UPDATE Q1/2025: Chamber Activities

GTCC Young Professionals Network Evening “Meet the CEOs”

Our third GTCC Young Professionals Network Event of 2024: “Meet the CEOs”, was organised successfully on 26 September, welcoming about 100 guests. Thanks to Mark Berger, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing (Thailand) Limited; Oliver Schnatz, Area General Manager Thailand for Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems Collection at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit; and Thira Nuntametha, Senior Representative at Commerzbank AG for sharing their experience, industry nsights, and perspectives with our young professionals.

The GTCC would also like to thank beverage partner Flow Inter for supporting the event with tasty Arcobräu, Fuller’s and Ink Gin, and venue partner Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit for the wonderful setting, delicious food, and good service.

GTCC Members Exclusive Site Visit to Interroll (Thailand)

GTCC members visited the world’s leading provider of material handling solutions, Interroll (Thailand) Co. Ltd., at the Amata City Chonburi Industrial Estate on 4 October. Here they explored the production lines of system integrators and equipment, as well as a comprehensive range of platform-based products and services in the categories of Rollers (conveyor rollers), Drives (motors and drives for conveyor systems), Conveyors & Sorters (conveyors and sorters), and Pallet Handling (pallet conveying and storage).

Thanks to Managing Director Grisorn Nakapong, Sales Director Narin Lertanant, Operations Director Nattapong Hothai, and the whole Interroll team for both the opportunity and the warm welcome.

Thai-German Energy Dialogue (TGED) conference

The Thai-German Energy Dialogue (TGED) on ‘German energy efficiency technologies and solutions for industry decarbonisation’ took place on 1 October2024, at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok hotel. The conference, organised by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the GTCC, offered participants a valuable opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore cutting-edge solutions in energy efficiency.

Arthit Vechakij, Vice Chairman of Renewable Energy Industry Club, the Federation of Thai Industries, delivered his keynote speech on ‘Energy Efficiency in Industry’, following welcome remarks by Johannes Kerner, the Economic and Commercial Counsellor, German Embassy in Bangkok, and Woranon Chansiri, the Director of International Affairs Division, Office of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy.

With the participation of German companies, including Siemens Ltd., MAN Energy Solutions, Kaeser Kompressoren, and Robert Bosch, the event highlighted presentations on energy efficiency technologies and solutions from Germany, as well as discussions on case studies in steam boilers and gas engine technologies.

The TGED is initiated by the Thai Ministry of Energy (MoEN) and the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) to support efforts by both countries in achieving carbon neutrality. The TGED, implemented by GIZ, fosters Thai-German business cooperation by involving companies closely in the programme. Topics range from renewable energies and energy efficiency, to green hydrogen and private sector cooperation in a wider sense.

GTCC AFTERWORK Briefing with EGS-plan

On 10 October 2024, about 60 people engaged in our GTCC AFTERWORK Briefing with EGS-plan on ‘Fighting climate change: Net-zero & climate-positive buildings’. The event, held at the Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15, focused on the building and construction sector, which is by far the largest emitter of greenhouse gases (accounting for a staggering 37% of global emissions).

We are grateful to our speakers, Dr. Robert Himmler, Managing Director of EGS-plan (Bangkok), Dr. Jain Charnnarong, Executive Committee at Harn Engineering Solutions, and Sanit Sirikolkarn, Chief Executive Officer at Asia Clean Energy Partners, for presenting tools and strategies to achieve the net-zero and climate positive standard for new and existing buildings. They also showcased a cost-effective net-zero energy project designed to improve the overall health and well-being of the building occupants.

EGS-plan (Bangkok) Co. Ltd., an engineering consultancy specialising in energy-efficient and sustainable buildings, was founded in 2015 as a subsidiary of EGS-plan International GmbH.

GTCC AFTERWORK Networking

Following the GTCC AFTERWORK Briefing with EGS-plan, GTCC members, partners, and professionals from multiple industries had a great time, in a lively networking ambiance. Thanks to our beverage partner Flow Inter for supporting with Arcobräu beer, and to our venue partner, the Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15, for the stylish setting and F&B arrangements.

Delegation from the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg headed by the Minister of Economics Affairs, Labour and Tourism

Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut MdL

The delegation had a networking dinner featuring a keynote speech by Dr. Luxmon Attapich, expert in macroeconomic and economic policy, on “Thailand 2030: A perspective on sustainable economic development and international partnerships”.

