BCCT Link Magazine - Issue 3 2017

THE Magazine of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand Issue 3 2017

Education Private Schools in Thailand Importance of Making a Will BCCT Members’ Success Stories Chambers Welcomes New Members Events Round-up

I N T E R N AT I O N A L S C H O O L

BANGKOK

Contents This Edition

BCCT

Board of Directors 2017 CHAIRMAN Simon Matthews ManpowerGroup Thailand T: 02 2634 7273 matthews@manpower.th.com

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VICE CHAIRMEN Simon Landy Colliers International Thailand T: 02 656 7000 simon.landy@colliers.com

Schooling for success

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

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Tips and tricks for finding the right school

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

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Fast-developing Myanmar lures repat Former Wellington College Head families back to their homeland backs new campus in Thailand

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Project Area: Approx. 5 Rai, 0 Ngan, 53.6 Sq.Wah. EIA approval letter dated 13 January 2017. The residential condominium project consists of three 6-Storey buildings and 1 basement floor with approximately 44 residential units. The project will be registered and expenses and taxes will be paid by unit owners under the condominium law after construction is completed. Mortgage: a mortgage will be registered on Land and Building. Developer: Bangsaray Heights Registered Capital THB 100,000,000. Paid up Capital: THB 100,000,000. Authorized Directors: Ms. Jutamart and Ms. Viparwan Smanattanon.

Project: Baan Phing Fah Moo 6 Bangsaray, Sattahip, Chonburi, Thailand. Development License No. 133/2555, Total 26 plots, Title Deed Nos.: 5627 (partial), 23845 (partial), Project Area approx. 97-0-1 rais Development License No. 145/2558, Total 76 plots, Title Deed Nos.: 53961 (partial), 53962 (partial), 53966, 53969, 53970 (partial) and 53971, Project Area: Approx. 108-3-64.2 rais. Public Facilities and Public Services: there Park & 3 ponds total 1,270 sq.w. EIA approval letter dated 18 June 2009. Land are ready to register transfer at Land Department after receive payment. Encumbrance: All plots are not mortgaged and are not registered with any encumbrance with any person, juristic person, or financial institution Developer: Bangsaray Property Co., Ltd. (Formerly known as Buraran Property Co., Ltd.) 19/2 Sithakarn 3/f, Soi Chidlom, Lumpinee, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330. Registered Capital: THB 90,000,000 (THB 90,000,000 paid-up). Authorized Directors: Ms. Jutamart Jiratana and Ms. Viparwan Smanattanon.

Contents Issue 3/2017 The Link is published by the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand.

Advertising enquiries: Greg Watkins Email: greg@bccthai.com

Every Edition

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Executive Director’s Message

Chairman’s Message

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.

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News from the IPR SME Help Desk: General news: Where there’s a will, Handling trade secrets in south east Asia there’s….certainty

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General news: World Bank update on Thai economy

British Chamber of Commerce Thailand 7th Floor, 208 Wireless Road Bangkok 10330, Thailand Tel: 02-651 5350/3 Fax: 02-651 5354 Website: www.bccthai.com Email: greg@bccthai.com Greg Watkins, Executive Director

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By the Numbers Chamber Events

Giving back to the British community

Comings & Goings Final Word

Chairman’s Message

I

am writing this message in the first week of September at a time when I know that many of you are returning to Thailand from your summer holidays and so let me begin by expressing my hopes that you all had an enjoyable time.

SIMON MATTHEWS Sterling Partner

Sustaining Partners

Recently, I attended a talk on the Thailand government’s 20 year strategy

by Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Wisanu Kruangam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I was interested to note that the government is setting up six committees covering: • • • • • •

Security Competitiveness Human Resources Social Disparity Environmental Law

Each committee will comprise 15 members. I was impressed with the discussions and their understanding of the challenges that need to be addressed. Whilst this is very much in its early stages we will report back to you as the strategy takes shape.

I will also be attending the next quarterly meeting of the Board of Trade and Thai Chamber of Commerce and I will update our members on the outcomes of that important session in the next issue of The LINK. We have had many successful events over the past few months and I am particularly encouraged by the fact that we attracting around 150 attendees to our regular T3 social networking evenings at some interesting venues. The good news is that we more great events planned for you for the remainder of the year, especially the not-to-be -missed BCCT Christmas lunch on Thursday 14 December at the Amari Watergate hotel in Bangkok.

I would recommend that you visit our website regularly to access the latest reports from our many active groups such as updates on the latest legislation in Thailand from our legal and tax group, and the latest exciting developments on the Eastern Seaboard. There is a wealth of information at your disposal on our website – just one of the many benefits of your membership of the BCCT. As always we welcome your feedback and I look forward to seeing you soon.

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Executive Director’s Message

T

he Thai-UK Business Leadership Council (TUBLC) was formed last year as a result of an initiative from the Thai Prime Minister’s Office. TUBLC is established on a business-to-business level. The co-Chairs are Tevin Vongvanich – CEO of PTT, and John Christie, CEO of Tesco Lotus. TUBLC’s objective is to secure greater bilateral market access by addressing specific business issues. The BCCT is co-Chair on one of three working groups – Ease of Doing Business – under which there are three key projects on which BCCT has been actively working.

GREG WATKINS Supporting Partners

The first project targets liberalising the foreign ownership restrictions under the Foreign Business Act imposed upon key areas of Thailand’s service sector industry including healthcare, higher (tertiary) education, retail and ICT/ digital services.

The focus is upon introducing wholly-owned foreign branch campuses that specialise in subjects where Thailand needs knowledge (e.g. Science and Technology) and medical universities to help alleviate the shortage of doctors.

The project is also examining how to enable SMEs and start-up companies in the retail and digital/online markets to have greater confidence in establishing and developing a business in Thailand.

The overall aims are: to engender a more open environment for foreign companies to participate in; to incentivise new and innovative approaches to these four key industries and to stimulate productivity by increasing market competition. This also supports the primary objective of the government’s Thailand 4.0 economic policy initiative designed to transition Thailand into an innovation-driven economy with high income status.

BCCT is working closely with the Board of Trade of Thailand and the Thai Chamber of Commerce to present proposals in a form that is most likely to see positive change, and to secure clarity on any specific projects (e.g. the Eastern Economic Corridor) that may achieve greater market access without the need to amend current legislation. The second project focuses upon establishing a mentorship programme by accessing retired UK patent officers to assist with reducing Thailand’s crippling patent application backlog.

Currently, Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has up to 30,000 outstanding patent applications with an average ‘approval rate’ of 12.5 years. This creates legal uncertainty surrounding a company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and increases the likelihood of infringement from counterfeit operations.

Consequently, this has disincentivised investment by propagating a lack of confidence in Thailand’s IP system. The proposal would contract retired UK patent officers with extensive experience in processing patent applications and backlogs to mentor newly-qualified Thai patent examiners in the substantive examination phase.

Airline Partners

The third project concerns the employment of Thai chefs in UK and has been raised by the Thai business community. UK immigration rules have tightened in recent years, making it harder for owners of Thai restaurants to employ native Thai chefs unless they have five years’ work experience and the required understanding of the English language.

Talented young Thai chefs do not have the necessary experience and older more experienced chefs are unable to meet the English language requirement. TUBLC members Pearson and S&P are working together to develop an in-country training programme to address both issues and that could lead to an internationally recognised qualification for Thai chefs.

There have been two TUBLC Conferences so far, in Bangkok and in London. Both have been attended by senior political figures from Thailand and UK. The next conference will be held in Bangkok - most likely in the first quarter of 2018.

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COVER STORY

Schooling

for success

The success of independent schools in Thailand is perhaps best reflected by the new names entering the market place with Wellington College set to broaden further the choice for parents when the campus opens in 2018. We invited the Heads of BCCT member schools and colleges in Thailand to share their views on the opportunities and challenges facing this burgeoning sector.

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COVER STORY Q: With competition in Thailand’s private education sector increasing year by year, parents now have more choice than ever before. How is your school seeking to promote the USPs of its curriculum and campus?

At Bangkok Patana, Headmaster Matthew Mills says, “We emphasise the longevity of the school as the original British international school in Thailand with a history of consistently good results. We also emphasise our campus and fantastic learning environments. As the largest international school, our students have access to a wider range of facilities and programmes.”

Lisa Johnson is the Head of School at Berkeley International School where a new High School has just opened for grades 9 to 12. She tells us that ‘Berkeley is a boutique school setting that is focused upon delivering a rigorous American curriculum using instructional strategies designed to develop the whole student’.

“This is a very distinct market as there are families that prefer larger settings or a more restrictive instructional setting to one that focuses on developmentally appropriate teaching strategies. This is particularly true at the early years level where we follow a play-based learning model.

We make every attempt to be candid about our school culture during customer visits to ensure that it is a good fit for prospective students and parents as it is critical that the school and the families have a similar philosophy about teaching and learning,” adds Lisa Johnson.

Bangkok Patana Headmaster Matthew Mills (centre)

At Brighton College, headmaster David Tongue says, “Our unique mix of innovative and inspirational teaching of an academic and highly creative curriculum has certainly resonated with the international community in Bangkok. Our parents and pupils are our most ferocious advocates and a high proportion of visitors to the campus arrive as a result of word-of-mouth recommendations. Our open events, functions and outreach work, which allow prospective parents and their children the opportunity to experience our very special DNA, have also proved exceptionally popular.”

At Harrow School, headmaster Mick Farley says the answer lies in ensuring that the school’s education services are of the highest possible standard and that students are safe, happy, well guided and supported. “Academic attainment is also important, ensuring that every student makes the academic progress that they should in order to reach her or his full potential. Finally, we develop transferrable learning skills - some would call it character – and attributes such as collaboration, communication and resilience through our ‘Leadership in Action’ programmes.

“We make sure that all of our provision is quality assured, through a carefully structured curriculum that allows all our teachers to know exactly what they need to teach, supported by professional development and appraisal processes that ensure standards are as high as is possible,” adds Mick Farley.

Harrow International School Headmaster Mick Farley

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COVER STORY At NIST, Head of School Brett Penny believes that traditional marketing within the international school context has become defunct in many respects, particularly given the competitive nature of the Bangkok market. “Too many similarities exist among schools to effectively communicate the unique aspects of each purely through advertising and sales techniques. At NIST we aim instead to cultivate and manage relationships, whether considering this within the context of new families, partner organisations or universities. By engaging with each of these groups consistently and positively we believe our core values and culture naturally emerge.”

Regent’s Bangkok has been educating students in the capital for nearly 20 years. Principal Peter Hogan says, “We have a well-established and successful approach offering a very high quality and highly reliable education.

Results are excellent and our students go on to study at some of the best universities in the world. We believe families want a very professional school, free from bullying, full of opportunities with teaching from well qualified and experienced British teachers.

As the only Round Square school in the City and one of the very few in Thailand we are unique in being part of a global network of schools that supports and promotes a values-based approach to education.”

Peter Hogan stresses that academic excellence is the priority but not the only goal. “We believe in aiming

Berkeley International School’s Headmaster Lisa Johnson

higher, going above and beyond academic achievement.

Our Round Square activities develop adaptability, intercultural literacy, empathy and teaming skills. These are qualities central for success in later life. We encourage experiential learning opportunities alongside international collaboration.”

Regent developments include a new teaching block, and highly successful partnerships with Yamaha Music School and Chelsea Football Club Soccer School.

Seal of approval Christopher Seal is the new Headmaster at Shrewsbury International School and he responded by first paying tribute to his predecessor Stephen Holroyd.

He adds, “Over a decade of outstanding work under Stephen Holroyd has provided this institution with a wealth of experience, embodied in an extraordinary college of teachers, whose focus on teaching and learning ensures that all pupils are able to find and fulfil their potential.

Whilst the choice of schools in Thailand continues to increase so, too, do our own student numbers.

Regent’s School Bangkok Principal Peter Hogan 12

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“We now have more students (and applications) than ever before, underlining the reputation and trust we have built over time, and the confidence families have in us to

COVER STORY

provide the very best education for their children. The specialist guidance of our higher education team means that Shrewsbury graduates are able to progress to the very best universities and colleges around the world.”

Q: Is there a danger of oversupply in Thailand – and are you confident that your establishment continues to maintain a competitive edge?

Berkeley’s Lisa Johnson says, “There is definitely a point where the market in Bangkok could be saturated. However, competition has a positive effect on school quality.

With so many new international schools, each institution must refine their instructional practices, monitor customer service and maintain first-rate facilities in order to attract and retain new students. At Berkeley, we are continually examining our instructional strategies to stay well-versed in best practices.

“We also have capped our student body at two sections per grade to ensure that students and parents have a very intimate, family-like experience. Even though we are full in many grade levels, we are still initiating capital improvement projects that will create a positive school environment. Our Phase 2 sports and theatre facilities would typically serve a student body twice as large as our base.

Parents and students are afforded the best of both worlds - top tier facilities with a small school environment where each child is made to feel special.”

Brett Penny at NIST says that despite the high number of private schools, demand still surpasses the rate of growth and will likely continue for the near future. “Schools often tend to focus on very different demographics in their recruitment, limiting the impact of market saturation.

However, we believe complacency is always a danger within international education which drives us to continually seek out ways to grow and evolve as a learning community.”

At Harrow, Head Mick Farley has a different view. “I think there is a danger of oversupply. There’s a large number of English medium, British curriculum or international schools opening. That said, they seem to be experiencing success in recruiting students so perhaps there is still a space in the market. Schools that have opened in recent years have generally experienced slow growth so that might be an indicator that the market is reaching saturation.

NIST Head of School Brett Penny

ment to make sure that they are at the cutting edge in terms of current best practice in education.”

Q: Baccalaureate vs. A levels. The debate continues.

Please summarise the benefits of your school’s syllabus.

Competitive edge

Peter Hogan at Regent’s Bangkok states, “Graduates of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme have a higher university and college acceptance rates than A level applicants and have increased opportunities of being granted scholarships and grant opportunities.

Research also shows that, after taking the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme , students complete college faster than their A level peers, they feel more prepared for university level coursework and are better able to cope with demanding workloads and time-management challenges.

“To maintain a competitive edge our focus is upon ensuring high standards,” adds Mick Farley. “Our teachers are recruited through a very rigorous process, meaning that when they are appointed we are confident that they are of top quality. We invest heavily in professional develop-

“These are tangible benefits in the transition from school to Higher Education,” adds Peter Hogan. “However, there are also long term intellectual and academic rewards. The IB is designed to encourage young people to think independently, to drive their own learning and become more

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Congratulations...

To our superheroes, cowgirls, artists and footballers who make up our Class of 2017, on their IB Results 100% pass rate from a cohort of 114 students (We are not academically selective)

22% achieved 40 points or more out of 45 They achieved an average score of 35 points (The World Average is 30 points)

We wish you all the best as you spread across the globe, to attend top universities and take advantage of the many post-secondary options your excellent results have opened for you. admissions@patana.ac.th www.patana.ac.th Tel: 02 785 2200

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Bangkok Patana is a not-for-profit IB world school accredited by CIS and NEASC

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COVER STORY culturally aware through the development of a second language.”

The Sixth Form at Shrewsbury School provides a consistently valuable passport to tertiary education, according to new Headmaster Christopher Seal. “Universities in the US and the UK value our diligent approach and the currency of A levels remains strong. There are many benefits to IB and we understand pupils and schools wishing to travel that route. We remain sure that the A level benefits our pupils in pedagogical terms. Qualifications are important, but not the whole story by any means.

