Chamber Activities

GTCC-TEBA event “Towards an Electric Mobility Era in Thailand”

Electric mobility is an inevitable trend. Countries worldwide, including Thailand, are accelerating the transition to electric vehicles. Various aspects and dimensions of electric mobility were discussed and exchanged at the GTCC-TEBA event "Towards an Electric Mobility Era in Thailand" on 22 September 2022. It was followed by a networking session in the warm ambiance of the Marriott Executive Apartments.

Guests of honour H.E. David Daly, Ambassador of the European Union to Thailand delivered the opening remarks. M.L. Chayotid Kridakon, Advisor to the Prime Minister, provided an insight into the "EV Perspective in Thailand" and Mr. Nuttakorn Utensute, Principal Advisor for Excise, Excise Department, presented insightful information on "EV 3 Package". GTCC President, Mr. Michael Welser delivered opening remarks together with TEBA President, Mr. Stefan Heuer.

Key trends in the Thai automotive industry were discussed by participating experts, including: Mr. Ron Sirivanasadha, Head of Governmental and External Affairs of BMW (Thailand) Co, Ltd., Mr. Juergen Fitschen, Future Mobility Expert from Mercedes-Benz (Thailand), Mr. Martin Knoss, Regional President of Powertrain Solutions ASEAN of Robert Bosch Ltd. and Mr. Bjoern Voss, Managing Director of P3 Group (Thailand) Ltd. The panel discussion was moderated by TEBA President, Mr. Jan Wittenstein, Chairman of TEBA Automotive Working Group/GTCC Board member.

Third GTCC Stammtisch

An enjoyable evening was provided by the third GTCC Stammtisch of this year for the many guests who enjoyed a warm and friendly networking ambiance with a dazzling scenery of the Chao Phraya River on 29 September 2022. GTCC would like to thank Event Partner Mazars in Thailand for making this evening possible, and Venue partner Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok for supporting GTCC with a fine selection of food in an excellent setting.

GTCC Multi-Chamber Eastern Seaboard Seminar “German Supply Chain Act – the implications for businesses in Thailand”

GTCC organised a GTCC Multi-Chamber Eastern Seaboard Seminar surrounded by the relaxing scenery of Pattaya at Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya on 23 September 2022. Speaker Mr. Fabian Lorenz, Attorney at Law (Germany) from Luther, provided participants with useful updates on the "German Supply Chain Act – the implications for businesses in Thailand".

Luther, one of Germany‘s leading corporate law firms, provides the whole range of legal advice, tax advice and corporate services with its “one-stop” solution. Mr. Lorenz is an attorney-at-law and partner at Luther LLP in Singapore. He is the location head of Luther in Thailand and advises primarily companies that plan to invest in the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular focus on Thailand, Myanmar, and Singapore. Fabian especially provides advice in the areas of corporate law, employment law and legal compliance (including data protection).

GTCC Multi-Chamber Eastern Seaboard Networking

A signature GTCC Eastern Seaboard Networking Event was organised in collaboration with other bilateral chambers of commerce in Thailand. GTCC sincerely thanks Event Partners Luther, Schaeffler Manufacturing (Thailand) and Thai Environmental German Services (TEGS) for helping to make this event possible and successful as well as Beverage Partner, Franziskaner for offering a unique taste of Bavaria, and Venue Partner Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya. Many thanks to the guests and the participating chambers for joining us!

VDW Technology Symposium Thailand 2022

Internationally renowned German manufacturers showcased the latest production technology solutions at the VDW Technology Symposium Thailand 2022 organised by GTCC in co-operation with VDW (German Machine Tool Builders' Association) in September. The GTCC was pleased to welcome more than 150 participants and key stakeholders from relevant companies and associations of the Thai automotive and supplier industry, the general engineering and machinery and metalworking industry at the delegation week for German machine tool manufacturers.

The experts presenting production technology solutions at the event were from German manufacturing companies, including: ALZMETALL Werkzeugmaschinen- fabrik und Gießerei Friedrich GmbH & Co. KG; BLOHM JUNG GmbH; DMG MORI/DECKEL MAHO Pfronten GmbH; GROB-WERKE GmbH & Co. KG; Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG; INDEX-Werke GmbH & Co. KG; OPEN MIND Technologies AG; and TRUMPF SE + Co. KG.

