BCCT Link Magazine - Issue 3 2019

THE Magazine of the British Chamber of Commerce Commerce Thailand Thailand Issue Issue 32 2019 1 2019

Property-Hotels-Hospitality and Tourism

Contents This edition

BCCT

Board of Directors 2019 CHAIRMAN CHRIS THATCHER Anglo-Thai Legal Co., Ltd. M: 081 803-7377 E: christhatcher1@Gmail.com VICE CHAIRS SIMON MATTHEWS ManpowerGroup Thailand T: 02 634-7273 E: matthews@manpower.th.com

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ANDREW MCBEAN PKF Holdings (Thailand) Limited T: 02 108-1591 Ext. 100 E: andrew.mcbean@pkf.com SARAH SMITH Jamie’s Italian T: 02 255-5222 or 09 2610-6725 E: sarah.smith@jamiesitalian.co.th DIRECTORS CALLIE BANGYEKAN GlaxoSmithKline (Thailand) Limited T: 02 245-5541 E: callie.x.bangyekan@gsk.com BILLY CHOMSAKORN British Airways Plc T: 001 80044 15906 E: billy.chomsakorn@ba.com GARETH DAVIES Fluxus (Thailand) Co., Ltd. T: 096 463-4704 E: gareth.davies@fluxus.io STEPHEN FROST Bangkok International Associates Ltd. T: 02 231-6201/6455 E: sfrost@bia.co.th COLIN HASTINGS The Bigchilli Co., Ltd. T: 02 6355085 E: editorbigchilli@gmail.com MARTIN HURLEY Lancaster Bangkok Tel. +66 (0) 2262 8000 E: martin.h@lancasterbangkok.com SIMON LANDY Colliers International Thailand T: 02 656-7000 E: slandybkk@gmail.com PINYAPA SOMPHONG HLG (Thailand) Co., Ltd. T: 02 670-1848 E: psomphong@harveylawcorporation.com NICK SMART Tesco Lotus (Ek-Chai Distribution System Co., Ltd.) E: nick.smart@tescolotusfs.com CARL SMITH Triumph Motorcycles (Thailand) Limited T: 089 939-1539 E: Carl.Smith@triumph.co.uk HONORARY TREASURER JONATHAN FRYER Mazars (Thailand) Ltd. T: 02 670-1100 ext 124 E: jonathan.fryer@mazars.co.th

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Propery, Hotels, Hospitality and Tourism 10 14 15 16 20 22 24 25 28 31

East coast tourism set to profit from US-China trade war UNWTO chief pushes for greater tourism sustainability Tourism records in Asia Pacific region YOO brand targets Thailand for hotel expansion TAT tees up golf mart in Chiang Mai Thai Cabinet scuppers visa free plan for Indian and Chinese tourists TCEB backs move for air show at U-Tapao China outbound travel numbers continue to soar Chee Chan on course for more success Bangkok retains top spot

Member articles 32 Challenges posed by TM30 enforcement 40 Thailand must act to develop workforce skills 41 Neilson Hays Library launches anniversary literature festival

Contents Issue 3/2019 The Link is published by the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand.

Every editions

Advertising enquiries: Greg Watkins Email: greg@bccthai.com Jina Phenix Email: Jintana@bccthai.com Editor: Dale Lawrence Email: dalelawrence2008@gmail.com Front cover design: Lexicon Business Communications 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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Member news 44 46 47 48 50 52 54

Thailand reaps benefits of US-China trade war Dusit expands Bangkok hotel management portfolio Top ranking for HSBC Thailand CBRE Thailand gets top Euromoney ranking Banning plastic Matters to Outrigger Phuket Shangri La shells out for Thonglor land Bankers push to balance innovation with regulation

By the Numbers 56 Economic Projection for 2019

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Chamber events 58 58 59 60 61

T3 Business Networking ASEAN Dinner Multi-Chamber ESB Briefing Phuket Business Networking Briefing on The future of workspace

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Comings & Goings 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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62 The British Chamber of Commerce

Thailand welcomes the following new members

Final Word 68 Time to derail HS2

Chairman’s Message

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his issue of The Link, devoted as it is to hotels, hospitality and property, gives me a challenge. I am not knowledgeable or an expert in any of these areas.

Everything I state is a personal opinion, based upon my experiences, so let me start with hotels.

CHRIS THATCHER Sterling Partner

I recently visited the UK and stayed in three hotels. They ranged in category from 3 star to 5 star and you can perhaps guess which I preferred. The smaller and more intimate 3-star hotel did everything that I wanted and had the facilities that I needed.

It was, of course, cheaper.

The 5 star hotels were chosen not for their facilities but for their location and, indeed, were no better than the smaller hotel. What is my message therefore to our hotel members? I suppose I would say that they should focus upon what they are good at and forget about one-upmanship over other hotels.

Their guests are their bread and butter and returning guests (customer retention) are a bonus if you can get it right. So, it is worth asking why guests return – or why they don’t.

Sustaining Partners

For the two bigger category hotels, I obviously received automated messages asking me to fill in a questionnaire and requested that I rate them on TripAdvisor. I didn’t.

From the smaller hotel, I received a more personal email.

Thank you for staying with us. Your feedback is important to us. Every morning at The XXXX Hotel the management team, representing every aspect of the hotel, get together to talk about two things...

1) How did we do yesterday?

2) How are we going to improve today?

Guest feedback is crucial when answering these two questions. I replied. No TripAdvisor and no bullshit. I was left with a genuine feeling that this hotel cared.

Walking into a place for the first time creates a lasting impression. Is there a genuine welcome? If not, you’re going to have to pull out all the stops to retrieve the situation.

The best (hotel) welcome I ever got was to be invited to sit down, handed a welcome glass (of something bubbly) and the receptionist came to me and filled in everything she needed as I continued to relax after my long journey. This was 14 years ago and it has never happened anywhere else. It was memorable and, given the opportunity, I would return. First impressions mean a lot.

Hospitality to me means caring and showing that you care. It isn’t constant nagging (for want of a better word), asking if everything is OK. Again, the best response I had was a waitress who simply stated ‘let me know if there is anything you need’ and then left us alone to enjoy the meal. She was always near but never intrusive. Now, too often, staff are trained to enquire and keep enquiring. Too formulaic and too obvious.

Property, something I know little about, is the third area for this issue. Some questions worth asking, particularly about Bangkok, are: • are there too many condo buildings in Bangkok?

• with reductions in tourism and the types of tourists, is the hotel sector oversubscribed?

• is the planning organised and logical - or is it just haphazard?

• is the infrastructure adequate? If you live in some areas, drainage is a very real issue. Roads are allowed to be blocked without thought (think of Terminal 21 and the Asoke / Sukhumvit junction or of Ratchada near to the Train night market) Finally, it is good to see the BCCT Property and Infrastructure (P&I) Group getting going again, thanks to James Pitchon who has agreed to lead it. James, as many of you know, is a long-term property expert and his annual talks on the state of the Bangkok / Thailand property situation are insightful and amusing. For many, they have become a ‘must attend’ event. Thanks, James.

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Executive Director’s Message

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ith a new Thai government in place, thoughts quickly come around to advocacy in the hope and expectation that new Ministers will be keen to make positive changes to current laws and regulations.

GREG WATKINS

Supporting Partners

Rather than engaging in public confrontation via the media, BCCT prefers private consultation with key contacts in the Thai public and private sector communities.

At the recent members’ feedback evening, questions rose along the lines of ‘how does BCCT lobby on behalf of members’ and ‘is it worth lobbying anyway if the Thai government doesn’t want to change laws’.

To answer, BCCT is active in many ways. The first and most direct way is by assisting individual members on a case-by-case basis.

The BCCT executive team has access to a huge network of Thai government contacts. Assistance could involve a discussion on the best way to address a specific issue based on our long experience.

It could be sign-posting to a specific person in a government department who has undertaken to respond. It might involve recommending contact with another member who could act as a mentor. BCCT engages fully with the Thai public and private sectors on a bilateral basis. BCCT Chairman Chris Thatcher serves as a Director of the Board of Trade of Thailand and BCCT Board director Simon Landy is an Advisor.

Both report back to the BCCT Board on a regular basis. Engaging with the Board of Trade and its sister organisation, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, has been the most effective way of achieving positive change.

We have Honorary Advisors to the BCCT Board who are respected business people and government representatives. They are on hand to help us to better understand and navigate our way through specific issues as they arise.

With 28 years’ experience of working in Thailand I am fortunate to have developed an extensive network of professional and personal contacts in the Thai and foreign private and public sectors – contacts with whom I can engage for a confidential opinion on key issues, such as whether regulations will be changed and possible legal work-arounds.

Multi-laterally, in 2018 BCCT co-founded the Foreign Chambers Alliance (FCA) with the American, Australian and German chambers in Thailand. The four largest non-Asian chambers in Thailand have combined knowledge and resources to engage with the Thai government on an issue-by-issue basis.

We do not believe that it is productive to send lengthy documents in English to government in the hope that it will be read and the points actioned. Instead we prefer shorter position papers on specific points submitted in English and Thai to the relevant Minister.

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Also multi-laterally, since its inception in 2011, BCCT has played an active and positive role in the evolution of the European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC). Many BCCT members are actively involved on the EABC Board and in the 12 sector advocacy groups.

BCCT has organised several events for EABC and has co-branded on many occasions. Representing all European nations, not only EU member states, this multi-country European advocacy platform gives BCCT members an opportunity to access a wider European network in Thailand.

News of a soon-to-be-launched new offer for members. Since 2013, BCCT has been one of the leading delivery partners under a Department for International Trade part-funded project to provide bespoke, structured business support services (BSS) to British companies seeking to export to or invest in the Thai market.

The executive team has developed much knowledge and expertise that the BCCT board is keen to offer to members in Thailand. These services include: - - - - Airline Partners

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Introductions to potential customers Meetings arrangements Business matching Event management and organisation including guest invitations & attendance Company background checks Competitor analysis Sector research Sign-posting to sources of specific information Exhibition support including inviting visitors to a stand

We are currently formalising our delivery offer for members in Thailand and would welcome your feedback into this process.

Often our support will be bespoke, but it would be very helpful to receive your thoughts on the above and any services that you think we could or should provide.

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COVER STORY

East coast tourism set to profit from US-China trade war W

ith the Thai government continuing to encourage inward investment along the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), tourism is set to reap the rewards of the continuing trade dispute between China and the USA. Thailand’s Board of Investment (BoI) is offering additional privileges to investors as part of a new ‘Thailand Plus’ package – and that’s good news for hoteliers along the Eastern Seaboard who are seeking new sources of revenue to offset the downturn in Chinese tourist arrivals.

Denis Richter, General Manager at the recently-opened Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa in Na Jomtien, is confident that the nation’s tourism industry is bouncing back from the sluggish performance recorded in H1 2019 with only a modest 1.48 percent increase in international arrivals (19,769,347) compared to the first six months of 2018.

“This is only our second year of operations and yet we have already created a solid business base of business and leisure guests. Businesses relocating to the EEC are looking for quality accommodation and MICE facilities and we are undoubtedly benefitting from being part of the Marriott group with its popular loyalty programme.”

However, Denis Richter (pictured right) did express caution when asked to consider the region’s longer term prospects in the face of increasing competition from countries such

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COVER STORY

as Vietnam and the strength of the Thai Baht.

“We are fortunate in Thailand to have so many repeat guests and this is helping to maintain visitor arrival numbers, despite currency exchange rate concerns and the undoubted appeal of destinations in neighbouring south east Asian countries,” he explained. “Our rates remain competitive and our guest feedback is encouraging. Our week-end clientele comprises many Thai families from the Bangkok metropolis and our overseas guests include many independent travellers from China. We expect this trend to continue.”

Denis Richter gave an upbeat response when asked about the state of tourism along the Eastern Seaboard.

“This area has so much to offer for families, golfers and travellers seeking new cultural and leisure experiences by visiting temples, water parks and the many tourist attrac-

tions along the coat. We are attracting more corporate travellers employed by businesses that are becoming established in the industrial parks and we have the added advantage of being with easy reach of both Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports,” he added.

The Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa in Na Jomtien, with 257 rooms that range from Deluxe category to Beachfront Villas, is looking to expand its MICE business by targeting regional markets. The hotel has received certification by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)that gives confidence to local and international MICE planners.

“The hotel is located some distance away from the traditional Pattaya night spots that can prove to be a distraction for MICE delegates and a concern for event organisers. Our beachfront hotel enjoys a quiet location that creates the ideal atmosphere and setting for a wide range

of corporate events, weddings and social celebrations,” added Denis Richter, an Austrian national with extensive hospitality experience in Asia, Middle east and the Caribbean.

“Of course, we do operate daily shuttle van services for guests wishing to shop in Pattaya town centre”, he said.

Denis also welcomed the recent infrastructure development that will soon provide nearby access to the expressway network, thus avoiding the need to drive along Sukhumvit road through Pattaya.

Finally, he stressed the importance of setting an example to all corporate and leisure guests by supporting sustainable tourism development in line with the goals set by the UNWTO with a ban on plastic bottles and straws, energy efficiency, zero food waste and water recycling. The hotel is also installing charger stations for electric vehicles in the car park.

Vistara links Delhi with Bangkok T

ravellers between Delhi and Bangkok now have another option, thanks to a new service launched by India-based carrier Vistara.

The airline is operating daily return flights between the two cities with the choice of economy, premium economy and business class cabins.

The news will be welcomed by public and private sector tourism chiefs and hotel owners in Thailand

as they seek to reduce the reliance upon visitors from China.

Figures released by the Thailand Tourism Intelligence Centre indicate that the Kingdom welcomed some 1.79 million visitors from India in 2018. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is hoping for a year-end total of around two million.

The TAT’s expectation is based upon encouraging year-on-year growth of 24.5 percent in arrivals from India in the first seven months of 2019.

Vistara offers connections to and from to several domestic destinations in India including Amritsar, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Calcutta and Mumbai.

Vistara only recently inaugurated its international operations with daily flights to Singapore from Delhi and Mumbai.

The airline also serves Dubai from Mumbai. Vistara, launched in 2015, operates a fleet of Airbus A320 and Boing 737-800NG aircraft.

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UNWTO chief pushes for greater tourism sustainability C

ountries are integrating sustainability in their tourism policies but the evidence on the results of their implementation remains limited. That’s according to research conducted for the first Baseline Report on the Integration of Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns into Tourism Policies.

The Baseline Report, prepared by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in collaboration with United Nations Environment (UN Environment) and with support from French government, is the first global assessment of sustainable consumption and production (SCP) factors within national tourism policies. A total of 101 UNWTO Member States participated in this ground-breaking exercise.

All the tourism policies analysed refer to sustainability as part of their objectives or vision and 55 percent address sustainability as a cross cutting element. At the same time, 67 percent of tourism policies include references to resource efficiency and 64 percent connect sustainability with the competitiveness of the sector.

Tourism policy makers are aware of the importance of SCP but the references to policy instruments aiming at SCP implementation are limited and so is the evidence available for other aspects beyond the economic performance of the sector.

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UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said, “Sustainability and competitiveness go hand in hand. Destinations and businesses can flourish while making a meaningful contribution to sustainability in several ways, including through the efficient use of resources, promoting biodiversity conservation and taking action to fight climate change.�

Advancing SCP practices in the tourism sector is essential if the sector is to contribute effectively to sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda. With this in mind, UNWTO has also launched the Sustainable

Tourism Policy Talks alongside the Baseline Report. The series of talks feature interviews with Ministers of Tourism on the implementation of national tourism policies.