Academic challenge “The Sixth Form at Shrewsbury combines a unique blend of academic challenge and support with thoughtful social, emotional and physical development, he adds. “The Advanced Level programme allows students to focus on their areas of interest and passion and to develop a deep and broad understanding of their chosen subjects. Our compulsory, bespoke ‘Reading the World’ programme challenges students to think critically, read and debate with real understanding and write to an undergraduate level. That our students achieve world leading academic results and graduate progress to the very best Universities and Colleges in the US, UK and around the world speaks for itself.”

IB is the curriculum of choice at Bangkok Patana. “As a school we believe in the rigorous education this provides not only academically but also personally. The community aspect of the IB programme assists us in creating true global citizens and empathetic leaders of the future,” explains Matthew Mills.

Brighton College Headmaster David Tongue

At Brighton College, students take A levels under the watchful eye of Headmaster David Tongue. “We believe that all children are individuals with a unique combination of passions, interests, ambitions and aspirations.

Young people who truly excel across a wide spectrum of subjects tend to thrive when working towards the IB. These young people will also thrive at A-level along with the majority of bright young people who show a strong propensity towards a particular area of the curriculum.

This is why Brighton College sixth formers study A levels, augmented by the widest possible range of co-curricular opportunities,” he says.

Q: To what degree is the private education sector continuing to benefit from Thailand’s poorly funded state system?

“Regent’s Bangkok is chosen by parents in Thailand because we offer a British education in English which, in turn offers a global choice of university destinations and thereafter a massive range of career choices,” explains Peter Hogan. “The Thai state system offers a different cur16

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Christopher Seal is the new Headmaster at Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok

COVER STORY riculum, approach and pathway. Regent’s is committed to supporting Thai education and teachers where possible and this includes assisting in teaching training and inviting local teachers into school to work alongside their international colleagues.”

Thailand investment Brett Penny at NIST says that Thailand invests far more in education as a portion of its GDP than most other Asian countries. “The challenge it faces lies in the effective allocation of those funds to develop methods, training and resources that will directly improve teaching and learning,” explains Brett.

“In this respect, private schools outpace the state system due to their more limited scope, ability to adapt to our changing understanding of learning and access to resources. Frankly, it should not be this way, and we feel that it is not a zero-sum game. International schools have an obligation to work toward the improvement of education as a whole within Thailand and to do so in a way that extends beyond simple charity.”

NIST is supporting the Baan Donraed Early Childhood Development Project with teachers and staff providing essential support and training and aiding the development

Charter International School

of effective practices. “Our hope is that grassroots projects such as these will help schools in need generate change at the strongest point of impact,” adds Brett Penny.

Harrow’s Mick Farley observes, “I am not sure that there is a lack of funding in the Thai education system. If you look at information regarding state funding of education in the ASEAN countries the Thai government’s track record is strong. I think the problem in the Thai system is quality assurance, not funding.”

Q: What are the most popular destinations for pupils seeking to study degree courses overseas – and does your school have links with specific universities in the United Kingdom?

Brighton College Head David Tongue says, “We have developed one of the most successful Oxbridge preparation programmes of any independent school, replicated across our international schools with considerable success. We have strong links with admissions tutors in the most renowned Russell Group universities as well as leading universities across the globe. Admissions tutors regularly tell us that they know that applicants from any Brighton College will be high achieving, confident, ambitious and comfortable in their own skin.”

At Shrewsbury the vast majority of our graduates choose to

Further information available from www.charter.ac.th Call on 0-2726-8283 or email admissions@charter.ac.th for a visit

Charter International School is well positioned in Chaloem Phrakiat Road in Prawet.

14 years experience of providing International Education to children of expat and local families from Nursery to Graduation.

Fully accredited by CIS, WASC and ONESQA, and Cambridge Examinations Centre offering IGCSE and A Level.

Extensive grounds and facilities for academics, sports and arts.

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COVER STORY progress to higher education immediately after their A level year,” explains Christopher Seal. “Typically, around 50 percent of our students enter UK universities; 30-40 percent move to US universities, and the remainder head to institutions in Thailand and the rest of the world. Our Higher Education team includes several full time staff with specialist knowledge and links to UK, US and Thai institutions. They provide unparalleled support to our students, both in terms of expertise and knowledge of the institutions and the oneto-one support they receive throughout the Senior School.”

to University of London International Programmes.

Students in Thailand are able to access highly regarded courses in Economics, Management, Finance and the Social Sciences for which academic direction is provided by the London School of Economics and Political Science.”

This year Shrewsbury will welcome visits from representatives of over 200 universities, keen to meet to students and parents, including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, LSE, Bath, Bristol, and Imperial College London.

At NIST the tendency is for pupils to move to universities in the US and Canada with only 25 percent selecting an institution in the United Kingdom.

Mick Farley says that two thirds of Harrow pupils are taking up taking up places at top UK universities, with 25 percent going to North America – including Ivy League and Canadian universities. “Some head to Australia, particularly medics, and we have a growing interest in Asian universities.

The University of Hong Kong has a very strong profile and we sent two students this year to WASEDA in Tokyo.” He added that universities in Malaysia and Thailand are also becoming more attractive to pupils leaving Harrow.

Regent’s School Bangkok claims a unique link with the University of London. Peter Hogan explains, “Regent’s International College provides local teaching support

Berkeley employs a college counsellor adept at guiding and assisting students with college preparation, application and selection. “Our students attend college primarily in the United States and Europe,” says Lisa Johnson.

“The remainder typically matriculate to institutions across Europe and Australasia. NIST most often partners with universities for specific initiatives such as the piloting of Harvard Business School’s CORe programme for high school students, and for teacher training - including on-site master’s programmes through the University at Buffalo (SUNY) and the College of New Jersey,” explains Brett Penny.

At Bangkok Patana, UK universities remain top of the popularity charts. “Most of our students go to study at top universities in the UK with the US coming in second place as a choice destination. Our students have been also been able to attend niche programmes in Europe, Australia and Japan,” says Headmaster Matthew Mills.

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Photo courtesy of British International School Phuket

Tips and tricks for finding the right school

By Carolyn Savage

A

ccording to recent data from ISC Research there are currently over 8,700 Englishmedium international schools worldwide, serving close to five million students.

British private schools operate 59 satellite campuses overseas - 13 more than last year - and the number of students being educated in these campuses has risen from 27,619 to 31,773 over the past 12 months. With soaring demand, this level of growth is unlikely to change any time soon.

This expansion, although extremely exciting, does present parents with a plethora of choices, which can at times seem overwhelming. Having 20

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grown up as an expat and spent most of my working life moving around the globe as an international school teacher, I’ve learned that keeping things simple and focusing on what you want is essential! So before you go online and find yourself hurtling into the inevitable vortex of google searches and expat sites, it’s worth taking a moment to pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for.

continuity if your child is moving to or from the UK.

Preferred curriculum

There are, however, a number of other excellent curricula taught in schools around the world, including the increasingly popular International Baccalaureate. A quick browse through Winter’s School Finder, a UK-based company working with parents and schools across the globe, will lead to several insightful articles on this topic.

Choosing the curriculum you want is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The UK curriculum is extremely popular in Thailand (and throughout the world) and is widely available. Choosing this curriculum will, in the majority of cases, ensure

Winter’s was launched in 2016 to address the growing frustration and confusion felt by parents as they searched for schools and gives parents the opportunity, free of charge, to research their move in one place, creating a list of favourite schools

and then contacting them directly.

The extensive Articles Section is organised into four areas: Essential Information, Choosing a School, International Education and Winter’s Schools’ Q&A’s.

Switching from one curriculum to another can be a difficult thing to do, and is usually easier when children are younger or changing key stages.

Day or boarding There are many pros and cons to day and boarding schools and, ultimately, this boils down to personal choice.

Which type of schooling do you think will suit your child best? For some, the strength of community, weekend opportunities, independence and structure offered within a boarding school can promote high levels of confidence, wellbeing and academic achievement, whereas others may feel isolated and lost without the daily connection to family members. Weekly or flexi boarding can offer an excellent compromise if you and your child are in disagreement about boarding.

The choice of boarding school is growing all the time, with traditional and state boarding schools in the UK now competing with high quality establishments overseas, such as Harrow International School, Bangkok and Bromsgrove International School, Bangkok.

Location Depending on the age of your child and the type of schooling you choose, the geographical focus of your search can vary immensely. For younger children attending day school, you will usually be able to narrow down your location to within a few miles of where you choose to live. If you already know the curriculum you are looking for, your search will already be quite focused and you will not have too many schools to visit. But for older children, the options begin to open up. It’s very important to research traffic during school runs, as this can have a strong influence on your choice - especially in large cities such as Bangkok. Sometimes a school may appear very close, but journey times could still be well over an hour.

Co-education or single sex Like day or boarding, the choice between co-education and single sex will depend on the personality of your child; what suits one will not always suit another. Be aware, though, that if you are looking for a single sex school your options will be more limited in most parts of the world than in the UK. Looking ahead, it’s always important to consider any possible implications for your child’s ability to secure a place at a good university, whether in the

UK or other countries. The good news is that UK universities now readily accept the IB, so if you happen to choose a school offering the IB it won’t damage your child’s university choices.

Quick tips • Ask the school for details of accreditations • Always try to find the name of the person you’d like to speak to before contacting a school • Have a list of questions ready when you visit a school • Try to assess the general atmosphere during a school visit - is it positive and fun?

• Explore the Winter’s Q&A’s - these will answer some of your questions and also give you a much better idea of what to investigate before making your final choice • Read some parent stories so you have an idea of what to expect • Find out about school run journey times in advance Questions to ask • What are the transport options and costs?

• What are the snack and lunch facilities?

• What extra-curricular activities are on offer? Is there an extra fee payable for any of these?

• What is the homework policy?

• What medical facilities does the school have on site?

• Does the school offer residential trips?

The list of questions you could ask is endless. As I mentioned earlier, the key is to keep it simple. If you require anything in particular, or if your child has special needs, dietary requirements, particular hobbies and interests, then be sure to ask about these when you visit the school.

Starting at a new school is an exciting time, full of hope and opportunity.

Enjoy the process and offer lots of encouragement while your child settles in - it will always take several months before they feel truly comfortable.

Photo courtesy of Shrewsbury International School Bangkok

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Carolyn Savage is Head of Education at Winter’s School Finder.

E-mail: cs@wintersschoolfinder.com

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Please contact Ms Ilka Hodapp for a school tour by calling on 02 675 1888 ext. 1110 or email to admissions@shrewsbury.ac.th Follow the Shrewsbury success story @SHBriverside

www.shrewsbury.ac.th

A fast-developing Myanmar lures repat families back to their homeland I n 2010, investors travelling to Myanmar were a somewhat adventurous sort, braving disorganization and poorly-developed infrastructure to stake their claims in Asia’s newest democracy.

coming close to death from an illness she contracted from street food.

Seven years later, Myanmar is beginning to attract a different sort of pioneer: Its own people.

Things seem safer now, she said, and generally improved. Although Myanmar has a good deal of progress to make, families like Khine’s can escape the noise and bustle of the city within new, modern housing complexes and schools such as Dulwich College Yangon—which Khine described as sort of an oasis within Myanmar’s developing education system.

“I had wanted Grace to visit a lot earlier, but she was too young. I didn’t have the guts to bring her,” Khine explained.

A growing population of “repats”—i.e. natives who left during the pre-democratic period either on their own or as children—are returning to their homeland.

Following Myanmar’s first election in 2010, many Myanmar people established abroad, often with promising careers and families of their own, were reluctant to leave countries with quality schools and healthcare in favour of the spotty internet and almost daily blackouts of Yangon.

After seven years of development, the trend seems to be reversing.

“The growth of the local economy is fuelling a great demand for a qualified workforce with relevant professional expertise and the requisite language skills,” said Daryl Orchard, Headmaster of Dulwich College Yangon, an international K-12 school founded last year by England’s Dulwich College.

Orchard continued: “We are starting to see an increase in the number of applications from repats returning to the country from overseas, especially from the UK and Singapore.”

It is difficult to measure the exact number of returning Myanmar natives, some of whom became (or were born as) citizens of other nations. Others managed to maintain an official residency in Myanmar by visiting once or twice each year.

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Parents talk with staff on the first day of Dulwich College Yangon

Their growing numbers, however, are evident in both the numbers of repat children enrolling in Yangon schools, and also the repat consultants, managers and directors entering international corporations, Orchard said.

Jessica Khine, a parent at Dulwich College Yangon, left Myanmar with her family when she was a small child, and growing up, Khine returned only briefly, to attend high school in Yangon. Last month, she accepted a job with a new housing development in Yangon, and this time she brought along her husband and 13-year-old daughter, Grace.

“Grace was born in the UK, she had a Myanmar mother and a father from Bali, and I wanted her to explore her Burmese side,” Khine explained.

Khine said some things have not changed since her high school days, including the inherent kindness of Myanmar people and their deeplyrooted Buddhist faith.

Other memories were less pleasant: From her teenage years, Khine recalls

“The facilities are world class. I wouldn’t have Grace attend anywhere else,” Khine said.

Orchard believes these stories are becoming the rule, not the exception.

Dulwich College and its local partner, YOMA strategic holdings, have invested an initial US$30 million in two new campuses at the quiet edges of Yangon, with an additional US$70 million planned as the school expands its resources and programs over the coming years. He sees this provision as the reason many parents are now deciding to return to the country, with their children’s best interests at heart.

“Myanmar people want to return, but they want the same lifestyle, and education, they enjoy in Singapore, Australia or the UK,” said Orchard. “we are making the decision easier for repats, by offering a standard of education that compares with the best in Bangkok and elsewhere in the world” “I would love more people to come and get to know Burma,” Khine said.

“I think it’s a happening country. It’s a happening place.”

From founding the College in London in 1619 To opening new campuses in Myanmar in August 2017 A new era of education in Myanmar.

Dulwich College Yangon has launched purpose-built, state-of-the-art campuses in two greenfield locations in Yangon, the commerial capital of Myanmar. The two campuses feature world-class facilities that rival the best international schools worldwide, and represent a first for Myanmar. The schools are now accepting applications for students from age 2 to 18 for both campuses.

To find out more please visit www.dulwich-yangon.com.mm or contact the admissions team on (+95) 09 966 423015 or admissions@dulwich-yangon.com.mm. One College, Many Campuses.

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Former Wellington College Head backs new campus in Thailand B

CCT Vice Chairman Chris Thatcher met Sir Anthony Seldon, former Headmaster of Wellington College during his recent visit to Thailand. Sir Anthony, knighted in 2014 for services to education, is a noted historian of 10 Downing Street and a political biographer with publications covering former UK prime ministers Major, Blair, Brown and Cameron.

He was visiting Thailand to promote Wellington College International Bangkok, scheduled to open its doors to pupils for the first time in August 2018.

“Sir Anthony Seldon is a marvel of productivity and manages to accomplish so much with a smile on his face,” observed Chris Thatcher.

A highlight of Sir Anthony’s distinguished career was his successful tenure as Headmaster of Wellington College in Berkshire from 2006 to 2015. Under his guidance the famous public school underwent a dramatic transformation, shooting up the league tables for A-level results; going fully co-ed and almost doubling the student population.

“Wellington College is a memorial to the first Duke of Wellington, Britain’s greatest ever military leader who served two terms as Prime Minister, and it was a privilege to meet one of the school’s greatest-ever headmasters,” added Chris.

According to Sir Anthony, Wellington College is the ‘most royal school in Britain’. Founded by Queen Victo-

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Sir Anthony Seldon (centre) pictured with BCCT Vice Chairman Chris Thatcher and Jina Phenix, BCCT Business Development Manager

ria and her husband Prince Albert, who as the first president oversaw the construction, the British royal family has continued to maintain close ties with the school with Queen Elizabeth II holding the title of ‘Official Visitor of the School’ and her cousin The Duke of Kent currently serving as Wellington College President. Alumni include Formula 1 motor racing champion James Hunt, actor Christopher Lee, comedian Rory Bremner and singer Will Young.

