of the European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC) including EABC’s future now that the 6-year EU-funded project has ended. BCCT members either Chair or are active in each of EABC’s twelve sector advocacy groups and BCCT Treasurer John Sim is also the EABC Treasurer. I personally attend many EABC meetings and see value in a multi-country advocacy platform that also gives BCCT members an opportunity to access a wider European network in Thailand.

- BCCT intern (Kieran Taylor) has analysed UK’s exports to Thailand and Thailand’s imports from the world over the last 20 years in order to identify specific sector trade gaps where our exports are falling but Thailand’s imports of the same product are rising. He has also stripped out the key detail of Thailand’s current trade agreements with the US, China, Japan and Australia. We will use this data to move towards a bilateral FTA or bilateral sector treatments via the ……

• Thai UK Business Leadership Council – formed last year on business-tobusiness and government-to-government platforms in order to improve trade between Thailand and the United Kingdom. Major British and Thai corporates are represented on the Council. BCCT plays a supporting role on the main Council and in the three sub-committees: Ease of Doing Business; Export Opportunities; and Technology. This is the most likely way of push for a bilateral trade agreement or individual sector treatments.

March was a very busy month with the successful inaugural Thailand International Business Awards and the popular Life and Style Garden Party – possibly the last time that the latter event will be held on the current British Embassy site.

GREG WATKINS

At KIS International School all students can shine. The midsize, caring community allows KIS students to be con dent and to be appreciated as an individual, with unique dreams and strengths. The school is a full IB school, o ering the International Baccalaureate Programmes for all age groups (IB Primary Years Programme, IB Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma), ensuring an academically rigorous curriculum that not only prepares students to be successful at university, but also teaches important life skills. KIS, it’s all about Knowledge, Inspiration and Spirit. Check out the students’ videos to learn more about their passion www.kis.ac.th

“With the power of imagination, characters can actually y o the page” Jun, Grade 11.

Trade Secretary leads drive to boost UK exports T

he government is urging businesses to make 2017 the year of exporting as it encourages them to seek new markets and seize the demand for British goods and services. Exports contribute over £511 billion to the UK’s GDP and with a renewed focus on international trade the government has identified opportunities in more than 20 sectors spanning over 50 countries for UK businesses. The Department for International Trade (DIT) is now developing almost 200 high value exporting campaigns to target these markets and sectors and help companies to make their mark abroad.

International Trade Secretary Dr. Liam Fox said, “With a new year comes new opportunities and I want to encourage businesses big and small, up and down the country, to take advantage of them. From technology in India to aerospace in the USA there’s no shortage of demand and UK businesses have the knowledge, skills and expertise to truly add value and make the UK a partner of choice. We are worldleaders in many sectors such as financial services and technology.

“My department has already identified more than 50 countries that could benefit from British expertise and we are continuing work on exploring more export opportunities with other nations. We have a real opportunity to build on this country’s wide range of successful exports, reach out to new markets and help more businesses achieve their exporting potential.”

DIT is helping companies to achieve success by making representations to overseas buyers and governments, organising key meetings and missions, showcasing UK products to overseas buyers and providing direct financial support through UK Export Finance. The department is also working closely with its network of 44 Business Ambassadors and 20 Trade Envoys to identify prospective markets, to promote the strengths of the UK and to secure more business. Recent UK successes include:

• £500,000 deal to export Air Traffic Control software to Latin America

• £100 million deal to export solar farm technology to Africa

• £5 million deal to export a television programme to the United States

• £50 million deal to build an amusement park in China

Potential business opportunities identified recently by the DIT include renewable energy projects in Kenya; advanced manufacturing in Brazil; infrastructure projects such as airports and railways in Hong Kong and mainland China; construction in the Philippines; technology to India, Japan and Mexico, and healthcare to China and the Gulf states. The work of the DIT sits alongside efforts to increase the number of companies exporting and follows on from the launch of a new digital hub: www.great.gov.uk.

* For expert guidance on exporting, visit: https://www.exportingisgreat.gov.uk/

Dr. Liam Fox

ASEAN focus for firms in north west England

Companies in north east England are looking to ASEAN for new business opportunities, according to Brian Dakers, International Trade Manager with the region’s Chamber of Commerce.

He told the Evening Chronicle newspaper that the Chamber had 48 member businesses exporting to at least one ASEAN market, with most generating sales in two or three countries.

Brian Dakers added that ‘the products cover a wide spectrum, but there’s particular success in consumer products, predominately food and drink, which is increasingly popular in these markets, due to the increased appetites of the indigenous populations and the number of European migrants settling or holidaying there. With enviable growth rates enjoyed by a number of the markets and an emphasis on diversifying the economy an undoubted consequence, this trend looks set to continue, offering significant possibilities for consumer-based products, as well as those operating in a variety of business areas, such as education.

“There is also significant demand for more engineering products, such as those used subsea, as well as in the marine industry more broadly,” he added.

In a wide ranging interview with the Evening Chronicle, Brian Dakers suggested that ‘ASEAN is a market of surprises – one where things might not always be as they seem’, prompting his recommen-

dation for solid research before venturing into the unknown.

He added, “It is always worth scratching below the surface of a perception you might hold of the market, to see what the figures mean for your product or service. One example of this was a business I advised who had dismissed Indonesia as a market at first, due to the fact the country is over 80 per cent Muslim. This seems logical if you’re selling a product at odds with Islamic beliefs, until you consider that the remaining 20 per cent of the population of Indonesia equates to more than 50 million people.”

Brian Dakers

Post Brexit boom for UK inward investment T

he UK has secured more than £16 billion in foreign investment since the formation of the Department for International Trade headed up by Secretary of State Dr. Liam Fox. The UK’s continued reputation as an attractive place to invest and do business with is helping boost jobs and industry across the country, with new deals worth billions agreed in the last five months.

Since its creation in July, the Department for International Trade (DIT) has helped secure more than £16.3 billion worth of foreign direct investment across the UK in key sectors including property development, infrastructure and renewable energy.

Dr Fox said, “Recent major investments show how much the UK is valued as an innovative businessfriendly country, and will continue to be as we leave the EU. But the benefits of foreign investment have much more impact for local communities across the UK, transforming local industry, creating jobs and tackling issues like housing and clean energy.

“Britain remains truly open for business and that’s why my department is supporting businesses in the UK and across the world to attract investment to boost our economy. Long-term business investments like these are a clear vote of confidence in the UK and our strong economy post-Brexit.”

Following a record year for foreign direct investment in 2015/16, when almost 1,600 jobs a week were created through international investments, the new department has helped to broker investment safeguarding and creating jobs in sectors from mineral extraction to financial services.

In addition to a series of high profile investments in the UK, with global brands committing to new UK sites, DIT’s work to support new investment often helps the growth of smaller UK firms outside of London:

• DIT helps to create exporting entrepreneurs –the majority (80%) of businesses the department

helps to export abroad has fewer than 250 employees

• Since 2011, 80 percent of the 712,000 jobs secured or created through foreign investment were outside of London, proving that foreign investment mostly benefits the UK’s regions

Brent Cheshire

Regenerating local industry

Australian company Peak Resources is to boost heavy industry in the Tees Valley with a planned £100 million investment in a new minerals refinery. The investment will also help put the UK at the forefront of electric car development, as the refinery will produce the critical raw materials needed for the electric and hybrid drive motors.

The company cited the support from DIT and the Tees Valley Combined Authority, as well as the government’s ‘progressive stance on maintaining competitive corporate fiscal regimes’, as key factors in the decision to set up in the UK.

Renewable energy

Foreign investment from Denmark’s DONG Energy, also confirmed in December 2016, will boost the UK’s leadership in renewable energy development in a multi-national venture based in Scotland.

Campbeltown in Scotland is to be the site of the UK’s first offshore wind towers in a deal involving companies from Denmark, Germany and South Korea securing hundreds of jobs in coming years. International Trade Minister Greg Hands met with the companies in South Korea in November.

DONG Energy has committed to creating 30 skilled jobs in Northwich with a new £60 million recycling and energy plant able to service 110,000 homes.

DONG Energy’s UK Country Chairman Brent Cheshire said, “The UK is the world leader in offshore wind and a growing market for DONG Energy. We plan to invest £12 billion here by 2020 and this

is creating long-term highly-skilled jobs, supporting a thriving UK supply chain and helping the UK to continue as a leader in renewable energy.”

Fifty percent of the Race Bank offshore wind farm off the Norfolk coast has been divested to Macquarie, underlining how DONG projects and the UK are seen as an attractive place to invest.

“We placed a number of very significant contracts with UK firms in 2016 right across the country and we expect this to continue in 2017. The supply chain for offshore wind continues to grow from strength to strength, ranging from offshore foundations to turbine blades, electrical substations to cranes,” added Brent Cheshire who also serves as Managing Director of DONG Energy Wind Power.

This year the company will open a waste treatment facility in Northwich that will separate household waste from recyclable materials and, at the same time, generate green energy.

Housing

Foreign investment is also tackling the UK’s housing shortage following a recent commitment from Chinese construction firm CNBM which is to invest some £2.5 billion into the development of 25,000 modular homes in the UK.

These pre-made homes, costing around 20 percent less to build than traditional bricks and mortar, will provide an affordable option for potential homeowners, local authorities and housing associations. The investment will also create over 1,000 jobs in six new factories in Scotland, Wales and England with support from the Department of International Trade.

The UK is the world leader in offshore wind and a growing market for DONG Energy. We plan to invest £12 billion here by 2020 and this is creating long-term highly-skilled jobs, supporting a thriving UK supply chain and helping the UK to continue as a leader in renewable energy.

Brexit poses no barrier to UK investment in Thailand

With UK businesses continuing to explore opportunities in the ASEAN region, what is the likely impact of BREXIT on UK investment in Thailand? We asked Colin Kinghorn, Chief Operating Officer at Ipsos Business Consulting in Bangkok, for an objective assessment.

Q: Does Brexit pose barriers or opportunities for UK investors in Thailand?

Brexit will free Britain from trade restrictions with Thailand which will enable the two countries to negotiate trade deals which are advantageous for both parties.

The two countries have committed to speeding up trade talks to develop economic cooperation and boost trade and investment. While the details of a bilateral free trade agreement will take time to work out, strategic partnerships in specific areas can be implemented more easily and quickly.

For example, the Thai-UK Business Leadership Council was launched in July 2016 to facilitate companies in both private sectors in building new and innovative partnerships, and to encourage both governments to promote trade and investment.

The economy in Thailand has strengthened in recent years and increasing amounts of government spending will build confidence and increase the willingness of companies and consumers to spend.

The strategy to stimulate growth combined with an attractive investment climate for British companies will undoubtedly offer opportunities to investors in the coming months and years.

Q: Does the Thai government’s US$25 billion infrastructure budget provide UK companies with new business opportunities?

Colin Kinghorn

In 2016, the Thai cabinet approved an infrastructure action plan and projects, including roads, mass transit, railways, and sea and air transport upgrades across Thailand. The government aims to boost the Thai economy and leverage its competitiveness in the long run by improving transportation connectivity.

This presents a need for investment in the construction, transportation and energy sectors. UK businesses may therefore look to cooperate and support on engineering, equipment and know-how, for example in aviation technologies for the high-growth airline industry in Thailand.

Thailand is considering improving legislation like Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), which could be an opportunity for UK companies to more easily enter the Thai market so that they can participate in construction and related consultations.

Examples would be cooperating on projects such as the Laem Chabang Port expansion, improving the mass transit system in Bangkok Metropolitan Area, and the double-track railway project in northern Thailand.

Q. Are exchange rates posing a real barrier to business investment and expansion in Thailand?

The exchange rates are likely to fluctuate for the foreseeable future, until the markets get clarity on the terms of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union. A lower exchange rate is likely to have positive benefits for the United Kingdom’s government’s effort to reduce the national debt.

It will also increase the sterling value of UK firms’ profits. The counter side of this is that UK business will find it increasingly difficult to source raw materials at the same cost from overseas markets. Nobody knows what the post-Brexit trade arrangements are

likely to be and as such business should expect uncertainty for around two years. The challenge for the UK government will be to use what economic levers they have to try to keep any devaluation within a reasonable limit.

That said we believe that Thailand, and other south east Asian markets still hold a great deal of untapped opportunity for UK companies, particularly for consumer goods, where ‘brand UK’ is still held in high regard. The devaluation of sterling allows British manufacturers to be more competitive on the value that they offer.

Similarly, companies manufacturing in Thailand for export to other non-UK markets should also be able to benefit from the increase in the sterling value of profits. We see potential opportunity for British companies in services, chemicals and paper, electric and electronic products, and agriculture amongst others.

Our view is that these industry sectors will benefit from a devalued sterling, so long as the currency valuation does not suffer from extreme volatility.

Colin Kinghorn is Chief Operating Officer at Ipsos Business Consulting: Asia Centre Building, Floor 21 & 22

173 Sathorn Road South 10120, Bangkok, Thailand

Phone : +66 2697 0104

Mobile : +66 8780 36900

colin.kinghorn@ipsos.com

http://www.ipsosconsulting.com

“

Thailand is considering improving legislation like Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), which could be an opportunity for UK companies to more easily enter the Thai market so that they can participate in construction and related consultations.

Creating a corridor for investment and business growth

Thailand is seeking to establish the country’s Eastern Economic Corridor as a business hub within the ASEAN Economic Community. The potential benefits for UK businesses were highlighted at a recent presentation made by Dr. Verapong Chaiperm, Governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand.

Addressing a sub-committee of the

recently formed Thai-UK Business Leadership Council, Dr Chaiperm explained that the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) embraced five key provincial locations, namely Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Sriraja-Laemchabang, Pattaya – Sattahip – U-tapao and Map Ta Phut – Rayong.

The EEC is seen as providing outstanding potential for the further development of modern automo-

tive, smart electronics, tourism/ medical, bio-agriculture and food processing. The EEC is also targetting, along what is described as a ‘new S curve’, robotics, aviation and logistics, biofuels/bioeconomy, digital and full medical services.

The key factors to deliver success along this corridor are the allocation of more land for industrial purposes;

About the Thai-UK Business Leadership

Thai-UK Business Leadership Council was created in 2016 when Trade Envoy to Thailand Mark Garnier MP and Thailand’s Special Envoy Khun Virasakdi Futrakul invited senior business leaders from Thai and British companies to work together for the benefit of mutual trade and investment opportunities.

The two envoys made the announcement at the launch event at Lancaster House, London. The purpose of the Council is to seek creative ways to encourage Thai and British businesses to build new and innovative partnerships as well

as to encourage the governments of both countries to foster bi-lateral trade and investment. Working to an agenda set by the private sector and not by either government the Council is working on behalf of all businesses.

Speaking at the event, Mark Garnier said that there was a natural fit between the commercial and economic goals of Thailand and the United Kingdom. “Thai companies are looking for technology and investment opportunities in areas where the UK offer is truly worldclass. UK companies are eager to

build new partnerships both in Thailand and with Thai companies in third countries.”

KhunVirasakdi added, “For our two Kingdoms trade leads the flag, our economic cooperation precedes and strengthens our diplomatic relations throughout history and we hope that it will continue as we head into the fifth century of friendship. With the support of Thailand-UK Business Leadership Council, the value of our trade and investment could be expanded greatly. Thailand pledges its full support for the Council.”

solid legal and regulatory framework; incentive packages; solid infrastructure; availability of human capital; application of technology and sound logistics.

The development of the EEC will include the construction of a double track railway from Ladkrabang to Laemchabang; improved roads; expansion of U-tapao airport and max-

imum use of the deep sea port facilities on the eastern seaboard.

Dr. Chaiperm told the sub-committee members that this development embraces investment totalling some THB 1.5 trillion over a five year period with annual economic growth achieving five per cent.

This figure includes THB 215 million

to upgrade U-tapao airport; THB 158 million for high-speed trains; THB 64.3 million for the doubletrack railway; THB 35 million for motorways as well as substantial investment in tourism, ports and urban development.

Crucially, the plans target major employment opportunities with up to 100,000 new jobs coming on stream

in the industrial and service sectors. Forecasts indicate that U-tapao airport could be handling up to 10 million travellers as economic expansion drives demand for more air services to south east Thailand.

The airport is operated by the Royal Thai Navy and handles a limited number of commercial movements, most notably from no-frills carrier Thai Air

Asia and from Bangkok Airways. Thai AirAsia launched four new routes from U-tapao airport to Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Singapore and Macau

The EEC is also projected to improve the lifestyles of those living and working in the region as a direct result of attracting inward investment and the improvement in transport, healthcare, the environment and creation of new jobs.