The Sustainable Tourism Programme aims to scale up SCP practices that boost the efficient use of natural resources in tourism while producing less waste and addressing the challenges of climate change and biodiversity. The programme acts as an implementation mechanism for SDG12 and the Baseline Report and Sustainable Tourism Policy Talks directly contribute to the implementation of One Planet objectives.

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Forum series adds focus to Thailand’s tourism story B angkok-based travel industry journalist Imtiaz Muqbil is promoting a forum on Thailand’s tourism history. The forum programme covers the Kingdom’s fascinating development as a global destination which Imtiaz Muqbil describes as ‘the greatest story in global tourism history’.

“Thai tourism industry has a lot to learn from its great history, both successes and failures,” he said. “Thailand has overcome political and geopolitical upheavals, economic collapse, health pandemics and natural disasters. But tourism has also had an

enormous social, cultural and environmental impact.

“Next year marks the 60th anniversary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Airways International, the founding pillars of Thai tourism. It will be a ‘coming of age’ and therefore an appropriate time for reflection and soul-searching about the past, present and future of Thailand’s ‘sunrise’ economic sector.”

The forum has won praise from tourism industry leaders in Thailand. For more details, email: imtiaz@travel-impact-newswire.com

Imtiaz Muqbil

Tourism records in Asia Pacific region I nternational visitor arrivals (IVAs) into the 34 Asia Pacific destinations that released Q1 2019 data collectively hit a new record high of more than 124 million with a growth rate of 5.4 percent and an increase of over six million additional arrivals compared to the same period last year. That’s according to new figures published by the Bangkok-based Pacific Asia Travel Association.

North east Asia reported an impressive year-on-year IVAs growth of 14.5 percent with Macao (+21.2%), Hong Kong (+16.8%) and South Korea (+14.1%) leading the pack in both percentage and volume increases.

Collectively their additional volume of IVAs accounted for 89 percent of the sub-regional net gains of 5.5 million foreign arrivals.

Nepal and the Maldives dominated in the percentage growth terms in south Asia with solid increases of 19.4 percent and 15 percent respectively, contributing over 100,000 additional IVAs to the sub-regional total.

In south east Asia, Myanmar outperformed its neighbours in terms of percentage growth with a doubledigit increase of 27.8 percent for the quarter - boosted by strong traffic from China (+130.7%) and Korea (+89.6%).

In the Pacific region both the Northern Marianas and Palau showed a downward trend of visitor arrivals during Q1 2019, marking 32 percent and 22.7 percent decrease respectively. These drops resulted from carriers reducing the number of services from airports in China, Japan and South Korea.

The top five Asian markets for IVAs into Asia Pacific destinations by volume increase generated a collective count of more than 54 million IVAs in Q1 2019 with a 12 percent yearon-year growth. China topped the group with 36.6 million, adding close to five million additional arrivals into the region over this period.

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YOO brand targets Thailand for hotel expansion Y

OO Hotels & Resorts is to introduce its lifestyle brand Yoo2 in markets across south east Asia with the launch of new properties in several emerging destinations. Described as the ‘antithesis of a hotel chain’, Yoo2 aims to redefine the way guests stay and interact with their community.

and local influences. Hotel lobbies will become lively, communal spaces where guests can meet, eat, drink, work, play and think. YOO Worldwide partners with ONYX Hospitality Group in south east Asia in order to provide owners and developers with a turnkey solution for their hotels.

Infused with the spirit of YOO’s founders, John Hitchcox and Philippe Starck, each hotel is truly individual – combining innovative interiors with the spirit and soul of its neighbourhood. Smart, social and tech-savvy, Yoo2 hotels are ‘head turners’ and ‘conversation starters’, according to the media announcement.

“South east Asia is one of the world’s most desirable regions.

With its combination of vibrant cities, spectacular scenery, idyllic islands and blissful beaches, it is no surprise that visitor arrivals to the ASEAN region continue to rise sharply, now exceeding 125 million per year. Many visitors, especially from well-established source markets, are seeking more than just a place to stay; they want a genuine connection with their destination.

Yoo2 will allow guests to experience Southeast Asia like never before,” said Rich Millar, YOO Worldwide’s Vice President of Business Development - Asia Pacific.

Following the recent launch of YOO’s first south east Asian office in Bangkok, the company is now expanding across the region.

Yoo2 has identified a series of attractive urban and resort locations in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia,

John Hitchcox

Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines, with the overall target of signing 20 unique, design-led and locally-inspired hotels by 2022.

Each Yoo2 hotel will combine contemporary living spaces with intuitive amenities, smart technology

Arival set for Bangkok return

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he Arival travel industry event could return to Bangkok in 2020. Arival co-founder Bruce Rosard has confirmed that the event will return to Asia next

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year, with Bangkok again a potential host city.

The inaugural event in Bangkok earlier this attracted several hundred

delegates from more than 30 countries with registration fees starting at US$495. Arival events are also scheduled for Orlando in October 2019 and Berlin in March 2020.

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TAT tees up golf mart in Chiang Mai T

he Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organised the fifth Thailand Golf Travel Mart (TGTM) 2019 in Chiang Mai as part of its ongoing strategy to develop further this niche market of high-spending, long-stay visitors.

Thai golf professional Thongchai Jaidee was a special guest at the event that attracted golf tour package operators from 24 countries.

To broaden the exposure of Thailand’s golfing attractions, TAT invited 59 first-time buyers, especially from new markets; such as, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Portugal and Sweden.

Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT Deputy Governor

The Mart was also supported by David Rollo, Vice President of Golf IMG Events; Komson Suwanampa, Vice Governor of Chiang Mai; Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, and Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing, Asia and South Pacific.

Khun Chattan told visitors, “We are very pleased with the great response

to this year’s Mart. We have rotated it all around the country since its inception in order to maximise exposure of the tremendous diversity of our golf products, especially in the emerging provinces.”

With this in mind, delegates were invited to visit the small province of Lamphun, about 12 miles from Chiang Mai, where investors have devel-

oped four golf courses with impressive landscaping and scenery.

Khun Chattan added, “With every passing year, Thailand faces increasing competition for the tourist dollar on the global stage. We are looking forward to networking with the buyers and listening to their feedback on how we can best maximise opportunities.”

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TAT eyes Nordic market T

he Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is collaborating with 24 Thai start-ups to break into the Nordic market under a project entitled ‘Bringing new shades of Thailand to Nordic travellers’.

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn and TAT Stockholm Director Eurblarp Sriphiromya announced that the pilot project will promote culinary, wellness and sports tourism in secondary cities in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. The first phase of the project is scheduled to begin in October 2019.

Governor Yuthasak said that with some 700,000 Nordic tourists visiting Thailand every year, this was a high percentage of the 26.5 million people living in the four targeted nations.

“It’s really a high proportion of the market compared to other European

countries with big populations, like Germany with 83 million people or the United Kingdom with 65 million, of whom only 800,000 to 900,000 visit Thailand,” he said.

He added that most travellers from Nordic countries were repeat visitors and knew the country well, stay-

ing on average for up to 17 days and spending just over US$ 2,800 per trip.

“Since most Nordic tourists like exploring new places, this project will offer them a great experience and create more loyalty to the Amazing Thailand brand,” he added.

New MRT stations improve access to old town landmarks

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our new MRT subway stations in Bangkok’s Old City and Chinatown neighbourhood will make exploring the area’s rich history and landmark sites even easier for locals and tourists.

The four stations are part of an extension to the MRT Blue Line which begins at Hua Lamphong.

The new stations are Wat Mangkon (pictured right), Sam Yot, Sanam Chai and Itsaraphap.

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said, “The opening of these stations greatly increases the ease and convenience of visiting some of Bangkok’s most famous attractions.”

The four new stations are decorated to celebrate and honour the traditions and heritage of Bangkok’s old town (Rattanakosin) area – home to many of the Thai capital’s most spectacular and revered attractions such as the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha).

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Five new national parks for Thailand T hailand has added five new national parks in accordance with the Kingdom’s 20 year National Strategic Plan. The plan targets the increase of forested areas to 55 percent of the entire country by 2037.

“Part of the work to increase the forest area as well as forestry conservation is by the national park system under three key mandates which are environmental conservation, research and recreational development,” explained Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

There are currently 133 national parks in Thailand. Khao Yai National Park was the first – established in 1962. Since 2016, Thailand has added some 131,000 acres to its national park system, bringing the total forested area in Thailand to just over 31 percent.

A further 22 national parks are in the process of being established - 11 land national parks and 11 marine national parks – that together cover some 13 percent of the nation.

TAT goes mobile

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is offering a new service for a limited period to Bangkok visitors in a bid to broaden awareness of attractions, events and festivals throughout the Kingdom’s busy calendar.

The ‘TAT Mobile Car’ is providing tourism information and promoting Thailand’s attractions, events and festivals. It is being positioned at various tourist enclaves in Bangkok from Wednesday to Sunday between 12 noon and 7 pm. TAT states that duty staff can speak English and Mandarin.

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Thai Cabinet scuppers visa free plan for Indian and Chinese tourists P

lans by Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn to provide visa-free for visitors from India and China have been scuppered by Cabinet colleagues.

The newly-appointed Tourism Minister wanted visa-free stays for up to 30 days for the two nationalities with effect from 1 November 2019.

The proposal was rejected by the Cabinet but Ministers did agree to extend the current waiver on visa fees until 30 April 2020. Chinese and Indian tourists will still have to queue for visas when they arrive at airports in the Kingdom but they

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will not be required to pay the THB 2,000 fee.

Thai media reported that some ministers had objected to visa-free entry on the basis that it would reduce visa fee earnings by an estimated THB one billion. The Tourism Minister’s proposal had gained support from sections of the nation’s tourism sector, including the Association of Thai Travel Agents.

Media reports also noted a claim by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that any visa-free proposal might encourage what was described as ‘a massive influx of tourists who

might exploit the measure to escape from hardship and settle illegally in Thailand’. Foreign Affairs Minister Don Pramudwinai was reported as stating that ‘it would undermine the country’s policy to encourage higherspending international visitors.

Curiously, Tourism Minister Phiphat told local media that he was seeking an extension to business hours for ‘night entertainment venues’ in some tourist destinations, a move that will be unlikely to be met with any degree of enthusiasm by those living close to clubs and bars in tourist destinations such as Pattaya and Phuket.

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Thailand’s tourism confidence index holds steady in Q2 T

he quarterly Thailand Tourism Confidence Index of 600 tourism operators was holding steady at 100 in Q2 2019. The projection of the Thailand Tourism Confidence Index for the third quarter of 2019 is also set at 100.

The survey is a collaboration between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) and Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Economics and divided into six parts.

These include an overview of Thai tourism, confidence index of tourism operators, testimonials from domestic and international tourists, tourism situation during key festivals, international tourist arrival projections and recommendations for future action.

The index ratings have a range of between 0 to 200: over 100 means better than the normal situation; 100 means normal; and below 100 means worse than normal. The second quarter index survey was carried out in May 2019 using a database

of over 600 tourism operators as well as government officials from related agencies. It also interviewed 350 international and 350 domestic tourists, respectively.

agreed that Bangkok and Chiang Mai are facing over tourism issues that are impacting the destinations, whilst they pointed to Phuket as a destination that can still handle more tourists.

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said, “The Thailand Tourism Confidence Index is projecting future tourism trends to share with key travel industry stakeholders so that everyone involved can be prepared to cope with the ever-changing situations that impact travel and tourism in Thailand.”

The following recommendations were also raised: the need to improve transportation infrastructure between major and secondary cities and make information on all modes of transportation including ticket reservations more available.

The Q2 findings highlighted both the micro and macro factors affecting Thailand’s tourism industry: the slowdown of the world economy as well as Thailand’s economic stagnation; the Thai government’s stimulus and tax reduction scheme; extension on the visa-arrival fee waiver for citizens of 20 nations for another six months until October 2019, and the strength of the Thai Baht to a weakening US dollar - combined with rising inflation.

Both tourism operators and tourists

Improvements to transport; utilising technology to provide clear transport information’ enforcing strict pricing, and improving mass transport in all destinations were also requested.

Respondents also called for strict enforcement of licensing for tour operators and tourism establishments.

The Index forecast that Thailand would welcome 9.7 million international tourists in Q3 2019 and that total arrivals in 2019 would reach 40.06 million international tourists – a figure since downgraded by the tourism ministry.

Mekong Tourism Forum

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he 2020 Mekong Tourism Forum will take place in the newly-designated UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bagan in

Myanmar. The theme for next year’s event is ‘Achieving balanced tourism in the Greater Mekong sub-region’.

The Forum, hosted by the Ministry

of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar, takes place on 6 - 8 May. More details at: https://www.mekongtourism.org/media/

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Thai Airways takes off with Hilton T hai Airways International is seeking more business partners to boost passenger numbers and add value for travellers.

Siriphong Mangkalee, director of the ASEAN sales department, announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hilton hotels.

The MoU enables both international and domestic travellers showing THAI boarding passes on all routes to enjoy a discount for dining and

spas at Hilton hotels in Thailand, including Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok, DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit, Millennium Hilton Bangkok and Conrad Koh Samui. The offer lasts until the end of 2019.

Heidi Kleine-Moeller, General Manager of the Millennium Hilton Bangkok, said that Thailand was one of the most important markets for Hilton. “This partnership is the first step in our long-term cooperation to enhance the tourism experi-

ence for both business and leisure groups,” she said.

Siriphong Mangkalee gave media an upbeat message, stating that the airline’s performance on ASEAN routes was in good health with an average load factor of 70-80 percent.

Visitors from ASEAN countries rose by 5.4 percent to 5.04 million in the first six months of this year, according to Thailand’s tourism ministry.

TCEB backs move for air show at U-Tapao

T

he Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau is backing a move to stage an air show at U-Tapao airport, near Pattaya.

The agency apparently hired UKbased Farnborough International to conduct a feasibility study on the potential for such an air show in Thailand. Results of the study are being shared with stakeholders by TCEB to assess the potential and likely support. It is thought that Farnborough International is a frontrunner to manage an air show in Thailand.

TCEB executives have also visited well-known international air shows in the UK, France and Bahrain to gain first-hand knowledge.

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Any such project faces intense regional competition. Singapore, for example, hosts a biennial aerospace event that embraces civilian and military equipment.

U-Tapao, (pictured above), once home

to US B52 bombers during the Vietnam War, is now the base for the Royal Thai Navy’s First Air Wing. Thai Airways operates a maintenance facility at the airport and the commercial operations embrace regional and long haul charter and scheduled services.

COVER STORY

Fears for Phuket tourism P huket’s tourism sector is facing unfavourable factors such as an oversupply of hotel rooms that could undermine its position as a leading leisure destination in Thailand.

Figures published by the Tourism Authority of Thailand show that while the number of hotel rooms increased in the first half of 2019 by 1.95 percent to 93,941 the occupancy rate fell by 3.25 percent to 76.5 percent.

Hotel room rates dropped significantly in Q1 2019 and with more than 15,000 new ‘keys’ in the pipeline the pressure is mounting on owners and managers to boost occupancy levels.

In the same period Phuket welcomed 5.2 million foreign visitors and 871,022 domestic tourists. Tourism revenues were calculated at THB 200 billion.

According to the Thai Hotels Association (THA), average room rates in Phuket fell by eight percent in Q2 compared to the same quarter in 2018 as the fallout from last year’s boating disaster continues to hang low over the province.