When asked what sets Wellington College apart from other schools Sir Anthony was effusive in his praise, stating that ‘no school combines academic, sporting and cultural excellence like Wellington’. The College also enjoys an extraordinary location, set amongst 400 acres of English countryside in Crowthorne, not far from Windsor Palace.

Sir Anthony paid tribute to his successor Julian Thomas, whom he described as a brilliant headmaster with enormous energy, commitment and

excitement to the role in coming up with the current Wellington identity (Inspired, Intellectual, Independent, Individual, Inclusive). This, said Sir Anthony, was ‘incredibly appropriate for schools in the 21st century’.

As Vice Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, Sir Anthony was proud to share that they were ranked

first in Britain in quality of teaching and consistently ranked at the top for student experience.

Sir Anthony’s duties in Thailand may soon extend beyond his enthusiastic support for the new Wellington College campus as he is keen to establish a partnership teacher training programme between Buckingham University and a Thai institution.

Sir Anthony maintains a longstanding interest in well-being and happiness, practicing meditation and yoga every day. He shared 10 approaches for finding happiness and dealing with pain and hardship, which spell out GREAT DREAM: Giving, Relating (to others), Exercise, Appreciating, Trying (new things), Direction, Resilience, Empathy, Awareness, and Meaning (finding it in your life).

Chris Thatcher is Vice Chairman of the BCCT and a former Headmaster in the United Kingdom.

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Advertorial

A New Era Begins for International Schools in Thailand C

hoosing an international school for your child may not be as simple as it used to be. With the number of international schools growing each year, parents have more choices for their child’s education. There are many factors that come to mind when choosing a school. In most cases, a high academic standard is a minimum requirement for parents. Getting good grades in early school years would certainly pave a way towards a higher education, better universities and more promising career paths. Other factors that come into play may include the facilities, campus, location, and school fees.

But despite all the differences that each school has to offer, ultimately, all parents want the same thing for their child.

They all want them to grow up in a safe, healthy and happy environment, a place for them to find their passions and learn to cope with the influences that they may face as adults.

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They look for a school that shapes the child into somebody who can take on this wonderful world that we know and love, or even change it for the better.

Adding on to the ever-growing list of schools in Thailand, another international school has recently opened. However, this one is a little different from the rest…

As of September 2017, the first branch of Rugby School, one of the oldest and most prestigious co-educational private schools in Britain, is open on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard in Chonburi.

Although an English language curriculum school, Rugby School Thailand is not just another international school. Instead, the School operates as a British private school, as to its sister-school in England. Rugby’s ethos is ‘the whole per-

son, the whole point’, which aims not only to push pupils to their academic potential but also develop characteristics that is composed of moral values, compassion, confidence, and a sense of responsibility. Rugby School Thailand recognises the importance of education outside, as well as within the classroom: mind, body and spirit are all connected.

To achieve this philosophy, Rugby School Thailand offers the ‘enhanced school day’ system that concludes school days at 5:50 pm. Typically, in international schools, pupils finish their classes at 3 pm, after which some will attend extra-curricular activities, some will go home, while others go to further tutoring outside the school. Rugby’s longer, ‘enhanced’ school day allows more time for teaching, learning and even playing. Pupils participate in daily sport as part of the curriculum; they enjoy music, art and drama in addition to a vast array of activities.

The School’s 80-acre campus is lush with greenery and space that is a perfect supplement to our enhanced day program.

Their facilities include indoor sports halls, lakes for water sports, a golf course, tennis courts and of course, lots of pitches for football and rugby.

The school is now open from Pre-Nursery up to Year 6. And in September 2018, the school will open from Year 7 to Year 13, offering the IGCSE and A-Level qualifications. Boarding will also be available next year for Year 3 and above with three boarding options: day, weekly, and full boarding.

Please visit www.rugbyschoolthailand.com for more details.

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News from the IPR SME Help Desk

Handling trade secrets in south east Asia T rade secrets are a highly valuable form of intellectual property that nearly all businesses in all industries and sectors possess. However, they are frequently overlooked by businesses, partly because there is confusion about what actually constitutes a trade secret.

So what is a trade secret?

head. As it is not always practical or possible to keep trade secrets locked away, keeping them safe usually involves using a combination of physical, technical, and contractual barriers. Although some businesses go to great lengths to protect their trade secrets, any business can and should take simple, sensible precautions, keeping in mind the three forms of barrier that can be used in South-East Asia:

According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), any confidential business information that is of considerable commercial value to businesses and that provides an enterprise with a competitive edge may be considered a trade secret. In practice, this could be:

• Physical barriers may include simply marking documents ‘CONFIDENTIAL’, keeping sensitive documents in a safe, undisclosed location, and locking files away after business hours. In addition, access to areas where sensitive business documents are stored should be restricted to certain employees. SMEs should limit access and copying rights to the personnel who actually need it. All visitors should be logged, required to sign a non-disclosure agreement before being granted access to sensitive areas of company’s premises, and should not be left unattended

• • • • • • •

sales methods distribution methods consumer profiles advertising plans pricing strategies lists of suppliers and clients manufacturing processes

In other words, more often than not trade secrets are the ‘know-how’ that a business builds up over time.

Typically, the longer the SME is in business the more valuable its trade secrets will become, and the more its business grows the more its competitors will seek to discover this valuable working knowledge. Therefore, it is increasingly important to take steps to protect trade secrets.

Unlike some other forms of IP rights, such as patents and copyrights that have a finite term, trade secrets can theoretically enjoy an infinite term of protection, so long as the trade secret remains just that - a secret.

Furthermore, to be enforceable by law in South-East Asia it is generally required that as well as not being known to the public and providing economic benefits to the holder, the secret should be subjected to reasonable efforts to protect it and there should be evidence of these efforts.

Trade secrets are not always in tangible form, they may be stored in printed documents, CDs or DVDs, computer files and hard drives, USB drives, or even in your 30

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• Technical barriers address the use of information technology (IT). Consulting an IT security specialist can help companies to design a cost-effective IT security system. However, even simple, inexpensive means of IT security measures can be used such as employing the proper use of passwords, commercially available encryption, and logging features. In addition, it is important to have a written technology policy in place and to ensure that your employees abide by it. For example, as it is extremely easy for employees to email sensitive documents to third parties or to transfer files using USB drives or CD/DVDs, SMEs might want to consider restricting the ability of their employees to use USB drives and burn CD/DVDs. Employees should be given a copy of company’s technology policy written in both English and the local language (possibly as an appendix to their employment contract) and be required to sign an agreement stating they received and understand the policy • Contractual barriers generally involve the use of nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements. In fact, such agreements are generally considered as one of the best ways to protect trade secrets. SMEs should require every existing employee and all new employees to sign an employment contract with non-disclosure or con-

“

Regent’s provided me with a high quality educational experience and opportunities allowing me to be well equipped for university and beyond Mint, Class of 2017 graduate (IB Diploma score: 42 out of 45)

”

Well-rounded leaders for the future

Our school provides a dynamic, high quality learning environment where talented staff bring out the best in every child.

2

Looking for a brighter and better future for your child?

Regent’s is a day and boarding school for 2 to 18 years old and through excellent teaching and pastoral care we bring out the best in every student.

The school offers an enhanced British Curriculum from Early Years, through Primary to IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Diploma in the final years is the best preparation for University admission.

Our co-curricular programme enriches the learning experience for every student and helps guide them to become well-rounded, informed, responsible and confident global citizens.

School Characteristics • Devoted and QTS certified teaching staff • Small class sizes • Excellent Facilities (Music school, drama studio, art department) • Intercultural, international and national understanding • Student welfare support

The Regent’s International School Bangkok The Link Issue 3/2017 31 Tel. +66 (0) 2 957 5777 ext. 202, 222, Mobile: +66 (0) 92 362 8888 | admissions-bkk@regents.ac.th | www.regents.ac.th

News from the IPR SME Help Desk

fidentiality provisions. This should be in both English and the local language to prevent an employee from claiming that he or she did not understand the confidentiality obligations. Such agreements should also be entered into with suppliers, subcontractors, and business partners who are given any level of access to company’s trade secrets

in advance of making use of their confidential business information in South-East Asia.

Trade secrets are protected by laws in many South-East Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia for example. All of these countries have specific requirements for trade secret protection by law, which normally include that:

As mentioned above, European SMEs should consider recording their basic trade secret information with the DIP in Thailand for additional protection. This registration is important because in case of trade secret violation, Thai authorities may request the proof of trade secret recordal in order to initiate legal proceedings.

1. The information is confidential (i.e. non-public) 2. It has real or potential economic value 3. Necessary measures have been taken to protect its secrecy In Thailand trade secrets should be recorded with the Thai Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) in order to be fully enforceable. Only basic information is required for this recordal, and efficient recording strategies can be set up without actually disclosing essential contents of the trade secret.

SMEs should make sure to document the trade secrets protection measures they take. It is also essential to maintain sufficient records of the flow of information in and out of the company, including keeping records of meetings, discussions, emails, written correspondence, and the transfer of electronic files so that a company can conduct an investigation and have evidence in case it suspect that its trade secrets have been misappropriated. In many South-East Asian countries like Indonesia and Thailand, for example, it is necessary to prove that the secret has been taken by the suspected party.

This, however, can be difficult as the litigation procedure in may South-East Asian countries like Indonesia is not equipped with sufficient discovery mechanisms to uncover the relevant evidence.

Companies can assist the courts by having their own security monitoring in place, including CCTV recording and recorded entry/exit data of rooms where physical documents are held, as well as electronic monitoring of file access and copying etc. Companies can also engage local investigators, however this approach should me made with caution as in some South-East Asian countries like Indonesian, law accords individuals’ strict privacy rights and infringers could complain that their own rights have been infringed, potentially weakening any case against them.

It should be kept in mind that unlike other forms of intellectual property there is usually very little a business can do once a trade secret has been disclosed. Therefore, it is vital that SMEs take preventative measures 32

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Trade secrets in Thailand: What you need to know

In relation to the pharmaceutical sector, Thai law does not yet grant data ‘exclusivity’, which would guarantee additional market protection for originator pharmaceutical companies (i.e. companies that have discovered and developed pharmaceuticals). Health authorities or generic drug applicants in Thailand are not prohibited from referring to originator pharmaceutical companies’ data to approve generic versions of the originator’s product; current measures aim only to protect the “physical disclosure” of confidential information.

Agreements between parties, such as employment agreements or confidentiality agreements, concerning trade secrets are very important in Thailand. It is therefore important for these agreements to be complete and concise.

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/.

Gateway to the World Regents International School Pattaya is an international school in the true sense – offering our culturally diverse students the highest quality learning experience, providing a gateway to the best universities in the world.

As part of the family of 46 Nord Anglia schools located around the world, we provide a unique learning opportunity for our students, including collaborations with The Juillard School, a world leader in performing arts education, and the prestigious Massachusetts’s Institute of Technology (MIT). We encourage our students to be ambitious in their learning and believe there is no limit to what your child can achieve. We would love you to experience it for yourself.

Visit our website to book a tour or call +66 (0) 93 135 7736.

Find out more – www.regents-pattaya.co.th Did you know? We provide a free shuttle bus service to and from Bangkok for our Boarding students.

Where there’s a will, there’s….certainty

By Stephen Frost

W

hy make a will? The reasons are similar to those that apply in other countries: to avoid the intestacy rules, to make gifts to those who are not close relatives, to reduce taxes arising, to appoint guardians for children (e.g. where the testator’s partner has already pre-deceased and other reasons).

In this article we consider the law regarding making a will in Thailand, the intestacy rules and the procedure for applying for a grant of probate.

Differences between Thai law and other legal systems Differences that may distinguish Thai law regarding wills and probate from that of other countries, include the following: • Estate held on trust: Thai law does not have the notion of a trust. Thus when a person deceases, his assets are notionally owned at once by his/her beneficiaries under the will, or where there is no will, by his/her heirs under the rules of intestacy. The executors are, in effect, the agents of the beneficiaries and have an obligation to transfer the assets to them, and such right is enforceable by the beneficiaries.

But the bequest is not perfected until e.g. a transfer of property is registered at the Land Department, or regarding a transfer of shares, until the transfer is registered in the Share Register of the company • Inheritance tax: Thailand put in place inheritance tax and a revised gift tax with effect from February 2016. In addition to inheritance tax, upon the transfer of certain 34

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assets, for example, immoveable property or shares, then Land Department fees or stamp duty or other taxes may arise

ant or defendant, and whether or not proceedings have been issued, then in many cases, the cause of action would automatically cease

• Application for a grant of probate: An application to the court by the executors, or by administrators in the case of intestacy, always has to be made to obtain a grant of probate to administer the estate. They have to physically present themselves to the court to be approved as executors. Where the deceased has made a will, although the court may accept it as being validly made, it may require written evidence that the statutory heirs have waived their right to claim from the estate, if they are not beneficiaries under the will

• Same sex relationships: Thai law has no notion of same-sex civil partnerships or same-sex marriage. Where the deceased had a valid same-sex civil partnership or same-sex marriage, registered outside Thailand, then the question whether Thai law and the Thai courts would recognise such relationship, in a case of testate or intestate succession, is controversial. In the case of the deceased leaving a valid will, it is suggested that the provisions of the will would be applied by the Thai courts. In the case of intestate succession, it is tentatively suggested that the Thai courts would approach the matter as one of partnership, and would apply the principles of partnership law to the devolution of the estate

• Family provision claims: Under English law and the laws of other countries, it is possible for certain categories of person to bring a claim for family provision against the estate, on the grounds that they have been partially or totally disinherited under the will or applicable intestacy rules. Thai law has no such notion. Subject to challenges that may be brought concerning the testator’s mental capacity at the time of making the will, the observance of formalities, or the due execution of the will, the terms of the will prevail, and no person has a right to claim family provision from the estate • Limitation periods for civil actions: The Civil and Commercial Code has very detailed rules regarding the period of limitation for bringing civil claims e.g. for debt or otherwise. Upon the death of a natural person, whether claim-

Wills – general provisions The rules relating to wills are complex in that some may be made in writing, signed by the testator and duly witnessed in order to be enforceable, and in some cases, an oral will may be valid. Generally, a will must be made in writing, dated at the time it is made, and signed by the testator before at least two witnesses present at the same time, who there and then sign their names certifying the signature of the testator. No erasure, addition or other alteration to a will is valid unless made in the same form.

A later will prevails over an earlier will. The writer of the will, or a witness, cannot be a beneficiary under

such will. This also applies to the spouse of the writer or a witness.

This article does not discuss the rules relating to holograph wills, wills made and registered at the Amphur, secret wills, or oral wills.

Ineligible witnesses The following may not be witnesses to a will: a person not of legal majority, a person of unsound mind or adjudged quasi-incompetent; and a person who is deaf, dumb or blind.

Writer of the will must sign his name Where a person other than the testator writes the will, such person must sign his name and add a statement that he is the writer. If he/she is also a witness, a statement that he is a witness must be written after his signature.

Making wills that only apply to Thailand There is no objection to making a will that is specified to apply only to assets in Thailand. Indeed this may make winding up the estate in Thailand easier.

person dies without having made a will, or has made a will but it has no effect, or where a person has made a will which disposes of, or affects, part only of his estate, regarding the undisposed or unaffected part.

Where the deceased leaves a surviving spouse If the deceased was legally married, then the distribution of the share in the property of husband and wife, will be in accordance with the principles of divorce (this broadly means that the surviving spouse takes 50 percent of marital property owned by the deceased and retains his/her own 50 percent. Note that gifted property or inherited property is excluded from the definition of ‘marital property’).