Boosting British trade

Department for International Trade (DIT) helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high-quality investment to the UK’s dynamic economy.

DIT offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage.

Responsibilities

DIT in Thailand helps companies in Britain increase their competitiveness through overseas trade in Thailand. We also offer professional, authoritative and personalised assistance to help companies in Thai-

land locate and expand in the UK.

Services

DIT offers dedicated, professional, personalised assistance to help you locate and expand your business in the UK, read about our investment services or contact us to find out more.

Sourcing products or services from the UK

DIT helps overseas businesses to source UK products and services and connect with UK partners. Read about our services for overseas businesses.

Export from the UK

DIT can assist you on every step of the exporting journey in both the UK and overseas, read about our exporting services or contact us to find out more.

For more details about the role of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, please visit: http://www.ieat.go.th/en

Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, 618 Nikhom

Makkasan Road Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400

Tel: 02 2530561 Fax. 02 2526582

Email: investment.1@ieat.mail.go.th

Export opportunities

DIT provides free international export sales leads from its worldwide network. Search for export opportunities.

Events

DIT and its partners stage events in the UK and abroad to help companies looking to export. You can browse scheduled events and register for alerts.

Contact Christopher Pook

Regional Director for DIT and FCO

Prosperity, South East Asia at the Department for International Trade Thailand

14 Wireless Road

Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330

Email: Thailand.dit@fco.gov.uk

Tel: +66 (0) 2 305 8333

Air travel boost in 2016

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced full-year global passenger traffic results for 2016 showing demand (revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) rose by 6.3 percent compared to 2015 (or 6.0 percent if adjusted for the leap year).

This strong performance was well ahead of the 10 year average annual growth rate of 5.5 percent. Capacity rose 6.2 percent (unadjusted) compared to 2015, pushing the load factor up 0.1 percentage points to a record full-year average high of 80.5 percent. A particularly strong performance was reported for December with an 8.8 percent rise in demand outstripping 6.6 percent capacity growth.

“Air travel was a good news story in 2016. Connectivity increased with the establishment of more than 700 new routes. A US$44 fall in average return fares helped to make air travel even more accessible. As a result, a record 3.7 billion passengers flew safely to their destination. Demand for air travel is still expanding. The challenge for governments is to work with the

industry to meet that demand with infrastructure that can accommodate the growth, regulation that facilitates growth and taxes that don’t choke growth. If we can achieve that, there is plenty of potential for a safe, secure and sustainable aviation industry to create more jobs and increase prosperity,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

International passenger traffic rose 6.7 percent in 2016 compared to 2015. Capacity rose 6.9 percent and

load factor fell 0.2 percentage points to 79.6 percent. All regions recorded year-over-year increases in demand. Asia Pacific carriers recorded a demand increase of 8.3 percent compared to 2015, which was the secondfastest increase among the regions. This pace is considerably ahead of the five-year growth average of 6.9 percent. Capacity rose 7.7 percent, pushing up the load factor 0.4 percentage points to 78.6 percent.

“Our freedom to connect through air travel drives prosperity and enriches societies. That freedom can only be given its fullest expression when governments facilitate the movement of people and goods. Security and competitiveness, of course, must always be top of mind for governments. The four billion people who will travel by air this year are an opportunity to build an even better world through the positive impacts of globalisation – mutual understanding, innovation and business opportunities among them. Aviation is the business of freedom and we must defend its social and economic benefits from barriers to travel and protectionist agendas,” added Mr de Juniac.

More good news for aviation sector

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced global passenger traffic results for January 2017. The figures show that demand (revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) rose by 9.6 percent compared to January 2016. This was the strongest increase in more than five years.

Results were influenced by traffic associated with the 2017 Lunar New Year celebrations held in January this year, as opposed to February in 2016. IATA estimates the holiday-related travel contributed up to half a percentage point in extra demand growth.

Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Direc-

tor General and CEO, said that 2017 had enjoyed ‘a very strong start with demand at levels not seen since 2011’.

He added, “This is supported by the upturn in the global economic cycle and a return to a more normal environment after the terrorism and political ‘shock’ events seen in early 2016.”

Alexandre de Juniac

Good news from the UK? Nah!

By Paul Gambles

The world’s attention is seemingly hyper-focused on the latest occupant of the 16 bedroom, 35 bathroom 55,000 square foot property at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue that was once briefly occupied and then set alight by British soldiers in the last successful foreign military incursion into the American nation’s capital. In particular, it seems fascinated by his determination to express himself in a previously un-presidential way in 140-characters (often mainly or entirely CAPITALS). While this has been going on, some supposedly good economic news has quietly crept out in the UK. So why hasn’t the government been pushing the positive headlines?

Would you believe it? The Monty-Python-sounding Office of Budget Responsibility has reported that the UK government made a surplus in January and, between April 2016 and January 2017, borrowed 22 percent less than in the same period in 2015-16.

Not only that, the Office of National Statistics has reported that the average house price in the UK increased by 7.2 percent during the 2016 calendar year – continuing the strong growth seen since the end of 2013.

So, hats off to Philip Hammond and a large round of applause to Theresa May and the rest of her government. That’s the economy nailed, right?

Wrong. Very wrong. Wronger than the fakest of fake news.

Firstly, the idea that a government should make a surplus is just a load of alternative facts. The recent cases of Australia, Chile, Denmark and Sweden have all shown that, in the currently prevailing global economic environment, when governments reduce their debt levels or even make a surplus, GDP growth drops and unemployment tends to increase.

Believe it or not, a government budget doesn’t function like a private company or an individual’s credit card. It is supposed to run at a deficit.

In a modern post-feudal world, the government is there to pass laws and provide services, to protect

its nationals at home and abroad and to enable them to live their lives. That’s not the same as interfering or what misguidedly is usually referred to as “the nanny state” but governments can influence employment and prosperity by influencing how money circulates.

For developed economies, that tends to mean consumption, which then also helps increases the government treasury through income tax, corporation taxes and VAT.

But increasing consumption on a sustainable basis means increasing net incomes. Net incomes are primarily influences by relative productivity and relative dispersion of income. If a government consistently invests and effectively invests, it can influence both factors – at least up to a certain point.

The opposite is also true as well.

Austerity policies, especially when coupled with lowinterest rates and hair-brained quantitative easing programmes, tend to represent the final stage of a long process in which education and infrastructure lose out. It starts with businesses generally paring back work force expansion until it becomes work force reduction while also initially reducing the real rate of increase and then actually decreasing salaries. For a while (from about 1980 until the GFC almost 30 years later), this could be papered over by higher personal levels of borrowing

and bust& property&cycle,&whereby&people&indebt&themselves&to&massive&levels,&only&for&prices&to&come& they&end&up&in

and 2016 and has risen by just 1.6 percent since 2010 (per the Office of National Statistics).

The fact of the matter is that, from an economic standpoint, hard or soft Brexit isn’t yet an economic impact of any obvious consequence. Even though some commentators insist on drawing economic conclusions of its effects so far, the UK hasn’t pulled out of the European Union just yet. Any analysis until it actually happens is pure speculation. Whatever trade treaties are signed under whatever terms, the fate of the UK – like that of many other countries – is determined much more by the denouement of what seems to have become an almost perpetual debt crisis, followed by a continued depression.

but eventually consumption takes a hit. The final stage of this has played out very visibly in the Eurozone periphery since 2009. Or Japan since 1990!

Lest&we&forget,&it&was&crazy&mortgage& schemes&and&other&forms&of&private&debt& that&were&the&catalyst&for&the&global& financial&crisis&in&the&first&place.&Those& have&only&increased&since&(see& chart)&and&until&they’re&tackled&properly,& Property& 400&years&of&data)&in&the& long&term&increased&by&roughly&the&rate& of&general&inflation.&If&you&think&about& house&prices&should&be&most&closely&linked&to&wage&inflation&than&any& hey&are&really&a&reflection&of&broad&affordability&of&the&property&buying&classes& of&the&day.&Every&prior&increase&in&house&prices&over&and&above&the&rate&of&inflation&has&

House price figures can be a handy smokescreen. The most widely quoted figures are a broad national average and therefore potentially misleading like all averages (last year London prices went up 7.5 percent and South-East England prices rose by 8.5 percent but Scotland’s rise was just 3.6 percent and in 2015 the disparity was even greater with Scotland experiencing a decrease in the average price - see chart).

The more intrinsic problem with rising house prices is that the notion that they’re a signal of a healthy economy is total rubbish. Since the 1980s, the UK has been on a boom-and-bust property cycle, whereby people indebt themselves to massive levels, only for prices to come crashing down and they end up in negative equity.

Lest we forget, it was crazy mortgage schemes and other forms of private debt that were the catalyst for the global financial crisis in the first place. Those debts have only increased since (see chart) and until they’re tackled properly, they certainly won’t go away. Property prices have (per 400 years of data) in the long term increased by roughly the rate of general inflation. If you think about this it makes sense – house prices should be most closely linked to wage inflation than any other factor as they are really a reflection of broad affordability of the property buying classes of the day. Every prior increase in house prices over and above the rate of inflation has reverted to mean – either by an outbreak of inflation or a collapse in property prices or some combination of the 2 that meets in the middle.

A much more reliable view of how a nation is faring economically is consumer spending. The amount of goods sold in the UK rose by seven percent between 2014 and 2016. However, that appears to be mainly because it fell due to a combination of deflation (those central bank policies again!) and retailers’ desperation to sell (just to try to survive in a very subdued UK retail sector). In fact, the overall amount spent in retail hardly moved between 2014

A depression is a recession that begins at a time when there exist extreme levels of private-sector debt (and, therefore, generally also an overleveraged, acutely fragile banking system and stratospheric asset prices). The UK is probably already in one and has been for quite some time. It’s just that no-one is talking about it.

That situation could well last years, unless the amounts of private debt are cleared. There are a few possible ways to do this. Once the crisis begins, the UK government could allow banks to fail, guarantee individuals’ deposits and cancel debts – as was done in Iceland post-GFC.

Alternatively, the UK’s eventual exit from the EU could prompt other members to follow suit and thus cause an uncontrollable global financial collapse, forcing the global economy to start from scratch, debts written off.

The final, ghastly, alternative is a third world war; something which, just a couple of months ago, seemed the kind of nightmare scenario caused by eating too much cheese before bed. However, given that Theresa May has been seen holding the hands that control the nuclear football as well as the Twitter caps lock, more and more mainstream commentators are admitting that such a prospect grows more plausible by the day.

Imagine that: Britain failing to react to financial collapse and imminent military danger, pleading desperately to America for help. Modern Britain could look more like a re-run of 1939 than 2017.

Paul Gambles is co-founder of MBMG Group – a professional research and advisory firm that provides seamless advice to individuals, corporations and institutional clients.

Tel: +66 2665 2536

Email: info@mbmg-group.com

Linkedin: MBMG Group Twitter: @MBMG_Group Facebook: /MBMGGroup

IP protection in Thailand for the tourism industry

Tourism in Thailand continues to offer many lucrative opportunities to European SMEs. Thailand remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Asia Pacific region due to its white sandy beaches, abundant tropical nature, inexpensive accommodation and well-developed transport and communication infrastructure.

Underpinned by the recent efforts of the government and private sector stakeholders to market Thailand around the globe, the industry has grown to become one of the country’s most productive and sustainable industries, contributing a total of EUR 69 billion towards the economy in 2014, making up more than 19 percent of the GDP of Thailand.

SMEs engaged in tourism need to pay special attention to protecting their intellectual property (IP) rights, because despite recent improvements in Thailand’s IP legal framework, IP infringements are still relatively common in the country. IP rights are a key factor for business success and neglecting to register them in Thailand could easily end SMEs’ business endeavours in the country. Thus, a robust IPR strategy is needed when entering the lucrative market of Thailand.

Brand protection is key factor of success

Branding is crucial for the tourism sector as it allows companies to differentiate themselves from the rest, creating a niche market and an individual appeal that will translate into more tourist arrivals. In tourism, sec-

tor ‘destination branding’ is equally important to company branding. Destination branding often relies on a logo and a tagline, such as the Swiss resort St. Moritz using the tagline ‘Top of the World’; the Tourism Malaysia campaign of ‘Malaysia, Truly Asia’, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand recent campaign of ‘Discover Thainess’.

SMEs are strongly advised to register their brand name, logo and tagline as a trade mark in Thailand to protect their brand because IP rights are territorial and European trade marks do not enjoy automatic protection in Thailand.

There is also some additional protection for unregistered ‘well-known trade marks’ in Thailand, provided that the mark is ‘well-known’ in Thailand. A wellknown mark can be protected through initiation of a legal action for ‘passing off’.

Khun Thosapone Dansuputra is Director-General of Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property.

The law against ‘passing off’ is intended to prevent other traders from unfairly riding on the reputation and success that a company has built for its trade mark. Furthermore, the current Thai Trademark Act prohibits registration of trade marks that are similar to wellknown marks.

However, Thai authorities normally require a trade mark registration certificate to initiate trade mark enforcement proceedings, so it is still very important to register trade mark in Thailand.

Thailand adopts the ‘first-to-file’ system, meaning that the first person to register a trade mark owns that mark. It is particularly important for the SMEs to register trade mark in Thailand because trade mark piracy due to ‘bad faith’ registration is a problem.

‘Bad faith’ registration means that a third party, not owning the trade mark, registers European SME’s trade mark, thereby preventing the legitimate owner from registering it. These unscrupulous companies normally try to resell the trade mark to its owner at an inflated price.

In Thailand a trade mark may be composed of a photograph, drawing, device, brand, name, word, text, letter, numeral, signature, combination of colours, figure or shape of an object, sound, or any combination thereof. Additionally, three-dimensional signs can also be registered as trade marks in Thailand.

Trade marks are registered at the Department of Intellectual Property of the Ministry of Commerce and registration costs between EUR 50 and EUR 420 for one class, depending on how many items of goods and services are registered. This also excludes agent fees. SMEs should bear in mind that they need to be represented by an agent when registering their trade mark in Thailand.

SMEs should also keep in mind that trade mark application form and other relevant required documents must be submitted in the Thai language or accompanied by a Thai translation.

Protecting your brand in Thai language

As the registration of a trade mark in original Roman characters does not automatically protect the trade mark against the use or registration of the same or similar trade mark written in local Thai script, it is highly

advisable to additionally register a version of your trade mark also in Thai script.

If there is no existing name for SME’s brand in Thai script, it is possible that one will be adopted by local consumers either by way of translation or by transliteration and not necessarily with the right connotations or image that the SME would wish to convey.

As Thai script has its unique characteristics a SMEs’ local equivalent trade mark should be carefully developed with the help and guidance of trade mark, marketing and PR experts as well as native speakers and translators.

Protecting your internet domain name

Most companies engaged in tourism rely upon websites to attract customers and thus protecting online domain name is of utmost importance for the SMEs. It is advisable to register internet domain names in Thailand because a registered Thai domain name will prevent others from using that company name or brand name as their website name.

Internet domain name registration is also important because cybersquatting still persist in Thailand. Cybersquatting means that a third party registers a domain name that is identical to European company’s product or trade mark name with the purpose of selling the domain names back to the rightful owner at a premium price.

Internet domain names can be registered with the Thai Network Information Centre (THNIC) and this should be done together with trade mark registration in Thailand, as THNIC requires trade mark registration certificate to register the internet domain name for SME’s brand. It is also possible to register internet domain name based on company registration, using the name of the company.

Internet domain name registration typically costs around EUR 25 per year – a much cheaper option than having to solve domain name disputes.

It is advisable to monitor similar domain names and protect your domain name in case of confusion or cybersquatting, as registered Thai domain names are often the key to business growth locally and thus cybersquatting and other online IP infringements can seriously hurt SMEs’ business.

News from the IPR SME Help Desk

News from the IPR SME Help Desk

Enforcing your rights

Entering a new market and protecting IPRs also means being ready to enforce or defend these rights in order to ensure that business objectives are met and therefore budget planning for enforcement is the key to a successful business strategy.

When European SMEs identify infringement they should actively enforce their rights in Thailand through the various avenues available. If SMEs manage to build a reputation for being litigious then unscrupulous companies will be less likely to infringe their rights in the future.

In a case of IP infringement in Thailand there are three main avenues of enforcement that SMEs may consider: administrative actions, civil litigation and criminal prosecution. However, administrative actions and civil litigation can be ineffective or costly and criminal proceedings are oftentimes preferred. In many cases, however, mediation via the Thai Department of Intellectual Property should be considered as a viable option - particularly for SMEs facing budget constraints.