Many Chinese tourists continue to shy away from Phuket but the destination has been attracting more visitors from Taiwan and Japan. Mainland China remains at the forefront of any discussion about tourism in Phuket. The segment remains vola-

tile with a 19 percent decrease registered in the period January to May 2019.

Hoteliers are now offering competitive rates to travellers from other source markets such as India where the growth of no-frills carriers such as GoAir and Indigo has boosted outbound travel.

The TAT is reportedly keen to discuss new air routes serving Phuket from India and other markets in south east Asia.

International arrivals at Phuket airport fell by three percent in the first four months of this year while domestic arrivals dropped six percent.

China outbound travel numbers continue to soar M ainland Chinese are travelling overseas for business and leisure in greater numbers than ever before, according to the latest edition of the Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index: Origins.

China now ranks second behind the USA in the global league table of travellers to overseas destinations.

Travel within the Asia Pacific region has also surged in recent years with South Korea and Taiwan now ranked in the top 10 origin markets.

“Mastercard’s Global Destination

Cities Index: Origins offers a new way for local officials and companies to see how travellers spend at destinations, providing them with better insights on how to plan and promote travel and tourism capabilities,” said Diana Robino, senior vice president, tourism partnerships for Mastercard.

“Managed well, travel and tourism can be a catalyst for inclusive growth, benefiting both visitors and all communities in the destinations.

Mastercard is committed to using its expertise and technology to help cities and destinations realise these opportunities.”

Origins is a breakout report of the broader Global Destination Cities Index, with full rankings to be published by Mastercard later this year.

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Downbeat results for hotels in Asia Pacific region

A

sia Pacific hotels reported negative results during Q2 2019, according to data published by STR – a company that measures three key performance metrics, namely occupancy, average daily rate (ADR)and RevPar (revenue per

available room) at thousands of hotels across the region.

in the region fell by one percent to 69.9 percent.

Based on US dollar constant currency for the second quarter of this year compared with the same quarter in 2018, average occupancy levels

ADR declined 0.7 percent to US$97.32 while revenue RevPar fell 1.6 percent to US$67.25.

Bangkok maintains popularity with events planners

S

ingapore is ranked once again as the top meeting destination in Asia, according to events and hospitality technology provider Cvent, with Bangkok in second place.

ing activity across Cvent’s venue sourcing sites, places Hong Kong in third place. Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai and Tokyo complete the list of the top six most popular cities.

Cvent’s latest list of the ‘top 25 meeting destinations’, based upon book-

Hospitality Cloud’s VP for Marketing Chris McAndrews said, “Meeting and

event activity in the region is booming. Business events add US$1.5 trillion to the global GDP and, because of this positive economic impact, the cities featured in this year’s Top Meeting Destinations lists have put significant time and resources into attracting more business events.”

TCEB launches airport fast track service for MICE delegates

T

he Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has launched an ‘Exclusive MICE Lane Service’ at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport.

MICE event organisers can apply to use the service on behalf of delegates by submitting relevant travel details to TCEB. Once approved and confirmed, TCEB will work with Thailand’s Immigration Department to deliver what is described as a ‘more seamless arrival experience’.

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The Exclusive MICE Lane Service experience begins with a TCEB MICE Lane Officer meeting the arriving delegates as they disembark the aircraft. Delegates are directed to the Priority Lane at immigration and then assisted with baggage collection.

Delegates attending events endorsed

by TCEB enjoy automatic eligibility for the new service that can handle up to 15 MICE delegates per flight.

Mrs. Nichapa Yoswee, TCEB’s Senior Vice President – Business, said, “The facilitation of MICE events and MICE travellers to ensure the best possible experience in Thailand is an ongoing initiative of TCEB.” MICE event organisers may also display welcome signs at the airport and make use of an advertisement screen in the arrivals hall. The TCEB MICE Lane service booth is located in the baggage hall near carousel 18.

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Chee Chan on course for more success T

he new Chee Chan Golf Resort near Pattaya is preparing for its first anniversary later this year with a series of offers for golfers of all handicaps. The 18-hole par 72 championship course has won rave reviews for the quality and layout of the fairways and greens. The iconic Khao Chee Chan (pictured) is visible from every hole.

The attention to detail extends to the clubhouse where the locker rooms exude five star quality and elegance and the restaurant, serving Asian and European cuisine, caters for 140 guests.

Marketing Director Kulthida Walsh is striving to broaden the resort’s appeal to local and international golfers with promotions featuring discounted green fees on its social media channels.

“Thailand is maintaining its appeal

as one of the great nations for golfing holidays,” she explained. “We have enjoyed amazing success in our first

year of operations and our expansion plans include a PGA school and a hotel close to the golf course.”

New Hilton brands to debut in Bangkok H ilton’s plans for 120 new hotels in the Asia Pacific region include a new brands and properties in Bangkok. The company’s regional pipeline of new properties features DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn and Canopy by Hilton hotels scheduled to open in Bangkok.

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Alan Watts, Hilton’s Area President - Asia Pacific, “Looking at the volume of new hotels signed we’ve had our best ever start to the year from a development standpoint. The continued rise in travel across the region from the growing middle class, coupled with ongoing investment in infrastructure, makes the

hotel industry a very attractive investment.

“Having recently celebrated our 100th anniversary and been named the region’s best hospitality workplace for the third year running by Great Place to Work, we’re seeing real momentum in our business.”

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY Congratulations to the Class of 2019 who paired their excellent IB results with offers from top universities around the globe.

228 UK

54

CANADA

135 USA

THE NETHERLANDS

10 4 1 DENMARK IRELAND 1 GERMANY 1 4 BELGIUM 1 AUSTRIA SWITZERLAND 1 ITALY

5 THAILAND

2

MALAYSIA

1

HONG KONG 2

SINGAPORE

NUMBER OF OFFERS BY COUNTRY

*Southern hemisphere applications are still in process

With three perfect IB scores, it is no wonder that this cohort have received offers from academically renowned universities such as Oxford and Cambridge and from programmes such as the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Berklee College of Music and an NCAA Division 1 golf scholarship. # BalancedAndFulfilled Full list of university offers: www.patana.ac.th admissions@patana.ac.th Tel: +66 (0) 2785 2200 Link Bangkok Patana is a not-for-profit IB World School, accredited byTheCIS.

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More hotels in AP pipeline S TR’s hotel pipeline data for the Asia Pacific region showed 2,109 projects accounting for 470,650 rooms in construction as of July 2019. This represented a 27 percent year-on-year increase in the number of rooms in the final phase of the development pipeline.

STR, formerly known as Smith Travel Research, is based in Hender-

sonville, Tennessee. The company tracks supply and demand data for multiple market sectors including hotels.

A majority of the Asia Pacific region’s rooms under construction are in three segments. Of those three, ‘upper midscale’ projects represented the largest percentage increase (+41.9%) in activity year-on-year.

Five countries have reported more than 20,000 rooms under construction. China leads with 244,233 rooms (9.4 percent of the country’s existing supply), followed by Japan (43,012 rooms; 6.3% of existing supply). Vietnam (29,625 rooms), Indonesia (26,694 rooms) and India with 24,801 rooms complete the top five.

Thailand’s community tourism gets boost from new web application

T

he online tourism management system ‘Local Kit’ has been launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to enhance the quality of communitybased tourism in Thailand.

Local Kit is designed to manage more efficiently the tourism information at community level and, and at the same time, act as a conduit between communities and organisations.

A key focus in the direction of Thailand’s tourism industry in 2019 is the promotion of responsible tourism with the aim of ensuring sustainability and preserving local identities.

This is in line with the TAT’s ongoing marketing communications con-

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cept of ‘Amazing Thailand: Open to the New Shades’ which aims to minimise the impact of ‘over tourism’, improve the spread of tourism flows and revenue on a wider and more even basis to reduce the gap between high and low income earners, and having all Thai people benefit from the tourism industry’s growth.

“Local Kit is well placed to help achieve these goals and, in doing so, boost Thailand’s tourism competitiveness. In today’s digital age where

data is so valuable, the system covers all the necessities of complete tourism management; such as, bookings, accommodation and pricing,” said TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn.

A pilot project using the Local Kit system offers community tourism nature-based experiences at two villages near Khao Yai National Park.

The villages offer ecotourism experiences and demonstrate how the locals live in harmony with their natural surroundings.

COVER STORY

Bangkok retains top spot

Bangkok’s new Wat Mangkok MRT station

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angkok is again topping the annual Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index.

The Index ranks the ’city of angels’ as the number one destination for the fourth consecutive year (2018) with more than 22 million international overnight visitors. Bangkok also sits third in the league table of visitor spending with Phuket in tenth position.

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said, “Mastercard’s Global Destination Cities Index ranks 200 cities based on proprietary analysis of publicly available visitor volume and spending data. That Bangkok has been in the No. 1 spot for the fourth year in a row certainly helps strengthen the positive image of the Thai capital as the preferred destination for global travellers.”

Marking a decade of insights, the Index also listed Bangkok as being in the top 3 global cities since 2010, as well as being in the No. 1 spot for six of the past seven years.

“Now, the four new MRT subway stations in Bangkok’s old quarter makes exploring the city’s landmark sites even easier. Bangkok’s culinary scene has also been strengthened over the years, especially with many restaurants and

street food eateries making it into the Michelin Guide. These developments are just a few of the rich history and culture as well as variety of business and leisure experiences Bangkok has to offer,” added Governor Yuthasak.

Global Top 10 destination cities in 2018 2018 international overnight visitors

Growth forecast for 2019 (%)

Average length of stay (nights)

Average spend per day (USD)

Bangkok

22.78 m

3.34

4.8

$184

Paris

19.10 m

2.24

2.5

$296

London

19.09 m

3.47

5.8

$148

Dubai

15.93 m

1.68

3.5

$553

Singapore

14.67 m

4.0

4.2

$272

Kuala Lumpur

13.79 m

9.87

5.7

$142

New York

13.60 m

2.94

7.9

$152

Istanbul

13.40 m

8.14

5.8

$106

Tokyo

12.93 m

10.02

5.4

$196

Antalya

12.41 m

8.14

14.0

$44

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CITY

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Member articles

Challenges posed by TM30 enforcement

By Christopher Bruton

S

ince the peremptory and unexpected announcement of strict enforcement of certain hitherto dormant provisions of the Immigration Act of 1979, Thailand’s foreign community has been in a state of confusion and anxiety.

Their distress relates to the controversial sections 37 and 38 of the Immigration Act, concerned with regular reporting of location and movements of foreigners designated as nonimmigrants but working, living or visiting in Thailand in various capacities.

The Immigration Act of 1979 came into force at a critical time for Thailand’s national security. With the fall of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to Communist victories against Thailand’s then supposed invincible ally the USA, it appeared inevitable that Thailand might be next in line. It was at that time natural and inevitable that the domicile and location of citizens and non-citizens should be clearly identified and monitored.

Thai citizens and permanent residents are located fairly easily due to identity cards and household registration books listing all the regularly resident persons in every household nationwide.

While in reality there are many Thai citizens and even some resident foreigners that do not always reside where they are actually registered it is usually fairly easy to trace their whereabouts. When any organ of government wants to reach out, it is usually possible for the long arm of the law to stretch out and pinpoint its target.

With the added watching eyes of unsleeping cameras, soon to be backed up by facial recognition devices, there is nowhere left to hide from Big Brother’s ever-watchful eye and unlimited artificial intelligence.

But what of the foreigners, non-citizens and non-residents of Thailand? The Thai government has tried to keep tabs on them too. On arrival in Thailand, foreigners fill out arrival cards which include an address where they claim to plan to stay.

However, many arriving foreigners have no idea where they will really stay. Many finish up in guest houses or hostels around town, some of which are unregistered and therefore unable to report overnight visitors as required by law. In the event of crime, fire or accident there will be no record of casualties. Thailand will then be exposed to worldwide criticism for not looking after its foreign visitors.

Thailand’s Immigration Act 1979 aimed to put an end to these uncertainties by requiring the maintenance of records of where each and every foreigner was staying, along with details of their movements wherever they travelled nationwide.

To remain correctly within the reporting regulations, non-immigrant visitors should know where they plan to stay at the time of their arrival in Thailand.

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Immigration Act 1979: Section 34 Under Section 34 of the Immigration Act 1979, there are 15 different categories of non-immigrants depending on the purpose of their entry into Thailand.

Immigration Act 1979: Section 34

Individuals under each category are treated differently in respect of the ways their stays may be reported and restricted. These categories are:

Figure 1: Immigration welcomes Foreigners to Thailand Figure 1: Immigration welcomes foreigners to Thailand

Source: Department of Immigration (www.immigration.go.th)

Source: Department of Immigration (www.immigration.go.th)

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(1) Diplomats accredited to Thailand (2) Other accredited officials (3) Tourists (4) Sporting performers (5) Business visitors (6) Investors of various categories (7) Board of Investment promoted investors (8) Transit travellers (9) Crew of transport carriers (10) Students and researchers (11) Mass media workers (12) Missionaries and religious workers (13) Science and technology specialists (14) Skilled workers (15) Other categories of visa holders. These may include retired persons, spouses of Thai nationals, and those admitted as guardians of minor aged children The spouse visas are a separate category from the family visas provided for work permit holders who enjoy a similar immigration status as the work permit holders of whom they are dependents.

It is now important to determine under which category of non-immigrant one may be, in order to determine one’s freedom of movement when in Thailand under Section 37.

Immigration Act 1979: Section 37 The Immigration Act 1979 remains the comprehensive compendium of immigration rules applying in Thailand. There are two sections of the Act relating to the registration and location of foreigners, these being sections 37 and 38 of the Act. The regulations referred to in Sections 37 and 38 refer only to those foreigners, defined as ‘temporary residents’. That means that those foreigners who are granted permanent residence are not subject to these sections of the Act, although they are required to hold Residence Books and be listed in House Registration Certificates. Those holding Diplomatic status are governed by separate regulations and are also not subject to these regulations. Under Section 37, temporary residents are also required to hold work permits issued under separate regulations if they undertake work in Thailand.

They are also required to reside at places notified to the authorities and, if moving from that place, they must notify the authorities of their change of residence. That means that if a foreigner enters the name of a place of residence on their immigration arrival form, but does not actually stay at that place, they are required to notify the actual place of residence within 24 hours.

Furthermore, foreigners who move from one province to another province and stay there for more than 24 hours are required to report such movement within 48 hours.

If strictly observed, these rules would greatly complicate a long weekend trip of foreigners from Bangkok to Pattaya and might result in spending much of their time reporting to the local police stations.

It would also result in multiple reporting since, if staying in a hotel, the foreigner would be reported by the hotel to Immigration and by the foreigner to the local police station.

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The Immigration Department has recently specified those categories of visa holders under Section 34 who are not required to report inter-provincial travel, and those that remain subject to such registrations. Details are given below (Reporting of Travel within Thailand).

A further regulation under Section 37 is, however, more strictly enforced - this being the requirement to report to Immigration within 90 days of a stay in Thailand, and every 90 days thereafter. Most tourist visas permit a stay of up to 90 days or less.

Other visa holders often travel frequently out of Thailand and are likely never to have to file a 90-day report. However, if they need to do so, the Act permits 90-day reporting in various forms of written notification, which can be easily and routinely performed.

Immigration Act 1979: Section 38 Although the rules under Section 37 appear inconvenient to foreigners, the main concerns have arisen relating to Section 38. This is mainly because Section 38, and the detailed rules under this section, are being more strictly enforced and can carry effective penalties if not correctly observed.