Statutory heirs After satisfaction of the spouse’s share, division of the estate between the statutory heirs in the following order:

Intestacy rules

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

descendants parents brothers and sisters of full blood brothers and sisters of half blood grandparents uncles and aunts

A person’s estate will be distributed amongst his statutory heirs where a

So long as there is an heir surviving or represented in a class above, an

heir in a lower class has no right to the estate.

It can therefore be seen that e.g. where the deceased died intestate leaving a spouse but no children, but with surviving parents, the estate would go 50% to the spouse and 50 percent to the parents. To avoid this, a will would have to be made.

Illegitimate and adopted children An illegitimate child who has been legitimated by his father, and an adopted child, are deemed to be descendants in the same way as legitimate children.

Where spouses are separated but not divorced Spouses who are living apart due to desertion or separation, do not lose the statutory right of inheritance to one another, as long as they are not legally divorced.

Lapse of a testamentary disposition A testamentary disposition lapses: • if the beneficiary predeceases the testator • if the disposition is to take effect subject to a condition being fulfilled and the beneficiary dies be-

fore its fulfillment, or it is clear that the condition cannot be fulfilled • if the beneficiary refuses the legacy • if the whole property bequeathed is, without the intention of the testator, lost or destroyed during his lifetime, and the testator has not acquired substitute property or a claim for damages for the loss of such property If a will or clause regarding any property has no effect for any reason whatsoever, such property devolves on the statutory heirs or the Government of Thailand.

Capacity to make a will A will made by a person aged less than 15 years or a person adjudged incompetent, is void. A will made by a person, who is alleged to be of unsound mind but not adjudged incompetent, may be annulled if it is proved that at the time of making the will the testator was actually of unsound mind.

Where a will is void A will or clause in a will is void if it is made contrary to the provisions or formalities above. A testamentary disposition is void if: • it appoints a beneficiary with a condition that the latter shall dispose also by will of his own property in favour of the testator or a third party • it refers to a person whose identity cannot be ascertained; but a legacy may be made in favour of a person to be chosen by a person from several others or from a group of persons specified by the testator • the property bequeathed is so insufficiently described that it cannot be ascertained, or the amount of a legacy is left to the discretion of a person and if it appoints a beneficiary on condition that the latter shall dispose of the property bequeathed in favour of a third party, the condition shall be deemed non-existent Duress, mistake or fraud There are special rules relating to duress, mistake or fraud in relation to wills 36

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Executors An executor may be appointed by the testator, or by a person nominated for this purpose in the will. One or more persons may be executors. An executor must not be a minor, a person of unsound mind or adjudged quasi-incompetent; or a bankrupt.

The executor has the right and duty to do all such acts as may be necessary for complying with the express or implied provision in the will and for the general administration or distribution of the estate.

Administrators Where there is no will, an heir, an interested person, or the Public Prosecutor, may apply to the Court to appoint an administrator of the estate in certain circumstances.

Liabilities of an executor Generally speaking, an executor has similar duties those of an agent under the law of agency. An executor: • is not entitled to receive remuneration from the estate, unless permitted by the will, or by a majority of the heirs • may not, unless permitted by the will or by the Court, enter into any juristic act where he has an interest adverse to the interests of the estate • must act personally, unless he can act by an agent under the will, or by order of the court, or as the circumstances require, for the benefit of the estate Position of the heirs The heirs are bound to third parties by acts which an executor has done within the scope of his authority as executor. They are not bound by acts by the executor with a third party, if it was entered into for consideration of any property or other advantage given for his personal benefit, or such was promised to him by that person, unless the heirs consent.

Notifying interested parties An executor must take steps to seek out interested parties and notify them

within a reasonable time, of testamentary dispositions concerning them.

Inventory of estate The executor must commence making an inventory of an estate within 15 days from the testator’s death, the date that administration commences, or the date when he accepts executorship. The executor must complete the inventory within one month after that subject to any extension granted by the court.

One year to wind up the estate The executors have one year to wind up the estate, unless the will provides otherwise, or a majority of the heirs or the Court decides otherwise.

Payment of creditors There are special rules that apply to payment of creditors of the estate and appropriation of property to pay debts.

Period for transfer of gifts to heirs An executor is not bound to deliver the estate or any part thereof to the heirs before one year has elapsed from the death of the testator, unless all known creditors and beneficiaries have been satisfied by performance and distribution.

Bona vacantia – unclaimed property Subject to the rights of creditors, where on the death of a person there is no statutory heir or beneficiary, or creation of a foundation under a will, the estate passes to the Government of Thailand.

Stephen Frost is based at Bangkok International Associates 17th Floor, ITF Tower, 140/36-38 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 Tel: (66) 2 231 6201 Direct: (66) 2 231 6455 email: sfrost@bia.co.th website: www.bia.co.th

World Bank update on Thai economy T

he Thai economic recovery has continued to broaden and gain momentum, reflecting an increase in external demand amid global growth and a recovery from severe drought. That’s according to a report issued by the World Bank.

The economy grew by 3.3 percent in Q12017, exceeding market expectations, as farm incomes and merchandise and tourism exports rose and fiscal stimulus policies continued.

Merchandise exports recorded 6.6 percent growth, the highest growth observed in the last four years, due to both rising global commodity price and trading partner growth.

Economic indicators suggest that the goods export upswing became increasingly broad-based and sustained in Q22017. The agricultural sector expanded by 7.7 percent due to rising agricultural prices and recovery from severe drought in 2015-2016.

Domestic demand remained lacklustre. Both private investment and private consumption growth remained sluggish. Private investment contracted by 1.1 percent in Q12017, reflecting spare production capacity in the manufacturing sector although certain subsectors showed lowered spare capacity due to increased external demand. Overall credit issuance remained subdued as lending standards tightened while loans to large corporates turned positive in Q12017 for the first time since 2015. Loans to SMEs and households continued their deceleration trend. Softening food prices resulted in a deceleration in headline inflation.

The recent improvement in economic performance builds on the gradual recovery of the past two years. Private consumption expanded by 3.1 percent in 2016, compared to 2.2

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Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha attended the recent BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue in Xiamen.

percent in 2015, largely driven by improved farm income, stimulus measures and gradual recovery in consumer confidence.

Both public consumption and investment continued to expand by 1.7 percent and 9.9 percent, respectively. Continued growth in services exports, merchandise exports in Q42016 and lower imports supported a substantial contribution of net exports to GDP growth.

Gross fixed capital formation decelerated, partly due to challenges in implementing large public infrastructure projects and subdued private investment.

The broadening export upturn and public infrastructure plans are contributing to an improvement in Thailand’s economic outlook. Economic growth is projected to reach 3.5 percent in 2017 and 3.6 percent in 2018, as inflation is expected to return gradually to the low end of the inflation target range (1-4%).

Continued agricultural recovery and strengthened household balance

sheets will support private consumption growth while the export upswing will eventually spur manufacturing activity, capital goods import and private investment. However, a self-sustained recovery will hinge rising domestic demand supported by continued expansionary fiscal and monetary policies.

Public infrastructure investments to connect lagging regions and upgrade rail through dual tracking can crowd in private investment, raise economy-wide productivity and improve investor sentiment.

The ongoing recovery still faces considerable uncertainty and downside risks. First, uncertainty about policy continuity may weigh on consumer and investor confidence. However, the passing of the draft constitution in the public referendum held in August 2016; the royal succession from King Bhumibol Adulyadej to King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and the royal endorsement of the new constitution in April 2017 have together helped to mitigate this risk.

A deterioration in global economic

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prospects, such as increased trade protectionism, slower-than-expected growth in China, Europe or the United States and the possibility of financial market disruptions in emerging markets, may impede the Thai export momentum and private investment recovery, states the World Bank.

Risks from household and corporate debt are contained by the strong balance sheets of commercial banks which have tightened lending standards and slowed lending.

In the long-term, Thailand has the opportunity to raise potential growth above four percent by addressing structural bottlenecks. Ample monetary, fiscal buffers and sound fundamentals give Thailand room to raise potential growth to meet the aspirations set out in the 20-year national strategy even while society ages rapidly.

While initial reform steps in areas such as improved governance of government-owned specialised financial institutions and more progressive taxes are promising, maintaining reform momentum while addressing areas such as education quality, services liberalisation and public infrastructure management as well as underlying institutional effectiveness for implementation will be critical.

Thailand continued to make progress in reducing poverty, according to the World Bank. Extreme poverty as measured by the international extreme poverty line (US$ 1.90 per day, 2011 purchasing power parity [PPP]) is no longer a concern for Thailand and has fallen to around 0.03 percent in 2015.

Based on the national poverty line (in 2013, approximately US$ 6.20 per day 2011 PPP), the poverty rate fell from 12.3 percent in 2011 to 7.2 percent in 2015. In 2016, poverty rates are expected to have fallen at a slower rate, with poor households concentrated in rural areas affected by drought and still-low agricultural prices. Nevertheless, farm income growth turned positive in H22016 following recovery from drought.

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Reaching the Digital Frontier In a little over two decades since 1994, the digital economy now constitutes a significant and growing part of the overall economy. In a forthcoming publication, Oxford Economics estimates that the digital economy is now worth US $11.5 trillion globally, equivalent to 15.5 percent of global GDP. The internet has become a pervasive phenomenon, disrupting multiple industries, creating new business models and becoming a powerful force in its own right. Digital technologies, being general purpose technologies, are transforming our economies and societies as profoundly as the steam engine in the 18th century or electricity in the 19th.

The Government of Thailand recognises the significance of the digital economy and created a Ministry for Digital Economy and Society in 2016. It has developed a National Digital Economy Masterplan with a 20-year time horizon, divided into four phases.

These include laying the digital foundations, achieving digital inclusion, moving to full transformation, and finally achieving the status of global digital leadership. It has launched initiatives like Digital Thailand, Thailand 4.0 and a special programme for developing the Eastern Economic Corridor (including a digital park and a University 4.0).

Thailand’s performance on various digital economy related indices and rankings has been mixed. Thailand ranked 82 out of 175 countries on ITU’s ICT Development Index (IDI) 2016. The IDI adopts a triple set of rating criteria clustered around ICT access, usage, and skills.

Thailand ranked 62 among 139 countries as per the World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) Networked Readiness Index (NRI) 2016, which assesses the “factors, policies, and institutions that enable a country to fully leverage ICTs for increased prosperity”.

The World Bank’s Digital Adoption

Index measures digital adoption by businesses, people and government and assigns Thailand a score of 0.55 of 1, comparable to Malaysia but below China. The United Nations E-Government Survey 2016, which analysed progress in using e-government and its effectiveness in the delivery of basic economic and social services to people, ranked Thailand at 77 out of 193 countries.

Waseda University’s recent 2017 digital government rankings placed Thailand at rank 21 out of 65 countries covered. While different rankings adopt different criteria, broadly Thailand has performed better in terms of affordability and usage of mobile services, as well as financial attractiveness as an investment destination; but has not performed as well on skills and regulatory environment.

How can Thailand build on its digital strategy to reach the digital frontier?

Thailand’s National Digital Economy Masterplan has a number of worthwhile initiatives focused on all the right things, namely development of hard infrastructure, acceleration of the digital economy, promoting digital society, digital government, workforce development and soft infrastructure (legal, regulatory and security). However, Thailand would benefit from addressing the following issues as part of its digital strategy: 1. Identification of a selected few keystone initiatives that can be game changers for the development of the digital economy.

2. Adoption of an approach that can help break existing institutional silos in the government. Rigid organisational siloes are widely recognised as a problem in Thailand.

3. Adopting a more forward looking and future oriented approach that scans emerging opportunities and connects them with the decisionmaking processes in government.

4. Placing greater emphasis on quick wins and more efficient implementation.

5. Leveraging international expertise and innovation better as part of Thailand’s efforts to transform its digital economy.

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Thailand in frame for new movie shoots A

new incentive scheme for international filmmakers in Thailand has named its first beneficiary, in a step forward for official efforts to draw more production crews to the country.

rebate of up to 20 percent on their total costs. A key requirement is to spend at least THB 50 million incountry during the production process, with rebates capped at THB 75 million. Productions may also qualify for additional rebates if local talent is employed.

Earlier this year the Thailand Film Office, a unit of the Department of Tourism, announced its first foreign production to take advantage of a film industry incentives programme launched last year – a UK feature movie titled ‘Close’. The storyline focuses upon a counterterrorism expert tasked with protecting a young heiress in Bangkok.

In 2016 Thailand hosted 779 separate overseas shoots, a 7.6 percent increase on the previous year, with productions ranging from commercials and music videos to feature films.

Most overseas productions were shot by crews from Japan, China, India and Europe.

Film director Vicky Jewson

Thailand was apparently chosen as the location as it offered both a backdrop to the film’s theme of millionaire lifestyles and a contrasting vibrant street level atmosphere, according to Vicky Jewson, the film’s director Vicky Jewson. “Bangkok has so much

texture and so many layers. Our scout surpassed my expectations,” she told media.

Under the incentive programme, approved productions are eligible for a

Thai officials estimated that foreign film shoots will generate domestic revenues in excess of US$90 million this year. This figure is expected to rise as more overseas producers seek to take advantage of the rebates and other support available.

More flights to Thailand as carriers expand networks F

ive international airlines are expanding air access to Thailand with new flights from Beijing, Doha, Istanbul, Maldives, Singapore, and India’s Jaipur and Tiruchirappalli.

The new flights offer visitors greater convenience and more choice for point of entry when travelling to and from Thailand. The country’s aviation authorities continue to expand both flight frequency and international gateway destinations to handle growing traveller demand and the neverending quest for new itineraries.

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Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said, “Thailand has long been the key portal to Asia. Steady passenger growth depends on more flights and finding new entry points to the country. These new flights provide visitors with more choice, flexibility and convenience when travelling or making connections to major cities around Thailand. We hope that the expanded air access boosts tourism arrivals.”

Additional services include Doha to

Bangkok, Krabi and Phuket (Qatar); Beijing to Phuket (Thai); Istanbul to Bangkok (Turkish) and Jaipur to Bangkok (Thai AirAsia).

Jetstar Asia is to add four weekly flights from Singapore to Hat Yai from 3 November 2017.

Khun Yuthasak added, “TAT has also signed a series of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with major international airlines aimed at strengthening tourism cooperation and boosting the number of visitor arrivals to Thailand.”

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43

Borrowing rises in UK public sector P

ublic sector net borrowing (excluding public sector banks) increased by £1.9 billion to £22.8 billion in the current financial year-todate (April 2017 to July 2017), compared with the same period in 2016.

lic sector banks) was £1,758.3 billion at the end of July 2017, equivalent to 87.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), an increase of £143.9 billion (or 4.5 percentage points as a ratio of GDP) on July 2016.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is forecasting that public sector net borrowing (excluding public sector banks) will be £58.3 billion during the financial year ending March 2018. Public sector net borrowing (excluding public sector banks) was in surplus by £0.2 billion in July 2017, the first July surplus since 2002, while borrowing in July 2016 was £0.3 billion.

Public sector net debt (excluding both public sector banks and Bank of England) was £1,614.2 billion at the end of July 2017, equivalent to 80.3 percent of GDP; an increase of £43.9 billion (or a decrease of 0.4 percentage points as a ratio of GDP) on July 2016.

Public sector net borrowing (excluding public sector banks) decreased by £27.0 billion to £45.1 billion in the financial year ending March 2017 (April 2016 to March 2017)

UK Chancellor Philip Hammond

compared with the financial year ending March 2016; this is the lowest net borrowing since the financial year ending March 2008.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecast that public sector net borrowing (excluding public sector banks) would be £51.7 billion during the financial year ending March 2017.