The symposium also included a discussion on “Smart and sustainable manufacturing in Thailand” by: Dr. Frank Neuscheler, Robert Bosch GmbH; Mr. Somphop Klyosumphan, Thai Subcontracting Promotion Association

(THAI SUBCON); Mr. Chatchai Pholmoon, Thai Automation and Robotics Association (TARA); and Dr. Somwang Boonrakcharoen, Thai-German Institute (TGI).

Asst. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kumpanat Sirivedin from the Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS) provided an introduction to the companies and moderated the session. An individual "B2B Match-Making" between Thai and German companies was also organised to discuss further inquiries. The symposium was part of a threeday delegation program which begun on the first day with a country briefing on political and economic aspects. The delegation program was concluded with a site visit to A.L.K. Precision Works (1976) Company Limited and Unical Works Co., Ltd.

GTCC-GIZ Kick-off Conference on Green Hydrogen

Thailand is in transition towards its goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2065. Green hydrogen is a future energy source that could help Thailand meet its energy demand and reach the net-zero emissions goal.

This objective was discussed at a conference on green hydrogen held on 5 October 2022, which was organised in co-operation with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in the framework of the H2-Uppp programme. The aim is to ramp up the market for green hydrogen (GH2) and Power-to-X (PtX) applications in Thailand with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).

The conference, held at the Crowne Plaza Bangkok, Lumpini Park, was well-received by all the relevant partners and stakeholders as well as more than 180 attendants. The event provided first-hand knowledge from discussions and presentations given by industry pioneers, technology providers, policymakers and other key stakeholders. The Chamber offers its thanks to all the partners, speakers, panellists and participants for making the conference a complete success.

Following the conference, a reception was hosted by the German Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Georg Schmidt at his residence.

GTCC Multi-Chamber interactive and innovative training

A psychologically-safe environment empowers individuals to speak up without fear of humiliation or punishment, and it has proved helpful to increasing the efficiency of teamwork and performance.

In this context, GTCC Multi-Chamber training on "Implementing psychological safety with multi-cultural teams South-East Asia", was organised on 12 October 2022. The event, which was very interesting and informative, was guided by Mr. Luke Salway, Master Facilitator from Coachology. The participants enjoyed the discussion on psychological safety that would bring about the best actions by the teams despite their culturally-diverse backgrounds. Thanks are due to the speaker and guests for and to Hotel Venue Partner Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok for its assistance in providing an excellent venue setting.

GTCC HR Committee Seminar with Mercer Thailand

A GTCC HR Committee Seminar, "Compensation and benefits trends in the Thailand talent market", organised together with Mercer Thailand, was held on 20 October 2022 at the Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park. The event attracted more than 30 GTCC members, among them executives, human resources professionals and colleagues

As the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic declines and the workforce returns to their places of employment, not only has the way that work is done changed; the way that employees prefer to engage in their work has also been transformed. Ms. Mella Daracan, Career Products Leader at Mercer Thailand provided valuable lessons. She also held a relevant discussion on how the recent trends in compensation and benefits practices reflect these changes and how employers in the Thai market have responded.

The seminar was followed by a professional networking session with open exchanges among the participants. Thanks are given to Event partner Mercer Thailand and the Speaker, Ms. Mella Daracan, for their excellent contributions to the fruitful discussions. Also, GTCC appreciates the support from Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park for providing a well-set venue and excellent food and drinks.

GTCC tax seminar and networking with Mazars in Thailand

An informative night with Mazars in Thailand took place on 25 October 2022 at the Rembrandt Hotel & Suites, Bangkok, with various crucial updates on taxation changes that pose significant challenges to the international business community in Thailand.

GTCC is grateful to speaker Mr. Martin Liebenow, Tax Director and Head of the German desk at Mazars in Thailand, for sharing his knowledge and interesting perspectives on such important topics as tax and international updates as well as transfer pricing data.