Under Section 38, the person defined as having control over a place of residence where a foreigner is staying, is required to report the presence of that foreigner to the local Immigration office within 24 hours of the arrival of that foreigner in that location.

The identity of the person with responsibility to report is flexible. Persons described include a householder, an owner, a ‘possessor of a dwelling’ or a hotel manager. If there is no immigration office in the locality, then reporting can be made at the local police station. However, for registrations to be made in respect of residences or hotels within Bangkok Metropolitan Authority, registration must be made at the Central Immigration Division at Chaeng Wattana Government Complex.

All registrations have to be made within 24 hours of the arrival of the foreigner at the intended residence unless that arrival would result in registration during a weekend or public holiday, in which case registration has to be made on the next available day when Immigration Registration services are available. Registration must be made on each occasion that a non-immigrant foreigner enters Thailand, so frequent travellers have to be involved with frequent reports with a lot of resulting responsibilities for their householders.

Announcement of 28 March 2019: Although nominally in force for 40 years the notification requirements under Section 37 and 38 of the Immigration Act of 1979 were not actively enforced until an announcement of 28 March 2019 that referred specifically to the reporting requirements as specified in Section 38 of the 1979 Act. Since the 28 March 2019 announcement, there have been extensive comments regarding the implementation of the widely publicised TM30 reporting form. Experiences related by those undertaking reporting have resulted in a case study background of how the TM30 requirements are actually being implemented.

There have been some variations in enforcement depending on the interpretations of different Immigration offices nationwide. A summary of these experiences follows:

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Who must report?

The requirement to report is the duty of the person in control of the premises where the nonimmigrant foreigners are staying, not the foreigners themselves. Those reporting may be: • • • • • • •

the manager of a hotel, guest house, hostel or other similar premises the owner, whether a natural or juristic person, of an apartment, condominium or house a person leasing premises used for habitation the head of household as designated in a house registration book (tabien bahn) for occupants of their premises a foreigner may be the person reporting, if that person is the owner or lessee of a condominium or of a house located on leased land If any of the above authorised persons is unavailable or unwilling to undertake the reporting function, the holder of a power of attorney from such an authorised person may undertake the reporting Cases have been reporting where foreigners needing a TM30 form as part of a visa extension or renewal application have been able to complete the reporting process themselves. This may involve the paying by the foreigner of the late reporting fine, currently Baht 800, on behalf of the normally responsible householder

Who must be reported under TM30?

All non-immigrants must be reported under TM30 regulations: • • • •

Immigrants who are permanent residents (holders of TM17 Resident Books) do not have to be reported holders of visas linked to work permits, including those with Board of Investment privileges, Smart Visas and Elite Cards, must be reported holders of retirement visas, spouse visas, student visas, and research-related visas are to be reported All non-immigrant visitors to Thailand must be reported including short-term tourists.

However, most of these will stay in hotels, whose managers will report their presence.

The exceptions will be house guests in private residences who must be reported by their hosts

When must reports be filed?

• • • • •

The responsible person must file a report within 24 hours of the arrival of the reported person at the premises If a non-immigrant arrives on a Friday, reporting is permitted on a Monday If there is a public holiday when the Immigration office is closed, reporting can be made on the next working day If a person is travelling, such as from a land border, reporting can be within 24 hours of arrival at an accommodation, although this may exceed 24 hours from the time of border entry If the 24-hour limit is exceeded, then the late reporting fine is payable, requiring a personal visit to the relevant Immigration office

How and where is reporting to be conducted?

Reporting is to be undertaken within 24 hours of arrival at accommodation in the following manner:

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• • • • •

For Bangkok Metropolitan Authority area, reporting at the Immigration Department at Chaeng Wattana Road is required For other provinces, reporting must be undertaken at the Immigration Office responsible for that location, or at the police station at the locality where a non-immigrant is residing if there are no Immigration offices in the area Reporting may be made on-line, but on first reporting, a report must normally be made in person to check validity of submitted documents, and issue of a reporting reference number Reporting may be made by registered post, with evidence of posting within the required time limit The Immigration Department has set up a website where reporting may be undertaken in accordance with the instructions on the website. Some difficulty has been experienced in using the website but many of those now reporting have indicated success in using this website

What documents are required when reporting?

The following documents may be required: • • • • • • • • • • • •

application form (TM30) title deed of premises (chanot) where the non-immigrant is staying purchase / sale contract used to acquire the premises may be required house registration certificate of the premises where the non-immigrant is staying Identity Card of the person in control of the premises where the non-immigrant is staying if a corporate owner, affidavit of the company indicating authorised signatories if a corporate owner or representative of the owner, power of attorney authorising that person to represent the corporate or natural person owner identity documents of authorised signatories and receivers of powers of attorney copy of passport identity details, current visa, most updated Thailand arrival stamp and immigration departure card (TM 6) of the non-immigrant to be registered upon registration, a receipt will be issued in evidence of reporting performance it has been reported by those making the required submissions that not all of these documents have been required. However, to save wasted journeys to Immigration offices, it is recommended that as far as possible a full set of documents should be available for those making frequent entries into Thailand and therefore having to undertake regular reporting, it should be possible to assemble a full dossier of required documents, making regular reporting, especially on-line, relatively easy to accomplish

What happens if there is delayed reporting or failure to report?

• •

• •

A report must be submitted within 24 hours of each entry of a non-immigrant into Thailand If reporting is beyond 24 hours of arrival at accommodation, a fine may be imposed.

According to the present regulations, these fines may be from Baht 800 to Baht 2,000 per occasion. For hotel managers, the fine would increase from Baht 2,000 to Baht 10,000 If a non-immigrant fails to be reported and subsequently seeks extension or renewal of visa, including renewal visa for work, retirement, spouse or other reason, the Immigration Department may reject such extension It is reported that the Chamchuree Service Centre, which processes visas and work permits for Board of Investment applicants, Smart Visas, Elite Cards and holders of work permits for companies of registered capital of Baht 30 million upwards, does not require evidence of TM30 registration. However, this does not exempt those required to

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• •

report residence locations of such non-immigrants from their reporting obligations Non-immigrants who travel out of Thailand, whether on a single journey, multiple entries or re-entry permits are required to re-register on each occasion that they enter Thailand Cases have been reported where non-immigrants seeking to extend or renew visas have not been asked for evidence of TM30 reporting. However, non-immigrants are recommended not to rely on such flexibility, and to allow more time ahead of visa expiry deadlines in order to ensure that their TM30 registrations are in order

Reporting of travel within Thailand under Section 37, sub-sections (3) and (4) Apart from the requirement to maintain records of entry of non-immigrants into Thailand, the Immigration Department also has the duty to maintain information on various categories of persons who may travel within Thailand Although in force for 40 years, as with international travel registration, domestic travel registration as specified in Section 37 (3) and (4) has not hitherto been strictly enforced. The Immigration Department has now specified which of the categories of non-immigrant visa holders must report inter-provincial travel.

Under the newly specified rules, the only categories that are required to report such movements are categories (11) mass media workers, (12) missionaries and religious workers, and also certain holders of visas in category (15). These include holders of retirement visas, Thai spousal visas and guardian visas.

The spousal visas should be distinguished from the family visas linked to holders of work permits, who are now freed from travel reporting requirements.

Figure 2: Immigration brings joyful news:

Figure 2: Immigration brings joyful news

Source: Department of Immigration (www.immigration.go.th) Source: Department of Immigration (www.immigration.go.th) 38

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Implications for Non-Immigrant Foreigners Although the requirements of the TM30 registration process appear somewhat complex, many of those subject to such registration are not so deeply affected.

For most of Thailand’s 38 million tourist arrivals (as of 2018) all that is necessary is to present their passports at their hotel counters. The hotel management does the reporting process as they have already been doing for many years.

Only in the case where tourists seek a visa period extension, is it necessary for them to substantiate TM30 registration. Hotels can readily facilitate this process in appropriate cases.

For most investors, whether under the Board of Investment, or companies with investment capital of Baht 30 million or more, their visas are handled by the Chamchuree Service Centre which does not require evidence of TM30 registration, although householders are required to organise their TM30 registration.

For SME investors with lower investment capital, as well as retired persons, spouse visa holders, teachers with special visas, students and researchers, a first arrival registration is required, but if they do not travel outside Thailand during their visa validity period, they will not need to re-register repeatedly.

Recent modification of Section 37, sub-sections (3) and (4) has eased domestic travel reporting requirements for most categories of non-immigrant visa holders, the remaining exceptions being retirement, Thai spouses and guardian visa holders.

It remains to be seen whether some or all of these categories may benefit from further reporting relaxations.

The best solution for all non-immigrant visa holders is to maintain a file of documents and to make on-line registration which can be done as regularly as their travel commitments require. Management of TM30 registration appears to be complex but, with experience, it can become just another bureaucratic routine. . * This information was believed to correct in all respects at the time of writing but is subject to reviews and updates from the Immigration Department

Chris Bruton has been resident in Thailand for 50 years operating the Thailand Regional Forum, providing guidance to multinational companies active in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. A specialist in human resource issues, he is a graduate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) of the UK. For further information, please contact chris@ dataconsult.co.th Tel: 662-233-5606/5607.

Acknowledgement is accorded for advice from Khun Aim-on Larpisal and Paul Brailsford of Dej Udom & Associates Ltd - a leading immigration advisory legal firm in Thailand. For further information, please contact aim-on@dejudom.com

Disclaimer Material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only. The information is believed to be correct at the time of writing but is subject to review and update from the Immigration Department. Legal advice should be sought before acting on any information contained in this article to ensure the latest correct, accurate, and complete guidance.

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Thailand must act to develop workforce skills

By John Holme

A

s Thailand moves forward to its long term plan of Thailand 4.0, with a key thrust to develop the Eastern Economic Corridor, the priority must be the parallel and consistent development of the skilled human resources required to lead and operate companies that are investing now and in the future.

The EEC office recently estimated that the demand for workers in the targeted 12 S-Curve industries is the EEC will require 475,000 additional positions to be filled over the next five years. The EEC office has admitted that vocational colleges in the eastern region can only meet 30 percent of the demand for skilled workers.

In high demand soon will be the skilled resources, workers and management required for the next automotive generation (electric vehicles), aviation and MRO sectors. Demand will also increase for intelligent electronics, data scientists, robotics and a digitally literate workforce.

Thailand, in line with other ASEAN markets, requires a strong upgrading of skills across its existing workforce and a need to direct undergraduates into vocational colleges that have the curricula to meet the demands of large scale employers.

This requires improved collaboration and strategic direction between schools, vocational schools, universities and Thailand’s corporate sector to deliver the workforce required for the next 30 years, together with easing of labour laws to allow ASEANbased skilled workers and managers to work and live freely across ASEAN markets 40

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Given the increased demands for a skilled workforce, all companies should reflect internally as to how they may attract and retain the best talent required. Go back to basics to ensure that your company is where potential employees choose to join and stay.

Your first approach to a candidate is crucial - and the talent acquisition process can be stressful for candi-

dates and employers. My advice is to keep the process short and simple.

If you are seeking a recruitment agency, find one that really understands your industry. Do not waste time engaging two or three agencies as this will leave you with more headaches due to potential duplications and candidates being contacted unprofessionally by multiple agencies

Member articles

and/or the internal company recruitment team.

Interviews should not be a magical mystery tour, so make sure that each interviewer has a summary of the previous interview so he does not repeat the same questions. Don’t ask candidates to do four or more interviews in the process as it shows a total lack of respect for their time and your own disorganisation as a potential employer Whatever the result of the interview process, keep the candidates in-

formed with feedback – good or bad - and any useful comments which the candidate may take on board for future job interviews.

For your potential and current employees, develop your ‘Employee Value Proposition’ and make your benefits flexible and transparent to ensure employee retention. Today’s employees are interested in companies that understand they have a life outside work.

Make your company an employer of

choice by providing ‘working from home days’, flexi-time, company transport (or own costs covered), family health insurance, social lunches/ dinners, an open door management style, and bonuses that reward individual contributions.

Employees also look for companies that offer career growth and development. This does not just motivate the employees. The organisation also benefits from having better skilled employees who will become, ultimately, more effective in their roles.

Neilson Hays Library launches anniversary literature festival

T

he Neilson Hays Library is collaborating with the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC) to organise a Literature Festival featuring an exclusive group of renowned Thai and international writers.

The Neilson Hays Bangkok Literature Festival, scheduled to take place on 16 and 17 November, features talks, panel discussion, poetry readings, arts and crafts market, workshops and film screenings to be held at the Library, the nearby British Club, Chulalongkorn University and Chakrabongse Villas.

Literary personalities from overseas expected to attend include Adam Johnson, winner of the Pulitzer Prize 2013, and Melissa Lucashenko - the multi award-winning Goorie novelist from Australia who received the 2019 Miles Franklin Award, the country’s most prestigious literary.

The Neilson Hays Library has been serving the Bangkok community through literature and the arts for 150 years. The library’s existing

building opened in 1922. It is named after Jennie Neilson Hays, president of the library for 25 years, and was commissioned by her husband Dr. Thomas Heyward Hays. The building has enjoyed ‘historic landmark’ since 2001.

For further information, call 02 233 1731. Email: info@ neilsonhayslibrary.org or events@ neilsonhayslibrary.org. Bookings taken from 1 October.

Miss Nalin Vanasin, President of Neilson Hays Library, said, “In hosting the Neilson Hays Bangkok Literature Festival we aim to inspire readers and writers in Thailand by connecting them with renowned creators of world-class literary works from various countries. The Festival hopes to create a stage for the participating literary luminaries to exchange knowledge and share their experiences as well as showcase Thai literature and creative arts for international audience.”

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Member news

Record-Breaking Learner Awards for Harrow Bangkok Students!

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his year a record-breaking 24 prestigious Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards have been awarded to Harrow Bangkok students by Cambridge Assessment International Education for outstanding performance in their November and June IGCSE and A Level exams.

This awards programme celebrates the success of students who have taken Cambridge international examinations, the world’s largest provider of international qualifications. Students in more than 4,800 schools in over 150 countries take Cambridge IGCSEs, over 175,000 students in more than 130 coun-

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tries take Cambridge international A Levels.

This year’s award winners for Harrow Bangkok are: Top in the World • Gornekk Suwattanapong (Sun), IGCSE Mathematics (Without Coursework) • Jidapha Jaewjira (Jinny), IGCSE Mathematics (Without Coursework) • Namon Tewinpagti (Namon), IGCSE Mathematics (Without Coursework) • Teerachoti Prasitsoonthorn (Ryu) IGCSE Development Studies

Top in Thailand • Kawin Leephakpreeda (Logic), IGCSE First Language English (Oral Endorsement) • Lalitda Pakdeevutitam (Nina), IGCSE English as a Second Language (Count-in Speaking) • Lina Chi (Lina), IGCSE Music • Napasorn Sripungwiwat (Ploy), IGCSE Economics • Natpattara Tharawan (Beam), IGCSE Biology • Natpattara Tharawan (Beam), IGCSE Chemistry • Phupha Amornkijja (Phupha), A Level Physics

Member news

High Achievement • Annabel Natalie Jennings-Chick (Annabel), AS Level Travel & Tourism • Hye Yeon Choe (Hye Yeon), AS Level Art & Design • Hye Yeon Choe (Hye Yeon), AS Level Computer Science • Jiayi Xie (Jiayi), IGCSE First Language Chinese • Kesara Bunayamongkol (Amy), A Level Music • Lina Chi (Lina), IGCSE Art & Design • Napat Phuphatana (Moh), AS Level Media Studies • Napat Phuphatana (Moh), A Level Media Studies • Nathatai Saraya (Mim), A Level Accounting • Natkamol Pochanart (Khim), AS Level Accounting • Soranut Ratanavaraha (Aim), AS Level Physics • Supawee Surasingtothong (Ploy), AS Level Media Studies • Yoon Mee Mee Moe (Sweety), AS Level Media Studies Most Harrow Bangkok examinations are with Cambridge Assessment although a handful are with other examination boards. One of these boards, Pearson Edexcel, also awarded two Harrow Bangkok students for outstanding success in their June 2018 and June 2019 ex-

aminations with this achievement:

ed for the enthusiasm and persistence they have put into their studying.’