Public sector net debt (excluding pub-

Central government net cash requirement decreased by £25.5 billion to £4.4 billion in the current financial year-to-date (April 2017 to July 2017), compared with the same period in 2016, largely as a result of two large cash transactions; this is the lowest year-to-date central government net cash requirement since 2002.

Hands on role for Greg at DIT

M

inister of State for Trade and Investment Greg Hands M.P. is to take overall responsibility for the government’s trade policy portfolio. He will take the lead in pushing through the Trade Bill in the House of Commons and in delivering a trade policy for the UK through the Trade Policy Group.

Greg Hands, who represents the Chelsea and Fulham constituency, joined the Department of International Trade when it was established in June 2016.

He has held several ministerial roles including Chief Secretary to the Treasury. He replaces Lord Price who is leaving the government. A new Lords Minister will be appointed to the Department for International 44

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Trade with particular focus upon UK export promotion.

DIT Minister Mark Garnier becomes Minister for Investment with responsibility for foreign direct investments into the UK, and UK investments overseas.

International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox said, “Lord Price’s hard work and dedication has played a vital part in developing new and existing trade relationships – meeting with more than 75 ministers from overseas countries and hundreds of business leaders from across the world.”

DIT is focused on delivering the best international trading framework to support UK prosperity and open

trade. This includes: • bringing together policy, promotion and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment, and help businesses succeed • delivering a new trade policy framework for the UK as we leave the EU • promoting British trade and investment across the world • building the global appetite for British goods and services Over the last 12 months DIT has grown to a global workforce of over 3,200 people operating in 108 countries. The Trade Policy Group that includes policy and country specialists, as well as expert economic analysts and lawyers, has grown five-fold.

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April 2017 • ScandAsia.Thailand 33

Sports stars give inspiration to school children in Bangkok

By Kevin Tarrant

naturally improve stamina and speed, coordination and balance, agility and flexibility, strength and power.

W

hen I grew up my coach would have had a much easier job. Most of his students would already have basic movement skills naturally. They would spend time playing with other children, climbing trees, chasing each other round the park. The modern era has children who spend more time with their computers, mobile phones and tablets than they do with kids their own age developing important life skills.

Former England and Spurs defender player Gary Stevens Stevens (pictured right) teamed up with James Goddard, who swam for GB in the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, to run professional development courses in Bangkok. One of the key elements of the courses was a ‘can do mentality’, ensuring you always push the students to reach their own individual expectations and potential.

They spoke about the importance of children participating in many dif-

ferent sports and gave a clear message that, in every aspect of life, those that persevered in times of difficulty were the ones that succeeded. This is equally true in the classroom and in the business world.

Good sports coaches need to develop the core fundamental building blocks to ensure that all participants have the required multi-skills to enable them to turn their hand to any sport. If a child is capable of catching, throwing, travelling and being stable they have the basic skills required to develop technical ability. As these skills develop they

International schools recognise the importance of developing strong, Extra Curricular Activity programmes (ECA’s) to enhance what students learn in a traditional school day, as well as bringing in specialist coaches, opening academies and investing in ‘Continuing Professional Development’ for their internal staff. As a result we will be able to bring back the ‘can do’ mentality with our children succeeding in trying new things.

Encourage your child to try a variety of after-school activities. The athletic child may find that they have a talent in dance while the science buff may excel in gymnastics or gain confidence on the football field. It’s good for children to be open to possibilities and to discover new strengths.

Kevin Tarrant is Chief Executive Officer at One Sport Media, Management Tel: +66 2670 0930

Tee off to support our brave veterans

T

he Royal British Legion, in conjunction with BCCT, is hosting its annual Poppy Golf charity event on 3 November at Khao Kheow Golf Course with the awards dinner taking place on 4 November at the Holiday Inn Pattaya.

The organisers are seeking corporate hole sponsors for this very worthy charity together with raffle prizes to be awarded during the dinner. Hole sponsorship costs THB 10,000 and will allow sponsors to place banner advertising and other marketing material around their selected Green.

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receive mentions in BCCT and RBL emails, The British Chamber’s The Link magazine and all media relating to the event.

Raffle donations are also invited.

All prizes will be raffled with proceeds being donated to the Royal British Legion Thailand and the Thai Veterans Organisation.

Sponsors may also provide the players with refreshments and chat briefly if they wish. Sponsors will

Contact Mark Bowling on 085 2828 120 or email mwbowling1970@gmail.com for more details and offers of assistance.

Giving back to the British community

By Jeremy King

A

s a long term resident of Asia, with extensive stints in Hong Kong and Thailand, and my wife from the Philippines, two children at Bangkok Patana, I consider Asia, especially Thailand, to be my home. However I often think of Britain, with my happy childhood in Durham and Perthshire, and key family members still in Edinburgh and Durham. I like to think we bring part of what is good about Britain to these distant shores.

The British, Australian, Canadian & New Zealand community in Bangkok is quite tightly knit, with Embassies and Chambers of Commerce functions, Rotary Clubs and the British Club, and the varied International schools bringing us together. Overall, most of us can be thankful for a standard of living rarely enjoyed in our home country.

In Thailand, there are 600 members of the British Chamber of Commerce, approximately 60,000 British nationals resident in Thailand, of which over 10,000 are living in Thailand on retirement visas, and in 2015 there were over one million British arrivals, the majority of them tourists with whom we have relatively little interaction.

It came as some surprise to me, whilst attending an Embassy Consular briefing by the British Consul Layla Slatter in 2015, just how much good work their office does: apart from processing 7,646 notarisations for the resident community in 2016, the team also handled over 1,400 assistance cases, including 334 deaths, 46 missing persons, and 259 hospitalisations (and unfortunately 161 arrest cases).

The Embassy helps distressed British visitors in a number of ways, firstly in

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terms of immediate assistance, from an emergency relief fund, which survives entirely on charitable donations, and generally dishes out between Baht 1,000-5,000 to the most urgent cases, and did so for 37 cases in 2016.

The next level, are cases where the person is just a bit short of funds for a ticket home, or in unfortunate cases where someone dies, but relatives lack the funds to arrange transportation; in these cases the Embassy can lend money against a ‘promise to repay’, for only the most vulnerable customers but there is an internal policy limit per individual and specific policy requirements to be able to apply for this Thirdly, are the more financially demanding cases where patients cannot afford their medical bills, but often have reserves back in Britain that they cannot access. We cannot use a UTR to pay medical bills Ms. Slatter MBE , mentioned a number of examples of cases where which had somehow “fallen through the

cracks” of normal process, where despite the British Embassy’s desire to help, they had either reached budgetary limits or couldn’t move quickly enough.

In these cases British subjects became stranded in Thailand with no financial lifeline to access urgently needed medical care, or lacked the price of a ticket home, or were even desperate for a basic meal after being pick-pocketed.

Hard to imagine amongst BCCT members, but who knows, it could happen to any of us (and probably did when we were students!). Many readers may expect this should be taken care of by the Embassy itself, but it is not always possible for reasons stated above.

Having taken all this on board two years ago, I decided I would like to help bridge any of the gaps in the system, and the thought occurred to me that other BCCT members might like to contribute too. As a result, we established The British Community

Charitable Fund (BCCF) in March 2016, administered by the British Embassy.

The Embassy offered to have representatives from the British community to participate in the decision-making, but we felt it would be better to rely on their judgement. Instead, the Embassy consults with me on some of the more serious cases, and produces a quarterly report, with a simple tally of inflows and outflows, and real life examples of beneficiaries.

Since inception in March 2016, the BCCF has received Baht 793,238.66 in donations, and given out a total of THB 49,900.00 in emergency relief, and THB 737,904 for 15 underfunded medical and repatriation cases.

The BCCF generally looks to fill any gap up to Baht 50,000 per case where the Embassy has reached its ‘promise to pay’ limit for repatriation or. A reasonable estimate of money needed to fully fund the programme is about Baht 1 million, much of which would be more like a revolving facility: effectively making loans to recipients which would generally be repaid at a later date. So the annual inflow needed is about Baht 500,000 per annum.

In conclusion, there is an opportunity to share your good fortune, in a small way, to assist your stranded or distressed countrymen return home, after a sojourn gone wrong. The Embassy will issue receipts and recognize larger donations in the form of embossed certificates.

If you would like to learn more about this programme please email Sarah Peth at the British Embassy: Sarah.

Peth2@fco.gov.uk, or contact me at: jk@skfm.com.

If you already feel ready to make a donation, please transfer to: Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited, Ploenchit Branch, Account name: DBN WELFARE FUND. Savings Account number: 001-9-388205. Swift Code: AYUDTHBK. The Embassy will send you a receipt.

Beaumont lays foundations for better education T he Beaumont Foundation is the CSR arm of The Beaumont Partnership, a design agency with studios in Bangkok and Yangon.

Founder Tim Beaumont has been detailing recent activities. One of the Foundation’s most notable contributions to Thailand society is the creation of the Beaumont Partnership Ruam Pattana School.

Located in Chaiyaphum Province, the school is designed to be environmentally sensitive – encouraging sustainable development principles and teaching these same principles to students. The 2017 academic year began in May with 223 students and plans are in hand to open facilities for secondary school students.

Tim Beaumont writes that ‘the Education Community is aware of our intentions and our desire to collaborate with the Lamplaimat Pattana School established by Khun Mechai Viravaidya.

He adds that ‘it’s been a difficult economy in Thailand. Our business has had to adapt to the current conditions to ensure we ride through the storm.

This has been our priority as we ensure stability.

‘This year we look forward to continued and greater involvement with Harrow School Bangkok, Bronte School Sydney and Somerville House in Brisbane together with Wollongong and Swinburne universities. The school’s organic vegetable farm is producing an impressive 200 kilos of produce each month that is benign sold in Bangkok’.

He continues that ‘greenhouses have been donated by the Hyatt Hotels of Thailand, Epicure, the family and

friends from Shrewsbury International School. This is one of our platforms which we will develop in the coming year.

Our second platform for sustainability is in progress and this year we intend to open our Hospitality Training Programme facility at our Kid D’Art Lodge. The curriculum is complete and students are being selected’.

Tim Beaumont hopes that hotels will support the students by offering scholarships, following the lead of the upmarket 137 Pillars property that has committed to support two students.

He concludes ‘the sole purpose of our school is to provide a better-quality education so our students are able to obtain better job opportunities and therefore a better way of life with their families.

To this end we will work on many levels with educationalists that are supporting us in a variety ways. James Wise, former Australia Ambassador to Thailand, has joined our Board and brings his wealth of experience together with his specific interest in education. We thank him for his contribution’.

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49

Dataconsult

Chamber Events

By the Numbers

Chris Bruton Director, Dataconsult Ltd.

T

he Thailand outlook at third quarter 2017 appears promising but prospects are somewhat mixed.

Certainly government is not short of spectacular strategies, with Thailand 4.0 and the Eastern Economic Corridor at the forefront. However many analysts point out that much of Thailand has not yet passed beyond Thailand 1.0, while a “corridor” is usually an empty walkway between other rooms, in this case Cambodia and Myanmar. The political front also remains highly uncertain. How long can an “interim government” last, before it becomes a “permanent government”, and is the current trend the kind that is likely to encourage investment and stimulate enterprise? Perhaps the greatest advantage Thailand has, is that the rest of ASEAN is not all that promising either. Maybe we are the best of the bunch, after all.

A brighter economy?

Recent indicators of economic growth do suggest that there is something to smile about, if not actually dance for joy. Overall full year economic growth is now forecast in the range of 3.5 to 4.0 percent, significantly better than the 2016 figure of 3.2 percent or the previous year’s 2.9 percent. This performance, if achieved, can largely be attributed to export recovery, with growth of up to 5.7 percent by value after several years of disappointing declines or no growth. This is being achieved despite an increasing Baht value against other currencies, and strong competition from competitor countries.

Land of tourism smiles Despite local gripes about rule of law, sporadic violence and rubbish-strewn beaches, tourism into Thailand has never been better, especially from China, which seems to have overcome its predilection for zero-dollar trips coupled with scamprone shopping. The sector promises near double-digit growth way into the future, provided that the government does not go ahead with its promise to throw out the neighbouring-country migrant labour that does much of the tourism servicing work.

are not easy to track, and some countries, especially China, tend to bring their money in paper bags rather than via bank transfers, parking their money in nominee local hands upon arrival. However recent inflows have improved, at least temporarily.

By regional comparison, Thailand seems to be performing dismally, unable even to match Myanmar or Cambodia in 2016.

By contrast, Thailand has become one of the strongest countries in outward investment, suggesting that Thais themselves prefer safer offshore investment havens rather than development at home. Time alone will tell if Thailand’s 4.0 strategy will result in the country becoming the economic hub for the ASEAN Region.

Where has all the money gone?

Foreign investment flows are not entirely sharing the optimism of economic growth figures. Inward investment flows

Economic Projection for 2017 Actual Data GDP (at current prices: Bil. Bht) GDP per capita (Bht per year) GDP (at current prices: Bil. USD) GDP per capita (USD per year)

Projection

2014

2015

May 15 - 2017

Aug 21 - 2017

13,672.9 203,356.3 399.2

14,366.6 212,980.2 407.1

15,156.7 224,034.3 426.9

15,185.5 224,459.0 440.2

5,937.0

6,035.1

6,310.8

6,506.1

GDP Growth (CVM, %) Investment (CVM, %) Private (CVM, %) Public (CVM, %) Private Consumption (CVM, %)

2.9 4.4 -2.2 29.3 2.2

3.2 2.8 0.4 9.9 3.1

3.3 - 3.8 4.4 2.0 12.6 3.0

3.5 - 4.0 3.4 2.2 8.0 3.2

Government Consumption (CVM, %) Export volume of goods & services (%)

3.0 0.7

1.7 2.1

3.2 2.9

3.2 4.9

214.1

214.1

221.8

226.3

-5.6 -1.5 0.0 187.2 -10.6 0.3 26.8 32.1

0.1 0.5 -1.4 178.4 -5.1 -2.5 35.8 46.8

3.6 1.6 3.5 190.8 7.0 3.0 31.0 38.8

5.7 3.2 5.6 197.4 10.7 6.2 28.9 42.5

8.1

11.5

8.9

9.7

-0.9 0.6

0.2 1.8

0.8 -1.3 1.5 - 2.5

0.4 - 0.9 1.5 - 2.5

Export value of goods (Bil. USD) Growth rate (%) Growth rate (Volume, %) Import volume of goods & services (%) Import Value of goods (Uil. USD) Growth rate (%) Growth rate (Volume, %) Trade balance (Bil USD) Current account balance (Bil. USD) Current account to GDP (%) Inflation (%) CPI GDP Deflator

Source: Office of National Economic and Social Development Board, August 21, 2017

2017 Macro - Economic Rating

Score : 100 = perfect Tax Burden

Government Spending

Fiscal Health

91.5 67.3 39.9 41.7 37.1 39.3 22.1 60.7 35.9 44.4 12.9

90.5 85.3 85.6 81 78.9 83.6 90.2 70 86.1 77.2 86.2

90.1 78.7 61.2 85.3 89.4 89.9 88.1 73 76.6 77.4 81.5

80.7 76.5 100 96.3 97.2 90.1 95.7 92.5 61.2 11 89.9

Business Freedom 95.1 90.8 76.6 69.9 62.6 49.1 29.6 53.9 66.3 52.8 50.1

32

79.6

74.6

21.1

61.2

Country

Overall Score

Property Rights

Government Integrity

Judicial Effectiveness

Singapore Malaysia Brunei Thailand Philippines Indonesia Cambodia China Laos India Myanmar

