Bangkok Business Brief - Volume 1, Issue 9 - Mid-August/September 2012 by Mango Mango Ltd. Part.

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BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF Mid-August/Mid-September 2012

BUSINESS BRIEF

Vol. No. 1, Issue No. 9

Mid-August/Mid-September 2012

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Inroads to Myanmar’s tourism full of potential and pitfalls By Reginald Kincaid

Much has been written recently about the political and economic changes happening in Myanmar – changes that have led to

Inside General Interest Finance/Investment Government/Economy Production Retail/Services Tourism IT/Comms Real Estate The Chambers The Calendar

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a scramble to get an investment foothold in what some are calling ‘the last frontier.’ While there is widespread interest in investing in Myanmar across various sectors, there are also potential pitfalls that have tempered initial enthusiasm. Nowhere is that cautious approach more prevalent than in the country’s tourism sector, where there is huge potential but also great risk. While recent reforms have been significant, further development, especially in terms of infrastructure, will be required before Myanmar’s tourism industry can reach its full potential.

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Speaking at the recent Sasin Bangkok Forum, Myanmar’s Deputy Minister of Hotels and Tourism H.E. U Htay Aung described Myanmar’s tourism industry as awakening from a ‘Discovery stage to a Growth stage.’ In 2011, there were only 816,000 visitors to Myanmar, with most of those crossing the border from China or Thailand for the day. But last year’s growth of 4% is widely expected to increase substantially in 2012.

compared to 2011, and it shows in signs of room shortages in Yangon, the commercial city and main gateway for foreign visitors.”

He went on to say that, “At this point, the mission is to see a steady growth in arrivals in a timely manner for enhancing increased income, job creation, and the quality of life of the community on the one hand, and on the other, to concentrate on carrying capacity for the sake of mitigating negative impacts in H.E. U Htay Aung said that, “In the country.” 2012, from January to June, the growth for international visi- In an exclusive interview with tors by air was about 50 percent Story continues on Page 20.

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How to lead virtual teams

“Remote management” has become a new competency for effective leaders in the current technologyenabled, globalised business age, says Feruze Shuib, director of corporate solutions and coach at Dale Carnegie Thailand First of all, Shuib stressed that the fundamentals of leading were the same whether it is leading a virtual or face-to-face team: It all starts from the pillar of good human relations. However, it is “not the same per se” because the contacts are different. For example, when applying the rule of “giving appreciation”, doing it via e-mail is obviously different from expressing it face to face. “Then other concepts follow. Because if you don’t have people skills... Full story at http://goo.gl/cly4P

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Boonkiet’s biography underscores power of positive thinking

Leading businessman Boonkiet Chokwatana has unveiled his biography, in which he reveals that he believes positive thinking is a key ingredient for happiness and success. Boonkiet is chairman of ICC International, which saw revenue of Bt13.4 billion last year. The company is a distributor and manufacturer of apparel, food and household products under leading brands including BSC, Wacoal, Lacoste, Guy Laroche, Arrow, Elle, Essence, Enfant, Sheene and Mizuno. The listed subsidiary of Saha Group reported a Bt744.3-million net profit in 2011. Narinthip Viriyabanditkul, author of “The Book of Boonkiet Chokwatana”, said this Thai-language biography was a story about the most prominent Thai chief executive, who discovered a way to unleash his “inner power” that led to many... Full story at http://goo.gl/YGAmW

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...added that the company had set aside a significant investment budget of Bt200 million to Bt300 million for overseas expansion. Full story at http://goo.gl/bH6PF

Use of social media now the norm

Social media is gaining a firm foothold in Thailand’s workplaces, with almost three-quarters of employees approving of the personal use of social media while at work. But others are seeing social media as disruptive to workplace harmony, according to the latest survey results from Kelly Services.

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Aon hopes Man U deal will lure talent, as well as customers

Some 32% of respondents said social media has a negative impact on workplace productivity, while 49% said the mixing of personal and professional connections through social media can cause problems at work.

As Manchester United strikes more goals, Aon hopes to win over the hearts and minds of more customers, and also of its current and future employees. When the insurance giant signed a deal in 2009 with Manchester United – reportedly for 80 million British pounds over the four-year contract, or about Bt1 billion a year – to have its logo prominently displayed on the jerseys of the Premier League soccer team, obviously it wanted to gain more recognition from both football fans and the general public.