Helika Jurgenson South-East Asia IPR SME Helpdesk

The South-East Asia IPR SME Helpdesk supports small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) from European Union (EU) member states to protect and enforce their Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in or relating to South-East Asian countries, through the provision of free information and services. The Helpdesk provides jargon-free, first-line, confidential advice on intellectual property and related issues, along with training events, materials and online resources. Individual SMEs and SME intermediaries can submit their IPR queries via email (question@southeastasia-iprhelpdesk.eu) and gain access to a panel of experts, in order to receive free and confidential first-line advice within 3 working days.

The South-East Asia IPR SME Helpdesk is co-funded by the European Union.

To learn more about the South-East Asia IPR SME Helpdesk and any aspect of intellectual property rights in South-East Asia, please visit our online portal at http://www.ipr-hub.eu/.

More tourism records for Thailand

Ministry of Tourism and Sports reports international visits to Thailand exceeded 32.58 million, an improvement of 8.91 percent during January to December 2016. Ministry data indicates that Thailand attracted 32,588,303 international visits last year, compared to 29,923,185 in 2015.

The data is based on holders of foreign passports and ID cards passing through international checkpoints (land, sea and air). ID holders may travel from Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar on border passes that are valid for up to seven days.

Tourism and Sports Minister, H.E. Mrs Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, said that tourism revenue reached THB 2.51 trillion in 2016, an increase of nearly 11 percent on the previous year and thus exceeded the Minis-

try’s target of THB 2.4 trillion. The Ministry calculates that the total is divided between international markets (THB 1.64 trillion) and domestic tourism (THB 870 billion).

Source markets within ASEAN delivered 8,658,051 tourists to Thailand, an increase of 9.31 percent on 2015.

With Thailand continuing to place special emphasis upon specific tourism segments such as sports, weddings and health and wellness the Ministry is forecasting that the country’s tourism receipts in 2017 will reach THB 2.71 trillion.

The Minister is also keen to promote lesser known tourism ‘gems’ in rural areas throughout the Kingdom.

Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul

Britain in South East Asia (BiSEA)

Tel: +60 3 2163 1784

Fax: +60 3 2163 1781

Email: info@bmcc.org.my

Website: www.bmcc.org.my

Chairman: Andrew Sill

Executive Director: Aurelia Silva

CAMBODIA

British Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia

British Embassy Phnom Penh

27-29 Street 75, Sangkat Srah Chak, Khan Daun Penh

Phnom Penh 12201

Tel: +855 (0) 12-323-121

Email: director@britchamcambodia.org

Website: www.britchamcambodia.org

Chairman: David Tibbot

Executive Director: Ritchie Munro

MYANMAR

British Chamber of Commerce Myanmar 4th Floor, 192, Bo Myat Htun St. (Middle Block)

Pazundaung Township

Yangon, Myanmar

Email: info@britishchambermyanmar.com

Website: http:// www.britishchambermyanmar.com

SINGAPORE

British Chamber of Commerce Singapore 39 Robinson Road, #11-03

Robinson Point, Singapore 068911

Tel: + 65 6222-3552

Fax: + 65 6222-3556

Email: Info@britcham.org.sg

Website: http://www.britcham.org.sg

President: Bicky Bhangu

Executive Director: Brigitte Holtschneider

INDONESIA

British Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia

Wisma Metropolitan I F/15, Jln. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 29 - 31, Jakarta 12920

Tel: +62 21 5229453

Fax: +62 21 5279135

Email: busdev@britcham.or.id

Website: http://www.britcham.or.id

Chairman: Adrian Short

Executive Director: Chris Wren

President: Mr. Peter Beynon FCA

Project Director (OBNi): Ms Chloe Taylor

THAILAND

British Chamber of Commerce

Thailand (BCCT)

7th Floor, 208 Wireless Road

Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330

Tel: 66-2651-5350-3

Fax: 66-2651-5354

Email: greg@bccthai.com

Website: www.bccthai.com

Chairman: Simon Matthews

Executive Director: Greg Watkins

MALAYSIA

British Malaysian Chamber Of Commerce (BMCC)

Lot E04C1, 4th Floor, East Block

Wisma Selangor Dredging

142-B Jalan Ampang

50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

PHILIPPINES

British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines

BCCP Business Centre

8F W Fifth Avenue Building 5th Avenue corner 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel: +63 2 556 5232

Fax: +63 2 519 6889

Email: info@britcham.org.ph

Website: www.britcham.org.ph

Chairman: Chris Nelson

VIETNAM

British Business Group Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, G/F 25 Le Duan Blvd. District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Tel: +84 (8) 3829 8430

Fax: +84 (8) 3822 5172

Email: info@bbgv.org

Website: www.bbgv.org

Executive Director: Peter Rimmer

Chairman: Kenneth M Atkinson

Hanoi, 193B Ba Trieu, Hai Ba Trung

District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tel: +84 (4) 3633 0244

HSBC Global Report

ASEAN outlook for 2017

ASEAN GDP growth should average 4.4 percent in 2017, according to HSBC Global Research. But the company’s analysts are quick to state that ‘flat growth does not mean boring growth’. The Philippines and Vietnam will top the consumption and investment ranks while Malaysia and Thailand appear relatively weaker on a number of fronts.

According to Su Sian Lim, Economist at HSBC in Singapore, GDP growth in ASEAN looks poised to average around the mid-4 percent handle. Indeed, the same is also likely to be repeated in 2018. On a GDP-weighted basis, we expect growth for the six economies of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam to average 4.4 percent in 2017, and 4.5 percent in 2018 – the slowest pace of growth since the 2009 global financial crisis.

This is a little lower than the 4.9 percent we predict for Asia as a whole over the two years, though it almost dovetails with HSBC’s growth projection for Asia exChina and Japan. Beneath this very flat and unremarkable growth trend for ASEAN, however, lies quite a diverse range of projections for the individual economies.

The relatively mature Singapore economy is expected to see the smallest expansion this year within the Asia Pacific alongside Japan with GDP growth of just 1.2 percent. Huddled around the middle of the pack are Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, each with projected growth rates of around 3-5 percent for this year.

At the more robust end of the growth spectrum, however, sit Vietnam and the Philippines (sandwiching China). These economies are projected to grow at 6.4 percent and 6.5 percent, respectively. According to HSBC estimates these will be the only two economies within ASEAN growing (moderately) above their long-term trend. With most ASEAN economies set to continue experiencing tepid – not to mention uncertain – external demand, much of the differentiation in growth will boil down to the resilience of private consumption and total investment (both private and public).

Even though economists at HSBC Global expect domestic demand growth to slow to 3.9 percent from 4.4 percent this year, while export growth for the region more than doubles to 1.5 percent from 0.7 percent, the latter is still weak by historical comparison.

Consumption weak in Malaysia and Thailand

A closer look at the forecasts reveals that the larger ASEAN economies of Thailand and Malaysia are also likely to cause some drag on the regional domestic demand outlook. Private consumption growth in Thailand is expected to slip to 2.4 percent this year, as expenditure patterns normalise following an unusually strong expansion of 3.1 percent in 2016.

The pent-up demand seen last year amid a more stable political and economic environment is unlikely to be repeated this year, with wage growth barely keeping up with the low rate of inflation.

The increase in allowable income-tax deductions in 2017 will help only at the margin, providing some relief to middle-income workers but little for the lowincome. Meanwhile, Malaysia could see an even more pronounced slowdown in consumption, from 5.6 percent in 2016 to 3.7 percent this year.

Wage growth has been losing steam, and labour market softness has been increasingly evident. This is also the case in Thailand and Singapore, though their unemployment rates remain among the lowest in ASEAN.

Su Sian Lim

BOI sets sights on ASEAN markets

Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) plans to open its representative offices in Myanmar and Vietnam in 2017 and in Indonesia in 2018, as part of the country’s strategy to expand investment in ASEAN member nations.

According to the official Board of Investment website, Deputy General Secretary Chokedee Kaewasang said with its strong economic growth, rich natural resources and high-quality human resources

ASEAN will create competitive ad-

vantage. ASEAN member states, especially Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, are actively opening up to attract more foreign investment flows.

In the first nine months of last year, Thailand’s investment in ASEAN hit THB 197.7 billion (nearly US$5.5 billion), accounting for 55.33 percent of the country’s total investment abroad. Overseas BOI offices are responsible for providing detail information related to market, economic growth, investment policy, opportunity, law and business culture in host countries.

For two years now, Malaysia’s unemployment rate has crept gradually higher, to 3.6 percent as of November 2016, a multi-year high. Potentially, cash hand- outs for current and retired civil servants in January, and a possible snap election in H1 2017, could lift consumption temporarily.

But a soggy Malaysian ringgit and large debt overhang are also factors that are likely to keep consumer confidence depressed. Although borrowing momentum has slowed, Malaysian households will still have to work through paying off debt equivalent to nearly 90 percent of GDP ‒ the highest not just in ASEAN, but in Asia. Household debt in Thailand and Singapore is not that much lower either, at an elevated 75-80 percent of GDP.

In contrast, consumer spending in Indonesia and Vietnam is expected to pick up this year, the former from 5.0 percent to 5.2 percent and the latter from 5.9 percent to 6.4 percent. Consumption in the Philippines is projected to be even faster, at 7.1 percent ‒ rather impressive, considering it is only a slight moderation from last year’s election-driven surge of 7.3 percent.

Very little of the consumption growth in these countries will be driven by household debt, which is set to remain below 20 percent of GDP. Instead, consumption will continue to be supported by robust labour market and wage conditions, which have been tightening for some time.

Employment in the manufacturing sector, particularly in the Philippines and Vietnam, has held up well despite weak demand globally, though these job gains have perhaps been over-reliant on electronics. In the Philippines, further support to consumption will continue to come from remittances by overseas Filipino workers (OFW).

Most Thai investors are interested in the Myanmar market thanks to its high economic growth and abundant natural resources, and convenient shipping routes. Thailand’s total investment in Myanmar in the first three quarters of 2016 hit THB 14 billion (US$ 388.5 million).

According to Thailand’s Foreign Investment Service Centre many Thai entrepreneurs have selected Vietnam and Myanmar as their strategic investment destinations, especially in textiles and agricultural product processing.

Indeed, should US economic growth accelerate to 2.3 percent in 2017 and 2.7 percent in 2018 as we expect (from 1.6 percent in 2016), remittances could receive a larger boost, not only from potentially stronger OFW wages but also a more favourable exchange rate as the US dollar appreciates.

Plans for Thailand

In Thailand, the government plans a budget deficit of THB 450 billion (approx. 3% of GDP) for FY18, given high-level spending for infrastructure projects. The sum appears large but is still below the expected level for FY17. Separately, the State Enterprise Policy Office said document-filing for the Thailand Future Fund – the state infrastructure fund – will likely be completed in March, after which a public offering will follow.

The initial THB 40-50 billion raised will go into funding 2-3 expressway projects. Meanwhile, the Board of Investment (BoI) said projects seeking investment promotion in 2016 totalled THB 584 billion, up 56 percent from 2015 when the BoI’s schemes were first changed to focus more on higher-technology and innovation.

The BoI said 70 percent of the 1,576 applications received had been approved, and about 33 percent were started. Much of the foreign interest (by application value) were in the automobiles, electronics and electrical appliances sectors, as well as petroleum and chemical products.

Expansion plans for Dusit Thani Bangkok

Dusit Thani Public Company Limited, owner of the iconic Dusit Thani hotel in Bangkok, is to re-develop the site at the corner of Silom and Rama 4 roads.

Having secured a 30 year extension to the lease on the existing plot from the Crown Property Bureau and acquired access to a further 24 rai the company has announced plans to create a mixed-use real estate development with an estimated project value in excess of US$ one billion. The development in partnership with Central Pattana PCL will include a new-look Dusit Thani hotel, residences, retail areas and office space.

Chanin Donavanik, Chairman of the Executive Committee at Dusit Public Company Limited, said, “Built in 1970, Dusit Thani Bangkok was the first iconic landmark of modern Bangkok. It has been a prominent feature of Bangkok’s skyline for almost half a century and symbolised the beginning of the city’s transformation into one of the world’s greatest metropolises in the era of globalisation.

Mrs. Suphajee Suthumpun, Group Chief Executive Officer at Dusit Thani Public Company Limited, said, “Dusit Thani has been granted the rights to extend the lease agreement with an additional plot of almost 24 rai. This project will build on our unique Thai heritage while utilising

space in the area to its full potential. Our goal is to develop a project that benefits both tourists and the general public. This land lies at the heart of the business and retail district as well as at the intersection of multiple mass transit systems such as the BTS and the MRT.”

No room for sentiment in Bangkok

According to the latest Office Market Sentiment Survey by JLL the outlook for most office markets in Asia Pacific is positive with strong demand across the region from Melbourne and Sydney to Bangalore and Bangkok.

Among the top sectors fuelling the demand for office space in 2017 are technology, professional services, pharmaceutical and real estate firms.

“The demand for space in much of the

region is being driven by domestic companies seeking to enter or expand into prime CBD as well as growth in sectors such as technology and pharmaceutical,” said Jeremy Sheldon, Managing Director - Markets & IPS at JLL Asia Pacific.

Bangkok has seen robust demand from e-commerce, call centre and IT firms for new office space and this trend is expected to continue in 2017. The pharmaceuticals industry is another to watch. In August 2016, Thailand’s Board of In-

vestment approved a five-year waiver of corporate income tax for pharmaceutical firms in a bid to strengthen its position as a medical hub.

The global pharmaceutical market is expected to be worth US$1.3 trillion in 2018. With Asia outpacing other continents in terms of population growth, this means a bigger market for medical products and solutions upon which pharmaceutical companies will be eager to capitalise.

Dusit Thani launches Thai cooking classes

Dusit International has rolled out a new Thai Cooking Class giving participants the chance to learn how to make a selection of Thailand’s most famous dishes. The new classes are open to hotel guests and visitors at selected Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide.

Each session is conducted by an experienced Thai Chef de Cuisine and includes a choice of three authentic recipes, followed by a sitdown lunch or dinner. Among the available recipes are signature favourites such as Khao Pad Gai, Pad Thai Goong, Tom Yam Goong and Chicken Satay.

“Since 1949, Dusit International’s mission has been to graciously deliver Thai hospitality to the world and we’re always looking for new and exciting ways to do just that,” said Mr. Lim Boon Kwee, Chief Operating Officer - Dusit International. “Our new Thai Cooking Class continues this tradition by offering an intimate, informal,

educational and fun experience which celebrates the kingdom’s culture and cuisine while giving participants the chance to learn how to make three impressive dishes. It’s a great afternoon for budding chefs of all ages, with thoroughly delicious results.”

In Thailand the cooking classes are available at Dusit Thani hotels in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai. Overseas hotels offering the classes include Dusit Thani properties in Manila, Dubai and the Maldives.

Sixth Form students at Shrewsbury International School (pictured above) are setting their sights on exciting futures at some of the world’s leading universities and colleges. Students have already secured over 230 university offers to top institutions in the UK, USA, Canada, Thailand, China, Japan and the Netherlands. Whilst the full list will not be known for a few more months, 2017 is already shaping up to be another very successful year for Shrewsbury’s graduating students and Higher Education team.

Optimism levels remain low in Thailand

Findings from Grant Thornton’s most recent quarterly global survey of 2,600 businesses in 37 economies reveal that emerging and developed Asia Pacific economies are travelling in different directions when it comes to their respective outlooks for 2017.

The optimism among developed APAC economies fell to net -16 percent in the last quarter of 206 whilst the emerging APAC rose from 42 to 53 percent. The optimism of businesses in Thailand dropped to 16 percent.

The Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR) shows that almost all sub-categories for Thailand also dropped in Q4 2016: sell-

ing price expectation (12% to 8%), export expectation (22% to 8%), research & development (34% to 24%) and employment expectation (28% to 12%). Investment in plant and machinery increased (16% to 24%). Perhaps unsurprisingly, the major constraints cited for Thailand’s businesses were economic uncertainty (48%), shortage of orders (42%) and energy costs (40%).

Andrew McBean, Partner at Grant Thornton in Thailand and specialist in ASEAN markets, commented, “There is a striking split in the direction of travel between business leaders in emerging and developed Asia Pacific countries. Part of the reason for this could be the likely scrap-

ping of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), out of which developed economies – like those of Australia and New Zealand – stood to gain the most. However, China is looking to implement its own regional economic partnership, which could fill some of that gap. As we’ve seen with the ASEAN Economic Community agreed in 2015, the high levels of optimism in emerging economies reflect what can happen when closer economic ties are in place.