Highest Mark in Thailand • Supasek Amornchat (Pike), IGCSE Chinese • Palpailin Techachokwiwat (Minnie), A Level Psychology The Head Master of Harrow Bangkok, Jon Standen, said that the awards recognised the talent, dedication and commitment of both learners and staff. He said: ‘The inspirational students above should be enormously proud of their awards; they have been justly reward-

Top performing learners will receive their Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards at a school ceremony on 27th November. Jonny Liddell, Head of Upper School, Harrow Bangkok said: ‘This is an astounding achievement by our students and I am immensely proud of them. Our students reach this level not by limiting themselves to the examination specification but going beyond it, allowing them to cope with anything the examiners throw at them.’

Management representatives and employees from Chatrium Hotels & Residences, led

by Khun Panpath Kanlaya – Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing, Travel Trade – have been supporting Si Prachan Methi Pramuk in Thailand’s Suphanburi province with a donation of 80 flat screen televisions as part of the company’s CSR programme.

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Member news

Thailand reaps benefits of US-China trade war H

igh labour costs and the USChina trade war is prompting Chinese firms to relocate to south east Asia, according to a report by property consultancy JLL. The JLL report indicates that Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia are gaining more manufacturers moving out of China.

Foreign direct investments into south east Asia’s manufacturing sectors have risen strongly in the last three years to US$ 46 billion. Relocations of manufacturing companies from China to take advantage of lower labour costs in the sub-region have contributed to this FDI growth.

Offering availability of high-quality workforce and competitive wages, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia are winning more manufacturers expand-

ing or relocating from not only China but also Korea and Japan, according to JLL. Thailand and Malaysia offer mid-tech workforces at costs that are 60 percent lower than China. This compares with 33 percent in 2010.

JLL anticipates the trend to accelerate as the China-US tariff war is driving more companies in China to relocate their operations to other countries to avoid US tariffs and maintain their competitiveness.

“The ongoing China-US tension has reinforced the trend of more manufacturers relocating from China to Southeast Asia in efforts to minimise a business impact of the China-US trade war,” said Subyagorn Sansugtaweesub, Head of Industrial at JLL. “Thailand launched its Easter Economic Corridor (EEC) at a right time.”

There’s a novel feature to traditional afternoon tea at the Oriental Residence Bank. Each table is dominated by a ferris wheel that features sweet and savoury delicacies. Available daily and priced at THB 1,200++.

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“We have already seen many of these companies looking for opportunities to acquire land in the promotional zones to develop their manufacturing and logistics facilities. Some are looking to acquire built-to-suit facilities. Others are looking for existing facilities that are put up for sale in the EEC with specifications that suit or could be easily adjusted to suit their operational requirements,” he added.

Spanning three provinces - Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Rayong - the EEC has become Thailand’s most attractive industrial destination for key industries that have been identified as highly potential future newgrowth engines for the country such as automotive, intelligent electronics, robotics and aviation.

The Thai government has implemented a number of incentive policies and programmes to facilitate future industrial growth in the EEC such as substantial tax breaks, permission for foreign ownership of land for BoI promoted projects, and the right to lease state land on a 50year term with an option, upon approval, to renew for another 49 years.

“Even if the China-US tariff war is put to an end, we believe that Thailand, particularly the EEC, will continue to retain its position as one of the most attractive industrial/logistics destinations in Southeast Asia, due to appealing incentive offers, availability of skilled labor, continued improvement in infrastructure, and the country’s advantageous location in the centre of the sub-region,” Subyagorn Sansugtaweesub concluded.

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Member news

Dusit expands Bangkok hotel management portfolio

D

usit International has signed a hotel management agreement with Tian Teck Property Company Limited to operate the dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok – the first such branded property in the heart of Bangkok.

Slated to open in June 2023 on the city’s Si Phraya road the hotel will comprise 181 guest rooms on 23 floors designed to meet the needs of business and leisure travellers. The Charoen Krung Creative District, a major cultural and lifestyle hub in Bangkok, is close by.

“We are delighted that Tian Teck Property Company Limited has selected us to manage this special property and bring our upscale dusitD2 brand to the heart of Bangkok for the first time,” said Lim Boon Kwee, Chief Operating Officer - Dusit International. “With its strong connections to major business, cultural and lifestyle hubs, Si Phraya Road is the ideal location for our deluxe dusitD2 brand.”

Gerald Cheong, Director - Tian Teck Property Company Limited, said, “This is our first project in Thailand and we are delighted to partner with a company of Dusit International’s calibre to bring our vision to life. For more than 70 years, Dusit has been synonymous with world-class, Thaiinspired gracious hospitality, and

we are confident that dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok will quickly become the hotel of choice for business and leisure travellers when it opens its doors in 2023.”

Dusit International has also signed a long-term lease agreement with I Am Chinatown Co., Ltd. to develop and operate ASAI Bangkok Chinatown. The hotel is scheduled to open early next year in a prime location adjacent to Yaowarat Road – one of the world’s most renowned street food destinations. The new Wat Mangkon MRT station, which connects the area to the rest of the city, is only 100 metres from the property.

Sunday brunch offer The Amari Watergate Bangkok is running an online ‘come 2, pay 1’ promotion on its popular Sunday brunch. The offer runs until 27 October and applies only to bookings made via a dedicated webpage using the promotional code “1FREE1”. Standard prices start at THB 1,500++ (food only). Visit: http://bit.ly/2YniDAT

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Dusit International’s property portfolio now comprises 271 properties (nine owned and 260 managed) operating under six brands across 13 countries. The company has more than 50-Dusit branded hotels in the pipeline and expects to open at least 10-12 hotels per year in key destinations.

The company’s Dusit Gold guest recognition programme has been expanded to cover stays at luxury villas under the management of Elite Havens which was Dusit International in September 2018.

Elite Havens performs integrated marketing, reservations, concierge and management services for a network of more than 250 staffed luxury villas across Bali, Phuket, Koh Samui, Lombok, Sri Lanka, Japan and the Maldives. Bespoke villas, curated spaces, exotic sought-after locations, and high levels of personal service from gourmet chefs and professional butlers are hallmarks of the Elite Havens experience.

Member news

Top ranking for HSBC Thailand

Receiving the award for ‘Best International Bank in Thailand’.

H

SBC has been named Best International Bank in Thailand by FinanceAsia as part of their Country Awards 2019. The award recognizes HSBC’s outstanding contribution to Thailand’s financial services sector.

According to FinanceAsia, HSBC has made positive strides across most financial metrics in Thailand.

It remains a leading go-to bank for trade finance, supply-chain solutions and bond deals.

Leveraging its global platform, HSBC has participated in multiple

Thai infrastructure projects through providing either guarantees or financing – including the doubletrack railway upgrades and Laem Chabang Port expansion.

FinanceAsia also highlighted HSBC’s performance in investment banking, citing its role as financial advisor to France’s Engie in the sale of its 69.1 percent stake in Glow Energy to PTT’s Global Power Synergy. HSBC also supported EGCO, Thailand’s first independent power producer, on its purchase of a 49 percent stake in Paju ES in South Korea, representing EGCO’s

largest acquisition to date and its first in north Asia.

Matthew Lobner, Head of International and Head of Strategy & Planning for Asia-Pacific as HSBC, said, “Our Thailand franchise plays a significant role in connecting customers, trade and capital across HSBC’s international network. As we continue on our path to gain market share and deliver growth from our international network, industry recognition such as this demonstrates that we are on the right course.”

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Member news

CBRE Thailand gets top Euromoney ranking C BRE has been named Thailand’s Best Overall Agency, Best Research, and Best Agency – Letting / Sales at the annual Euromoney Real Estate Awards. CBRE globally received 43 awards repre-

senting a diverse mix of accolades voted for by investors, occupiers and other industry participants.

“We are proud of this achievement which is supported by our clients

who appreciate real advantage delivered by our people through their expertise and experience in the Thai real estate market”, said Aliwassa Pathnadabutr, Managing Director of CBRE Thailand.

Dr.Virachai Techavijit (centre), Founder and Chairman of Regent’s International Schools, has received an award for ‘Outstanding Organisation in International Education’. Khun Thipavan Techavijit (pictured right) received the ‘Executive of the Year’ award and Khun Kwanshanok Techavijit was presented with the award for ‘Exemplary Woman of the Year’. Air Chief Marchal Chalit Pukbhasuk, Privy Councillor and Secretary General of the Phradabos Foundation, presided over the awards ceremony.

Workforce demands influence Bangkok offices B angkok ranks 86th in the global league table of office rents, according to CBRE. The agency’s latest report on prime office occupancy costs states that office occupiers continue to seek higherquality space in markets with robust infrastructure and social amenities, despite the weaker global economic growth in Q1 2019 and concerns

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about the continuing trade disputes between China and the United States.

‘The race to attract talent by securing the most desirable work environments remains intense. Due to the limited supply and moderate construction amount in pipelines in most cities, prime office occupancy costs have risen to new heights’, the report adds.

Space efficiency and cost management are top concerns for many tenants.

The continuing challenge for office occupiers is how to secure quality space and location that meet the increasingly exacting demands of the workforce, while also controlling costs.

For a copy of the full report, visit www.cbre.co.th

Member news

Bankers push to balance innovation with regulation S triking a balance between digital innovation and regulation is a requirement for building a thriving ASEAN digital economy.

This was the key message delivered

by HSBC at the ASEAN-EU Business Summit in Bangkok.

A two-tier regulatory regime must be avoided to reduce the risk of regulatory arbitrage. Providing the same services with the same risks must mean that the same rules apply, from prudential and conduct to consumer and data protection.

With south east Asia’s digital economy worth US$31 billion in 2015 and forecast to reach some US$200 billion by 2025, HSBC Asia Pacific’s Chief Information Officer John Hsu said that further cooperation in supervisory and regulatory approaches across the bloc was needed to ensure that south east Asian economies may benefit fully from this flourishing digital economy.

ASEAN policymakers should consider the roadmap ahead for effective implementation of the ICT Masterplan 2020, the DIFAP and the Framework on Digital Data Governance as well as the institutional processes required to support these objectives. Doing so will strengthen ASEAN’s credibility as a production base of choice for global businesses, according to John Hsu.

“While technology is inherently borderless the regulation governing it is not. This can create challenges for global businesses operating global technology estates. The best way to manage this is by governments, regulatory authorities and businesses working together through regional cooperation,” he added.

Over the next 10 years, there are some essential issues that will be at the heart of this transformation including data localisation, cloud computing, AI and cybersecurity. HSBC

HSBC Asia Pacific’s Chief Information Officer John Hsu

used the recent summit to make four recommendations about how a more collaborative and dynamic relationship between firms, governments and regulators may be established.

To preserve the integrity of the global financial system, it is crucial that an appropriate regulatory framework is developed for all companies - irrespective of their business model.

“We encourage financial service regulators, data protection and competition authorities, national governments, supranational bodies and industry to work together in global forums towards more harmonised requirements,” he added.

“Policymakers should consider how they can create a coordinated regulatory regime where all sizes and types of companies are able to innovate at pace and regulators have sufficient oversight and enforcement capabilities.”

England star inspires Hua Hin students Former Spurs and England full back Gary Stevens has been inspiring school children in Hua Hin. He was a guest of Hua Hin International School, where he spoke to pupils about his

on-field successes and off-field challenges. Gary, who won 46 caps for England, has taken up a coaching role at the Black Mountain Hua Hin Football Academy.

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Member news

Banning plastic Matters to Outrigger Phuket

O

utrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort has put a total block on single-use plastics in the workplace. The hotel is now issuing Outrigger ‘bags for life’ and takeaway mugs to help staff to kick the habit of takeaway plastic drink containers, straws and bags.

The push is part of Outrigger’s ZONE – OZONE, the company’s global conservation initiative to safeguard oceans and island environments. The property’s OZONE ambassador, Leah Matters, says that the initiative is designed to hold management and employees accountable and to eliminate singleuse plastics from the resort.

“We have received a lot of positive feedback on social media platforms,” said Leah. “Guests are posting pictures and congratulating Outrigger.

They are telling us, both verbally and in writing, that they have chosen our resort based on our commitment to the environment and our efforts in trying to eliminate singleuse plastic.”

Outrigger’s beach clean-up in Phuket

reverse osmosis plant for guests to refill their bottles at any time.

The resort’s Koh Kids club has a daily OZONE programme that includes a beach clean-up. Children have the opportunity to plant trees and use recycled materials for arts and crafts.

She added that environmental initiatives are increasingly becoming a deciding factor for guests when choosing to stay at the resort.

Leah Matters says that the next major challenge is to encourage local food suppliers to limit single-use plastics. The hotel has already supplied heavy duty containers to fruit suppliers to discourage them from wrapping pineapple and watermelons in individual plastic bags.

Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort also operates a reverse osmosis water plant to purify and bottle its own drinking water. All guest rooms, conference facilities and restaurants feature reusable glass bottles.

Plastic bottles and straws are no longer supplied by the hotel and all takeaway containers, including coffee cups, are now produced from recycled materials.

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Leah Matters

Stainless steel and sports water bottles are available in the resort’s shop and there is a water tap linked to the

“Working with local suppliers in Phuket and getting them to change packing habits is the next frontier,” she explains. “It’s a slow process but we are encouraging them and leading by example where we can.”

Member news

Key roles filled at St. Regis Bangkok T he St. Regis Bangkok has welcomed two senior members to its team, filling the key positions of Executive Pastry Chef and Director of Sales.

Miss Prachaya Basset is the newlyappointed Director of Sales, returning to the property where she worked as an Account Director in 2012/13. She was most recently based at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and has also worked with other luxury brands in Bangkok including Conrad and InterContinental.

Anupong Nualchawee, known as Chef Aey, joins the St. Regis team as Executive Pastry Chef. He worked previously at several hotels in Thailand and also served as Executive Personal Chef for the Royal Family at

Prachaya Basset

Anupong Nualchawee

Chakri Bongkot Thai Royal Palace in Nonthaburi, Thailand.

with these executive appointments, we look forward to continue bringing exceptional experiences for the modern connoisseurs in the city,� said General Manager Klaus Christandl.

“The St. Regis Bangkok recently celebrated its eighth anniversary and,

F1 in Schools Thailand, led by CEO and President Dr. Chakraphad Pitakthararuay (5th from left), staged a Gathering of the Champions event to acknowledge members of the winning teams from Amnuay Silpa School, Singapore International School of Bangkok and Harrow International School who had participated in F1 in Schools World Finals Competitions over the past two years.

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Member news

Shangri La shells out for Thonglor land I nvestment activity across all property sectors in Thailand totalled THB 19.2 billion in the first half of 2019. Of this, more than half was from two transactions in Bangkok – the sale of the Sun Towers office complex and the sale of an 11-rai development site near BTS Mo Chit station, reports the JLL Thailand Property Intelligence Centre that monitors publiclydisclosed real estate investment activities in Thailand by private and public companies and funds.