Thanks are due to fellow business professionals and friends for participating in the seminar and the professional networking session with open exchanges among participants.

GTCC Stammtisch “Tri-Nation Night”

The last GTCC Stammtisch of 2022, “Tri-Nation Night”, was organised on 10 November 2022 at which it welcomed almost 160 guests comprising members, partners and friends of GTCC, ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Thailand and the Swiss-Thai Chamber of Commerce (STCC).

The event was opened with welcoming remarks by GTCC Executive Director, Dr. Roland Wein. Mr. Hans-Ulrich Südbeck, Chargé d'affaires ad interim, German Embassy Bangkok, Mr. Michael Schmeiser, Deputy Head of Mission, Austrian Embassy Bangkok, and Mr. Conradin Rasi, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Swiss Embassy Bangkok also delivered welcoming remarks to the guests.

GTCC would like to thank all participants for making this event a big success, including:

• Co-hosts Advantage Austria Thailand and STCC for making the event possible;

• Event Partners Bumrungrad International Hospital, Hansen Beck, Luther, Mazars in Thailand and RIS Swiss Section-Deutschsprachige Schule Bangkok for their great support; and

• Venue Partner: Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel Bangkok for offering a spectacular setting and an excellent selection of food and drinks.

GTCC Oktoberfest 2022

GTCC Oktoberfest 2022 was organised for two days, 3-4 November 2022 with welcoming remarks by GTCC President, Mr. Michael Welser. On the first day, German Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Georg Schmidt, officially opened the event with the traditional tapping of the barrel together with Mr. Welser, GTCC President and Dr. Wein Executive Director. On the second day, the beer keg tapping was performed by the Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy Bangkok, Mr. Hans-Ulrich Südbeck.

GTCC was delighted to be able to deliver the best Oktoberfest experience to all the guests once again, with traditional Oktoberfest music played by a visiting band from Bavaria, ‘AnTon and the Funny Guy’, a ceremonial beer barrel tapping, the presence of men and women in traditional Oktoberfest outfits, a German buffet and original Paulaner Oktoberfest beer as well as an after-party with a live DJ until late into the night.

Thanks are given to all the guests and the following partners for making the Oktoberfest party successful:

• Diamond Partner: Häfele (Thailand);

• Gold Partners: DACHSER, Luther, Lufthansa, Munich RE, and Schaeffler Manufacturing;

• Silver Partners: B. Grimm Trading Corporation, and Thaivivat Insurance;

• In-kind Partners: Bumrungrad International Hospital, and Robert Bosch;

• Venue Partner: Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit; and

• Beverage Partner: Paulaner by Flow Inter

GTCC business and study trip to Germany –“The Future of Healthcare” and MEDICA 2022

A GTCC business and study delegation visit to Germany on "The Future of Healthcare", led by GTCC Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Marius Mehner, started off with a meeting with H.E. Nadhavathna Krishnamra, Ambassador of Thailand to Germany, at the Mövenpick Hotel Berlin on 12 November 2022. The meeting was followed by a sightseeing tour around Berlin.

On 14 November 2022, the delegation made a site visit to the B. Braun headquarters in Melsungen. B. Braun, a GTCC member, is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies. Thanks to B. Braun and B. Braun Thailand’s Managing Director Khun Sayan Roy for the warm welcome.

The business and study trip was completed in Bad Homburg on 18 November 2022, after visiting MEDICA 2022. In Bad Homburg, the delegation visited GTCC member Fresenius Medical Care, the world’s leading provider of products and services for people with renal diseases. The company also provides dialysis products such as dialysis machines or dialyzers.

The GTCC is grateful to Fresenius Medical Care and Mr. Maximilian M. Peschel, Manager, Public and Government Affairs APAC, of Fresenius Medical Care Asia-Pacific, for the delegation’s warm welcome.

Visit to the German Pavilion and GTCC members at METALEX 2022

METALEX 2022 was held in BITEC from 16-19 November 2022. On 17 November 2022 GTCC Executive Director, Dr. Roland Wein visited the booths of GTCC members and other exhibitors in the German Pavilion at METALEX 2022, who included ALD Vacuum Technologies, Botek, Guhring Thailand, Hermle SEA, and Oerlikon Balzers Coating (Thailand). He also met with representatives from German companies who were visiting METALEX 2022 to gather information for investment and building business partnerships.