“In Thailand, the IBR survey results show that the main factor contributing to the optimism drop is the volatility of the economy last year, which is still an ongoing concern. We’ve seen a lot of changes across the world such as the Brexit and the US election with new trade policies so businesses are not clear yet. These could cause the investment from the private sector to slowdown as well.

So in short, the government needs to find a way to help build investment confidence among the private sector and foreign investors. There also needs to be an economic plan in place to prevent obvious risks that may result from those changes as well as risks that continue to have an affect throughout the year. Infrastructure projects tend to have a low disbursement to the general public at the beginning but more benefit once the infrastructure has been built so the benefits are more longer term.”

Thailand’s Minister of Education Theerakiat Charoensettasin presented National Outstanding Youth Awards to Harrow Bangkok students as part of the nation’s annual Children’s Day celebrations. Pictured, left to right, are Khun Khanitha Prawichen (Thai Principal), Paul (Year 12), Pearl (Year 13) and Pao Pao (Year 11) with Karen Prout, the school’s Head of Sixth Form.

The Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR), launched in 1992 initially in nine European countries, now provides insight into the views and expectations of more than 10,000 businesses per year across 37 economies. More information: www.grantthornton.global

Investment opportunities in new world cities

New World cities feature strongly amongst the top 30 global investment markets, according to JLL. Despite economic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges, commercial real estate investment activity remains robust and is anticipated to rebound in 2017 according to new analysis published by the company.

The JLL report states that global investment volumes are projected to climb back towards US$700 billion this year, up from US$650 billion in 2016, returning to levels recorded in 2014 and 2015.

The trend is supported by increased institutional allocations directed toward commercial real estate as they are focused on higher-yield opportunities, in addition to new sources of capital that are being unlocked around the world from countries such as China, Taiwan and Malaysia.

“New capital targeting real estate is only part of the story; experienced real estate investors are also allocating more money to direct real estate opportunities,” said David GreenMorgan, JLL Global Capital Markets Research Director. “As these groups tend to be well-versed in allocating capital, they are able to direct large sums of money into the sector relatively quickly.”

According to JLL, cross-border investment globally could account for more than 50 percent of all activity by 2020 as inter-regional flows grow. One of the most striking trends in commercial real estate is the rise of China as a major player in global real estate markets. As of the third quarter 2016, China had overtaken the United States as the world’s largest

cross-border purchaser of commercial real estate assets.

Real estate reigns as global asset class

The last two real estate cycles have seen an extraordinary rise in the amount of capital targeting the asset class across the world. Growth in the sector over the last 10 years has been impressive, but real estate still lags behind the bond and stock markets in terms of total U.S. dollars. To continue its rise as a preferred asset class, a further improvement in transparency is essential. JLL’s 2016 Global Transparency Index pointed to steady improvement in the majority of countries, which is an encouraging sign for investors.

As increased demand has placed stress on core urban assets in cities like New York, London and Paris, competitive pricing and lack of prod-

uct in the marketplace has investors looking to New World cities. This group is comprised of mid-sized cities which typically excel in high-tech and high-value sectors supported by robust infrastructure, a favourable quality of life and transparent business practices, which combine to boost momentum and real estate market activity.

“Despite the fact that there are more cities than ever on investors’ radars, they continue to be overwhelmingly focused on the more transparent and liquid cities in the mature economies,” said Jeremy Kelly, JLL Director of Global Research. “There are huge opportunities for emerging cities to capture a greater proportion of capital directed at real estate but, to do so, they will need to significantly improve transparency in order for investors to continue to gravitate toward the established investment market.”

Hotel investment remains buoyant in Bangkok

Thailand’s hotel investment activity remained robust in 2016 with more than 10 hotels and hospitality assets sold in Bangkok and major provincial destinations. That’s according to data released by JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group.

Investment volume fell 15 percent compared to 2015 figures to THB 9.6 billion due to the lack of large assets being offered to the market. JLL expects 2017 to witness a major leap in investment volume.

The THB 10.8 billion sale of the Swissotel Nai Lert Park on Bangkok’s Wireless Road next to the British Embassy is scheduled for completion this year.

Speculation also continues about the Embassy site, with the Bangkok Post reporting interest from Central Group in acquiring the premium plot. Sources have estimated the value of the UK’s diplomatic estate in Wireless Road at more than THB 18 billion.

Mike Batchelor, Managing Director of Investment Sales Asia, JLL’s Hotels and Hospitality Group, said, “Investment appetite by both local and foreign investors in Thailand’s hospitality market has showed no signs of subsiding as these investors have remained upbeat on long-term fundamentals in this ever-resilient market.”

Data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand suggests that the growth of inbound visitors into Thailand has been consistent with a 10-year compound annual growth rate of 8.9 percent. Total international visitor arrivals breached the 30 million mark for the first time in 2016 and are

expected to reach 35 million in 2017 despite the crackdown on zero-dollar tours that has impacted the number of arrivals from China since the latter part of 2016.

Bangkok leads pack in 2016

Bangkok was the star performer in Thailand with hospitality transactions accounting for around 50 percent of the total volume in 2016. Some of the key deals recorded over the year across the city include the sales of Eight Thonglor (including the former Pan Pacific Residences now operating as Akyra Thonglor), Liberty Garden Hotel and Park 24

Condominium in Sukhumvit which will be rebranded and managed as serviced apartments by Ascott.

Other transactions were spread across major tourism destinations including Pattaya, Phuket, Phang Nga, Koh Samui, Hua Hin and Chiang Rai plus additional transactions in the gateway city of Nakhon Ratchasima and the industrial town of Sri Racha.

While most of the hotel deals last year were transacted by Thai investors, institutional investors from Hong Kong and Singapore were also active purchasers, accounting for around 45 percent of the total transaction volume.

“Interest from both domestic and regional investors were strong in 2016, a trend that is expected to continue into 2017,” said Mike Batchelor.

“More Asian corporates are looking to place large capital reserves into alternative investment classes in some of Thailand’s real estate sectors that enjoy healthy trading performance and returns. Buoyed by strong longterm growth prospects for the country’s tourism industry, some of these corporates have showed keen interest in the hospitality sector, as evidenced from strong levels of bids for some of sought-after hotel assets currently offered for sale in Thailand,” he added.

Ticking over

Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok is offering a range of ‘healthy heart’ check-up packages range from THB 17,950 to THB 24,900. Prices are valid until 31st December 2017. The extensive range of tests are carried out

at the hospital’s Heart Centre on the 14th floor of the Clinic Building.

More details, call: 02 667 1000 or visit: https://www.bumrungrad.com/en/ healthy-heart-package-2017

Mike Batchelor

New chapter begins for Harrow Bangkok

British Ambassador to Thailand Brian Davidson performed the official opening ceremony of Harrow International School Bangkok’s new Lower School Library.

During the ceremony Mr Davidson said, “Books are the most precious gift that anyone could have. They are full of treasures that will develop your imaginations, they will take you to places you never dreamt of, and they will help you to step into the lives of others to experience their

worlds. Books are how we discover new things. They extend our vocabulary and develop our language skills.”

He continued, “I know that at Harrow Bangkok the importance and enjoyment of reading is a fundamental part of your curriculum and something that all of you get great pleasure from. The new Pullman Library is a testament to that and I am sure that the Harrow Bangkok community will benefit greatly from this new facility.”

More women working in senior management across Asia Pacific

Anew report based on Grant Thornton’s annual survey of 5,500 businesses in 36 economies reveals that the proportion of senior business roles held by women in the Asia Pacific rose from 23 percent to 25 percent over the past 12 months. The report was published on March 8th to coincide with International Women’s Day.

In emerging countries across the region the proportion of senior roles held by women rose from 26 percent to 29 percent. In Thailand, women hold 31 percent of senior roles - one of the top three countries in Asia Pacific after Indonesia (46%) and the Philippines (40%). This year the research also showed that 25 percent of businesses in Thailand have no women in senior management, up from 21% last year. The senior man-

agement role with the most females in Thailand is CEO (40%) and CFO (34%). Globally it is the travel, tourism and leisure industry with the highest proportion of women in senior management (37%).

Noel Ashpole, Assurance and Audit Partner at Grant Thornton in Thailand, said, “This year businesses across Asia Pacific have increased the proportion of senior roles held by women. However, further progress is needed. In particular, the increase in the percentage of businesses with no women in senior management is disappointing and there is a need for businesses to recognising the untapped potential that women can bring to a management team.”

Globally, Grant Thornton’s data shows developing regions continue

to lead the charge on diversity with developed economies lagging behind. Eastern Europe performs best with 38 percent of senior roles held by women in 2017 and just nine percent of businesses with no women in senior management.

The ‘MINT’ economies of Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey witnessed the most improvement with the proportion of senior roles held by women rising from 24 percent to 28 percent over the past 12 months and the percentage of businesses with no women in senior management falling from 36 percent to 27 percent. This is a significant contrast to the major economies of the G7 which have remained static at 22 percent of senior roles held by women and 39 percent of businesses with no women in senior management.

CBRE report highlights favourable climate for overseas investors

CBRE Research has published a wide-ranging report on the Bangkok Real Estate Market Outlook for 2017 that embraces residential, office, retail, capital markets, industrial and logistics sectors.

The report, written by Khun Aliwassa Pathnadabutr, Managing Director - CBRE Thailand and Khun Nithipat Tongpun, the firm’s Executive Director and Head of Office Services, states that ‘the overall economic outlook for Thailand looks set to mirror that of the past year, with the Bank of Thailand (BOT) maintaining its economic growth forecasts of 3.2 percent for 2016 and 2017.

The prospect of protectionist US trade policies towards China represents one of the major risks to the Thai economy over 2017, with a lower volume of Chinese exports to the US in turn reducing Thai shipments of raw and manufactured products to China for re-export.

While no fundamental shift in the dominance of prominent local developers is set to occur over 2017 market interest shown by foreign groups in Thailand, combined with cautious domestic bank lending, has created a favourable environment for increased activity from overseas investors and a clear catalyst for greater inbound investment in the Thai property market over the year.

The CBRE Research report adds that the price of prime Central

Business District (CBD) land in Bangkok will continue to increase as downtown condominium demand continues to remain strong with prices projected to increase further over 2017. CBRE Research

is confident that the land price record will be broken again in each CBD location.

CBRE also believes that demand for high-end and above condominium projects will remain strong over 2017, although buyers will become more selective. Demand will continue to be driven largely by Thais - accounting for 85 percent of the buyers.

Developers will likely continue to explore overseas sales opportunities, building upon the success of projects actively marketed internationally in 2016 with units priced below THB10 million proving popular. Thailand has the added benefit of no punitive stamp duties for foreign nationals, unlike markets such as Singapore and Hong Kong, which serves to heighten the appeal of Bangkok property.

Aliwassa Pathnadabutr

CBRE Research expects rents to continue to rise over 2017 as healthy demand and limited new supply act as drivers to growth. Take-up rate is anticipated to remain strong at the level of 200,000 square metres per year.

CBRE has also observed rising occupier interest in workplace strategies. Pre-leasing demand will continue for high-quality office projects. CBRE believes that overall occupancy will continue to grow and that office rents will rise in the region of 5-10 percent over the coming 12 months.

Retail landlords will continue to focus on place making, aiming to create destination experiences that cannot be replicated by online sales. Competition will be fierce and only the strongest centres in each location will prove viable moving forward.

The expanding food and beverage sector is going some way to support this, with Bangkok building a reputation as a food destination, in addition to becoming a luxury retail hotspot, regionally. Leading restaurants Nahm and Gaggan were both featured in the coveted ‘The World’s Top 50 Restaurants’ list in 2016, with the latter further recognised as the top restaurant in Asia.

Due to Thailand’s geographical location at the centre of CLMV region, CBRE Research believes that Thailand has the potential to develop into a regional logistics hub - capitalising on high regional GDP growth rates.

While currently accounting for a small proportion of overall retail sales, the continued growth of Thai e-commerce will create greater demand for logistics space. Online retailers typically require three times the physical space of a conventional retailer, due to greater product offerings, larger inventory and the need to facilitate reverse logistics, where customers return goods.

Website award for CBRE Thailand

The award for ‘Best Property Consultancy Website in Asia Pacific’ has been won once again by CBRE Thailand. The award was announced at the annual International Property Awards.

“These prestigious awards are testament to the strength of our Thailand business and the commitment of CBRE to deliver real advantage for our clients. In today’s market, digital media is a differentiating factor and receiving this award

reinforces our ongoing dedication to developing and maintaining a world-class online experience for our clients,” said Aliwassa Pathnadabutr, Managing Director of CBRE Thailand.

Within the Asia Pacific region CBRE won 22 awards, including CBRE New Zealand winning the ‘Best Property Consultancy Marketing award for Asia Pacific’ for the Hahei Resort & Camping Ground.

Leading Hilton chef Masanori Tezuka brought his unique blend of Japanese and Italian cuisine to Scalini restaurant at the Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok hotel. Tezuka-san, Chef at the Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort’s famous Corrente restaurant, produced a special à la carte dinner menu for patrons at Scalini. General Manager Ian Barrow said that the popular Scalini restaurant would be hosting a number of guest chefs from other Hilton properties throughout the region.

Praya’s appointment strengthens NIST-UN ties N

IST International School’s strong links and shared history with the United Nations has played an influential role in the evolution of the school’s mission since its opening nearly 25 years ago.

These much cherished shared values have now been reinforced with the appointment of former NIST student Praya Lundberg, from the class of 2007, as a Goodwill Ambassador by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Also known as the UN Refugee Agency, this branch of the UN is tasked with leading and coordinating international action for the worldwide protection of refugees and the resolution of refugee problems.

Goodwill Ambassadors for the UN Refugee Agency are selected not only for their status as well-recognised public figures but also for their dedication to raising awareness of these issues.

Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak (back row, centre left) presided over a signing ceremony at the Chatrium Hotels & Residences, Bangkok of a Memorandum of Understanding between Myanmar Tourism Marketing and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The MoU was co-signed by Khun Srisuda Wanapinyosak (front row left), TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Asia & South Pacific) and Miss May Myat Mon Win, Vice Chairman of the Myanmar Tourism Federation (front row, second from left). The MOU set the seal on a joint marketing campaign to promote ‘two countries, one destination’. The campaign was launched formally in March 2017 at the annual International Tourism Bourse (ITB) in Berlin.

Praya represents the first Thai Goodwill Ambassador and the first to be appointed for south east Asia. She will be joining other wellknown figures and UNHCR ambassadors including Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Jung Woo-sung and Yao Chen, in campaigning for

refugee rights. Her efforts, whilst concentrated upon refugee populations in Thailand, will also encompass other affected areas and in early February she visited the Zaatari and Azraq refugee camps to meet families displaced by the conflict in Syria.

Rents rise for Bangkok office space

The Bangkok office property market performed well in 2016 despite weak economy growth, according to CBRE Research. The international property consultancy states that although office supply in Bangkok grew by 140,000 square metres the amount of office space available reduced with rents rising between five and nine percent, depending on location and grade.

New office supply under construction is limited, with only 225,000 square metres due for completion in 2017 and a further 167,000 square metres due to be completed in 2018. This has led to tenants signing leases in new buildings before construction has been completed.

The CBRE Research report also states that ‘Bangkok has had a surplus of office space supply for many years, meaning that tenants had a wide variety of space in completed buildings, and did not need to commit to buildings while they were still under construction. The Bangkok office vacancy rate has dropped, for the first time since the early 1990’s, to below 10 percent in 2013. The vacancy rate has continued to fall limiting tenant’s choices in existing buildings, particularly, the best quality central business district (CBD) developments with direct access to mass transit’.

“CBRE has fully let SC Tower, a new 11,000-square-metre development on Phaholyothin Road, prior to its completion,” explained Nithipat Tongpun, Executive Director - Head of CBRE’s Office Advisory and Transaction Team. This trend is likely to continue with tenants already committing to Gaysorn Tower, the only new grade A building that will be completed in the CBD in 2017.

“In a building under construction, a tenant needs to be able to understand the floor plans and specifications, because they cannot see the finished product. They need to have confidence that the landlord can deliver the building according to the designed

specifications, and more importantly, can complete the building on schedule, so that the tenant can completely fit out and move in with enough time to reinstate their existing premises before the lease on the current premises expires,” added Nithipat Tongpun.