Recent deals also include the purchase

by Shangri-La Hotel PCL of 658 square wah site in Thonglor for THB 1.9 billion. Mrs. Suphin Mechuchep, Managing Director of JLL, said that the price paid was the highest to date for a hotel development but it did not break the all-time record high price of THB 3.1 million per square wah achieved by a plot on Bangkok’s Langsuan road sold by JLL in 2018.

“High land prices and the new land and property tax regulations slated for enforcement in 2020 will continue to motivate more owners of underutilised land or land with

JLL expects most of the upcoming major real investment activities in 2019 to be land and commercial property investment transactions in Bangkok. The firm also anticipates investment activities to rise in the industrial/logistics sector, particularly in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), as manufacturers relocate China-based operations to south east Asia.

Suphin Mechuchep

underperforming buildings in Bangkok’s prime locations to put their sites on the market this year.

“This will mean more opportunities for well-capitalised investors to acquire prime sites for their new development projects. We believe that visionary investors will still be able to achieve decent returns on investment in their future development projects despite rising land costs,” she added.

Real estate transaction volumes in Asia Pacific reached US$86 billion in the first half of 2019, according to JLL. Stuart Crow, CEO of Capital Markets Asia Pacific at JLL, said that the tightening of yields in core markets across the globe, particularly in Europe and U.S., was prompting investors to look beyond their domestic markets in search of higher returns.

“Joint venture and consortium structures continue to increase in popularity for large deals across the region as investors seek to go more direct and see the benefit in partnering with long-term like-minded groups,” he added.

Employees at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok and Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit hotels are supporting Prathomnonsee School in the Yannawa district of Bangkok.

Volunteers have been helping teachers and pupils with the school’s ‘self sufficient economy’ project by thatching the roof and painting the walls of the mushroom house, cultivating the mushrooms, laying new paving and building chicken runs.

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Member news

Chatrium set to score with new Maitria Residence C hatrium Hotels and Residences is expanding its portfolio in Bangkok with the opening of the Maitria Residence Rama 9 Bangkok.

The project, designed for long-term stay guests, is located close to the Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus, RCA and Piyavet Hospital. Facilities include high-speed internet, pool, hotel housekeeping services and free cable TV with live English Premier League football.

Chatrium Hotels and Residences’ Group General Manager Rene Balmer said, “Maitria Residence Rama 9 is an exciting addition to our growing portfolio. The project will carry

the same ethos as its predecessor, while highlighting the savvy urban lifestyle.” Maitria Residence Rama 9

offers a variety of rooms from cosy studios (30 sqm.) to spacious twobedroom suites measuring 105 sqm.

HSBC strengthens Thailand team H SBC Thailand has appointed Alexander Malloch (pictured right) as Head of International Subsidiary Banking (ISB).

His arrival help HSBC Thailand to provide greater banking coverage to international large corporates and mid-market enterprises looking to expand in Thailand.

his team will help international corporates and their subsidiaries grow in the country as Thailand is undergoing its 4.0 economic transformation.

Whether it’s greenfield or brownfield investment, HSBC is well-equipped to support the development and expansion of international businesses in Thailand and in ASEAN.”

He reports locally to Krisda Phatcharoen, Head of Commercial Banking in Thailand and regionally to Himanshu Sanwalka, Head of ISB for International Countries in Asia Pacific.

A recent example is where the ISB team in Thailand helped to provide working capital financing, cash management services and FX markets solutions to a leading Chinese tyre manufacturer which was shifting production to Thailand.

Himanshu Sanwalka said, “Alex and

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Dataconsult

Chamber Events

By the Numbers

Economic Projection for 2019 Actual Data 2017 GDP (at current prices: Bil. Bht) GDP per capita (Bht per year) GDP (at current prices: Bil. USD) GDP per capita (USD per year)

Chris Bruton Director, Dataconsult Ltd.

Economic Outlook The Thai economy is displaying a somewhat weakening trend, in keeping with overall world trends including those of trade partners. According to the National Economic and Social Development Council, GDP growth for full year 2019 should achieve around 3% (range of 2.7% to 3.2%). The previous May 2019 forecast had been for GDP growth of 3.3% to 3.8%, as compared with actual GDP growth of 4.1% in 2018.

The main challenge to Thailand’s performance is decline in exports both in volume and value, reversing previous positive recovery trends.

Our Dataconsult forecasts for 2019 are slightly lower than those of the NESDC, with GDP growth in 2019 of 2.7% and for 2020 of 2.5%, an easing particularly reflecting an uncertain political environment which may discourage investment. Two other factors affecting overall economic growth are weather conditions and a decline in Chinese tourism arrivals. Although Thailand is not so heavily affected by climate change as many other regional and worldwide countries, there have been sporadic and severe onslaughts of both flooding and droughts affecting both agriculture and local communities in general.

We anticipate that consumer demand will ease in both 2019 and 2020 affecting particularly vehicle purchases and the retail sector. The latter will be affected by fall-off of Chinese tourism which has very strong retail purchasing impact.

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Projection

2018

19 Aug 2019

15,452.0

16,318.0

17,003.4

228,398.3

240,568.7

250,086.5

455.3

505.0

545.0

6,729.8

7,445.4

8,015.6

GDP Growth (CVM, %)

4.0

4.1

2.7 - 3.2

Investment (CVM, %)

1.8

3.8

3.8

Private (CVM, %)

2.9

3.9

3.7

Public (CVM, %)

-1.2

3.3

4.0

Private Consumption (CVM, %)

3.0

4.6

4.2

Government Consumption (CVM, %)

0.1

1.8

2.2

Export volume of goods & services (%)

5.4

4.2

-0.7

Export value of goods (Bil. USD)

233.7

251.1

248.1

Growth rate (%)

9.5

7.5

-1.2

Growth rate (Volume, %)

5.6

3.9

-1.7

Import volume of goods & services (%)

6.2

8.6

-0.5

201.1

228.7

225.1

13.2

13.7

-1.6

7.3

7.7

-2.1

Trade balance (Bil. USD)

32.6

22.4

23.0

Current account balance (Bil. USD)

44.1

32.4

32.2

9.7

6.4

5.9

CPI

0.7

1.1

0.7 - 1.2

GDP Deflator

2.1

1.4

0.9 - 1.4

Import value of goods (Bil. USD) Growth rate (%) Growth rate (Volume, %)

Current account to GDP (%) Inflation (%)

Source: Office of National Economic and Social Development Council, Aug 19, 2019

Political Environment Thailand’s political stability had been expected to strengthen after the March 2019 election, restoring a measure of guided democracy after five years of military rule. The ultimate outcome of that election remains to be seen, but the perpetuation of past multi-party coalition rule is unlikely to restore confidence of international investors hoping for a strong and stable government intent upon promised infrastructure development and creation of the Eastern Economic Corridor designed to become a multi-industry hub for the continental Southeast Asian region.

However the previous military leadership has so far converted itself into a form of civilian administration with a degree of policy continuity along traditional Thailand lines.

The new government has introduced a stimulus package of Baht 316 billion in order to encourage the re-generation of demand, especially among lower income groups.

However efforts to create greater confidence among investors and consumers will continue to be offset by the effects of challenging world conditions, political and trade conflicts. Not all of these adverse conditions will affect Thailand negatively. Against the background of US-China trade conflicts as well as disorders in Hong Kong, Thailand’s trade with the USA has grown and may continue to be stimulated by relocation of sourcing away from China.

However any such trend could be offset by decline in demand from China itself as a major market for Thailand’s own exports. Thailand sourced imports into China have

Million arrivals

Source: Ministry of Tourism and Sports

Source: Ministry of Tourism and Sports

served as content for Chinese exports to the USA, and will therefore suffer as a result of the China-USA trade dispute.

Low inflation and currency movements have helped stimulate continued Baht appreciation despite lowering of Bank of Thailand policy rates with potential strengthening continuing in 2020.

Thailand Tourism Sector Thailand’s tourism sector has increased from just 10 million arrivals 15 years ago to over 38 million in 2018, representing some 18% of GDP. With 10.5 million of these tourists in 2018 coming from Mainland China, this means that almost 3 out of every 10 tourists are Chinese.

While this is encouraging, in that China has a billion-size potential

market for Thailand arrivals, it is also risky. The Chinese government is authoritarian and has an increasing capacity to exercise control over its citizens. It can thereby turn on the flow but also turn off at very short notice. Currency shortages and controls can also expand or sharply contract the spending powers of Chinese tourists , extend or reduce their length of stay, and use Chinese tourism and back-up investment as a political weapon well beyond the tourism industry itself.

Another highly volatile factor affecting tourism is the value of Baht currency, which has fluctuated dramatically over the past two decades since the crisis of 1997, since which time the Baht has almost doubled in value against many other currencies. This has made Thailand more expensive as a country to visit. But higher prices have also greatly increased Baht-equivalent earnings

from many visitors prepared to spend much more than in the past.

It is hard to estimate precise earnings from tourism, given the different categories and payment methods involved in tourism revenues.

However it is estimated that tourism generated over Baht 1,825 billion in 2017 and up to Baht 2,010 billion in 2018. Although long-range forecasts have suggested that Thailand tourism may grow at a continuous rate of 6% to 7% per year, it is unlikely that, in the shorter term, this rate of growth can be sustained.

Asian tourists are likely to form as increasing proportion of overall sources of arrivals. While economic constraints may deter tourism, nearer destinations such as Thailand may enjoy advantages over more distant destinations, thereby offsetting individual tourist budget constraints.

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Chamber Events

T3 Business Networking

HR Presentation

On Thursday 18th August, BCCT members and friends enjoyed a fabulous evening at the BCCT T3 Business Networking at the delicious DaVinci Ristorante Italiano, Rembrandt Hotel.

There were food stalls of Mexican and Indian food from wellknown restaurants such as Mexicano and Rang Mahal. Massive thank you to the Rembrandt Hotel & Suites Bangkok for the hospitality at this event. We appreciate your help in hosting, providing absolutely fantastic food for the event and offering lucky draw prizes.

On Wednesday 24th July, BCCT held an HR Briefing on “Talent Attraction and Retention” at the British Business Centre. Thank you to our wonderful speakers Khun Rapeeporn Klawtanonk, Head of Human Resources, Standard Chartered Bank Thailand and Khun Shivika Bubber, Regional HR Head Australasia, VFS GLOBAL, who both gave a perceptive presentation on the topic that was discussed. Our speakers are experts in the HR field and they have taught us how they crafted a strategy that reaches out to and engages this business-critical challenge.

All smiles at the BCCT T3 networking event.

Addressing the challenges relating to talent attraction and retention.

ASEAN Dinner

BCCT One-Day Workshop

BCCT, in collaboration with our partner chambers, held the ASEAN dinner at Anantara Siam on Thursday 25 July. Keynote speakers & panellists shared their insights on ASEAN business outlook, Why ASEAN?, investment opportunities as well as merits and challenges in each ASEAN member country, to help you to perceive the investment insight information and real-time market information from both government sectors and private sectors to connect your investment with global opportunities.

BCCT One-Day Workshop on Sustainable Global B2B through Servitisation was held on Wednesday 31st July at Amara Bangkok. Participants learned the need to establish and create sustainable competitive advantages to develop new business and retain existing ones through “servitisation”. The session also included case studies from multinational organisations that applied this strategy to their business development plans.

Many thanks to Tilleke & Gibbins International for their sponsorship support and to our wonderful speakers and panellists for sharing their expertise.

The event was facilitated by Khun Sukhavichai Dhanasundara (third from the left), lecturer at Lucerne and Bangkok University International College, advisor and facilitator at Asian-Pacific Development Communication Centre, and founding member of the BCCT Management Development Group.

Thank you to our sponsors.

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Chamber Events

Members Evening

T3 Business Networking

On Wednesday 14th August at St. Regis, the event gave members an opportunity to share ideas and opinions on how BCCT can further collaborate and assist members to enhance their business opportunities in Thailand. The evening was facilitated by BCCT Board of Directors – Pinyapa Somphong, Andrew McBean, Stephen Frost and Nick Smart, dividing participants into four group discussions – Membership Benefits, Events, Groups/ Committees and Advocacy. A summary of the Online Annual Survey was presented by BCCT YP Committee Kieran Taylor.

BCCT members and guests gathered to network and enjoy the evening at the T3 Business Networking on Thursday 22 August. A fantastic selection of food was beautifully arranged accompanying with great drinks in a nice networking ambience at Aqua Bar. Big thanks to Mazars Thailand and venue/food sponsor Anantara Siam for their great support.

Feedback from BCCT members is vital.

Networking in style at Aqua Bar.

FCA Eastern Seaboard Briefing

Multi-Chamber ESB Briefing

BCCT, together with AMCHAM, AustCham & GTCC, held a Foreign Chambers Alliance Eastern Seaboard Briefing on Friday 23 August at the Holiday Inn Pattaya. Thank you to speakers Frank Holzer (ANCA Sheet Metal Solutions), Markus Hoffman (German-Thai Dual Excellence Education), Jantima Hiraga (Pearson Education) and moderator Chris Thatcher (BCCT Chairman) for providing insightful presentations on Developing Talent in the Eastern Economic Corridor – The Vocational Education and Training Solution.

On Friday 23 August BCCT welcomed members and guests from participating chambers to the Eastern Seaboard Business Networking at Café G, Holiday Inn Pattaya. This event would not have been possible without the support of our amazing sponsors: food/venue sponsor Holiday Inn Pattaya; and cash sponsors Budget Car & Truck Rental, RSM Thailand, CCW Technic Service, Inspiration Asia and Robert Walters Recruitment.

Looking forward to seeing you at the next ESB networking on Friday 13 December at Amari Pattaya.

Three Chambers joined forces to organise this important business event on the eastern Seaboard.

The Chamber hosted another successful Eastern Seaboard business networking event.

Thank you to our sponsors.

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Chamber Events

Phuket Briefing

Phuket Business Networking

At the BCCT Phuket Briefing on Friday 30 August at Banyan Tree Phuket, Tareq Bagaeen, CEO of aQedina, showed participants how to develop hungry and effective salespeople in today’s markets for today’s consumers. Thank you Tareq for taking your time to share your insightful presentation.

More than eighty five members and guests gathered together to network and enjoy food & drinks at the Phuket Business Networking on Friday 30 August at the beautiful Lagoon Deck of Banyan Tree Phuket. Thank you to partner chambers and all those who attended. Special thanks to venue/food sponsor Banyan Tree Phuket, cash sponsors Tile-It and Budget Car & Truck Rental and media partner Phuket News & Window on Phuket.

Tareq Bagaeen makes his presentation.

The joint chambers business event in Phuket was well supported.

Briefing on Crypto Currency

One-Day Workshop

On Tuesday 3rd September at Lancaster Bangkok, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Khun Topp Jirayut Srupsrisopa presented to BCCT members and guests on ‘What exactly is Blockchain & Cryptocurrency’ and how can it benefit businesses in Thailand. Thanks Khun Topp for sharing the insightful information.

On Thursday 5th September, Billy Pachara from SpeakPro presented a One-Day Workshop on Storytelling Skills. He guided participants through a journey of storytelling and communication techniques that enhance and develop good content for their stories. Thanks to Billy for sharing his insight, knowledge and experience in such a positive and entertaining way.

Members hear about blockchain and cryptocurrencies from Khun Jirayut.

Billy Pachara’s presentations are always informative and entertaining.