On the next day, they joined a roundtable on “Navigating Thailand's industrial landscape: Opportunities and challenges for German automotive and mechanical engineering companies” discussed by Krisada Uttamote, Honorary Advisor, Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT); Martin Schwenk, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz AG, Martin Knoss, Power Solutions, Regional President PS ASEAN Market Segments Passenger Cars and Commercial and Off-Road Vehicles (PS/RP-AS), Robert Bosch Automotive Technologies (Thailand); and Oliver Prpic, Managing Director, Hermle Southeast Asia. They also received BOI’s insights into the trends in mechanical engineering/automotive and investment support programs, visited GTCC member company, Bangkok Cable Co., Ltd. and joined a reception hosted by German Ambassador H.E. Dr. Ernst Reichel at his Residence.

GTCC welcomed the delegation from the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg headed by the Minister of Economics Affairs, Labour and Tourism Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut MdL, on their visit to Thailand during 16-17 October 2024.

The delegates received an overview of Thailand's political situation, economic landscape and important updates by German Ambassador H.E. Dr. Ernst Reichel, GTCC Executive Director Dr. Roland Wein, and GTAI correspondent for Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar Frank Malerius. The briefing was opened by Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut MdL and moderated by Cornelia Frank, Director Internationalisation & Investment at Baden-Württemberg International (BW_i).

GTCC Oktoberfest 2024

GTCC Oktoberfest 2024 took place on 18-19 October 2024, welcoming around 1,250 guests to our biggest annual event, held this year at the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel. This two-day “Authentic German Experience” kicked off with the traditional beer keg tapping ceremony, performed by Hans-Ulrich Südbeck, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the German Embassy Bangkok, together with GTCC President Alexander Donau, and GTCC Executive Dr. Roland Wein.

The second day of GTCC Oktoberfest 2024 was opened by His Excellency Dr. Ernst Reichel, Ambassador of the Federal Republic Germany to Thailand, Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, GTCC President Alexander Donau, and GTCC Executive Dr. Roland Wein, who performed the traditional beer keg tapping ceremony.

Both nights were filled with cultural celebrations, festive live music performed by the O’zapft band from Bavaria, authentic German food, fun and games, and an exciting lucky draw, as well as an after-party led by DJ Kenny on the first night, and Michael Knapp on the second night.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our partners who made this event possible:

• Diamond partners: B.Grimm and Schaeffler Manufacturing

• Gold partners: DACHSER, Deufol Doehle Projects, ERGO Insurance (Thailand), and Luther Law Firm (Thailand)

• Silver partners: BASF, Bayer, Leschaco, Isegrim-X, Munich RE, and Wissen & Co

• In-kind partner: Bumrungrad International Hospital

• Venue partner: Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit

• Beverage suppliers: Hacklberg by Bavarian Craft, Hofbräu by Janhom Classic Limited Partnership, and Paulaner by Flow Inter

Here are some of the most wonderful and joyful moments of GTCC Oktoberfest 2024.

GTCC Business Women Network: “Prioritising emotional well-being”

GTCC Business Women Network welcomed about 40 guests for an engaging discussion on “prioritising emotional well-being for sustainable success” on 22 October 2024. Thanks to all guests for their participation, and special thanks to our speaker Antiek Wahyu, VP Human Resources at NS BlueScope, moderator Cristy Aphimmonthol, Managing Director at Coachology, and venue partner Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam hotel.

GTCC New Members Meet-up

The GTCC proudly hosted the fifth New Members Meet-Up of 2024 on 12 November. Jantarath Korbuakesorn, the GTCC’s Head of Membership, Events & Communications, welcomed representatives from our new member companies, including: ALBA Wongpanit Plastics Recycling Co. Ltd; Five Star Global Logistics GmbH; Silk Legal; Flottweg (Thailand) Co. Ltd; Phywe Systeme GmbH & Co. KG; Schnorr GmbH (Thailand) Co. Ltd; RecyGlo Thailand; and M&J Recycling.

APK 2024: 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business

The GTCC’s Executive Director Dr. Roland Wein joined the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2024), which took place from 24-26 October, 2024, in New Delhi, India. The conference focused on the future of German-Asian business relations, with thought-provoking discussions, insightful keynote speeches, and startup showcases.

The event got underway with a welcome reception by Deutsche Bank on 24 October at the Imperial New Delhi, where participants connected with industry leaders aiming to foster deeper ties between Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

On 25 October the APK 2024 Conference officially commenced with welcome remarks by: Peter Adrian, President, German Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Roland Busch, Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business & President and CEO, Siemens; H.E. Robert Habeck, Vice-Chancellor & Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Federal Republic of Germany; and Piyush Goyal, Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry. They further discussed ‘reshaping globalisation’ together with H.E. Namgyal Dorji, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment, Kingdom of Bhutan.