The Harrow Bangkok Orchestra performed a memorable concert in memory of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The concert was performed in February to mark 100 days since the King’s passing. The concert programme featured excerpts from Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.

Sustainable play enhances learning at Brighton College

Brighton College International School Bangkok is partnering with PlanToys®, Thailand’s innovative toy company, to offer enhanced learning opportunities, through their shared ethos of innovation and sustainability.

David Tongue, Head Master of Brighton College International School Bangkok said “The partnership really benefits our youngest pupils. Making sustainability part of our play to learn philosophy supports our goal of developing empathetic global citizens who value others and the world around them.”

Kosin Virapornsawan, Managing Director of Plan Creations Company Ltd, explained the reasons behind the partnership. “Brighton College is widely known as one of the top coeducational schools in the United Kingdom. Its opening in Thailand is a great opportunity for us to cooper-

ate with a school that emphasises the importance of play value and supports other ways of learning beyond the classroom. We see the potential for both of us to strengthen our brands. We hope that our toys will also benefit pupils’ development.”

‘Sustainable Play’ is PlanToys® company’s philosophy and its mission is to pass on the spirit of sustainability through toys by cultivating in children a natural awareness about sustainability. This will grow with them into their adulthood so that they are able to respect and preserve natural resources for future generations in line with the school’s Code of Conduct.

“Early Years pupils have thoroughly enjoyed the addition to the PlanToys® products to their dynamic learning environment. They are supporting the development of the school’s youngest children as they learn through both structured and free play. They help to foster creativity, curiosity and individuality.

“The toys are designed to be used across a wide range of developmental stages. We have seen how they can help to improve both fine and gross motor skills as well as build language and inter-personal relationships in the Early Years and in our popular Parent and Toddler groups,” added David Tongue.

Knight Frank Chartered (Thailand) Co., Ltd., represented by Mr. Roong Sithisankunchorn, Executive Director and Head of Property Management (far right), donated THB 100,000 to the Baan Jor Leu Tai Hilltribe Community Learning Centre of Mah Fah Luang. The funds will support the construction of a classroom building and canteen.

Setting course for careers in hospitality sector

Dusit Thani College, a private college operated by Dusit International with campuses in Bangkok and Pattaya, has reintroduced its International Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in Hotel and Resort Management.

Certified by Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), frequently ranked the best management school in the world, the programme aims to develop and produce highly qualified graduates and supply the needs of the hospitality industry both inside and outside of Thailand.

The programme was established in 2013 and developed to suit both Thai and international students who are interested in embarking on a career as a hospitality professional, through experiencing international standards of learning, as well as gaining extensive real work experience in the hospitality industry.

Combining the teaching philosophy of EHL and the Thai hospitality provided by Dusit Thani College (DTC) the distinctive programme adheres to strict operational protocols. These include all teaching staff from DTC being tested by EHL in Switzerland to ensure that DTC graduates achieve the same standards as every other institution certified by EHL around the world.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in a Study Abroad Programme (SAP) which allows them to study for two years at their

home EHL certified institution and then transfer their credits to EHL in Switzerland to finish their education.

“Great hospitality relies on great people,” said Lars Eltvik, Managing Director of Dusit Education. “As a people company and a learning company, Dusit seeks to attract and develop young people who have a passion for hospitality. These young people will be the next generation of professionals. By enabling their development and fostering their skills, Dusit Thani College serves to help them achieve this aim.”

Dr Sarote Phornprapha, President of Dusit Thani College and Director of Dusit Education for Thailand, said, “Our International BBA Programme in Hotel and Resort Management directly responds to the needs of the global hospitality industry which is currently facing a shortage of skilled, qualified staff. Our key learning processes involve a dynamic blend of academic activities, teamwork assignments and self-study, which sets our students up for success in the workplace. We are delighted to present this programme in collaboration with Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne.”

From left to right: Miss Siripat Patrangul – Advisor to President; Miss Kanjana Hannon – Dean Faculty of International Hospitality Industry; André Mack, Director of Lausanne Hospitality Consulting, Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne; Dr. Sarote Phornprapha, President – Dusit Thani College and Director of Dusit Education Thailand; Lars Eltvik, Managing Director of Dusit Education; Miss Pichaya Noranitiphadungkarn – Director of Dusit Excellence Centre, and Miss Akruthai La, Head of the Hotel and Resort Management Department, International Programme.

Real estate investors eye Thailand market

Areport released by JLL reveals that the flurry of mergers and acquisitions seen in 2016, with high-profile deals such as Marriott International’s acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts and the purchase of Carlson Hotels by HNA Tourism Group, is likely to continue this year.

“Hotel brands will always look to bolster their supply pipeline and the surest way to grow is often by acquiring operators with management and franchise contracts,” says Lauro Ferroni, Senior Vice President, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group.

He added that portfolios with a full range of offerings from service levels to geography are most attractive to investors. “We expect to see more consolidation among operators and real estate owners alike due to key players’ need to remain competitive through efforts that align growth strategies.”

Frank Sorgiovanni, Head of Research for Asia Pacific at JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group said, “Investors from Asia will continue to feature in 2017 with groups from Singapore at the fore. Hong Kong-based buyers with capital connected to mainland China stand to be active as well.”

The JLL report states that hotel investment volumes in Asia Pacific are projected to remain in the US$8-9 billion range this year in line with the US$8.5 billion transacted in 2016. China is still a significant player – even though the Chinese government announced tighter measures on outbound capital last December for non-core business activities.

JLL has identified trends in the Asia Pacific region based on its Hotel Investment Outlook 2017 report.

1. Chinese investors will continue shopping

The appetite amongst the Chinese for hotel real estate remains. The potential weakening of the renminbi means that investors will be searching for opportunities in the U.S. and Europe as a means of maximising returns. Chinese investors will always be seeking trophy assets in global markets such as New York, London, Paris, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Sydney.

“Chinese capital will be active across global hotel markets, but overall deal flow will reduce, especially for transactions above US$1 billion, due to tighter capital controls. China is embarking on a massive policy shift designed to stem outbound investment,” adds Frank Sorgiovanni.

2. Japan and Australia high on investors’ radar

Investors are watching for buying opportunities in Japan and Australia in 2017. Japan is expected to see one or two trophy asset deals as well as lim-

ited service hotel portfolios enter the market; Australian cities have more hotels coming online to alleviate the supply crunch in the face of greater demand stemming from growing tourism numbers, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.

3. South east Asia markets generating buyer interest

Buyers are looking at markets such as Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Singapore. “Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Singapore continue to record solid trading performance and strong tourism growth fundamentals. In fact, Singapore hit a record high for tourist arrivals last year,” says Sorgiovanni. “The long term arrivals profile is proven with both leisure and corporate travellers across resort markets and financial hub cities.”

Malaysia, Cambodia and Myanmar, where several high-profile transactions took place last year, are also prompting increased interest as inbound arrivals grow year-on-year, although corporate travel to Kuala Lumpur has been impacted by the price crunch in the oil and gas industries.

4. Alternative accommodation to grow further in Asia Pacific

JLL research reveals that alternative accommodation platforms such as Airbnb and Homeaway now account for approximately 10 percent of room bookings in top global markets. The hotel industry will be looking at creative partnerships with these alternative accommodation platforms –such as AccorHotels’ acquisition of Onefinestay.

Frank Sorgiovanni

New courses for dyslexic pupils at St Andrews School

St Andrews International School Bangkok has teamed up with Dyslexia Thailand to offer specialist tuition for pupils with language difficulties. The literacy programme ‘Dyslexia Thailand’ is being introduced into the Key Stage 2 and High School curricula.

Dyslexia is the number one language-based difficulty with up to 20 per cent of the population affected by some degree of dyslexia. The literacy programme is suitable for students aged from six years and for adults that face literacy issues relating to dyslexia, dyscalculia and other language-related difficulties.

Dyslexia Thailand is based on the Orton-Gillingham approach which is backed by 70 years of research and practice. Orton-Gillingham is an instructional approach intended primarily for use with persons who have difficulty with reading, spelling and writing.

Dyslexia Thailand was established in 2014 by Dominique Perry, whose daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia. Dyslexia Thailand also offers outdoor learning camps for children under the iCamp Thailand brand. For more information: www.dyslexiathailand.com and www.icampthailand.com.

Harrow Bangkok entrepreneurs win prestige award

Students from Harrow Bangkok have landed first prize in this year’s Junior Achievement Company of the Year competition.

Team KASCA (Jessica, Teddy, Oh and Kitty from the school’s Year 11) beat 76 students representing 19 student companies from 13 locations with their concept of a sustainable, multi-functional board made from compressed rice husk. This item attracted the judges’ attention as its manufacture provides much-needed extra income for rice farmers.

Vivian Lau, President of JA Asia Pacific, observed, “Through this competition, students are able to gain key

insights into the world of entrepreneurship as well as make connections with other young entrepreneurs. This

is one of the best experiences a young person can have in order to be successful in today’s global economy.”

Six Years Economic Projection for Thailand Dataconsult

By the Numbers

Chris Bruton

Director, Dataconsult Ltd.

Thailand managed to strengthen its GDP performance in 2016 to 3.2 percent growth, and could achieve 3.6 percent in 2017 if plans for infrastructure are achieved in timely fashion, and exports, at long last, pick up to positive growth.

This is heartening news, although not all is well in the Land of Smiles. Transparency International recently relegated Thailand to 101st position in world order among 176 countries. Singapore managed to perform somewhat better (7th) as did Brunei (41st) and, surprisingly, Malaysia (55th). Thailand is on a par position with the Philippines (101st) but still ahead of Vietnam (118th), Laos (123rd), Myanmar (136th) and also Cambodia (156th) which is vying with Syria, North Korea, South Sudan and Somalia to become the most corrupt country in the world.

Another achievement which gained much publicity was Thailand’s score in the OECD Program for International Student Assessment tests (PISA). Here Thailand was relegated to 54th place worldwide, as compared with Singapore (1st), Vietnam (8th), Malaysia (45th) and Indonesia (62nd). Thailand’s performance was generally considered as particularly disappointing, especially since Vietnam scored so highly although supposedly a less developed country.

However, in other indices, Thailand has not fared too badly. For the World Economic Forum Human Capital Index, Thailand rated at 48th place among 130 countries. Among other ASEAN countries, Singapore ranked highest (13th), with Malaysia (42nd), the Philippines (49th), Vietnam (68th), Indonesia (72nd), Cambodia 100th), Laos (106th) and Myanmar 109th).

For the World Economic Forum 2016/2017 Global Competitiveness Index, Thailand has remained among the top 25 percent of countries, holding the 34th position among the 138 countries analysed. However Thailand’s rating for health and primary education and for higher education, are extremely poor, compensated by better performance in

Year 2016

other factors. This tends to confirm the PISA scores, indicating that Thailand is held back in its overall performance by human resource and, in particular, shortcomings in education.

Our longer term outlook for Thailand’s growth over the coming five years suggests steady but unspectacular performance in the 3.2 percent to 3.8 percent range.

The government is optimistic that its Thailand 4.0 programme will enable new industries to contribute to stronger growth. Together with the eventual results of the massive infrastructure programme these new industries, along with efficiency created by transport and logistics innovation, are designed to bring Thailand up to the same levels as Asia’s leaders.

Source: IMA Asia: Forecast to 2021, Q1 1017

Thailand Statistical Update (February 2017)

Year 2016

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

BCCT Annual Report 2016

Presented

to the AGM on 26th January 2017

2016 was a successful year with a healthy end-year financial surplus and many key objectives met. BCCT celebrated its 70th year anniversary with many activities including the 4-day flagship Thai-UK 2016 exhibition at BITEC in September.

The show opening was attended by Deputy Prime Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn, Minister of Tourism and Sports Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, British Ambassador Brian Davidson and BCCT Chairman Simon Matthews.

Membership

One of the key priorities at the beginning of 2016 was to develop membership. While actual numbers increased to 612 and the number of named member representatives increased to more than 2,700, revenue

fell. Many of the new members were from overseas or individuals, the membership fee for which is lower than those companies based in Bangkok or the Eastern Seaboard. 2016 proved a very challenging year for membership fee collection.

BCCT embarked on three membership development projects to: engage with all members during the year; welcome back as members companies that had previously cancelled –the joining fee was waived for those re-joining within 5 years of leaving; and persuade non-member who attend events to join.

All three projects achieved partial success and will be continued in 2017. BCCT secured a total of 24 Annual Partners, an increase of 5 compared to 2015. As a result, advertising revenue from our key publications – Link

magazine and the Annual Handbook & Directory. In addition, Bangkok Patana School became the first Sterling partner since BCCT began its annual partnership offer seven years ago.

Advocacy

BCCT’s advocacy activity has four main areas:

• Bilateral: engagement with the Thai government on specific issues raised by members often via the BCCT Legal & Tax Group.

• British Embassy: the Thai UK Business Leadership Council was formed in 2016 to focus on bilateral market access issues and specific export opportunities for UK and Thailand.

• Board of Trade/Thai Chamber – BCCT Vice Chairman Simon

Landy is the only foreign chamber representative on the executive board of the Thai Chamber and plays a major role in securing Thai business support for BCCT’s key issues

• Multi-lateral: BCCT is represented on all the advocacy groups in the European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC) and has regular contact with some non-European chambers such as AMCHAM and AustCham.

Events

Events are the lifeblood of the Chamber and the principle form of interaction for many members. 2016 was over-shadowed by the extremely sad passing of His Majesty the King in October and BCCT showed respect for His Majesty’s memory by postponing events at that time.

In 2015 BCCT held 126 meetings or events (a large increase on previous years) and in 2016 this number was 97. In 2016 BCCT sought to improve the quality of our events and this is shown by the

consistently high feedback received from members via survey monkey. BCCT member BMRS has now developed this into a staff development KPI.

The BCCT Events team is under the guidance of the Events Group led by BCCT Vice Chairman Chris Thatcher. It meets on a bi-monthly basis and considers all matters relating to BCCT Events with a particular focus on members’ needs and balancing this with financial viability. BCCT held events in Phuket, Chiang Mai and Hua Hin in addition to the wellestablished ESB Networking events in and around Pattaya. New British Ambassador, Brian Davidson spoke at Business Dinners in Phuket and Chiang Mai.

Some events are shared with other chambers to widen the appeal. In 2017 we are exploring widening this even further to other up-country areas and possibly some of the in-

dustrial estates. BCCT has its own dedicated meeting facility (the British Business Centre or BBC) and this enables us to hold events for up to 70 people.

In 2017 BCCT will establish a Young Professionals Group to engage more proactively with younger businesspeople. There is already an organising group working to develop events but most of all, this group needs younger BCCT members to make it work. If you are interested, please let us know.

Business Services

The Overseas Business Network initiative (OBNi) is a project initiated by the UK Department for International Trade (DIT). The two key aims are:

• To increase UK exports worldwide to £1 trillion by 2020

• To find 100,000 new UK exporters by 2020

In order to achieve this DIT has overseas BritChams to provide bespoke business support to UK SMEs such as: identifying agents, distributors or direct customers; specific product and sector research; meeting arrangement; and event organisation.

2016 was a difficult year. In addition to reduced funding there was much uncertainty regarding the future of the project. This was manifested in DIT awarding two separate six month contracts instead of the usual one year contract and changing performance metrics during the year. BCCT also suffered higher than normal staff turnover in the Business Services team.

However, on the positive side flexible pricing was introduced in 2016. For the first time this afforded BCCT greater scope to partially bridge the funding gap. Furthermore, BCCT worked on more projects in 2016 but the biggest challenge remains to secure more customers from the UK. The Business Services team continues to engage with BCCT members

Chamber News

such as those in the following sectors: hotels, professional services, healthcare and food & drink.

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

Objectives:

(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

2016 started with BCCT Mark Bowling chairing the group and heading into 2016 with a number of initiatives to be put in place.

Several diverse Business Briefings were scheduled, such as renewable energy efficiency and solar energy, however poor response meant they were postponed. An additional event

‘After Hours’ has proved to be successful towards the end of the year, as a more casual means to networking on the Eastern Seaboard.

The current group comprises: Mark Bowling - Platinum Property Group CO., Ltd, Dr. Iain Corness - Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, Pratheep S. Malhotra - Pattaya Mail Publishing Co., Ltd. There is a need for both manufacturing and SME’s to be represented and for events to be focused to the needs of the members based there.

In November, past BCCT Chairman Graham MacDonald was appointed an Honorary Advisor to the board in order to help develop the chamber’s Eastern Seaboard activity. Currently 47 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 were 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 2016.