Thank you to our sponsors.

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Chamber Events

Young Professionals Networking

One-Day Workshop

BCCT Young Professionals (YP) held a business networking event on Thursday 5th September at GLEN Bar, Pullman Bangkok King Power with multi-group activity focusing to enhance and develop core business skills such as Leadership & Management lead by Martin Hurley; Sales by Yuwadee Waisoongnoen; Negotiation by Simon Matthews; Time Management topic by Eva Lueckemeier, International Subsidiary Banking by HSBC and Public Speaking by Pinyapa Somphong.

ThinkPRO Speaker McVeigh shared psychological techniques with participants to find their hidden potential and clear goalsettings as well as achievement. This workshop also helped them to better understand themselves and enhance their performance in their work and life.

The activity was moderated by YP committee members Russell Watts and Kieran Taylor. Big thanks to our host Pullman Bangkok King Power.

Paul McVeigh (centre) shared his knowledge and experience.

Briefing on The future of workspace

T3 Business Networking

At BCCT briefing on Thursday 12th September, members and guests enjoyed learning from Lars Wittig, Country Manager Regus, HQ & Spaces about how the office no longer defines our workplace and how companies face the future of workspace in a world where speed of change is ever faster. Big thanks to SPACES for hosting this event.

Members and guests gathered yesterday on Thursday 19 September at the Conrad for the BCCT Multi-Chamber T3 Business Networking. Thanks all partner American, Australian, French, Italian, Irish and South African Chambers of Commerce for their great support. This event could not have been possible without the support of venue/food sponsor The Conrad and cash sponsors Allied Pickfords and Bumrungrad Hospital.

Lars Wittig outlines the future of workspace to BCCT members.

The event was well attended with over 200 guests networking while enjoying drinks and the special selection of food from the outlets at The Conrad Hotel.

Thank you to our sponsors.

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Comings and Goings The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand welcomes the following new members: Bankers Bank of Scotland, Glasgow UK Aeropair Ltd 5 Neil Street, Renfrew PA4 8TA Tel: +44 7771812013 Fax: +44 1418867006 Email: stephen@aeropair.co.uk Website: www.aeropair.co.uk Business Activity Aviation, Textiles Transportation Services & Products Chamber Representatives Mr. Stephen Findlay - Managing Director Ms. Karen Cooper - Finance Manager Background 22 year old UK Aircraft Interior Manufacture and repair with EASA PART21G & PART145 with facilities in Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, China and India Products or Services Aircraft Interior production and repair including all seats, sidewalls, Galley and lavatory parts

Financial Details Current T/O 1.7M, GBP Amata Spring Development Co., Ltd. 700/3-9 Moo 6, Nongmaidaeng Muang, Chonburi 20000 Tel: +66 (0) 3314 1000 Fax: +66 (0) 3846 8808 Email: ascc@amataspring.com Website: www.amataspring.com Chamber Representatives Mr. David Kevin Townend - General Manager Anderson Wilde & Harris 12 Dorrington St, Holborn, London, EC1N 7TB Tel: +44 (0) 20 7061 1100 Email: sophia@thelandlordtenant.co Website: www.awh.co.uk Business Activity Property Agent Chamber Representatives Ms. Sophia Nesro

Affiliates Fuchi Thailand and Epsilon India Ownership 100% Stephen Finday Senior Management Stephen Findlay jnr Operations Manager Robert Macklin, Production Jim Gardner, Quality Board of Directors Stephen Findlay Agnes Findlay

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Anytime Fitness Asia #09-12 Paya Lebar Square 60 Paya Lebar Road, Singapore 409051 Tel: +66 969230533 Email: buddy.morin@ anytimefitnessasia.com Website: www.anytimefitnessasia.co.th Chamber Representatives Mr. Billy Pech Background Anytime Fitness is the number 1, largest, and fastest-growing fitness franchise in the world – and in Asia.

Located in over 30 countries and

regions on (soon-to-be) all seven continents, it has over 4,300 gyms worldwide, which are home to over 3 million members, one of whom signs up every three minutes.

Asia is the only regional master franchise for Anytime Fitness, which, as of May 2019 covers eight countries including Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia with almost 350 territories sold and almost 250 gyms opened in under five years.

Anytime Fitness Asia also has the unprecedented recognition as the International Franchisor and Franchisor of the Year for the Franchise Licensing Association in Asia for four consecutive years.

Anytime Fitness Asia is unique in the network for its exponential growth in countries, territories, and openings and its support structure in club operations and technology. Among its ranks are subject matter experts from the gym industry, technology, franchising, learning and development, vendor and compliance, finance, and marketing – delivered regionwide through local resources. Comprising over a century of combined experience, support tools are in constant development at Anytime Fitness Asia, staying ahead of the curve in the industry.

In Thailand, Anytime Fitness currently has five gyms open and five more in development, with franchise sales growing in earnest with a local partner and a local on-ground team to support the network’s growth.

Anytime Fitness Thailand Richmond Tower, 17th Floor 75/95 Sukumvit Road Soi 26 Klong Ton, Klong Toey Bangkok, Thailand Products or Services Franchised Gym

Apollo Education Pte Ltd 391B Orchard Rd, Level 22, Ngee Ann City Tower B, Singapore 238874 Email: ask@apolloenglish.com Website: www.apolloenglish.com Business Activity Education Education – Online Education for Early Years to Secondary Chamber Representatives

Chamber Representatives Mr. David O’Neill - Vice President

en world Recruitment (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 12th Floor, Unit 1201-1202 Athenee Tower, 63 Wireless Road Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 (0) 2106 8600 Fax: +66 (0) 2654 0901 Email: thailand@enworld.com Website: www.enworld.co.th Business Activity HR Consultancy

Mr. Dugie Cameron - Director Ms. Amara See-toh - Regional Manager (Business Growth) Blue Lotus Hua Hin (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 68/35 Mooban Hua Na Tambol Nong Gae, Hua Hin Prachuabkirikhan 77110 Tel: +66 32538888 Email: groupmaicomm@banyanthailand. com Website: www.banyanthailand.com Chamber Representatives Mr. Robert Pijper - Project Director City & Guilds 1 Giltspur Street, London EC1A 9DD Tel: +44 (0) 844 543 0000 Email: general.enquiries@cityandguilds. com Website: www.cityandguilds.com Business Activity Education Chamber Representatives Ms. Becky James - International Sales Director Ms. Victoria Horrox - Head of Sales Echobox Ltd. 109 Cheapside, London EC2V 6JS Tel: +44 (0) 2039369013 Website: www.echobox.com

Chamber Representatives

Mr. Taro Kimura - Managing Director Background en world is a recruiting consultancy group specializing in mid-career professional roles across Asia-Pacific.

Operating from 6 countries, we support global companies’ recruitment needs through our network in Japan, Singapore, Australia, Thailand, India and Vietnam. In 2010 we became part of en-japan inc., a leading provider of recruitment services in Japan, we aim to be the most trusted recruitment and career partner in the Asia Pacific region. en world Thailand Founded in 1999 and still going strong. Proud of our heritage, we have constantly grown throughout the years to become one of the strongest recruitment agencies in Thailand. We are unique in the Thai market in that our consultants are specialists by job function. Meaning, we have a genuine depth of industry expertise. We work together with our clients as business partners and market advisors.

Offering recruitment services, market advice, outsourcing and payroll services. For our candidates we take

a genuine interest in their career growth, offering guidance to find the right move. Our expertise in the market together with our consultants specialisations allows us to work with both parties to ensure the best possible fit.

Our specialist teams are: • Accounting, Finance, Banking, Legal & Insurance • Technology, Digital and Telecom • Consumer: FMCG, Retail, Pharmaceutical, Hospitality, Real Estate • Human Resources and Administration • Engineering, Architecture, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Logistics • Nikkei (Japanese business / Japanese candidates / Japanese speaking candidates) We are not just recruiters. We are consultants.

In 2013, TopTalentAsia joined with the en world group and rebranded as as en world Thailand. This has given us a greater depth across the APAC region.

Headquartered in Japan, en world operates in six countries with fourteen offices throughout the Asia-Pacific region: Henley & Partners (Thailand) Athenee Tower 23rd Floor 63, Wireless Road, Lumpini Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 (0) 2041 4628 Website: www.henleyglobal.com Business Activity Consultancy Chamber Representatives Mr. Andrew Raming - Senior Manager Business Development

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Hugh James Solicitors 99 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7NG Tel: +44 33 3016 2222 Website: www.hughjames.com Chamber Representatives Mr. Robert Hurling - Senior Associate JTB (Thailand) Limited Harindthorn Building, 9th Floor 54 North Sathorn Road.

Kwang Silom, Khet Bangrak Bangkok 10500 Tel: +66 2230-0451 Fax: +66 2267-9210 Website: www.jtbthailand.com Business Activity Travel and Tourism Chamber Representatives Mr. Shuhei Kato - Business Development Section

Kroll Associates (S) Pte Ltd 36 Robinson Road, #09-01 City House, Singapore 068877 Tel: +65 6645 4529 Fax: +65 6645 4524 Email: maziana.mahat@kroll.com Website: www.Kroll.com

for clients in the areas of valuation, corporate finance, investigations, disputes, cyber security, compliance and regulatory matters, and other governance-related issues. We work with clients across diverse sectors, mitigating risk to assets, operations and people. With Kroll, a division of Duff & Phelps since 2018, our firm has nearly 3,500 professionals in 28 countries around the world.

For more information, visit www. duffandphelps.com.

Laguna Resorts & Hotels Public Company Limited 390/1 Moo 1 Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Tel: +66 (0)76-362-333 Fax: +66 (0)76-362-335 Email: info@lagunaphuket.com Website: www.lagunaphuket.com Business Activity Hotel; Property Development Office and resort rental; Golf Club Holiday club memberships

Background Kroll is the leading global provider of risk solutions. For more than 45 years, Kroll has helped clients make confident risk management decisions about people, assets, operations and security through a wide range of investigations, cyber security, due diligence and compliance, physical and operational security, and data and information management services. For more information, visit www.kroll.com.

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Phuket Office: 390/1 Moo 1, Srisoontorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 7636 2300 Fax: +66 (0) 7632 4061 Bangkok Office: 7th, 22nd and 24th Floor, 21/17B, 21/17C, 21/65, 21/66 and 21/68 Thai Wah Tower I South Sathorn Road, Tungmahamek Sathorn, Bangkok 10120 Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 2677 4455 Fax: +66 (0) 2285 0733 Products or Services The key businesses of the Group are hotel operations, property development operations and office rental. The Group’s major business investment largely revolves around the operation and management of the integrated resort of Laguna Phuket, located on the island of Phuket in Thailand, as well as its investments in the Banyan Tree Bangkok.

Chamber Representatives

Business Activity Consultancy Chamber Representatives Ms. Maziana Mahat - Office Manager Mr. Richard Dailly - Managing Director

development. The subsidiaries also engage in operating a golf club, sales of merchandise, office and resort rental and sales of holiday club memberships.

Mr. Ravi Chandran - Managing Director of Laguna Resorts & Hotels / Executive Vice President Mr. Stuart Reading - Director of Laguna Resorts & Hotels / Senior Vice President - Property Development Background Laguna Resorts & Hotels Public Company Limited (The Company) was founded in 1983. It shortly thereafter acquired a large parcel of land on the site of an abandoned tin mine at Bangtao Bay, Phuket, Thailand which was later developed to become the Laguna Phuket integrated resort complex. Major businesses of the Company and its subsidiaries (The Group) are hotel business and property

Lanna International School Thailand 300 Grandview Moo 10 Hang Dong Road, Mae-hea, Muang, Chiang Mai 50100 Tel: +66 (0) 53 806 230-1 Fax: +66 (0) 53 806 230 Website: https://www.lannaist.ac.th Business Activity Education Chamber Representatives Mr. Robert Vickers - Associate Business Manager

Maher Limited 2 Brightside Way, Sheffield S9 2RQ Tel: +44 114 290 9200 Email: info@maher.com Website: www.maher.com Business Activity: Metals / Minerals Engineering Manufacturing Chamber Representatives Mr. Greg Mackie - Business Development Manager (APAC) Background Maher is your first choice for high strength, high performance alloys.

Established in 1932 & with a long tradition in steel stockholding, we offer a complete range of products from round and flat bars, plates and forgings through to added value services such as pre- and stage machined components.

Supported by both customer and industry approvals, our customer base spans a number of industries including; Oil & Gas, Aerospace, Power Generation, and Naval & Marine. True to our family traditions and company values, we provide a personal and flexible service to meet all customers’ needs. Our team of qualified metallurgists are able to answer your technical questions, and our network of Maher employees and agents around the world can meet your requirements at a local level wherever you are.

Products or Services We specialise in high strength, high performance alloys including; Nickel based, Copper based & Specialist alloys. From our purpose built factory and warehouse, we can offer a full solution to your material requirements; from quick turnarounds on stock lengths and cut billets, to supplying semi-finished and finished components through our in house machine shop.

Affiliates Proxima Powder Metallurgy Ltd & Kiartys Engineering Ltd

New Dawn Innovations Ltd Turner House, 9-10 Mill Lane Alton Hampshire GU34 2QG Tel: +44 1420592499 Email: marketing@ newdawninnovations.co.uk Website: www.newdawninnovations. co.uk Business Activity Electrical Technologies Sales/Distribution/Logistics Chamber Representatives Mr. Jonathan Merricks - CEO Mr. James Royston - Marketing Director Background New Dawn Innovations (NDI) is the home to consumer technology brands – VQ and Lava, as well as a partner for OEM & distribution services.

VQ is a well-respected audio and technology brand with it’s heart in radio alongside an expanding product portfolio. This multi-award winning brand is also the home to NDI’s design license partnerships as the brand supplements an extensive range of colours and material finishes with iconic design styles from the likes of; Cath Kidston, Emma Bridgewater, Laura Ashley & Joules. Partnerships with these designer brands has seen the VQ range grow to include Mobile Accessories, Small Domestic Appliances and Smart Home.

Marketing), Design & Manufacture of Consumer Electronics with own brands, VQ & Lava or as OEM categories including; Audio, Smart Home, Mobile Accessories & Small Domestic Appliances

No5 Barristers’ Chambers Fountain Court Steelhouse Lane Birmingham B4 6DR Tel: +44 (0) 845 210 5555 Fax: +44 (0) 121 606 1501 Email: info@no5.com Website: www.No5.com Business Activity Legal Services Chamber Representatives Mr. Adrian Keeling QC - Deputy Head of Chambers Mr. Tony McDaid - CEO & Director of Clerking Background The No5 Barristers’ Chambers international experts advise and act in a wide variety of matters, including high-value and high-profile international litigation and arbitration disputes.

In addition to NDI house brand design & manufacturing, NDI also offer a full turnkey OEM programme for partners, with a client list which already includes some of the most well-respected names in electronics retail.

Our members bring together skills gained over many years working around the world with major companies and commercial organisations in both legal and commercial roles. Not only do No5’s barristers’ have specialist industry experience but also specific regional, cultural and language knowledge, particularly in relation to the Far East, where members have lived and worked extensively. All of this gives us a highly commercial approach, with a team which is well versed and experienced in managing the demands of international practice.

Products or Services Distribution (Logistics, Sales &

BCCT member and a leading international advocate for No5 is

The VQ brand is complimented by Lava which offers a range of audio products including Digital Radio & Bluetooth Speakers.

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Adrian Keeling QC. Adrian has a regulatory and misconduct practice at the highest level. His skills; intellectual, legal and personal - are ones that translate across different jurisdictions.