88.6 73.8 69.8 66.2 65.6 61.9 59.5 57.4 54 52.6 52.5

97.1 85.3 62.5 51.3 49.2 48.3 42.4 48.3 35.3 55.4 23

87.9 51.8 40.9 40.7 38.7 44.7 12.8 41.6 32.6 44.3 29.6

Vietnam

52.4

49.7

24.6

Source: The Heritage Foundation: 2017

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90.8 73.1 90.4 62.8 57.2 48.9 62 63.4 54.4 41.6 77.1

Monetary Freedom 84.3 85.3 76.1 72.9 80.6 74 81 71.8 70.2 75 65.4

62.2

76

Labor Freedom

90 81.2 89.1 82.8 76.4 80.5 80.3 73.6 74.6 72.6 74.2

Investment Freedom 85 60 65 50 60 35 60 20 35 40 20

Financial Freedom 80 50 50 60 60 60 50 20 20 40 20

83.1

25

40

Trade Freedom

2017 Macro-Economic Data Tariff Rates %

Country

Overall Score

Singapore Malaysia Brunei Thailand Philippines Indonesia Cambodia China Laos India Myanmar

88.6 73.8 69.8 66.2 65.6 61.9 59.5 57.4 54 52.6 52.5

0 4.4 0.5 3.6 4.3 2.3 4.9 3.2 5.2 6.2 2.9

Vietnam

52.4

3.4

22 28 0 35 32 30 20 45 24 30.9 20

Corporate Tax Rate % 17 24 18.5 20 30 25 20 25 24 34.6 30

Population (Millions) 5.5 30.8 0.4 68.8 101.4 255.1 15.5 1375 7 1276.3 51.8

35

22

91.6

Income Tax Rate %

GDP (Billions)

3.3 2.9 1.9 1.1 6.7 5.8 0.5 4.6 1.6 3.5 4.7

Inflation Rate % -0.5 2.1 -0.4 -0.9 1.4 6.4 1.2 1.4 5.3 4.9 11.5

FDI Inflow (Millions) 65262.4 11121.5 173.2 10844.5 5234 15508.2 1701 135610 1219.8 44208 2824

6024

2.1

0.6

11800

GDP Per Capita US$

Unemployment Rate %

471.9 815.6 33.2 1108.1 741 2842.2 54.2 19392.4 37.3 7966.2 283.5

85253 26315 79587 16097 7254 11126 3488 14107 5309 6162 5469

552.3

13.4 14.8 33.1 16.5 13.6 10.9 13.4 18.7 15.5 16.6 9.2

Govt.

Expenditure % GDP 20.3 25.2 40.4 22.3 19.4 17.4 18.2 31.9 26.2 27.9 25.9

Govt.

Expenditure % GDP 18.2 29.3 37.7 24.3 18.6 19.1 20.5 27 28.8 29.3 29.6

18.2

28.7

28.7

Tax Burden % GDP

Source: The Heritage Foundation: 2017

Inward Foreign Investment into Thailand No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Countries Japan ASEAN Hong Kong United States China Taiwan Switzerland Russia South Korea Australia Middle East EU

2007 3,579.43 1,548.17 248.53 -49.66 17.89 -85.33 57.93 4.18 32.69 -50.90 37.15 1,749.37

2008 3,027.62 261.21 870.40 475.69 22.09 -335.19 516.51 20.72 87.11 40.26 15.70 1,496.09

2009 1,534.97 2,685.88 198.70 -43.76 169.05 358.28 25.31 13.85 278.06 124.65 98.59 980.36

2010 4,400.04 2,220.92 441.38 1,431.05 633.43 93.34 280.22 15.58 180.23 -23.37 -1.06 1,276.52

2011 -1,370.42 952.22 272.04 143.41 20.92 -63.35 318.65 -49.72 97.16 6.28 29.84 843.41

2012 3,706.70 -745.35 705.61 3,966.52 598.46 156.32 296.29 61.35 131.07 276.53 22.60 1,515.41

2013 10,927.21 528.21 125.51 857.17 938.86 200.46 228.69 167.87 716.25 343.76 24.87 -1,117.02

2014 2,430.85 -940.73 1,539.86 2,023.04 -221.35 -16.60 -131.34 -97.83 247.86 79.53 39.06 221.71

2015 3,022.87 441.91 455.88 1,100.86 240.78 121.39 256.16 -9.56 148.78 657.16 36.05 1,070.31

2016 3,291.85 1,659.36 1,045.78 309.40 247.79 62.86 32.51 30.80 -11.74 -15.55 -12.06 -4,239.06

13

Total

7,089.45

6,498.21

6,423.94

10,948.28

1,200.44

10,691.51

13,941.84

5,174.06

7,542.59

2,401.94

Source: Bank of Thailand

Foreign Direct Investment Inflows / Outflows 2012-2016 Country SE Asia total Singapore Vietnam Malaysia Philippines Indonesia Myanmar Cambodia Thailand Laos Timor-Leste Brunei

Foreign Direct Investment Inflows 2012 108,095 56,236 8,368 9,239 2,449 19,138 497 1,835 9,135 294 39

2013 126,148 64,685 8,900 12,115 2,430 18,817 584 1,872 15,493 427 50

2014 130,428 73,987 9,200 10,877 5,740 21,811 946 1,720 4,809 721 49

2015 126,639 70,579 11,800 11,121 4,937 16,641 2,824 1,701 5,700 1,119 43

2016 101,099 61,597 12,600 9,926 7,912 2,658 2,190 1,916 1,554 890 5

865

776

568

173

-150

(Million US Dollars) Foreign Direct Investment Outflows

Country SE Asia total Singapore Thailand Malaysia Philippines Vietnam Cambodia Timor-Leste Laos Indonesia Brunei Myanmar

2012 56,515 19,443 10,497 17,143 1,692 1,200 36 13 0.1 5,422 1,070

2013 81,910 43,597 11,679 14,107 3,647 1,956 46 13 1 6,647 218

2014 88,744 52,217 5,575 16,369 6,754 1,150 43 13 2 7,077 -456

2015 55,689 31,405 1,687 9,899 5,540 1,100 47 13 2 5,937 58

2016 35,418 23,888 13,229 5,601 3,698 1,388 121 13 2 -12,463 -60

-

-

-

-

-

Source: UNCTAD, World Investment Report 2017

Foreign Direct Investment Stocks: inward and outward (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016) Southeast Asia Country SE Asia total Brunei Cambodia Indonesia Laos Malaysia Myanmar Philippines Singapore Thailand Timor-Leste Vietnam

FDI Inwards Stock

(Million US Dollars)

FDI Outwards Stock

2012 1,319,479 13,302 8,413 205,656 2,483 132,400 11,910 31,027 682,396 159,125 237

2013 1,553,205 14,212 9,399 230,344 2,779 144,705 14,171 32,547 837,652 185,463 230

2014 1,687,452 6,219 13,035 253,082 3,630 133,767 17,652 57,093 912,355 199,311 316

2015 1,704,891 6,061 14,739 224,843 4,850 117,644 20,476 59,303 978,411 175,442 332

2016 1,872,239 5,739 16,656 234,961 5,639 121,621 22,666 64,249 1,096,320 188,651 346

2012 596,075 699 423 11,627 9 120,396 8,953 401,426 52,561 -

2013 720,413 134 465 16,070 14 133,996 13,191 497,880 58,610 83

2014 845,669 134 484 24,052 135,685 35,603 576,396 65,769 86

2015 913,349 2645 531 30,171 16 136,892 41,100 625,259 68,058 86

2016 1,012,808 2,803 652 58,890 19 126,937 45,377 682,404 85,636 112

72,530

81,702

90,991

102,791

115,391

-

-

7,490

8,590

9,978

Source: UNCTAD, World Investment Report 2017

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Member News

Dulwich College opens two new campuses in Myanmar’s commercial capital I n the 1950s, Myanmar was Southeast Asia’s gold standard of education, educating the children of diplomats and dignitaries throughout the region. Fifty years of isolation and dictatorship ended that reputation.

Now as Asia’s youngest democracy, Myanmar has a growing population of expatriates and natives returning from years in exile—and with them a growing demand for world-class services, healthcare and, perhaps most importantly, quality education for their children.

The latter is one of the most difficult to provide, especially to families used to highly-developed schools in Singapore or Australia.

International K-12 school Dulwich College Yangon (DCY) is undaunted.

The Myanmar campuses of England-based Dulwich College—which operates schools across Asia—has doubled down in Yangon with two brand-new campuses in the city.

The new campuses’ offerings include an Olympic-sized swimming pool and athletic sports fields, a black box theatre and a roster of westerntrained faculty with years of experience teaching abroad.

Myanmar did have international schools during its years of economic decline (mainly for the children of diplomats and the country’s elite), but with the new campuses, Dulwich College Yangon has begun building a new educational experience almost literally from the ground up, explained Daryl Orchard, Headmaster of Dulwich College Yangon.

“The most striking difference be52

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Students in the Early Years at DCY Star City campus

tween DCY and other international schools in Myanmar is the facilities, but also, where these facilities are located. We have these lovely green-field sites with space for football fields, rugby fields, things you couldn’t actually build in the centre of town itself,” Orchard explained.

The project required tens of millions of dollars of investment from Dulwich College and its local partners, YOMA strategic holdings, and more is to come as DCY expands its infrastructure and programs over the next several years.

But in return, Orchard said, DCY not only meets international standards,

Exterior of DCY Star City campus

but rivals some of the best schools in Asia.

“Our facilities alone are some of the best in Myanmar. We would be happy to, say, have the Olympic swimming team train at our pool,” Orchard said.

Those are bold claims, but Orchard argued that Dulwich has already proven itself in ten locations in countries such as China, Singapore and, of course, England, where it has operated for more than 400 years.

Although DCY is not totally indistinguishable from other Dulwich College programs (it offers unique Myanmar language track, for example), it was established on the same model and employs faculty with experience at other Dulwich College schools.

“Teacher recruitment, and recruitment of faculty in general, is something we pride ourselves in, “ Orchard continued. “All of our teachers, everyone working within the school, know very well how a Dulwich education is offered.”

Member News

Increasing investment in Thailand’s hotel sector D irect investment in Thailand’s hotel sector reached THB10.7 billion in the first half of 2017, according to JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group.

by Singapore-based Carlton Hotel Group and Hotel 81. This reaffirms Thailand’s position as one of the region’s most attractive hotel investment destinations,” added Mike Batchelor.

This figure is attributed to four major transactions, comprising five hotels in Bangkok and Pattaya.

JLL expects full year hotel investment volume in Thailand to exceed THB14 billion.

“As a comparison, 2016’s full-year investment volume was only THB 9.6 billion,” said Mike Batchelor, Head of Investment Sales Asia, JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group. “The robust investment activity recorded in the first half reflects investors’ continued appetite for hospitality assets in Thailand and confidence in the long-term outlook for the country’s tourism industry.

In June, JLL facilitated Hotel 81’s acquisition of the Premier Inn portfolio that includes two hotels in Bangkok and Pattaya. With a collective key count of 388, the portfolio marks Hotel 81’s first venture into the Thai market. Hotel 81 has appointed Travelodge to manage both hotels on its behalf.

Mike Batchelor

“Buyers comprised both domestic and regional investors, with the latest hotel acquisitions being made

Chakkrit Paul Chakrabandhu Na Ayudhya, Senior Vice President of Investment Sales at JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group, said, “The portfolio was the first overseas transaction made by the buyer, Hotel 81, the largest owner of hotels in Singapore. The seller, Whitbread, is also the largest owner of hotels in the UK. We were able to facilitate cross-border transactions, resulting in the movement of capital between regions.”

In May 2017 the Carlton Hotel Group of Singapore acquired a hotel development project in Bangkok.

Situated at the corner of Sukhumvit Road Soi 27 the property includes an incomplete 34 storey hotel development.

JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group represented the seller, Bangkok Management Company Limited in the THB2.4 billion transaction.

Planned for completion in 2019, the 342 key hotel is expected to carry the Carlton Hotel brand.

NIST has extended the lease on its Bangkok campus with landowners The Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT). The renewal until 2060 was agreed as the school was celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Other hotels sold in the first half of 2017 include Bangkok Edition Boutique Hotel and Swissotel Nai Lert Park in Bangkok’s Wireless Road.

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Member News

Thailand tops for property investment returns T hailand is one of best performing property markets in the ASEAN region, according to real estate experts Knight Frank Research. The company reports that Thailand has been outperforming other ASEAN markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

lack of suitable land at reasonable prices. Hence, the selling prices of properties in this segment are estimated to increase further when no new supply is being added while demand is high.”

The research paper highlights the rising demand for prime condominiums in Bangkok. “Condominiums have become the highlight of the Bangkok property scene. The commuting cost and the rapidly changing lifestyles of Thais are the driving forces behind the boom, especially in the down- town condominium market. They attract not only the young, but also the elderly,” added Khun Risinee.

The prime residential property market in Bangkok’s Central Business District has performed consistently well in recent years with a range of impressive, exclusive projects setting new benchmarks for quality, facilities and price per square metre,” said Knight Frank Thailand research and consultancy director Risinee Sarikaputra, (pictured right).

“Five year capital gains in the period from 1Q2012 to 1Q2017 for luxury homes in Bangkok were around 51.3 percent. Thailand remains a very positive long-term investment option as source markets for buyers seem to

be expanding continually, giving investors plenty of scope for yields and capital returns,” she added.

“Prime property in Bangkok will see limited growth in supply due to the

She added that Thailand remained a very positive long-term investment option as source markets for buyers seemed to be expanding continually, giving investors plenty of scope for yields and capital returns.

Aussie exchange students visit Regents Pattaya T wo exchange students from Woodleigh School in Melbourne Australia have arrived at Regents International School Pattaya. Yuki and Sid (pictured) have joined Year 9 and will be boarding at the school as part of the exchange programme. The girls were selected following an application process at Woodleigh in which

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they had to outline the benefits of taking part in the programme and what they hoped to share with their fellow students in Australia upon their return.

Regents International School Pattaya is part of the Round Square worldwide network that organises exchanges for students and teachers.

Member News

Banking on convenience at HSBC

H

SBC Thailand has been selected as Corporate PromptPay service provider for RS Components, the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc – a global distributor for engineers to facilitate more convenient and cost-saving fund transfers in support of Thailand’s national e-payment roadmap.

RS Components is a wholly-owned subsidiary of UK-based Electrocomponents plc, a distributor of electronic and engineering tools, components and consumables, offering more than 500,000 products to over one million customers globally. HSBC has acted as the sole banking partner of RS Components in Thailand.

“With our service, RS Components will benefit from speedy fund receiving to a single HSBC account while its counterparties will be able to make payments via any bank with lower transaction fees,” said Ai Chen Lim, Head of Global Liquidity and Cash Management, HSBC Thailand.

Ai Chen Lim, Head of Global Liquidity and Cash Management, HSBC Thailand.

secure and beneficial digital transaction services to customers in parallel with the provision of professional advisory services by dedicated industry-leading practitioners. We are currently working to deliver even more services such as Bill Payment to our PromptPay customers which we aim to complete in the fourth quarter this year,” added Ai Chen Lim.

In a recent press release HSBC stated its aim to be the ‘leading international provider of main collections services for business clients in Thailand’ with a commitment to ‘supporting the establishment of Thailand’s standardised payment infrastructure to build an innovationbased economy as per Thailand’s 4.0 policy’.

Using the Corporate PromptPay service for electronic money transfers requires business clients to link their corporates tax ID with their only one bank account, which will be used instead of bank account numbers for any fund transfers. This represents an additional collection channel from which the counterparties can benefit from simpler and more convenient fund transfers and better cost effectiveness.