There were also two insightful keynotes given: one by H.E. Olaf Scholz, the Federal Chancellor of Germany, and one by H.E. Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India. Also of note was the panel discussion ‘Keen on green: Sustainability strategies of German and Asian companies’, which explored the approaches of German and Asian companies towards sustainability. Key topics here included regulatory environments, technological innovations, supply chain sustainability, and insights into future trends and challenges in corporate sustainability.

The GTCC’s Executive Director provided information on recent developments in Thailand at one of the ‘AHK Business Lunches ASEAN’, together with colleagues from Malaysia and Singapore. Together they discussed the impact of global changes on their respective countries, as well as business opportunities for German companies. The lunch was followed by a panel discussion entitled ‘The triple D: Derisking, decoupling, diversification’, which explored how companies adapt to supply chain challenges in today's volatile environment. Meanwhile, the ‘Startups’ panel at APK 2024 spotlighted Asia-Pacific’s dynamic innovation landscape, showcasing cutting-edge startups and future-proof business ideas.

On the last day of APK 2024, Dr. Wein joined various discussions, as well as the ‘AHK Business Lunch ASEAN: Indonesia & Philippines & Vietnam’, presented by his AHK colleagues.

Other highlights of the day included a Parallel Breakfast Session which focused on GermanAsian cooperation schemes and financing foreign trade. This was followed by two panel discussions, the first being ‘Tech dialogue on industrial innovation’, by Roland Busch, Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business and CEO of Siemens, and Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairwoman of HCLTech. The next panel, ‘Sustainable finance in times of geopolitical change’, featured Tanuj Kapilashrami, the Chief Strategy & Talent Officer of Standard Chartered Bank, Miguel López, the CEO of Thyssenkrupp, and Alexander von zur Mühlen, the CEO AP of EMEA and Germany, Deutsche Bank.

After the AHK Business Lunch there were multiple panel discussions: ‘Rude awakening in raw materials’, which addressed the risks of global dependencies on critical raw materials; ‘Competing offers to the global south’, a debate highlighting the strategies of the West, China, and India in engaging with the global south; and ‘Economic security: How geopolitical shifts affect the economic relations’, which discussed the impact of geopolitical volatility on global economic integration.

The day concluded with closing remarks delivered by Roland Busch and H.E. Robert Habeck, Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, at the Taj Palace Conference Venue in New Delhi.

The next conference, APK 2026, will be held in South Korea.

GTCC AFTERWORK Briefing with JP contagi Asia

The GTCC AFTERWORK Briefing with JP contagi Asia took place on 14 November at The Sukhothai Bangkok hotel and welcomed more than 60 guests. Thanks to our speakers from JP contagi – Dr. Marcus Wittner, Managing Partner, and Chris Moll, Associate Partner – for sharing their insights regarding ‘Talent retention: Leadership and motivation strategies’.

GTCC AFTERWORK Networking - Tri-Nation

Following the briefing with JP contagi Asia, the GTCC celebrated the strong network, friendship, and collaboration among three German-speaking nations – Austria, Germany, and Switzerland – with GTCC members and members of Advantage Austria and the Swiss-Thai Chamber of Commerce (STCC) at the GTCC AFTERWORK networking: Tri-Nation edition.

GTCC President Alexander Donau welcomed 130 guests, including guests of honour German Ambassador H.E. Dr. Ersnt Reichel; Austrian Ambassador H.E. Wilhelm Donko; Deputy Head of Mission at Swiss Embassy Bangkok Conradin Rasi; Austrian Commercial Counsellor and Head of the Advantage Austria Thailand Michael Friedl; President of STCC Thomas Keller; and STCC Executive Director Marco Rudin.

Our appreciation goes out to Advantage Austria Thailand and the STCC for co-hosting this event, as well as event partners Bumrungrad Hospital, Forvis Mazars Thailand, and Lufthansa for their generous support, food and beverage partners KCG Corporation, Paulaner by Flow Inter, Prunk & Partners and Serenity Wines Asia for serving our dear guests with the premium cheese and beverages, and venue partner The Sukhothai Bangkok hotel for supporting us with the nice venue and delicious food.

GTCC Delegation to Germany “Innovation for sustainable animal farming”

GTCC business and study trip to Germany on “Innovation for sustainable animal farming” took place from 9 to17 November 2024. It focused on animal farming and state-of-theart techniques, with a visit to EuroTier 2024 as well as exclusive site visits.