Events under discussion for the ESB in 2017 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

DigitalTechnology

The Digital Technology Group was formed in 2016 to help members both understand and use current digital technology to benefit their business. The group contains members with a wide range of expertise to help ensure that we can help with most member queries.

The group under the Chairmanship of Paul Phenix has met on a monthly basis since August 2016 and has also had a meeting with John Griffith from the Department for International Trade (Technology) to discuss promoting British technologies and services within Thailand.

The group has prepared a survey for members to gather thoughts on members understanding of available digital services and their interests.

The mission and main focus areas of the group for 2017 will lie in the following main areas:

Mission: The Digital Technology Group will aim to provide a platform for the members of BCCT to facilitate an understanding of the digital technologies and services available both in Thailand and the UK. The goal is to ensure BCCT members gain competitive advantages through the use of digital technologies and to promote British expertise in this field to companies in Thailand in all business sectors

The main areas of focus for the group in 2017 will be: - To work with the members in order to help drive the success of British expertise in Digital Technologies - Organise at least 4 events based around Digital Technology to give members an insight into technologies available with case studies to demonstrate successful implementation of digital technologies. - Education through actively encouraging members to ask questions by emailing the BCCT. We also encourage members to submit ideas for briefings and panel discussions. -

Maintain a strong dialogue with UK based UKTI technology representatives with an aim of promoting British digital expertise and services

In addition the aim of the group for 2017 is to complete articles and white papers on current and new digital technologies for members throughout the year.

The group also invites members to join from within Bangkok and members outside Bangkok. As a digital group we can use video conferencing to allow members outside of Bangkok to take part in meetings. The group also intends to make briefings outside the BCCT offices available by video where possible.

Legal&Taxation:

During 2016, the Legal & Taxation Committee met six times. Discussions took place on many different and divergent issues, including:

• Know Your Client procedures in banking and procedures for opening bank accounts by foreigner individuals and directors;

• taxation (including changes to tax allowances, inheritance tax and gift tax, VAT, excise duty, taxation of e-commerce, sharing of information between the Revenue Department and other government departments, and other matters);

• a Thai Supreme Court decision on treatment of losses for BOI promoted companies;

• the Trade Competition Act;

• the Business Security Act and regulations made under it;

• possible Foreign Business Act changes that were under discussion;

• the transfer pricing rules;

• plans for the new Land and Building tax to replace the House and Land Tax;

• changes to Immigration Department practice and procedure regarding documents required and

other matters;

• the Licensing Facilitation Act;

• the Electronic Transactions Act;

• leasing of agricultural land;

• the Madrid Protocol and registration of trademarks; and

• the Securities and Exchange Act

During the past 12 months events were organised on a wide range of subjects:

• An open forum on taxation

• employment,

• bribery and corruption,

• work permits and visas (in both Phuket and Bangkok)

• the UK Supreme Court appeal concerning the BREXIT vote, and

• arbitration

The Committee also supported a multi-Chamber event on the Business Security Act at which Clifford Chance lawyers spoke.

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 to P&I; to organise 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. Five events were organised in 2016 and well attended. The following have taken place in 2016:

• 11 February 2016: Outlook for the Bangkok Property market in 2016 by James Pitchon, CBRE. Joint BCCT/RICS event.

• 21 March 2016 - Myanmar: An Update on Myanmar following the elections by Tony Pichon (Colliers).

• 13 July 2016 - Leasehold Reform in Thailand – Updates on proposed bill that would allow land leasing for up to 99 years from 50 years at present and feasibility of

new developments on SRT and other state owned land by Simon Landy and Chris Osbourne.

• 30 August 2016 - Solar Rooftops and Energy Efficiency for Business: Briefing by Dr. Dustit Kruangam (Thai Solar Future), Raymond Schonfeld (Single Market Ventures/A10 Solar), Fabio Frescia (Arcadia).

• 21 September 2016 - Cambodia Property and Infrastructure Markets: Briefing on Construction by John Landis (ACH) and Olivia Widen (Britcham Cambodia).

The P&I Group has also supplied various reports on the P&I sector for members which are posted on the BCCT website.

The planned events for 2017 are as follows:

• 21 February 2017 - Outlook for the Bangkok Property Market in 2017 by James Pitchon; CBRE.

Other possible topic areas and events for 2017

• Update on Thailand’s Infrastructure Development Plans: Metros/High Speed Rail. Possible joint BCCT/AMCHAM event.

• Insurance, guarantees and performance bonds in construction and infrastructure projects.

• Mediation, dispute resolution and arbitration in construction and infrastructure projects –Joint Event with Legal Group

• LEED/ Green Buildings

• Sansiri – Property Investments on BTS/MRTA Lines

• EIA/HIAs

• Renewable Energy

• Airports Expansion Programme

– Invite AoT

• Joint Event with the New Manufacturing Group

• China’s One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR)

• Bangkok Co Sharing Work Space

- CoLAB

Manufacturing

This is a new group for 2017 which looks to best represent and serve the interests of manufacturing companies within the BCCT membership. Of the 40 or so members, around 9 companies have shown interest in being part of the Group and quarterly events are scheduled for 2016. Typically, existing BCCT groups focus on more services-related areas such as finance, tourism and legal issues. This Group intends to focus on issues particularly related to manufacturing and associated companies. The Group will also work in collaboration with colleagues and associated in other Groups like Infrastructure where this is some common interest

Meetings held by these groups will cover a wide range of subjects including:

1. Visas and work permits

2. Labour rates and conditions

3. Union issues

4. Customs duty changes and policy

5. Thai BOI investment and support position

6. Employment law and human resources

7. Shipping and logistics issues

Any member feeling that an SME specific group is needed is welcome to contact the BCCT to discuss this further.

Travel and Tourism

Under the Chairmanship of David Cumming the Travel and Tourism committee was very active in 2016 with a regular series of meetings and events both in Bangkok and in the provinces. Events held in 2016 were:

• An evening of networking for Travel and Tourism colleagues from all aspects of our industry: hotels, travel agents, airlines, restaurants and tourism services

• Panel event: Revenue Performance: driving rate in a saturated market

• Luncheon with Khun Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports

• Grant Thornton Thailand Hotel Survey and panel event: Technology and Digital Strategies in the Hotel Industry

• Panel event: 11 Historic reasons for Thailand’s tourism success: What is next?

• Panel event: Is your social media strategy delivering the dream or a digital disappointment? If you are an owner or operator of a hotel, resort, serviced apartment, and or a restaurant, there will be some great take-aways from this group of experts and from the broader audience

• Multi-chamber partner to the annual conference of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International held here in Bangkok

• Phuket panel event: Is your social media strategy delivering the dream you had thought? Or, the more you try and the more advice you get, are you becoming more digitally confused?

At each event there was in excess of 60 members in attendance and over 200 at the luncheon with the Min-

ister of Sports and Tourism, to hear about developments in Thailand Tourism Sector.

The mission and main focus areas of the group for 2017 will lie in the following main areas:

Mission: The Travel and Tourism Group 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 2017 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 2017 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 ecommerce 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

Meet your new directors

Kate Manning Group Commercial Manager, Adelphi Digital Consulting Group

Kate studied at St Andrews in Scotland where she completed her Master’s degree in Politics and Philosophy in 2012. She has been working in digital and living in the Asia Pacific region since completing her studies.

Kate joined Adelphi Digital with responsibility to grow revenue by delivering digital business development projects and generating new partnerships across Australia, Singapore and Thailand. Her digital expertise and forward-thinking ingenuity is instrumental in the ongoing growth of Adelphi Digital’s

digital presence and strategic partnerships in Bangkok.

Kate is also responsible for founding and running the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) Young Professionals Group which aims to provide support and career development for young professionals living and working in Thailand. Kate’s interest in the Chamber is centred upon engagement with SMEs, start-ups and entrepreneurs. Her passion is set to inspire a wider audience to partake and participate in events organised by the BCCT, as well as widening their perception of the Chamber’s support capabilities and fully understanding and utilising the resources it provides to businesses.

Summer Xia Deputy Director, British Council

Summer started his career at the British Council in 2004. Since then he has worked in a wide variety of roles including Internationalising Higher Education, International Education Marketing and Business Transformation. Summer has worked in a number of British Council offices worldwide including the London HQ where he helped to deliver the Global Change Programme.

Before taking up his role as Deputy Country Director Thailand in May

2016, Summer spent three years in Jakarta as the Director of Operations for British Council Indonesia. He currently manages five teams in Thailand that focus upon the overall country operation, education and society, internal/external communications, and business development – supporting the strengthening of the cultural relationship between Thailand and the UK.

Summer also leads the work on mainstreaming equality, diversity and inclusion in all British Council projects and programmes in the East Asia region and the British Council global network.

The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand is pleased to welcome two new Directors to the BCCT Board.

Thailand International Business Awards

The first Thailand International Business Awards (TIBA) Dinner organised by BCCT in partnership with the Big Chilli on Tuesday 7 March was a great success with over 250 guests attending. Congratulations to all the winners and many thanks to all our generous sponsors Mazars, Infobip, Edge Worldwide Logistics, D8ii and Samitivej Hospital.

Most Innovative Company:

AstraZeneca (Thailand)

Outstanding Small Company:

Factory Talk

Most Promising New Business: Adelphi Digital Consulting Group

Outstanding Company: GrabTaxi (Thailand)

Social Impact:

International School Bangkok

Young Professional: Maxim Sheaib

Thai Entrepreneur: Sunsanee Davies

Expat Entrepreneur: Eddie Evans

Getting noticed

BCCT members are invited to place up to five sets of corporate brochures for display at the BCCT HQ on Wireless Road. The Chamber receives many local and international visitors and this is an opportunity for BCCT members to gain visibility with potential customers. Send your brochures marked for the attention of Khun Jintana Phenix.

Facilities:

• Free wireless connectivity (12 Mb/s) and charging for laptop/mobile

• Lectern & laptop for presentations

• 70-inch TV screen for pictureperfect presentations and full PC connectivity

• Webinar and video conferencing via Skype

• Seating for up to 60 pax theatre-style

• Integrated Bose speakers in ceiling that provide quality sound

Priority bookings for members at BCCT business centre

BCCT members enjoy priority status for bookings at the Chamber’s British Business Centre, located at BCCT HQ on Wireless Road within easy walking distance of the BTS SkyTrain Ploenchit station. This is a 110 sq.m multi-purpose space featuring the latest communications technology. The Centre is available for private functions, meetings, networking events, product displays, seminars, presentations, training, Skype calls, receptions and press conferences. There is a self-service counter for coffee and tea. Catering services are available, ranging from snacks to hot and cold buffets.

For more details, please e-mail: project@bccthai.com or jintana@bccthai.com.

Christmas luncheon

On Wednesday 15 December at Amari Watergate Hotel, over 560 members and friends gathered for BCCT’s Annual Christmas Lunch. The event is the highlight of the BCCT events calendar. Members use this event to thank and host their clients and staff. All enjoyed the on-stage entertainment and a special festive 3-course menu along with free-flow British beer, wine and other beverages. This year proceeds from the raffle are being donated to the Rajaprajanugroh Foundation under the late King’s Patronage which supports children and education in Thailand.

Chamber Events

BCCT One-Day Workshop

On Wednesday 30 November, John McNulty, Managing Director People Focus Consulting Asia Pacific, facilitated BCCT One-Day Workshop on “Coaching for Results – Skill Practice Programme”. This 1-day programme provided participants extensive skill practice and feedback based on the participants’ real coaching situations and practical cases.

Read Thai with the Rapid Method

Read Thai with the Rapid Method - Taster Session was held on Thursday 8 December at the British Business Centre. Gary Orman, Specialist in Accelerated Learning and Living in Thailand, spoke on how to read some simple Thai words in two hours and what are the rapid methods of learning Thai.

Phuket Business Dinner

On Thursday 1 December BCCT, in collaboration with Franco, German and Netherlands Chambers of Commerce, held the Phuket Business Dinner on Digital Marketing. Many thanks to our sponsors tile it, Meetinthailand, Phuket News & Amari Phuket for their generous support.

Joint Chambers Networking

The joint chambers eastern seaboard Christmas networking evening on Friday 16 December at the garden of Amari Pattaya was a success, with close to 200 attendees. Many thanks to our generous sponsors: Amari Pattaya, Regents International School Pattaya, Securitas (Thailand) and Allied Pickfords.

Thank you to our sponsors.

Pictured from left are: Jason Beavan (Phuket News), David Cumming (Onyx Hospitality Group), Jon Cannon (Novotel Phuket Kamal Beach), Sukanya & Alan McAllister (tile it), Dr. Ian Fenwick, Grenville Fordham (Meetinthailand), David Barrett (Hype Global) and Richard Margo (Amari Phuket).

John McNulty

Pictured from left: STCC ESB Chair Helmut Buchberger, Joanna Kearney (Regents International School Pattaya), AMCHAM ED Judy Benn, BCCT Chairman Simon Matthews, Amari Pattaya GM Robert Rijinders, Amari Pattaya Resident Manager Richard Gamlin, Rob Scarr (Securitas Thailand), and SATCC Pasit Foobunma.

The session was well attended.

One-Day Thai Language Workshop

BCCT One-Day Thai Language Workshop on “SpeakPro Presentation Skills” was held on Monday 19 December at the British Business Centre. Pachara (Billy) Yongjiranon (pictured fourth from right), Corporate Trainer & Presentation Coach at SpeakPro Training, facilitated this workshop. This 1-day course guided participants through a journey of communication and techniques that enhance their presentation skills.

T3 Business Networking

The first T3 Business Networking of this year on Thursday 19 January at Rendezvous Bar was a great success with over 120 members & guests. Many thanks The Landmark Bangkok for hosting.

BCCT Boardroom Briefing

On Tuesday 17 January, BCCT Legal & Taxation Group organised the first briefing covering ‘An Insider Look at Thai Immigration – Recent Changes to Visa and Work Permit Procedures’. Speakers were General Manager Jane Puranananda and Head of the Immigration and Employment Department of Dej-Udom & Associates Attorneys-at-Law Khun Aim-on Larpisal.

BCCT Lunch

On Tuesday 24 January the BCCT Legal & Taxation Group organised a lunch on the topic Brexit, The Law & Parliament. The guest speaker was Adrian Keeling QC, a barrister (pictured), based at No 5 Chambers, London.

Thank you to our sponsors.

Thumbs up from delegates.

Attendees learned about the latest visa and workpermit regulations.

Adrian Keeling QC gives his presentation.

Pictured from left: GM Douglas Glen presenting a voucher to winner Ben Barling, Digital Monopoly.

Chamber Events

BCCT Annual General Meeting

On Thursday 26 January, BCCT held its Annual General Meeting at The Landmark Bangkok Hotel and elected the 2017 BCCT Board of Directors. Pictured from left (top row) are Carl Sellick (Lucy Electric), Ali Adam (Arcadia), Kelvin Tan (HSBC), Billy Chomsakorn (British Airways), Viriya Chongphaisal (GSK) and from left (bottom row) are Summer Xia (British Council), Kate Manning (Adelphi Digital), Chris Thatcher (Anglo-Thai Legal), Simon Matthews (Manpower), David Cumming (Amari Watergate), Stephen Frost (Bangkok International Associates) and Mark Bowling (Platinum Property Group). Directors absent from the photo are Simon Landy (Colliers) and John Christie (Ek-Chai Distribution).

BCCT Panel Discussion Luncheon BCCT Half-Day Workshop

BCCT Panel Discussion Luncheon on “Thailand’s 2017 Economic and Political Situation” was held on Thursday 26th January at The Landmark Bangkok Hotel. Guest speakers were Independent Writer, Researcher and Translator Dr. Chris Baker, Economist & Global Research of HSBC Khun Nalin Chutchotitham and Editor-in-Chief at GQ Magazine Khun Voranai Vanijaka.

Yohann Maillard (pictured standing), Managing Director of Bangkok First Aid, facilitated the Training of Trainers Course workshop on CPR & AED on Tuesday 31 January at British Business Centre. The course was interactive, enjoyable and held in small group. The course comprised of knowledge development, skills development, scenario practice and exam. An internationally recognized certificate was given to every participant and is valid for two years.

Thank you to our sponsors.