This enables businesses to improve competitiveness, reduce redundancy of the number of accounts receiving payments, and increase account visibility with real-time payments and receivables data via a single banking platform.

“HSBC has made considerable investments in delivering the most

Regent’s International School Bangkok Primary Choir performed at the recent celebrations marking the Official Birthday of H.M Queen Elizabeth 11 organosed by the British Embassy in Bangkok. Pictured with the choir is Brian Davidson, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Thailand.

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Member News

ASEAN anniversary signals new era for growth T he Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) marks its 50th anniversary with its biggest economies pledging to double infrastructure investments to more than US$700 billion in a five-year span that could enhance trade, tourism and development to drive sustainable economic growth for decades to come.

“ASEAN’s 50th Anniversary is a potential starting point for a new era of development and investment growth,” said Stuart Tait, HSBC’s Regional Head of Commercial Banking, Asia Pacific.

Transport initiatives are a key focus for budgeted government spending out to 2020, putting a clear focus on the infrastructure investment that is a crucial determinant of competitiveness according to the annual World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report.

“The emphasis on creating better connected economies to help facilitate trade and investment is ex-

Stuart Tait

Kelvin Tan

tremely important,” he added. “It will help ASEAN maximise opportunities within the region as well as those stemming from China’s Belt & Road Initiative, which is key to stated ambitions to double bilateral trade between China and ASEAN to US$1 trillion by 2020.”

Kelvin Tan, Chief Executive Officer at HSBC Thailand said, “Thailand is the second largest infrastructure market in ASEAN with US$120 billion of spending planned from 201620, including 56 mega projects worth US$70 billion. With a variety of government initiatives aimed to boost long-term competitiveness and drive sustainable growth, Thailand is now at the forefront of the transport push.

Development of the country’s railway networks will be a crucial project to make Thailand a regional hub in ASEAN by connecting double track railways with neighbouring countries.”

Khun Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk ( front row centre left), Vice President – Sales at Dusit International held the group’s 2017 sales & marketing conference at the Dusit Thani Bangkok, attended by staff operating at hotels owned and operated by Dusit International.

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ASEAN groups together 10 economies – Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – which have a combined population of around 625 million people and an aggregate nominal GDP of around US$2.8 trillion. As a single entity, ASEAN currently ranks as one of the world’s seven biggest economies and is on track to become third largest by 2030.

Member News

Asian investors set sights overseas I nvestors are allocating more capital to real estate worldwide with Asian investors now accounting for five of the 10 biggest cross-border spenders. That’s according to property expert David Green-Morgan, Head of Research Global International Capital Group at JLL.

in particular, but foreign buyer interest is on the rise, accounting for a third of total transaction volumes.

“With the capital curbs making it harder to invest outside of China, domestic investors will aim to invest more inside the country,” added David Green-Morgan. “Domestic developers in particular will become a new pool of buyers for existing assets as they seek to deploy excess capital.

With rising prices in Tier 1 cities, investors are starting to look at tier 2 cities in China for good retail and logistics assets, as well as those with potential for conversion, such as retail into office space, or hotels into serviced apartments.”

Inter-regional investment reached US$19.5 billion in Q2 2017, an increase of 71 percent compared to the same period in 2016. Globally, China was the third biggest source of crossborder capital into real estate in the first half of the year at US$6.2 billion, behind Germany and the UK. After China, Asia’s biggest spenders were Hong Kong (US$4.9 billion), Singapore (US$4.1 billion), South Korea (US$1.9 billion) and Japan (US$1.6 billion). Almost all of their capital targeted the world’s three largest and most liquid real estate markets, with the US receiving US$10 billion, the UK pocketing US$6 billion, and Germany US$2 billion.

In what could be the biggest single asset deal of the year, Chinese conglomerate HNA acquired 245 Park Avenue, a Midtown office tower, for US$2.21 billion in May. “The purchase underscores the continued prominence of Chinese capital in global real estate markets despite capital controls,” said David GreenMorgan. “Given this is the first wave of Chinese capital going global, it remains concentrated on the biggest, most liquid markets in the world.”

While Asian investors are looking overseas, they also continue to hunt for deals closer to home with con-

Looking globally, the office sector remains the top option for investors.

However, the industrial sector has become the next most sought-after asset, with sustained demand leading to US$24 billion invested in Q2 2017 - a 28 percent surge from Q2 last year.

“There is huge demand for scale in the industrial and logistics sector globally,” explained David GreenMorgan. “The more mature markets – the US, UK, Germany, Canada and Japan – tend to offer that.”

David Green-Morgan

tinued interest in office and logistics assets across the region. Domestic investments amounted to US$49 billion in Asia Pacific in Q2 2017.

Domestic demand continues to drive the Chinese real estate market

In Asia Pacific, total transaction volumes amounted to US$31 billion in Q2 2017, up six percent from Q1. Investment volumes across the region were US$61 billion in the first half of 2017, versus US$54 billion in H1 2016. Global real estate transaction volumes came in at US$153 billion for Q2 2017, up seven percent from Q1.

The total for the first half of 2017 was US$297 billion, up from US$290 billion for the same period last year.

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Member News

Stunning economics exam result for Surotama T hailand’s international schools have once again been reporting outstanding exam results. Notable achievements include 16-year-old Miss Surotama Banerjee (pictured right), a student at Regent’s International School Pattaya.

The school is praising Suri for her achievement in recording 91 percent in the iGCSE Economics exam.

Suri joined the school six years ago and has just begun the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

In the summer she spent four weeks completing two courses at the prestigious Brown University in the United States.

Hundreds of students apply for these courses each year and have to complete a lengthy application process, including a 500-word essay. With support from her teachers, Suri was one of the lucky few to be offered a place.

Principal Sarah Osborne-James said, “Suri is a wonderful example of our dedicated, hardworking students who have benefited from our dynamic learning environment where teachers work in partnership with our

students to help them to achieve their dreams. We provide a gateway to the world for our students, encouraging them all to be ambitious with their learning experiences. Suri’s success is a reflection of this spirit to succeed.”

Khun Parnkae Nandavisai, Managing Director and Head of Transaction Banking, Standard Chartered Bank (Thai), led corporate and institutional clients on a visit to the ‘eXcellerator’ - the bank’s financial innovation lab.

The ‘eXcellerator’ builds upon Standard Chartered’s established technology outpost in the Silicon Valley, USA and is the first of its kind in Asia. This innovation lab enables the bank to explore the use of emerging technologies, data science solution and new ways of working as a means to improve customer experiences and business benefits.

The lab is located in Singapore at the Marina Bay Financial Centre.

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Member News

New Head begins term at Shrewsbury School

T

he new academic year is underway at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok’s Riverside Campus with new Principal, Mr. Christopher Seal, taking the helm. He succeeds Mr Stephen Holroyd who after 13 years of service becomes Director of Schools – overseeing the development of Shrewsbury’s international schools in south east Asia.

Mr. Seal moves to Thailand from Millfield School in Somerset where he was Deputy Headmaster (Head of Pastoral). He has enjoyed a successful teaching career in both the independent and maintained sectors in UK education, including leadership positions at Trent College and the Licensed Victuallers’ School in Ascot.

For the last six years he has overseen the pastoral care and boarding standards across Millfield’s 24 houses and 1250 students. Chris is joined in Bangkok by his wife Samantha and two children Amy and Molly.

Shrewsbury has also welcomed a number of new colleagues into key leadership positions including Anna Pethybridge (Head of MFL), Rachel Plant (Head of Business Studies) and David Place (Director of Music).

An outstanding musician in his own right, David has worked for the last 20 years as Music Programme Leader at Shrewsbury Sixth Form College (UK) where he has inspired over 60 students each year to study A level music.

Lisa Toner, formerly Infrastructure and Resources Manager at the University of Cumbria, is appointed Head of Library services. Under the name Lisa Bruce, she has also published more than 40 books for children.

In the Junior School Sally Weston, now in her 10th year at Shrewsbury, becomes Vice Principal. She continues the work of Amanda Dennison

who has been appointed Founding Principal of Shrewsbury’s new junior school (3-11 years) that is scheduled to open in August 2018.

In the wake of the disposal of its retail operations, Standard Chartered Bank has been reaffirming its commitment to corporate, commercial and institutional clients. The clients with a seminar titled ‘Economic Update and Outlook Amid 20-year Roadmap’ led by Khun Nitiphong Tejavanija (second from left), Head of Commercial Banking, Standard Chartered Bank (Thai). Khun Usara Wilaipich (centre), Senior Economist at Standard Chartered Bank (Thai), presented findings on Thai economic trends and outlook.

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Member News

Regent’s pupil sets fine example

A

ll schools hope to nurture a love of learning and there can be few better examples than Regent’s graduate Natthapoj Trakulphadetkrai. After taking full advantage of life at Regent’s International School in Thailand he won a scholarship to Brunel University London.

He later attained a Master’s degree from University of Oxford followed by the second Master’s from UCL and then a Cambridge Doctorate.

Dr. Natthapoj is now a member of the academic team at the University of Reading and he is also the youngest executive committee member of the British Society for Research into Learning Mathematics.

Dr. Natthapoj looks back fondly on his time as boarder at Regent’s International School and attributes much of his success to his formative years in the school.

Regent’s has a commitment to creating the next generation of wellrounded leaders and many of these opportunities shaped Dr. Natthapoj’s attitudes and his approach to life. He was house prefect, student president and took on a number of other significant roles helping to bring out the best in his fellow students.

Dr. Natthapoj believes that he owes much to the school’s commitment to IDEALS (Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership and Service). Importantly, attending Regent’s allowed him to perfect his English to a level that would later allow him to study at two top UK universities.

Benham & Reeves expands China operations

L

ondon-based Benham & Reeves Residential Lettings has opened an office in Shanghai. The company states that, despite the uncertain economic outlook and disrupted property market, Chinese investors continue to buy London property and show no signs of easing back.

Anita Mehra, Managing Director at Benham & Reeves Lettings, said that the company could no longer service

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the demand from its Hong Kong office. “We’ve been operating in Hong Kong and Singapore since the midnineties and 61 percent of our client base comes from these markets.

Owing to Hong Kong’s historical ties with the UK there has been increased interest from investors in mainland China.”

The company’s new Shanghai office is managed by Miss Sunny Sun.

Member News

Full STEAM ahead at Brighton College

I

t was full STEAM ahead at Brighton College International School Bangkok. The College held a STEAM Day when Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics become integrated and pupils from international schools explored activities that encouraged problem-solving skills, creative thinking and collaboration to design a home for the future.

Brighton College headmaster David Tongue explained that the concept of STEAM is very similar to Thailand’s STEM education initiative. “We encourage our pupils to be innovative and our integrated curriculum means that key subjects are linked via an overarching theme. Children are encouraged to investigate and discover solutions to problem-based activities.

“STEM education, as outlined by the Prime Minister, combines Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics for solving problems in daily life.” Brighton College has added Art as the foundation of creative thinking.

“We always look to be one step ahead in this fast-moving environment, reforming education to prepare children for the future”, added David Tongue.

Shrewsbury International School Bangkok welcomed 200 travelling athletes from across the region for the FOBISIA A1 Primary Games 2017.

Shrewsbury’s squad of 40 girls and boys from Years 5 and 6 lined up against counterparts from Discovery Bay School Hong Kong, Tanglin Trust School Singapore, British International School Jakarta, British International School Shanghai Puxi, and British School of Kuala Lumpur for three days of intense sporting competition.

This was the last tournament to be hosted by any school before FOBISIA sports events move to a neutral venue in Phuket in 2018.

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61

Chamber Events

BCCT Multi-Chambers Lunch: Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) On Thursday 13 July, BCCT, together with AMCHAM, AustCham, CanCham, EABC, STCC, BeLuThai, NTCC, FTCC, GTCC and Irish-Thai, organized a BCCT Multi Chambers Lunch on Eastern Economic Corridor. The topic was presented by Dr. Verapong Chaiperm, Governor of Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand. Special thanks to our generous sponsors - WHA Group and Eastern Seaboard Guide 2018 by Siam Gazette.

Pictured from left are Sunny Patel CANCHAM Board member, Suphalak Phutpheng FTCC Business Club Director, Siyaphas Chantachairoj WHA Director of Corporate Marketing, Chris Thatcher BCCT Vice-Chairman, Dale Lee AMCHAM Governor, Speaker Dr. Verapong Chaiperm, Alan Verstein Managing Director of Eastern Seaboard Guide 2018 Siam Gazette, Matthias Hoffrichter Business Development Director OCS-PCS and Peter Emblin AustCham Board member.

Multi-Chambers T3 Networking

Boardroom Briefing

On Thursday 20 July, BCCT, together with AustCham, CanCham, EABC, FTCC, ITCC and SATCC, welcomed guests to BCCT Multi-Chambers T3 Business Networking kindly hosted by Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside. Guests from various chambers networked and enjoyed variety of exquisite food and drinks on the beautiful waterfront terrace

by Chao Phraya River.

BCCT Boardroom Briefing on Grenfell. What Went Wrong? was held on Monday 7 August. Speaker Geoffrey Fordham, Senior Vice President, Engineering, Safety & Security Onyx Hospitality covered the key principles of fire safety in tall buildings to minimise the fire risks with reference to the recent fire at the Grenfell Tower, London.

Pictured from left BCCT Chairman Simon Matthews, Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside General Manager Willem Pentermann and BCCT Vice-Chairman Chris Thatcher.

Pictured from left, Sukamal Mondal, General Manager ofThe Oriental Residence Bangkok, Geoffrey Fordham and Chris Thatcher, BCCT Vice-Chairman.

Thank you to our sponsors.

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Chamber Events

BCCT SME Round Table On Tuesday 8 August, BCCT held an SME Round Table discussion giving members opportunity to identify issues faced by SME businesses and how BCCT can help addressing these issues for members.

The BCCT is supporting opportunities for SMEs in Thailand

BCCT One-Day Workshop (Write Clearly, Get Results!)

On Thursday 10 August, BCCT held a One-Day Workshop: Write Clearly, Get Results! at The Oriental Residence Bangkok. Participants learned to enhance their business writing skills to better engage clients and increase business potentials.

Neil Stoneham, Managing Director of Voxtree (standing), giving a presentation to participants at the workshop.

BCCT Multi-Chambers Lunch: Thailand Tourism Market 2017-2018 On Wednesday 16 August, BCCT, in collaboration with AMCHAM, AustCham, NTCC, FTCC, BeLuThai, CanCham, EABC and Irish-Thai Chamber of Commerce, organised a BCCT Multi-Chambers Lunch: Thailand Tourism Market 2017-2018 by Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, the Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand. The talk discussed Thailand’s new initiatives to drive forward Thailand’s competitive tourism market.

Pictured from left Chris Thatcher BCCT Vice-Chairman, Jeffrey Nygaard AMCHAM President, Chonnacha Saengsai Attorney at Law from Harvey Law Group, Yuthasak Supasorn, M.L. Laksasubha Kridakon AustCham Vice-President, Sharon Withe PCS Security and Facility Services, David Cumming BCCT Chair Travel & Tourism Committee and Benjamin Kreig AMCHAM Co-Chair Travel & Tourism Committee. Thanks to our generous sponsors Total Facilities Management (PCS) and Harvey Law Group Thailand (HLG).

Thank you to our sponsors.

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Chamber Events

Multi-Chambers Phuket Dinner

BCCT T3 Business Networking

BCCT, in collaboration with NTCC, AustCham and FTCC, welcomed Phuket members to BCCT Multi-Chambers Phuket Business Dinner on Thursday 10 August at The Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort. John Christie, BCCT Director and CEO of Ek-Chai Distribution System (Tesco Lotus) spoke about Tesco Lotus story in expanding their footprint across Thailand, and how they engage with local partners.