He has a strong academic record with an MA in law at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, called to the Bar by the Inner Temple in 1990, took silk in 2011, and was made a Master of the Inner Temple in 2017.

Adrian is Deputy Head of Chambers and Head of Regulatory Work at No5.

He is an accredited mediator.

Adrian is instructed in the most demanding issues – such as complex regulatory offences, financial disputes, fraud, gross negligence, or misconduct in public office. Adrian has a background and legal expertise in civil law as well. He practised in commercial and civil law for many years whilst at the junior bar.

Adrian has a lifelong passion for South East Asia. He visits the region several times each year. He has forged strong links with local businessmen, expatriates, lawyers, NGO’s, Judges, government officials, and diplomats.

Adrian is Vice Chairman of the Anglo Thai Society. He is a Master of the Bench Member of the International Committee of the Inner Temple. He is also directing an FCO sponsored project to provide legal training to the Judicial system in the People’s Democratic Republic of Lao. To learn more about No5 Barristers’ Chambers, please visit www.no5.com and for more information about Adrian Keeling QC select: www.no5.com/ adriankeelingqc Products or Services High-value and prominent international litigation and arbitration disputes relating to Banking and Finance, Commercial, Criminal, Employment, Environmental, Human Rights, Immigration and Sports law.

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Rawi Warin Resort & Spa 139 Moo 8, Koh Lanta lsland, Krabi 81150 Tel: +66 (0) 9 2654-9224 Email: sales3@rawiwarin.com Website: https://rawiwarin.com/ Business Activity Hotel Food & Beverage Travel and Tourism Chamber Representatives Ms. Orachorn Jarenpol - Assistant Sales Manager Bangkok Office Q House Asoke, Unit 1412 14th Floor, 66 Sukhumvit 21 Wattana, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0) 2 664-34904 ext.18 Products or Services Accommodation, Event, Wedding, Meeting, Party, CSR, Spa, Food & Beverage and Activities on Koh Lanta Banker Thanachart Bank

Reallyenglish.com 1 Primrose Street, London London EC2A 2EX Tel: +44 20 7993 9040 Email: benp@reallyenglish.com Website: www.reallyenglish.com Business Activity English Language Services Education – Online English Language Training Provider

decisively change peoples’ lives for the better. Reallyenglish is a world-leading provider of digital (mobile and online) self-study and blended (classroom) English training solutions with a proven track record among learners and educators alike.

Our solutions work well for pure selfstudy, but are best used in tandem with teacher-led instruction where our platform, courses, and blended materials are an excellent partner to what is happening in the classroom.

Twenty years of experience working with customers dedicated to education and training has given Reallyenglish unparalleled expertise in delivering what our customers want in the most efficient, effective and affordable way.

Products or Services We have thousands of hours of digital world-class lessons that cover General English, Business English, IELTS, TOEIC, Academic English, General Vocabulary, and Subject-specific Vocabulary – all of which can be accessed seamlessly on a PC, lap-top or mobile device. Our range of content can be used off-theshelf or adapted to suit you and your organisation.

Riva Surya Bangkok 23 Phra Arthit Road, Chanasongkram Pranakorn, Bangkok 10200 Tel: +66 (0) 2633 5000 Fax: +66 (0) 2633 5050 Email: tim@rivahotelgroup.com Website: www.rivasuryabangkok.com Chamber Representatives

Chamber Representatives Mr. Ben Porter - Vice President, Global Business Development Mr. Russ Emmerson - Business Development Director (ASEAN)

Mr. Timothy Vongswang - Area General Manager

Background The ability to speak English can

Products or Services Hotel and restaurant

Affiliates Riva Hotel Group

Director

Companies Represented Next Story Group Ownership Supatra River Mansion Co., Ltd. Scuderia Toro Rosso S.p.A. Cappis House Telford Rd, Unit B4 Bicester OX26 4LD Email: Matthew.Strachan@tororosso. com Website: www.tororosso.com Business Activity Automotive

end-of-course report and selected social programme activities.

Ownership Private ownership

The London School of English 15 Holland Park Gardens London W14 8DZ Tel: +44 (0) 207 605 4123 Email: sales@londonschool.com Website: www.londonschool.com Business Activity Education English Language Training Provider Education – Online Chamber Representatives

Senior Management Hauke Tallon Chief Executive Hauke.Tallon@londonschool.com Tisco Bank Public Company Limited Tisco Tower, 48/2 North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangrak Bangkok 10500 Tel: +66 (0) 2 633 7781 Email: meenu@tisco.co.th Website: www.tisco.co.th Business Activity Banking

Chamber Representatives Mr. Matthew Strachan - Commercial Director

Chamber Representatives Sheraton Samui Resort 86 Moo 3, Chaweng Noi Beach Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320 Tel: +66 (0) 77 422 020 Fax: +66 (0) 77 422 396 Email: sheraton.kohsamui@sheraton. com Website: www.marriott.com/hotels/ travel/usmss-sheraton-samui-resort/ Business Activity Hotel Hospitality Chamber Representatives Mr. Paul De Jong - Director of Sales & Marketing Ms. Juthathip Ngernhiran - Sales Administrative

Ms. Rosie Ganne - Client Sales Manager SE Asia Ms. Jo Burns - Director of Sales and Marketing Background The London School of English is an English language school for motivated adults who want to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Established in 1912, we’ve been around for over 100 years but our values have not changed - we are still here to give you a memorable experience with quality teaching that gets results. We understand your objectives and adapt course content to you. Our customers consistently rate their experience as Excellent.

Products or Services

Siam Costumes International Ltd. 79/311, Soi Phomichit, Rama 4 Prakhanong, Klong Toey Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0) 27124027 Email: info@siamcostumes.com Website: www.siamcostumes.com Chamber Representatives Mr. Sebastian Kent-Morris - Account Director Mr. Alexander Kent-Morris - Sales

We offer a wide range of general English, business English, legal English, English for HR, academic English and exam preparation, voice & accent training programmes for professionals and individuals. We can also provide quality accommodation and airport transfers, and all our courses include access to London School online learning resources, three-course lunches Monday to Friday, a detailed

Mr. Soroj Sivapaiboon - Senior Business Development Officer Ms. Meenu Sachdev - Senior Sale and Relationship Management Background TISCO was the first investment bank in Thailand, established in 1969. The name “TISCO” derived from the full company name at first founded, “Thai Investment and Securities Company Limited”. In 2005, TISCO was the first finance company to upgrade its status to a commercial bank under the Bank of Thailand’s Financial Master Plan. TISCO has been recognized as a pioneer and sustained its leading role in auto hire purchase, provident fund management, private banking, brokerage and investment banking for over four decades. With its believe that “The opportunity can be created”, it is here to create opportunities to serve Thai community.

Awards in 2018 • Top 50 Asean PLCs • Most Innovative Asset Management

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• Best Company Performance • Best Provident Fund Provider • Distinguished Financial Management Products or Services Retail Banking Group TISCO offers range of deposits from Saving Accounts, Time Deposits, Recurring Deposits and Payroll Accounts. TISCO Payroll Accounts have attractive interest rates with privileged pricing for Mortgage Loans and Insurance Products. At TISCO, it’s a One Stop Service.

We provide lending facilities to retail clients focusing on hire purchase lending. The loan portfolio mainly consists of hire purchase loan for new cars, used cars, and motorcycles, along with consumer finance developed to serve market demand. Micro Finance is provided by TISCO. Corporate Banking Group TISCO provides various lending facilities and financial advisory services for corporate clients with the core products consisting of project finance loan, term loan for large corporate, and investment banking services.

Wealth and Asset Management Group We serve wealth and high net worth clients, aiming to be the “Top Advisory House” by delivering integrated financial solutions for savings and investment under the brand “TISCO Wealth”. TISCO offers a full shelf of financial products ranging from depository products, insurance, asset management to securities brokerage service. We are the leading insurance broker in the country and work with the world’s leading insurance companies providing value protection which meets the needs of customers Whitehall Investments Ltd. Emperor’s Gate, 114a Cromwell Road, Kensington, London SW7 4AG Tel: +66 (0) 6 2745 0902 Email: lefortla@hotmail.com Business Activity Investment Services / Advisors

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Chamber Representatives Mr. Anthony Lefort - Director X2 Group Ltd. 170/87 9th floor, Ocean Tower Building 1, New Ratchadaphisek Road, Klong Toey, Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0) 2-822-7453-4 Email: richard@x2logisticsnetworks. com Website: www.x2group.com Chamber Representatives Mr. Richard Overton - CEO & Founder Mr. Murray Backhouse - General Manager Resignation April - June 2019 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Aigroup, Russia akyra Thonglor Bangkok Andrews & Wykeham APAC Assistance (Culthip Pte Ltd) BHMA Hotels and Resorts Budget Leisure Travel CLCA Call Direct d&A Access to Asia Co., Ltd. DKSH (Thailand) Limited Idea Foundry Marketing Pte Ltd. LS Productions Lufthansa German Airlines MBK Guarantee Company Limited Metal Tiger IHQ Co., Ltd Nissan Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Oxford Business Group Primal Co., Ltd. Reign Design SPIE Oil & Gas Services (Thailand) Ltd. • Stonehead International Trading Co., Ltd. Change of company representative 1. Aberdeen Standard Asset Management (Thailand) Limited from Mr. Korawut Leenabanchaong to Mr.Robert Penaloza 2. Amari Hua Hin from Mr. Phanuphan Buasuang to Mr. Jean-matthieu Beroujon 3. Anytime Fitness Asia from Mr. Sean Palmer to Mr. Alan Ainsworth 4. Coats Thread (Thailand) Ltd. from Mr. Nishant Manuja to Mr. Kunal Kapur

5. Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok from Ms. Sylvia Smith to Ms. Heekyung Chung 6. Hard Rock Cafe Chiang Mai from Mr. Matt Carley to Mr. Sonbir Yadav 7. Jim Thompson from Dr. Gerald Mazzalovo to Ms. Cholavee Imsaeng 8. Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers from Mr. Joon Park to Mr. Orhun Denizoglu 9. SO Sofitel Bangkok from Mr. Torsten Richter to Mr. Jean Francois Brun 10. Wood from Mr. Gary Milton to Mr.Henry Ling Change of company address 1. Baker & McKenzie Ltd. 5th, 10th and 21st–25th Floors 990 Abdulrahim Place Rama IV Road, Silom, Bangrak Bangkok 10500 2. FiddAsia Advisory Ltd. GP House Building #572, 4th Floor, Unit 1403, Ladprao Road Soi 112 Phlabphla, Wangthonglang Bangkok 10310 3. Halewood International Thailand 591 UBC II Building, 20th Floor Sukhumvit Road, North Klongton Wattana Bangkok 10110 4. Jardine Matheson (Thailand) Ltd. 16th - 17th Floor, SPE Tower, 252 Phaholyothin Road.

Samsennai, Phayathai Bangkok 10400 5. Kunini Holdings Ltd. Part 70/137 Soi Moobaan Huana, T. Nongkae. A. Hua Hin Prachuab Khirikhan 77110 6. ManpowerGroup Thailand Bhiraj Tower at Sathon Building B 2nd Floor 31, 31/1, 33 South-Sathon Road, Yannawa Sub-District Sathon District Bangkok 10120 7. Parker Bridge Recruitment Co., Ltd. 140 One Pacific Place , 11th Floor, Suite 1108-1109, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey, Klongtoey Bangkok 10110 8. Spirax Sarco (Thailand) Limited 38 Krungthepkreeta Road, Khlong Song Ton Nun , Lat Krabang Bangkok 10520

BCTFN

British Community in Thailand Foundation for the Needy (Under the auspices of the British Embassy, Bangkok)

SAVE THE DATE

PLOENCHIT FAIR 2019

Saturday 30th November 2019 At

Bangkok Patana School

643 La Salle Road (Sukhumvit 105), Bangna, Bangkok 10260

We hope to see you at the Fair to help us raise funds for Thai Charities Raffle, Rides, Games, Shopping, International Food & Drink Plus Live Bands and Entertainment

591/17 Sukhumvit Road Soi Villa Bangkok 10110 Tel: 02 2041587 bctfn@loxinfo.co.th www.ploenchitfair.org

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Issue 3/2019

67

FINAL WORD

Time to derail HS2

By Dale Lawrence

T

here’s renewed hope that the costly HS2 high-speed rail project may yet hit the buffers with new UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announcing an ‘independent and rigorous’ review.

More than £6 billion of UK taxpayers’ money has already been spent on this fanciful white elephant and there is little hope that the current scope of work is deliverable within the £56 billion budget. Indeed, Boris Johnson has expressed concern that the final bill to taxpayers could exceed £100 billion.

However, HS2 opponents are concerned that the review is being undertaken by Douglas Oakervee, a former chairman of HS2 who stated previously that it would be ‘catastrophic for the UK to scrap the project’.

John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, told media, “We have long argued that HS2 is a waste of taxpayers’ money and it’s good news that the Government will conduct a full review. This is a sign the Government is willing to be bold and

Options facing the Department of Transport include a major scaling back of the proposed works, with the high-speed line terminating in Birmingham.

think seriously before spending taxpayers’ money on a white elephant.’

Joe Rukin, campaign manager at Stop HS2, said, “We have serious questions whether a review headed by a former chairman of HS2 could ever be described as independent.”

North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen, another staunch critic of the project, said that the review was the result of a promise made by Boris Johnson during Conservative Party leadership content. “It will be very easy to find projects in the Midlands and the North of England that will deliver better value for taxpayers’ money and be more effective,” he said.

Scots call truce in US whisky war The fiercely protective Scotch Whisky Association has called a truce in its legal battle with a US distiller. The SWA had drawn claymores because the Virginia Distillery Company, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, was marketing local brews with a ‘Virginia Highland Whisky’ label.

A feisty legal battle was set to take place in a Delaware courtroom with the SWA keen to protect Scotland’s national drink and deter those who ‘seek to take advantage of the quality reputation of Scotch whisky’.

However, both parties reached an ‘amicable resolution’ with the US distillery agreeing to drop ‘Highland’ from its labels. SWA legal eagle Lindesay Low welcomed Virginia Distillery Company’s willingness to work with them to protect the integrity of Scotch Whisky. “We appreciate the prompt and positive attitude shown by the Virginia Distillery Company in bringing the issue to resolution, removing the need for action in the courts to protect the intellectual property of Scotch Whisky.”

HS2 critics are pinning their hopes on the integrity of Labour peer Lord Berkeley (pictured), who is serving as the review panel’s deputy chairman.

His Lordship is a former civil engineer who worked on Eurotunnel and a former Chairman of the Rail Freight Group. He voiced major concerns about HS2 in the House of Lords earlier this summer.

The first phase of HS2 links London with Birmingham and is scheduled for completion by 2026. The second phase branches out to northern cities such as Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester.

Former Transport Secretary Chris Grayling stressed repeatedly the huge benefits that HS2 would deliver to passengers and to the UK economy but I’ve yet to meet anyone with an overwhelming desire to arrive 20 minutes early into Birmingham.

No nagging doubts for Paul Quick-thinking Somerset-based racehorse trainer Paul Nicholls has registered the horse name Onethreefivenotout in honour of Ben Stokes’ century that helped England to win the third Ashes Test in August. Let’s hope the lucky horse is as brave as Ben Stokes and brings home a few trophies.

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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EXAM AWARDS IN THE LATEST CIE AND EDEXCEL OUTSTANDING LEARNER AWARDS

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