BCCT Eastern Seaboard Business Dinner

On Thursday 2 February, British Ambassador Brian Davidson (fifth from left) was guest speaker at BCCT Eastern Seaboard Business Dinner at Amari Pattaya. HMA covered UK update post Brexit, Embassy update and Pattaya related issues such as tourism safety. The event was well-attended. Pictured from left are Sarinthorn Sachavirawong (iCamp Thailand), Carl Sellick (Lucy Electric), Taya Teepsuwan (Rugby School Thailand), Nigel Westlake (Rugby School Thailand), the Ambassador, BCCT Chairman Simon Matthews, John Neutze (Banyan Tree Bangkok) and Mark Bowling (Platinum Property Group). Many thanks to our sponsors Rugby School Thailand, iCamp Thailand and Banyan Tree Bangkok for their generous support.

BCCT Boardroom Briefing Phuket Business Dinner

On Tuesday 7 February, BCCT Legal & Taxation Group organised the briefing covered the topic “Arbitration in Thailand: an introduction and update on recent developments”. Speakers from left: Peter Shelford, Office Managing Partner of DLA Piper; Soham Panchamiya, a Consultant in the Litigation and Arbitration team at DLA Piper; Gavin Margetson, the head of Dispute Resolution at Herbert Smith Freehills and Daniel Woods, an Associate in the Arbitration team at Herbert Smith Freehills.

On Monday 13 February BCCT, in association with French, German and Netherlands Chambers of Commerce, hosted the Phuket Business Dinner at Amari Phuket. Michael Weatherley (pictured) addressed the topic of “Brexit –Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats”.

Thank you to our sponsors.

Chamber Events

One-Day Thai Language Workshop

BCCT One-Day Thai Language Workshop on “SpeakPro Presentation Skills” was held Thursday 16 February 2017 at Dream Hotel Bangkok. Pachara (Billy) Yongjiranon (pictured standing), Corporate Trainer & Presentation Coach at SpeakPro Training, facilitated the workshop. This 1-day course guided participants through a journey of communication and techniques that could enhance their presentation skills.

BCCT Boardroom Briefing

On Tuesday 21 February, members and guests met at the British Business Centre to hear an update on the Bangkok Property Market in 2017 by James Pitchon (pictured), Executive Director of CBRE Thailand.

T3 Business Networking

On Thursday 16 February, over 100 members and guests socialised and networked at the T3 Business Networking at Prime Restaurant hosted by Compass SkyView Hotel.

BCCT Boardroom Briefing

BCCT Boardroom Briefing on Myanmar was held on Thursday 23 February at the British Business Centre. Speakers Zaw Erskine (Director of Tax and Advisory services at BDO Myanmar) and Chris Burkett (Senior Associate at Allen & Overy) shed light on regulatory changes in Myanmar and what businesses need to know if they are considering entering the Myanmar market.

Thank you to our sponsors.

Pictured from left: Watchara Saisomboon (Bloomsbury International School Hatyai); BCCT Chairman Simon Matthews; Nitnatcha Pacharapongporn (Director of Catering and Events of Compass SkyView Hotel) and BCCT Events Group Chairman Chris Thatcher.

Comings and Goings

The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand welcomesthefollowingnewmembers:

Amari Hua Hin

117/74 Soi Moo Baan Nongkae, Nongkae, Hua Hin

Prachuapkhirikhan 77110

Tel: +66 32-655320

Fax: +66 32-616600

Email: huahin@amari.com

Website: www.amari.com/HuaHin

Representatives

Mr. Phanuphan Buasuang - General Manager

Ms. Kanyaruk Kitiwattanabumrung - Sales Manager

Background

Set in the popular seaside town along the Gulf of Thailand, Amari Hua Hin is just two and a half hours drive from Bangkok. Offering contemporary accommodation in an idyllic garden setting, the resort sits adjacent to Khao Takiab beach and is just 10 minutes from Hua Hin’s downtown area, providing the perfect blend of convenience

Group has operated in two strategic locations, Thailand and Netherlands, with world class quality standards, both operations manufacture their products through their respective fully integrated chain.

Using modern technology with worldclass hygiene and quality control standards, BR’s operations are fully-integrated from company-owned parent stock farms and hatcheries to dedicated third-party contract farms, and then processing into many types of various products.

BR produces a wide variety of food and agricultural product including; duck feed, duck eggs, duckling, live duck, duck feather, duck meat and duck meat based and prepared food products.

BR provides product and services to customers throughout Thailand and international market. Through its Core Values and Code of Conduct, BR strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for all stakeholders and public at large.

Bangkok Ranch Public Company Limited

18/1 Moo. 12

Langwatbangpleeyainai Rd.

Bangphliyai, Bangphli

Samutprakarn 10540

Tel: +66 23373280

Fax: +66 23373293

Email: IRgroup@br-bangkokranch.com

Website: www.bangkokranch.com

D8ii Limited

65/56 5th Floor, Chamnan Phenjati Business Cente, Rama 9 Road, Huai Kwang Bangkok 10310

Tel: +66 26432393

Email: office@d8ii.com

Website: www.d8ii.com

D8ii is not a design or mobile app agency but a true technology company with industry experience in managing expectations from Silicon Valley, UK, Europe and ASIA. Our company size is 20-50 and we have been in the industry for nearly 20 years.

We can help companies grow in Social Media, Geo Location, Innovative tech, booking ordering management, reduce business costs, management reporting and generating greater sales revenue by going digital and mobile.

Dulwich College Yangon

Units 52-56 and 64-68, Ground Floor, Block A3, Star City, Kyaik Khauk Pagoda Road, Thanlyin Township, Yangon 11291

Tel: +95 1 687701, 9966 423015

Email: admissions@dulwich-yangon.com. mm

Website: www.dulwich-yangon.com. mm

Representatives

Mr. Daryl Orchard - Headmaster, Dulwich College Yangon, Star City Campus

Mr. Luck Chaeter - Head of School, Dulwich College Yangon, Pun Hlaing Campus

Fenix Signalling Ltd

Oakslade, Station Road, Hatton

Warwick CV35 7LH

Tel: +44 4 (0) 1926 358428

Email: eddie.murphy@fenixsignalling. com

Website: www.fenixsignalling.com

Representatives

Mr. Eddie Murphy - Project Director

Background

Representatives

Mr. Chonlachart Worawuthichongsathit - Assistant to CEO

Ms. Peerawan Matngammuang - Corporate Secretary

Background

Bangkok Ranch founded in 1984 with headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, is one of the World’s largest integrated duck producers and marketers. The

Representatives

Mr. Jayson Ho – President

Background

With sale offices in USA,UK,China and Bangkok - D8ii is a global destination for companies that want a truly engaging and rich mobile experience that can grow and scale with the user expectations today.

Fenix Signalling Ltd is a railway signalling engineering company based in the UK in Warwickshire. We can deliver comprehensive signalling solutions to the rail industry from project definition/ scope requirements through to detailed signalling design, signalling equipment procurement, installation and testing and commissioning. The Fenix team also have considerable international experience, with tender and project experience in more than fifteen countries worldwide including: China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, The Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.

Firefly Learning Ltd

1 Lyric Square

London W6 0NB

Tel: +44 20-7112-9362

Email: www.fireflylearning.com

Representatives

Ms. Anja Ambrož Bizjak - Events Marketing Executive

H Capital Ltd

2/F Neich Tower, 128 Gloucester Road

Wanchai, Hong Kong

Tel: +852 2511 8337

Fax: +852 2137 9190

Email: drb@hfs.com.hk

Website: www.hfs.com.hk

Representatives

Mr. David Bojan - Managing Director

Background

G.E.S. Solutions Co.,Ltd

1035/22 Sukhumvit 71 Road, Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110

Tel: +66 2-713-2657/9

Fax: +66 2-713-2658

Email: info@ges-solutions.com

Website: www.ges-solutions.com

HFS is a fee-based financial advisory firm, operating in Hong Kong since 1996.

As an SFC (Securities & Futures Commission) Licensed Adviser, Discretionary Portfolio Manager and Insurance Broker, HFS provides a wide variety of services but mainly focusses on managing private client investment portfolios.

Representatives

Mr. Stuart Dugard - General Manager

Ms. Pimphisut Duangjitdee - Executive Assistant

Background

G.E.S. Solutions Co., Ltd. (G.E.S.) was incorporated in 2003 and commenced full time operation early in 2004. The founding Principal of the company, Stuart Dugard, has gained experience from more than 30 years of employment within the construction industry on varied and numerous projects in the UK and internationally, with over 20 years of this experience acquired in Thailand. Since 2004 the majority of G.E.S.’s commissions have been for Clients as their independent Quantity Surveyor on projects including small to large private residences, schools, commercial buildings, major infrastructure projects, hotels, resorts, apartments and industrial works. Our Clients range from private individuals to major international blue chip companies. We have extensive experience in Thailand together with projects located in Cambodia and Myanmar, we have also provided specific QS services for projects located in Australia, Papua New Guniea and Singapore.

Clients benefit from commission-free investing, because HFS is fee based as mentioned – this is totally transparent –either an hourly fee for advice or a percentage of funds under management – which ensures there is no conflict whatsoever and interests are aligned.

to arrange particularly in an emergency.

HCI have the expertise, built from many years servicing the needs of their multinational client to stop an incident from becoming a crisis. HCI provide a professional but personal 24/7 service from their London office and are backed by a worldwide network of support services to ensure their clients always receive the most appropriate treatment just where and when it is needed.

HCI are represented locally in Thailand via a network of trusted brokers and advisers.

Healthcare International

95 Cromwell Road

London, SW74DL

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7590 8800

Fax: +44 (0) 20 7590 8815

Email: enquiries@healtcareinternational.com

Website: www.healthcareinternational.com

Mr. James Lawden (Individual Member)

Weerawong Chinnavat & Ieangpanor Ltd.

22nd Floor, Mercury Tower

540 Ploenchit Road, Lumpini

Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330

Tel: +66 2 264 8016

Email: james.l@weerawongcp.com

Japan Inter Trading Co., Ltd.

8th Floor, Nittochi Nishi-shinjuku Bldg., 6-10-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan 160-0023

Tel: +81 30 5325 3084

Email: export@japan-inter-trading.com

Website: www.japan-inter-trading.com

Representatives

Mrs. Etsuko Fukui - Managing Director

Background

Representatives

Mr. Christopher Percival - Director

Mr. Steve Gregory - General Manager

Background

HealthCare International (HCI) is specialist provider of private health and related personal insurances with a global reach into the worldwide expatriate markets. Increasingly for people living and working abroad, accessing the right kind of health insurance cover can be vital, with the cost of local medical treatment often expensive and difficult

Japan inter trading is trading company based in Tokyo, Japan with mission to be bridge of Japan and abroad. Not only through trading but also culture. We are consisted from multinational member of 6 who has international background and understanding of Japanese culture and service.

MakeItNative Ltd.

Oxted, Surrey

RH8 0DA

Tel: +44 7966587779

Email: stephen@makeitnative.com

Website: www.makeitnative.com

Representatives

Mr Stephen Kinns – CEO

Background

We bring the capability of over 2,000 copywriters, analysts, journalists, and industry experts from around the world, together We do this so you can improve your already translated website to use truly native language, which we have proved will lead to increased enquiries and sales

MakeItNative has evidenced research that shows customers may not enjoy reading foreign translated websites This means those customers may not trust you If they don’t trust you, those potential customers are very likely to stop an enquiry to you

MakeItNative have also identified several aspects of ‘writing in a foreign language’, which we’ve used to assess over 1,000 Thai English websites

America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America Movaci provides security focused IT Services including:

- Managed IT Services

- Security Auditing

- IT Consulting

- Compliance

- Secure Email

- Secure Web Hosting

- Secure VPN

NPTC Group of Colleges

Neath Campus

Dwr-y-Felin Road, Neath, Neath Port Talbot

SA10 7RF

Tel: +44 1 639 648 000

Fax: +44 1 639 648 667

The College owns and runs an international language school in Hampshire: LSI Portsmouth, welcoming students from every part of the globe

We deliver a wide range of outstanding higher education programme, delivered through University partnerships.

Successful achievement data published by the Department for Education and Skills in the Welsh Government indicates that NPTC Group of Colleges has the best results in Wales for post-16 education and training in three out of the last four years.

The Group has an excellent reputation for: academic results; the quality of teaching and learning; its support for students; its work with industry and its work in the community

Representatives

Pattana Golf Club & Resort

99/89 Moo 9 Khaokhunsong

Mr

Steve Rhodes - Assistant Principal Worldwide Operations

Mr Mohammed Dabab - Corporate Services Coordinator

Background

NPTC Group of Colleges provides specialist training and qualifications in a wide range of programmes and courses for individuals, companies and governments in both the UK and overseas An additional to academic and vocational programmes delivered in the UK, we can also offer a wide range of programmes to be delivered in-country These programmes include Vocational Teacher Training, English Language, English Language for Professional Communications, Leadership and Management, Train the Trainer, Health and Safety, Assessment, Supervisory Training, First Aid at Work, Quality Assurance and Information Technology to name a few We also are able to bespoke programmes.

We are also accredited to provide Management Training and qualifications including ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership & Management, and a range of ILM endorsed programmes.

NPTC Group of Colleges also works with employers to deliver apprenticeships and work-based learning, which includes the design and development of new programmes to meet industry needs in partnership with internationally recognised awarding bodies

Sriracha, Chonburi 20110

Tel: +66 38 318 999

Fax: +66 38 318 900

Email: marketing@pattana co th

Website: www pattana co th

Representatives

Ms Rujirapun Juangroongruangkit

- Excecutive Vice President

Mr Thomas Tapken - Managing Director

Background

A Sporting Lifestyle Destination, Pattana Golf Club & Resort is dedicated to promoting an active lifestyle culture and welcoming individuals, families and groups of all ages from across the world to experience all we have to offer

Located 90 minutes from Bangkok and neighbouring the popular coastal city of Pattaya City, 47 km The 400 acre resort boasts a range of premium accommodations, amenities, meeting and event facilities along with our 27 holes golf course and fully equipped football stadium We also hosts sporting events, private function and development training, conventions and any special occasions whether corporate or personal

Petainer UK Holdings Ltd

Tavistock House (North), Tavistock Square

London WC1H 9HR

Tel: +44 (0) 7507 315 339

Email: chris.mcewan@petainer.com

Website: www.petainer.com

Representatives

Mr. Chris McEwan - Group Business Development Director

Phoenix Design Group Co.,Ltd

62 The Millennia Tower

20th Floor #2004, Laungsuan Road

Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330

Tel: +66 21072046

Fax: +66 26518752

Email: richard@phoenix-dg.com

Website: www.phoenix-dg.com

Representatives

Mr. Simon Ramsay - General Manager

Ms. Saranchana Suphirun - Director of Sales & Marketing

Background

Just a seven-minute walk from Bangkok’s famous Sukhumvit thoroughfare, the Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit provides guests with restful accommodations a step away from the city’s bustle.

Hotel amenities and services:

• 150 rooms and suites

• Free high-speed, wired and wireless Internet access throughout the hotel

• Bathrobes and slippers

• LCD TV with digital entertainment

• Coffee- and tea-making facilities

• In-room electronic safe

Representatives

Mr. Richard Perkins - Managing Director

Ms. Supreeya NamchaisawadwongCompany Manager

Background

Phoenix Design Group Co.,ltd is a British owned manufacturer and exporter of contemporary and affordable jewellery in both silver and gold. Phoenix Design Group, manufacture jewellery for well known multiple high street retailers, Chain stores and Web companies around the world. We offer a complete B2B service from our designers to our export department.

We recently also produced jewellery along with one of our retail partners for the Great British Paralympics team for the 2016 games in Rio.

We understand that we have a very large social responsibility and are regularly audited several times per year by independent third party companies to ensure our compliance.

SUITES BANGKOK SUKHUMVIT

Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit 23/2-3 Sukhumvit 13, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey Nua Wattana, Bangkok 10110

Tel: +66 2645 4999

Fax: +66 2645 4888

Email: sales.sukhumvit@radisson.com

Website: www.radisson.com/bangkokth_sukhumvit

• Three conference / meeting / banquet rooms

• Complimentary tuk-tuk service

• Travel and transportation services

• Rooftop pool with sun deck and whirlpool tub

• Comprehensive business center

• Fitness center with massage service

• Complimentary car parking

• Within 1 kilometer of BTS Nana and MRT Asoke stations

With our world-class eateries, you can enjoy a culinary journey without ever leaving the hotel with our two restaurants and lobby bar.

Punjab Grill is in the 10 ten rated restaurants in TripAdvisor in all Bangkok. Classic Punjabi cuisine with a modern twist.