The Thai delegation started their first activity on 11 November in Hanau, with a site visit to Evonik Animal Nutrition, a global provider of sustainable animal nutrition. Here they explored the laboratory, learning about the development of feed/additives and application technology, as well as the feed technology center and pilot plant. Evonik Animal Nutrition’s products and services range from essential amino acids to functional feed additives, as well as tailored solutions for poultry, swine, ruminants, and aquaculture. Thank you to Dr. Dirk Hoehler, Senior Vice President, Essential Nutrition, for the warm welcome.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited DLG Test Service, which offers a comprehensive range of services in the areas of quality testing, quality management, quality assurance, audits, certifications, awards, customer-specific quality projects, and tests accompanying research and development. With its own scientifically developed and professionally recognised methods, as well as an international network of experts and partner institutes, DLG Test Service is a leader in the quality assurance and promotion of foodstuffs, operating resources, and agricultural and vehicle technology. Thanks to Thilo Keunecke, DLG Test Service Project Manager, for the warm welcome.

The Thai delegation continued their trip on 12 November to Niederzissen, visiting Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition, which is an innovative feed additives company founded by Dr. Antje Eckel in 1994. The company has become a global leader in the field of livestock and aquaculture feed additives, and they combine their commercial success with animal welfare, making significant contributions to sustainable food production. Dr. Eckel focuses on resource-efficient, climate-friendly, and healthy animal nutrition, emphasising excellence, innovation, and responsibility. Thank you to Vice President Dr. Bernhard Eckel for the warm welcome.

On 13 November, the delegation travelled to Lohne and Barnstorf for two site visits. In Lohne, they visited Biochem Zusatzstoffe Handels- und Produktionsgesellschaft mbH / Biochem - Feed Safety for Food Safety, a leading animal feed-producing company. Founded in 1986, Biochem specialises in manufacturing enzymes, vitamins, and nutritional products for sustainable livestock farming. Thanks Stefano de Jonge, Marc Klook, and Ray Rafael Bayawa for the wonderful support. Then the group visited LUBING Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG at their headquarters in Barnstorf. Founded in 1949, they are the global market leader in drinking, conveying, and air conditioning systems, creating innovative products of proven quality. Thanks to Christian Frilling and Niranchai Tripati for their warm hospitality.

During 14-15 November, the delegates were in Hannover exploring EuroTier 2024. As the leading international trade fair for professional animal farming and livestock management, EuroTier offers an overview of innovations and established standards, as well as answers and solutions for current and future challenges.

GTCC multi-chamber webinar “Medical transport efficiency”

The GTCC multi-chamber webinar on “Medical transport efficiency to achieve the optimal life-saving outcome” took place on 21 November, 2024, with a discussion featuring Dr. Thassanawut Dhearapanya, Director of Medical Transport and Telehealth Services at Bumrungrad International Hospital, and Anlee Do, General Manager TH, VN, PH & Mekong Region at Lufthansa German Airlines.

Together they explained how an effective collaboration between hospitals and airlines can drastically improve emergency response times, reduce risks, and ensure smooth, continuous care for patients in need. The participants learned about various medical equipment, evacuation procedures, and treatment process, as well as Bumrungrad’s one-stop services. Reducing health risks on board, and supporting healthy journeys, Lufthansa group’s aircrafts are equipped with HEPA air filters and multiple advanced technologies, including the Timeshifter app, which can be downloaded to minimise jet lag. In addition, their Medical Travel Companion (MTC) packages are available to support travel for those with special needs, as well as hospital care and medical assistance.

SAF Working Group in Thailand

The SAF Working Group in Thailand, a collaboration between GIZ and the GTCC, kicked off on 22 November 2024. As part of the International Hydrogen Ramp-Up Programme (H2Uppp). GIZ is advancing green hydrogen and Power-to-X markets to support sustainable development in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

In line with these efforts, GIZ created the SAF Working Group, which puts a focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as a vital component for decarbonising the aviation sector, furthering Thailand's National Energy Plan. The SAF Working Group will bring together leading stakeholders in the aviation and energy sectors to drive forward the adoption and scaling of SAF in Thailand.

This initiative will create a collaborative environment for stakeholders to discuss and analyse SAF production pathways, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics, aligning Thailand’s SAF strategies with global standards, like ICAO’s CORSIA framework.

Through its focus on knowledge sharing, business case development, and technology exchange, the Working Group will play a crucial role in exploring viable SAF pathways, such as hydrogen-based and bio-sourced fuels.

GTCC Executive Director’s mission to Germany

INTERNATIONAL CONSULTATION DAY

In Stuttgart, GTCC Executive Director Dr. Roland Wein and Deputy Executive Director Marius Mehner participated in the International Consultation Day (IBT) on 19 November 2024, along with Executive Directors and Chief Representatives from the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) worldwide. Dr. Wein provided consultation to businesspeople in BadenWürttemberg on several topics, including Thailand’s market opportunities for their products and services, business and investment opportunities, market structures and industry developments, cooperation, and partnership potential. The event was organised by the Baden-Württemberg Chambers of Industry and Commerce (Die Baden-Württembergischen Industrie- und Handelskammern: BWIHK) at the IHK Stuttgart.