Fifteen German companies participated in the German Pavilion, which was funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and organised by Landesmesse Stuttgart GmbH with support from German Machine Tool Builders' Association (VDW).

METALEX, a leading trade fair for the metalworking industry and machine tools, connects more than 85,000 metalworking industrialists with more than 2,500 brands of world-class machine tool and metalworking technology providers.

GTCC Intercham YP Networking Event

GTCC’s special and last young professionals network evening of 2022 took place on 25 November 2022, in co-operation with 11 other bilateral chambers of commerce in Thailand. The event attracted more than 110 young professionals from several international circles in Thailand, who were welcomed by GTCC Vice-President Khun Waranya Pratumtin.

The lively atmosphere was complemented by the exceptional venue and delicious German food provided by Venue Partner Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park, and various premium beverages offered by our Beverage partners Discolo, Haus of the Sober & Paulaner. The Chamber appreciated their great support.

GTCC Executive Briefing and Networking with L&P and Green Yellow

The GTCC Executive Briefing and Networking event was organised on 30 November 2022. The focus of the event was on renewable energy in Thailand, and how to make use of existing promotions and become more sustainable.

The Chamber is most grateful to Mr. Till Morstadt, Managing Director of Lorenz & Partners Co., Ltd., and Mr. Stéphane Dufrenne, Chief Commercial Officer of Green Yellow Asia for sharing many useful insights. GTCC also appreciates the support received from Venue Partner Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok, Vignette Collection as well as all the guests who participated in the event.

GTCC Year End Reception “60 Years Celebration” supported by Lufthansa German Airlines

More than 140 members, friends and guests celebrated the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC) and the completion of 2022 at the GTCC Year End Reception, "60 Years Celebration", supported by Lufthansa German Airlines on 2 December 2022.

GTCC was proud to have welcomed guests of honour including German Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Georg Schmidt, Honorary Member Volker Fischer, who served on the GTCC Board, Chamber ex-Presidents Karl-Heinz Heckhausen, who is also GTCC Honorary Member, Khun Pracha Chivapornthip, Andreas Richter and their spouses.

The grand evening event was opened with a warm welcoming speech by GTCC President Mr. Michael Welser. On behalf of GTCC, he said he highly appreciated the continuing support by the members and partners that had made 2022 another successful year for the Chamber. Mr. Welser's speech was followed by special remarks from Ambassador Schmidt. After enjoying a wide variety of fine food, the night was extended with an ultimate after-party with renowned DJ Monster P.

GTCC is also very grateful to Lufthansa German Airlines for supporting this event as GTCC’s first-ever Naming Partner. Special thanks are due to Event Partners Bumrungrad International Hospital, Luther and Schaeffler Manufacturing as well as Food and Beverage Partners KCG Corporation, Flow Inter Co., Ltd. and Serenity Wines, and Venue Partner Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit.

GTCC partner and customer appreciation

GTCC organised an exclusive cocktail dinner to celebrate its successful co-operation with almost 60 partners and customers as well as to express the Chamber’s sincere gratitude for their continued support of GTCC in 2022. The event took place at The Sukhothai Bangkok on 6 December 2022.

GTCC Multi-Chamber Business Women Networking “Empowering women - The way forward”

About 40 women from different business communities in Thailand gathered at the GTCC Multi-Chamber Business Women Networking event on 8 December 2022 surrounded by the spectacular view of Bangkok skyline at night in the rooftop bar of Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit.

The participants shared perspectives in an open discussion, moderated by Ms. Cristy Aphimmonthol, Managing Director of Coachology and Pink lotus foundation and with Ms. Siriporn Rathie, Country Programme Manager, Women's Economic Empowerment at UN Women as an active contributor on the topic of "Empowering women – The way forward". After a thought-provoking conversation guests celebrated the festive season with a goodwill gift session.

Thanks go to Beverage Partner Serenity Wines Asia and Venue Partner Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit for their generous support.