On Thursday 24 August, BCCT held a monthly BCCT T3 Business Networking kindly hosted by The British Club Bangkok. Guests enjoyed networking with like-minded people in the classic ambience of the Club. Special thanks to our generous sponsors Mazars, The Beaumont Partnership Foundation, Wisetek and Bumrungrad Hospital.

Pictured from left, Greg Watkins BCCT Executive Director, Martin Eleveld CEO of Captain Hook’s Smokehouse, Chris Thatcher BCCT Vice-Chairman, John Christie, Desmond Hughes Senior Partner of Hughes Krupica Consulting, Grenville Fordham Managing Director of Image Asia Events and Jason Beavan General Manager of Phuket News.

Pictured from left, Paul Cheesman from The British Club, David Williamson from MBS and Simon Matthews Chairman of BCCT.

BCCT Multi-Chambers Eastern Seaboard Business Networking BCCT, together with AMCHAM, AustCham, BeLuThai, CanCham, GTCC, NTCC, STCC & SATCC, held a BCCT MultiChambers Eastern Seaboard Business Networking on Friday 25 August. The event was kindly hosted by Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya at the Blue Floor.

Thank you to our event sponsors (from left) Ahijit Datta CEO ISS Facility Services, Charles Rowe Head of Admission Rugby School Thailand, Salisa Ruttakara Marketing Manager General Outsourcing, Karl ST George CEO AXCEL Electronics, Mark Bowling, BCCT Director and Dmitry Chernyshev General Manager Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya.

All smiles at the Multi-Chambers networking event in Pattaya.

Thank you to our sponsors.

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Comings and Goings The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand welcomes the following new members: Ananda HuaHin Resort & Spa 1499 Petchkasem Road Cha-am, Phetchaburi 76120 Tel: +66 32 898989 Fax: +66 32 898999 Email: rsvns@anandahuahin.com Website: www.anandahuahin.com Representatives Mr. Nigel Richard Tovey - General Manager Khun Numa Bertrand - Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Operations ASPIRE Consulting and Training Ltd 6 Repington Way Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B75 7NB Tel: +44 0333 772 0369 Email: info@aspire.me.uk Website: www.aspire.me.uk Representatives Mr. Jay Acharya – Director Background Aspire Consulting and Training Ltd is committed to providing results driven and innovative learning solutions adding true value to all customers to support their growth in people, processes and performance.

Aspire specialises in global consulting and learning, working with multinational organisations and government departments across the world.

We have a reputation for providing high quality bespoke and accredited programmes for our customers to support their leadership teams, strategic thinking and wide range of learning and development programmes to ensure their people are at the forefront of their sectors.

Aspire is a trusted partner to many leading organisations both in the UK and internationally. Our focus on ensuring your organisation under-

stands the return on investment it should achieve from the programmes we deliver is paramount to the success of our future relationships with all our customers.

Babcock & Wilcox Universal Barleyfield, Hinckley, Leicestershire, BB9 6LS Tel: +44 1455 89 4480 Website: www.babcock.com/universal Representatives Mr. Bruce Cresswell – Director & General Manager of Europe and Asia Markets

Bangkok Sausage House 99/20 Ananda Sportlife, King Kaew Soi 19, Bangplee Yai, Bangplee Samut Prakan 10540 Tel: + 66 85 2277 369 Email: bangkoksausagehouse@ gmail.com Website: www.bangkoksausagehouse.com Representatives Mr. John McBirnie – Owner Mrs. Sasi McBirnie – Owner Background Bangkok Sausage House was founded in 2013 and taken over by its current owners in 2016. It was started to provide quality sausages in Bangkok at a reasonable price.

Bangkok Sausage House is a small family run company providing unique sausages and catering in the Bangkok and surrounding areas.

EVA Airways 3656/4-5, 2nd Floor Green Tower, Rama 4 Road Klongton, Klongtoey Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 2-2696300 Fax: +66 2-2400558 Email: bkksales@evaair.com Website: www.evaair.com Representatives Mr. Lin Nan-yang – General Manager Background EVA Air, a star alliance member, was founded in March 1989. It is based in Taiwan, 100% privately owned and a sister company to Evergreen Marine Corporation the world-renowned container-shipping line. Since its July 01, 1991 maiden flight. EVA provides high standards quality service and safety. Building on this commitment to quality service and safety for more than 25 years, EVA is now rated as a 5-Star Airline by international quality ratings organization SKYTRAX. Including EVA, there are only eight 5-star Airlines worldwide.

EVA Air has thrived and now serves a global network that connects Asia and Mainland China to Europe, North America and Oceania and link 63 major business and tourist destinations with 82 aircrafts.

From Bangkok, EVA has 14 weekly direct flights to Europe such as London (7), Vienna(4), Amsterdam(3) and 7 flights to Paris via Taipei. EVA also provides 27 flight per week to Taipei and more than 90 weekly flights connecting to major cities in North America such as San Francisco(14-21), Los Angeles(21), Seattle(11), New York(11), Chicago(7), Houston(7), Vancouver(7) and Toronto(7) For more information traveler can learn more about EVA and book, buy and reserve seats at www.evaair.com General Tel: 02-2696300 Reservation and ticketing: 02-2696288 E-mail: bkksales@evaair.com

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Heathcoat Fabrics Limited Westexe, Tiverton EX16 5LL, UK Tel: +44 1884 244216 Email: jstimpson@heathcoat.co.uk Website: www.heathcoat.co.uk Representatives Mr. John Stimpson - Business Manager, Woven Industrial Norvic Aero Engines BFS House Golden Square, Henfield West Sussex, BN5 9DP Tel: +44 1444 401325 Fax: +44 1273 495448 Email: info@norvic.com Website: www.norvic.com Representatives Mr. Richard Boddie – CEO

RAWdevelop (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Jewellery Centre Building Unit 11E4, 138/19 Nares Road Sipraya, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: + 66 226 71790 Email: info@rawdevelop.com Website: www.rawdevelop.com

Representatives Dr. Robert Wavre – Managing Director Background We are a Microsoft partner company.

With Microsoft certified development skills, we bring expertise in both front end and back end software development. We use the latest technology, and help users leverage cloud solutions such as Azure. We create software solutions whose end users include the UK government, and multi-nationals primarily based in North America.

Whilst we create many Enterprise applications we have a specialism in training – creating both eLearning and software to support face-to-face training.

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We have created a large number of native and hybrid ios and Android apps, primarily for face-to-face training.

Mr. Rien Van Rijthoven (Individual Member) Architectural photographer 48/44 Premium place Soi Sokhonthasawat 38 Ladphroaw, Ladphroaw Bangkok 10230 Tel: + 66 944 152200 Email: info@architectural. photography Background Architectural / location photography since 1994, worked for 23 years for companies like Shell, InterContinental and numerous architects, builders and developers, 12 years in the Netherlands, 11 years in San Francisco and now located in Bangkok, my philosophy behind photography is that its only useful when created with enough attention to create a positive impression on the viewer, therefore creating enough attraction to evoke positive action in the viewer ... because people want to associate with beauty and better realities ... a better choice made ... hopefully for your company ...

Rosario Export Exports 24a Cooks Road, Crosby, Merseyside L23 2TB Representatives Mr. Nigel Heyes - Managing Director Scottish Development International (Singapore) One Raffles Place, Tower 2 Level 19, Unit 21-22 048616 Representatives Mrs. Beatrice Huckvale - Food and Drink Specialist Ms. Natalie Bell - Food and Drink Specialist

Shloka Events Co., Ltd 125/5 Soi Ruam Rudee, Ploenchit rd., Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: + 66 (0) 827 509694 Website: www.shlokaevents.com

Representatives Ms. Catherine Pucher - Business Head-South East Asia Mr. Yuvraj Singh Johar - Managing Director Background Shloka Events is an End to End Event Management solutions company, specialized in destinations within South East Asia, India & UAE. Shloka opened its office in Kolkata, India more than 6 years ago, specializing in Destination Social Events.

In 2016, Shloka opened its Bangkok office, specializing in Destination MICE Events.

Shloka Events offers clients end to end solutions for their Corporate and Social needs. Consisting of a team of Ex-Hoteliers, Shloka handles all aspects of an event, from transport to rooming, VIP Management to Production, Entertainment to F&B, etc.

With more than 6 years of experience, Shloka is an expert in destination events, all throughout South East Asia, India & UAE. All of Shloka clients are unique, and at Shloka we ensure every function is unique as well.

The Training Gateway RCH 132 Ron Cooke Hub University of York York, YO10 5GE Tel: +44 01904 325149 Email: info@thetraininggateway.com Website: www.thetraininggateway.com

Resignations & Cancellations

Representatives Ms. Amanda Selvaratnam - Director Background The Training Gateway provides a quick and easy way for any organisation to source specialist corporate and executive training and educational partnerships from UK universities, colleges and private training providers.

The Training Gateway can help you source: • Tailor-made training programmes delivered in the UK, overseas or online.

• School leadership and management programmes.

• Licensing and franchising of UK training programmes.

• Entrepreneurship and innovation skills.

• Soft skills.

• General leadership and management training at all levels and across all sectors.

• Educational partnerships with UK universities and colleges.

We provide a FREE service linking you to the best accredited UK training providers who can deliver tailored training programmes to meet your specific business needs delivered in your own country, in the UK or through distance learning.

Wisetek Solutions (Thailand) Ltd. 278/1-2, Moo 3, Tungsukla, Sriracha Chonburi 20230 Tel: +66 3840-1603-4 Fax: +66 3840-1602 Email: wannaphak@wisetek.net Website: www.wisetek.co.th Representatives Ms. Wannapha Kaewilai - Sales & Marketing Mr. Tirawat Jittapuckdee - Plant Manager

1. Adapt Group Limited 2. Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11 3. Asia Infrastructure Management (Thailand) Ltd. 4. Bangchak Corporation

Public Company Limited 5. Business Monitor International Ltd 6. ChargePoint Technology Ltd 7. Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd. 8. Creditreform (UK) Limited 9. Eclipse Magnetics 10. Ellesmere College 11. Emirates 12. Global Consultants Limited 13. HW Fisher & Company 14. IFS 15. Lions & Tigers Limited 16. Management and Executive Recruitment 17. Micro Focus 18. Pichaya Mayalarp, Mrs.

(individual member) 19. Polyseam Limited 20. Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 21. Salience Consulting 22. Scorpion Automotive Ltd 23. Sendit (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 24. The 9th Floor Restaurant 25. Trutex Limited 26. UBS Securities (Thailand) Ltd. 27. WaMSKi 28. Winters International School Finder 29. World First 30. Xylem Water Solutions

Singapore Pte Ltd. Change of company name 1. The Bangchak Petroleum Public Company Limited changed to Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited 2. Hot Property Co.,Ltd. changed to RED Mountain Co. Ltd 3. PKF Tax and Consulting Services (Thailand) Ltd Change to PKF Holdings (Thailand) Ltd. Change of company representative 1. Amec Foster Wheeler from Mr. Yossiri Promchuakaew to Mr. Puttipol Boonjungmongkol 2. Cascade Club Ltd. from Mr. Ashley James Skinner to Ms. Chanansita Kidking 3. Destination Resort co., Ltd. Branch (HOOTERS PATTAYA) from Ms. Phoongern Sakaew to Mr. Gerard Phillip Caleo 4. ICR (Thailand) Limited from Mr.

Eric James Zorc to Mr. Calvin Wilkinson 5. IDG Security from Mr. Nigel Wells to Mr. Edward Blakeney 6. Le Méridien Bangkok from Ms. Eriko Yokoyama to Ms. Choo Leng Goh 7. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok from Mrs. Amanda Hyndman to Mr. Greg Liddell 8. Metal Tiger IHQ Co., Ltd from Mr. Geoff Stephen McIntyre to Mr. David Michael McNeilly 9. Platinum Property Group Co., Ltd from Mr. Mark Bowling to Khun Sodsri Promphun 10. Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside from Mr. Klaus Sennik to Mr. Willem Pentermann 11. Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok from Mr. Phillip Couvaras to Ms. Caroline Cheah 12. Siam Piwat Co., Ltd. from Mr. Dan Tantisunthorn to Mr. Chollachat Meksupha 13. Siam Winery Commercial Co., Ltd. from Mr. Daniel Schwalb to Mr. Boonyarat Ngampatipatpong 14. SO Sofitel Bangkok from Mr. Yves Mudry to Mr. Torsten Richter 15. Spirax Sarco (Thailand) Limited from Mr. Surakit Lertudomthana to Ms. Tuangporn Parwongphol 16. Volvo Car (Thailand) Ltd. from Ms. Anette Andersson to Mr. Chris Wailes Change of company address 1. Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited 2098 M Tower Building, 8th Floor Sukhumvit Road, Bangchak Phrakanong, Bangkok 10260 2. Bangkok Global Law Offices Limited 540, Unit 1705, 17th Floor Mercury Tower, Ploenchit Road Lumpini, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330 3. Cranes and Equipment Asia Co., Ltd. 4/222 Moo10, Harbor Mall, Soi Sukhumvit 8, 12th Floor Suite 12D01, Tungsukhla Sriracha, Chonburi 20230 4. RED Mountain Co. Ltd 214, Moo 14, Woodlands Tub Tai, Hua Hin Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110 5. Willis Towers Watson Thailand 9th Floor, Metropolis Building 725 Sukhumvit Road Khlong Tan Nuea Watthana, Bangkok 10110

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FINAL WORD

Academic interest

By Dale Lawrence

U

K Minister of State for Universities and Science Jo Johnson, younger brother of Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, wants to peg back the spiralling rates of pay enjoyed by vice-chancellors at universities across the country. It’s about time.

£100,000 year would also be made public.

Professor Glynis Breakwell DBE last year reportedly tucked away a tidy £451,000 for her role as vice chancellor of the University of Bath.

Dame Glynis is understood to have blocked a motion criticising the lack of transparency of Remuneration Committee that sets her salary. The matter is being investigated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

But Sally Hunt, General Secretary of the University and College Union, said that soaring salaries for vice chancellors were ‘a real embarrassment for the higher education sector’.

She accused vice-chancellors of hiding behind ‘shadowy remuneration committees’.

At Bedford University (yes, there really is such an establishment) vice chancellor Bill Rammell has been enjoying the high life with a series of business class flights to conferences in the USA and China at a cost of almost £44,000.

Rammell, a former Labour Party Minister of State for Higher Education, was presumably keen to cling on to the trappings of high office when he took up his new role at Bedford University in 2012. He apparently trousers an annual salary of £230,000.

In North Wales, Bangor University vice chancellor John Hughes seemingly enjoys sitting in front of the curtain on his international jaunts, racking up almost £30,000 in business class air tickets since 2013.

Jo Johnson urged academic institutions ‘to show restraint’ and pro-

Universities argue that their leaders are managing large institutions, have enormous responsibilities and huge budgets and therefore command large salaries.

Jo Johnson

posed that universities should justify annual salaries above £150,000 to a new regulator – the Office for Students. Details of staff earning above

The University and College Union is also understandably perturbed by these reports but Universities UK the advocacy body representing these fine academic bodies – says that ‘it is necessary for university leaders to regularly travel overseas to forge international links and to promote their universities’. Of course it is.

Sophie stumped BBC viewers got more than they bargained for when tuning into the Corporation’s nightly ‘News at Ten’ bulletin.

As presenter Sophie Raworth introduced a segment about the England cricket team’s latest success, eagle-eyed viewers spotted a topless woman on a computer screen in the studio background.

The lady was seen removing items of clothing to reveal her ample assets. Howzat!

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

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