TRADE & CONNECT

Dr. Wein then travelled to Munich to join IHK Trade & Connect with experts from the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) worldwide on 21 November, at IHK for Munich and Upper Bavaria. He provided individual consultations on Thailand’s current situation and business opportunities.

GTCC SME Focus Group

GTCC SME EVENT ON “HOW TO GET ONLINE VISIBILITY FOR SMES AND WHERE TO START?”

The first GTCC SME Focus Group event kicked off on 25 September, 2024, with a workshop on “How to get online visibility for SMEs and where to Start?”, which gathered 25 GTCC SME members. At this interactive workshop, also held at the Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok, executives of the GTCC member companies who are SMEs (small and medium enterprises) learned about online marketing strategies to increase their visibility, including detailed information on digital marketing options, channels, and inhouse/outsourcing decisions for SMEs. Thanks to our speakers Jan Rohweder, CEO and Founder of Marketing Bear, and Carlo Herold, CEO and Founder of HeroLeads Asia.

GTCC SME WORKSHOP ON VISAS, CITIZENSHIP AND LONG-TERM STAYS

On 20 November, 2024, a GTCC SME Focus Group workshop, entitled “Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa, Digital Nomad Visa (DTV), Smart Visa, Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship – Untangle the web of Thailand's long-term stay options”, was organised for an interactive discussion amongst 20 GTCC SME members. We thank speakers Florian Maier, Managing Director of Antares Advisory Ltd., and Andreas Seela, Attorney at FRANK Legal & Tax, for leading the discussion. The event took place at the Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

GTCC Inter-Chamber Young Professionals Network Evening

The GTCC Inter-Chamber Young Professionals Network Evening was organised on 22 November, 2024. It was our special edition of cross-cultural networking, and the last GTCC YP event of the year, held at the stunning View Rooftop Bar.

Thanks beverage partner Arcobräu by FlowInter and venue partner Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam for the great support. Also thanks to our co-hosts for making this event possible: Advantage Austria Thailand, the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM); the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT); the Belgian-Luxembourg/Thai Chamber of Commerce (BeluThai); the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CanCham); the Irish Thai Chamber of Commerce; the New Zealand - Thai Chamber of Commerce; the Singapore Thai Chamber of Commerce; the Spanish - Thai Chamber of Commerce; and the Thai-Swedish Chamber of Commerce.

GTCC Beer Tasting 2024

On 27 November 2024, GTCC members and beer enthusiasts had a special time tasting around 30 varieties of beer, from 9 different brands, together with delicious specialty foods in a lively ambiance at Rolling Ribs Brew Bar at the Le Meridien Bangkok hotel. We appreciate the support from Flow Inter and Bavarian Craft, our beverage partners, for helping make this event possible.

GTCC AFTERWORK NetworkingChristmas edition

The GTCC had the great pleasure of welcoming about 140 guests, including GTCC members and partners, to the last GTCC AFTERWORK of 2024 – the ‘Christmas edition’ – which celebrated the Christmas season and had everyone looking forward to the new year together. Our appreciation goes out to our event partners, Bumrungrad, K.P. Global, Luther, and VitalLife Wellness Center, our beverage partners Global Wines & More, and Paulaner by Flow Inter, and our venue partner the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel.

AHK Executive Directors Regional Meeting Asia-Pacific

GTCC’s Executive Director participated in the Executive Directors Regional Meeting AsiaPacific organised in Kuala Lumpur by AHK Malaysia during 10-12 December 2024, along with Benjamin Leipold, Managing Director of AHK Network, and colleagues in the APAC. They discussed strategic topics including compliance and HR.

GTCC’s thank you events

GTCC PARTNERS AND CUSTOMERS APPRECIATION

On 5 November the GTCC organised "GTCC Partners and Customers Appreciation Event" at the Sukhothai Hotel Bangkok, celebrating our successful co-operation with partners, sponsors and customers and expressing our sincere gratitude for their tremendous support and continued trust throughout 2024.

GTCC YEAR-END THANK YOU DINNER

The GTCC hosted a year-end dinner on 13 December to express heartfelt gratitude to our President, Vice President, Honorary Secretary and Board members as well as honorary members for their great support and valuable contributions to the success of our chamber throughout 2024. The event took place at the Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.

We look forward to continuing close and successful co-operation with all of them in 2025.