Rapid Language Learning

25 moo 1, Maekhue, Doisaket Chiang Mai 50220

Tel: +66 85 909 9174

Email: gary@rapidlanguagelearning. com

Synerbyte Limited

11-D The Valero Tower

122 Valero Street, Salcedo Village

Makati, Philippines 1227

Tel: + 63-2-856-7985

Email: info@synerbyte.com

Website: www.synerbyte.com

Representatives

Mr. Cliff Eala - President and CEO

Mr. Randal T. Decano - Director , Intelligent Lighting

Background

Synerbyte Limited enables energy efficiency for industrial and retail businesses using smart technologies. We serve customers in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Thammachart Seafood Retail Co., Ltd.

58, 58/1-5, 5th Floor, Soi Ekamai, Sukhumvit 63 Road, Klongton Nua, Wattana Bangkok 10110

Tel: +66 2714 1322

Fax: +66 2714 1323

Email: julian@thammachartseafood.com

Website: www.thammachartseafood.com

Representatives

Mr. Gary Orman - Owner

Representatives

Mr. Julian G. Davies - CEO

Mrs. Sunsanee G. Davies - Managing Director

Background

Thammachart Seafood Retail Ltd manages the seafood counters and departments for the leading retailers in Thailand, notably the Mall Group, Central Food Retail Ltd, Villa Supermarket, Tesco, and Big-C. The company has 140 retail outlets around Thailand with close to 500 staff. A separate wholly owned company, Thammachart Seafood International Ltd imports seafood from more than 16 countries, mostly fresh product as well as live shellfish with product sent to the distribution center where it is quality-controlled before dispatching to stores around the country. Recently, the company entered the F&B sector with two brands, the Dock Seafood Bar and the Lobster Lab. The Dock located within the

Gourmet Markets at Siam Paragon, Emquartier, Emporium and Bluport in Huahin, and in June this year, we opened a standalone restaurant in the Maze Community Mall on Thonglor Soi

4. The Lobster Lab is a gourmet fastfood concept located on the market floor in the Commons Community Mall, Thonglor Soi 17.

Background

Wall Street English is the premier provider of English language instruction for individuals and corporate clients around the world. Our innovative blended learning method integrates the best proven learning approaches to provide the most effective English language instruction available for adults.

Resignations & Cancellations

1. Akaryn Hospitality Management

2. Ashby Precision Engineering

3. Bravothai Lifestyles Co., Ltd.

4. Cape Dara Resort Pattaya

5. Chewathai Plc

6. Colbree (Thailand) Co Ltd

7. Delta Seal Alliance Co., Ltd.

8. Eureka Heatrecovery Systems Lt

Volvo Car (Thailand) Ltd.

1527 Sukhumvit 71 Road, Suanluang, Bangkok 10250

Tel: +66 2 319 9820

Fax: +66 2 719 9451

Website: www.volvocars.com/th

Wall Street English’s curriculum is aligned with the Common European Framework Reference for Languages (CEFR) and accredited by the University of Cambridge. The Wall Street training method is ISO-9001 certified.

Wall Street English has provided English language instruction to over 4 million students in 32 countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Founded in 1972, Wall Street English is part of Pearson, the world’s largest education company with over 35,000 employees worldwide.

Representatives

Ms. Anette Andersson - Managing Director

Background

Volvo Car (Thailand) Ltd. is the national sales company and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volvo Car Corporation, Sweden. VCT is responsible for the marketing, sale and distribution of Volvo Products and Repairer Services. The company was registered in Thailand in June 1971. Head office is located at 1527 Sukhumvit 71 Road, Suanluang Bangkok 10250. We have 11 Volvo Cars dealer locations around the Bangkok metropolitan and upcountry.

Wall Street English started the Thailand operations in 2003 and currently operates 12 training centers throughout Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the Eastern Seaboard. Over the past 14 years, we have trained over 100,000 individual and corporate students in Thailand.

Wine Connection Co.,Ltd.

1 Sivadon Building, 1st Fl. Unit 5, 10th Fl. Unit 1005-1006 Convent Road, Silom, Bangrak

Bangkok 10500

Tel: +66 2234-0388

Fax: +66 2234-0389

Email: infoth@wineconnection.com

Website: www.wineconnection.com

Representatives

Mr. Alian Trad - Group of CEO

Mr. William Dobson - Group of CFO

Wall Street English

Efficient English Services Limited

317 Kamolsukosol Building, Silom Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500

Tel: +66 2 660 3050

Fax: +66 2 237 7052

Website: www.wallstreetenglish.in.th

Background

Wine Connection has been developing expertise in importing selected wines from around the world for more than ten years and becomes South-East Asia’s largest integrated wine store chain with 25 outlets in Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket, Samui, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Pattaya), Singapore and Vietnam.

Apart from the retail activity, Wine Connection also supplies to hotels and restaurants with a national distribution network.

9. FAITHFUL + GOULD PTE LTD./ Head

10. GLAD ENTERPRISES CO., LTD.

11. Jentana & Associates Languages

12. Kluber Lubrication (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

13. London School of English Thailand, The

14. Mettex Electric Co., Ltd.

15. Okura Prestige Bangkok, The

16. Paypoint Plc

17. Phatra Securities Public Company Limited

18. Shasa Resort & Residences, Koh Samui

19. Sussex Coast College Hastings

20. The Scenical Co., Ltd.-Head Of

21. Unique Concepts Co., Ltd.

22. Western Seaview Co. Ltd. Bangkok, The

23. Wharfe Beer Company Limited

Change of company representative

1. Compass Skyview Hotel from Ms. Wilawan Brenig to Ms. Jacqui Cuthbertson

2. Ipsos Business Consulting from Mr. Colin Kinghorn to Mr. Natee Ruengjirachuporn

3. Jet Airways (India) Ltd from Mr. Anindam Choudhury to Mr. Aldrin Kenneth

4. Prudential Life Assurance (Thailand) PCL from Mr. Binayak.Dutta to Mr. Arthur Belfer

5. The Sukhothai Bangkok from Mr. Ian Ekers to Mr. Thomas SchmittGlaeser

Change of company name

1. Digital Monopoly (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Changed to Digital Monopoly (Asia) Co., Ltd.

Change of company address

Representatives

Mr. Vincent Pourre

- Head of Corporate Training

1. Metal Tiger Thailand 75/32 12th floor Richmond Building, Sukhumvit Soi 26, Sukhumvit Road, Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110

Coreharbour Ltd.

9th Floor, Zuellig House, 1 Silom Road

Bangkok 10500

Tel: +66 (02) 231-8437

Fax: +66 (02) 231-8434

Email: info@coreharbour.com

Website: www.coreharbour.com

Chamber Representative

Prudential Life Assurance (Thailand) PCL

9/9 @Sathorn Building, 20st - 27th Fl., South Sathorn Road

Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120

Tel: +66 2352-8000

Fax: +66 2352-8999

Email: pr@prudential.co.th

Website: www.prudential.co.th

Chamber Representatives

A - Mr. John Robinson - Account Director

Background

Independent insurance brokerage specializing in the servicing and monitoring of client policies. Having been based from Thailand for over 22 years we understand the importance and expectations of expatriates and what is required in meeting the demands of personal planning in taking advantage of a very diverse but comprehensive range of products.

Our Legal Services Department has expanded from Estate Planning and Trust Services to offering specialist advice in the areas of Corporate & Commercial Law, Arbitration & Litigation, Commercial Real Estate & Immigration Services.

Products or Services

INSURANCE

- Life

- Health/Medical

- Key Man

- Critical Illness

- Income Protection

- Liability

- Disability/Accident

- House & Contents

LEGAL

- Wills & Estate Planning

- Corporate & Commercial Law

- Dispute Resolution

- Project Finance

Ownership

British 35%

Thai 65%

Senior Management

Philip Barbour - Managing Director

John Robinson - Account Director

Todd Guest - Account Director

Morgan Perkins - Account Manager

Bankers

Siam Commercial Bank, Thailand HSBC, Jersey

BCCT Member Company Since 2009

Background

Prudential Thailand is a leading life insurer that provides a comprehensive range of products for all stages of life.

Prudential entered Thailand in 1995 as a joint-venture with the Thai Sethakij Assurance, or TSLife. On September 14, 2007, following a change in structure, the company changed its name to Prudential Thailand.

Prudential Thailand is an affiliate of Prudential PLC. in the UK, established in 1848 and one of the world’s leading retail financial services groups providing life insurance, financial services and asset management products across the UK, USA and Asia. The Prudential Group has over 24 million customers worldwide and over GBP 562 billion of assets under management. In Thailand, Prudential provides protection to almost 2 million customers and has a registered capital of THB 22 billion.

Products or Services

Prudential Thailand provides short, medium and long term products for all life stages. Protection, Health, Saving, Retirement and Investment plans are available from our multi-channel distribution channels – Bancassurance, Direct & Telemarketing and our Agency channel. Through our main bank partners, the United Overseas Bank, Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) and Thanachart Bank, our products are accessible throughout Thailand. Prudential also offers Group Employee Benefits to corporations.

Senior Management

Ms. Saipin Choaknumkij, Chief Government Relations Officer

Mr. John Michael Flanders, Chief Financial Officer

Board of Directors

Ms. Lilian Ng, Chairman

Mr. Arthur J. Belfer, Managing Director

Bankers

Registered capital: THB 22 billion.

BCCT Member Company Since 1995

A - Mr. Arthur Belfer - CEO of Prudential Thailand

Rhenus Logistics Co., Ltd.

75/57, 75/237-240 Tungtrakulsup Building, 2nd Floor, Moo 10, Sukhumvit Road, Thungsukla, Sriracha

Chonburi 20230

Tel: +66 38494297

Fax: +66 38494483

Email: info@th.rhenus.com

Website: www.rhenus.com

Chamber Representative

SMC Consulting Engineers Co.,Ltd.

Bangkok Business Centre Building

13th Floor Unit 1301-03

29 Sukumvit 63, Bangkok 10110

Tel: +66 2 381 7232

Fax: +66 2 391 2778

Email: smc@smc.co.th Website: www.smc.co.th

Chamber Representatives

A - Mr. Patrick Thorpe - Sales & Marketing / Head of Route Development - Europe Background

For more than 20 years, Rhenus has been an established logistics service provider in Thailand and, thanks to its extensive experience and dense network, an ideal partner for the strong local industry. Rhenus Thailand provides tailor-made logistics solutions for a large variety of industries, such as the electronics, semiconductor, chemical, pharmaceutical, engineering and automobile industry.

Established in 1994, the company has been growing ever since, opening its office at Bangkok airport in 1996 and being a full-fledged service provider for air freight, sea freight, domestic distribution, cross-border trucking and customs brokerage by 1997.

Currently, Rhenus operates four branch offices and six warehouses in the country, which cater to the freight logistics and warehousing solution needs of Thai and multinational customers. In and around the capital, Rhenus maintains 30,000 square meters of warehousing capacity. Rhenus in Thailand holds the AEO licence (Authorized Economic Operator) and is therefore able to offer privileged customs clearance services to its clients.

Thailand is a leading member of ASEAN and one of the fast-growing economies in South East Asia. In addition to its well-developed semi-conductor and electronics industry, Thailand is also a leading automotive manufacturer and exporter. The main airport in Bangkok is a regional transportation hub with over 100 airlines flying on a regular basis. Thailand’s deep-sea port at Laem Chabang has direct access to the Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estates, which are the manufacturing hubs for the country. To ensure operative excellence, Rhenus in Thailand operates its own offices in those important locations.

Rhenus in Thailand is a subsidiary of the Rhenus Group, a logistics service provider with global business operations and an annual turnover of 4.6 billion euros. The group has business sites at over 500 locations worldwide and employs more than 26,000 people. In four business areas – Contract Logistics, Freight Logistics, Port Logistics and Public Transport – the Rhenus Group manages complex supply chains and provides a wide range of innovative value-added services.

BCCT Member Company Since 2016

A B

A - Ms. Sirisind Pulsirivong - Managing Director

B - Mr. Roger Ashburner - Vice Chairman

Background

SMC Consulting Engineers is a Thai company providing a comprehensive range of consultant civil and structural engineering services to the private and public sectors. Established over 40 years ago our history is as follows:

1973 “Sindhu Maunsell Consultants” founded as a joint venture Thai firm between Sindhu Pulsirivong and Maunsell, an international firm of consulting engineers, to provide civil engineering consultancy

2000 Maunsell merged with the US consulting group AECOM

2001 Sindhu Maunsell Consultants became part of that group

2009 Independence was mutually agreed and we re-established ourselves as a Thai-owned consultancy rebranded “SMC Consulting Engineers”.

2013 the Boards of Directors of both SMC and SPC Consulting Engineers (our affiliated firm with 50 years of experience in structural engineering) agreed to consolidate and to combine the staff of each company and to operate henceforth under the name of SMC.

Products or Services

SMC cover various aspects of civil engineering for marine and infrastructure, as well as structural engineering, from conceptual study stage through design to project management and construction supervision on projects both large and small. We have worked on most of the ports in Thailand such as Map Ta Phut, Laemchabang and Sri Racaha; the MRTA and the BTS mass transit systems, as well as countless and varied building structures including Central Chaengwattana and the InterContinental Hotel, Hua Hin. Although most of our work has been in Thailand we have also worked on projects in surrounding and other countries (e.g. Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and The Maldives).

Our Services include: Feasibility and planning studies; Damage inspection and assessment; Civil engineering design (including for “design – construct” projects); Structural engineering design; Tender documentation; Construction supervision; Project management

For our comprehensive work experience please visit SMC website at www. smc.co.th

Affiliates Space Architects

Senior Management

Mr Sindhu Pulsirivong – Chairman

Mr Roger Ashburner – Vice Chairman/ Technical Director

Mr Anan Soontornsiri- Vice Chairman

Ms Sirisind Kim Pulsirivong – Managing Director

Mr Kamjorn Prasitkusol – Director

Mr Sauksind Pulsirivong – Director

BCCT Member Company

Since 2016

Eternal optimism

By Dale Lawrence

It was Winston Churchill who said that ‘a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty’. How Britain’s finest 20th century Prime Minister would have admired the sheer optimism displayed by his modern day Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-ocha and the Secretary-General of the National Institute for Emergency Medicines Dr. Anucha Sethsathien.

In his speech at the Excellent Youths Awards PM Prayut told students that whilst English was an important language and ‘everyone should not be shy to speak it’ the Thai language could yet become universal when the country is ‘successfully reformed’.

In an equally optimistic frame of mind was Dr. Sethsathien who called for motorists to clear the roads for ambulances transporting patients to hospitals. He reportedly told media that traffic congestion and unintentional blocking of ambulances by motorists were to blame for 20 percent of the deaths of critically ill patients en route to hospitals across the nation. Dr Anucha was speaking in response to an incident posted on social media in which an ambulance was denied access to a hospital by a pick-up truck blocking the entrance.

Tip of the iceberg

Would you pay £80 for bottled water? Neither would I. But that won’t stop shoppers with more money than sense flocking to Harrods to grab a bottle of Arctic water sourced from icebergs off the coast of Svalbard – an archipelago that lies between Sweden and the North Pole.

There was a time when buying bottled water in Blighty would have attracted men in white coats. We flavoured our perfectly potable tap water with orange or lemon squash and occasionally indulged in a bottle of Tizer as a fizzy alternative. Now it’s de rigueur for so-called ‘celebrities’ to carry bottled water or branded flasks as an accessory – along with designer handbags and gold-plated smart phones.

This Arctic iceberg water is marketed as a ‘sophisticated alternative to alcohol which enriches culinary experiences’. Of course it is. However, you may very well agree that a far more sensible means of enriching one’s culinary experience in the UK is to browse the wine selection of your nearest quality supermarket where, with eighty sovs in hand, you will

surely find a jolly decent claret and a particularly fine Puligny Montrachet.

And finally………..

A recent glance at the UK government’s ‘Exporting is Great’ website brought to light a fascinating shopping list of UK goods sought by ‘one of the largest supermarket stores in Thailand’. The unnamed store was seeking trolley loads of healthy snacks, salt, crisps, chocolate, fudge and canned or bottled beer.

Also listed was an opportunity, valued at £8.4 million, to tender for the design and construction of a crystalline silicon photovoltaic power plant. No, I have absolutely no idea what it does – but you may find out more at: www.exportingisgreat.gov.uk/opportunities.

The views and opinions expressed on this page by Editor Dale Lawrence are entirely personal and do not reflect official BCCT policy.

Winston Churchill gives his famous ‘V for victory’ sign.