Wanna Assavakarint, the managing director of Kelly Services Thailand, said for many workers, social media has become almost an entitlement, a fundamental part of their communications armoury, and they use it to make career decisions and search for jobs. Alongside the positives comes nervousness about the... Full story at http://goo.gl/niMRO

However, promoting its corporate brand is not Aon’s sole purpose. According to Rick Payne, a practice leader of the insurance group’s consulting unit Aon Hewitt, through aligning itself with the winning sports team, Aon also aims to attract and retain the best human resources. “A company needs to align its... Full story at http://goo.gl/v7Hxx

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Bank of China plans for AEC

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Nature and life in JuliusCaesar. 1997-98 wa are cyclical _ the impact of s a blessing, as the mains seasons of the yea 2008 would ha above the Europ the phases of the r, life and death, far worse ve been ean average. for the region, mo http://goo.gl/o on, the tides. ” Azman In Caught up in da zbNM India, China ily details, we eas Mokhtar, the managing and Thailand, ily forget that dir ect of or Kh Asia stands to rou aza ghly 12 percent nah the business wo of has cycles, too. rld told the CI Nasional of Malaysia, tion contribute to a the populaWe are all fam MB Asean Confe gain from W pension, while iliar with the econo rence. the we es t mi ak c ne bu sse sin s ess of cycle His com slowdown of expansion, con sion system are Thailand’s penments were... ... covery. Howe traction and re- Full story Full story at htt The shift of eco ver, other cyc at http://goo.gl/d nomic growth p:/ /goo.gl/rtpH3 lic ph al fu2 en u om ena affect... momentum to the Thailand near Preventing up numerous East has opened Full story at http://goo.gl/fJ to p opportunities olr of list of wor that Asian countries Bangkok from out, suggests an should not miss Panel: Asia bett weakest pensld’s sinking bigges economist. io off, not immun er n t systems: stud challenge The robust eco y from global cr e, no Greece, India, Ch Land subsidence China and em mic growth of is es ina and Thailand erging economi caused by groun are home to the water losses top will open a ne es KUALA LUMPUR : The As d weake w s ian cri- pensi on systems in st national lems that must the list of probAsian economi opportunity for sis in the late 1990s was a wa es to increase the be the kesol cal up ved wo l for in rld cri Ba , the region that pp wealth from tra ir has turned eig led by a mix of acute sover- kok to mitigate the impact ngde in goods an out to be of the n debt, young climate change services at a tim a blessing in d retire dis e on States and Europ when the United nearly 15 years later, as the guise high ratios of pension ment ages, a study by multin flooding, says region’s ers an ers to worke ational agencies financial sec Full story at htt are... d . p://goo.gl/S65D6 able to sus tor is now strong and study poor pension take-up, a The conclusio showed. tain a certain n de is gre contained in of shocks from e Grow with th a rep ort the entitled “Clim e flow Western Hemi fallout in the The Allianz ate Risks and Ad of cycles sphere, accord ing sion Susta Global Investors Pen- Megac aptation in Asian Coastal to a panellist at a recent As inability Index, ities”, jointly con ‘There is a tid ean conference. ducted by the which Asian De tracks the rel e velop ati men, which, tak in the affairs of ity of nationa ve sustainabil- Internation ment Bank, the Japan l al leads on to for en at the flood, “There wi in 44 countries pension systems and the Wo Cooperation Agency ll be more crises tune”, wrote Wi around the wo rld Bank in 201 l- future, an in the showe rld, 0. d the Asian crisis in tirees d the number of Greek reThe report recom to people of wo rking age reFull story at htt mended a... p://goo.gl/20yMD Sponsored by

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chai Taechangamlert has come a long way in every sense of the word. With a seed money of 1 million baht 20 years ago, Mr Kitichai is now one of the most well-known retail investors in the Thai stock market, with a portfolio of 500 million baht.

In his autobiography, How I turned 1 million baht into 500 million baht, which instantly became a bestseller, he gave tips to investors eager to learn the tricky business of making money from the stock market. Today, the enthusiastic 40-year-old lives alone in a 198-square-metre luxury condominium in the heart of Bangkok. He has turned some of Bank of China has introduced new the fortune he made in the stock... services and products such as credit Full story at http://goo.gl/X6w6I cards, debit cards and electronic banking while adding branches on Thai businesses Bangkok’s Ratchadaphisek Road cautioned to go and at Rayong’s Amata City Indus- slowly trial Estate. Business leaders are cautioning Thai companies looking to invest in AseMr Che said the moves signalled an to base their decisions on carethe bank’s intention to expand in ful market research, consumer deThailand in accordance with the mands and regulatory frameworks. country’s strong fundamentals and greater opportunity with the advent “The reason some Thai businesses of the AEC in 2015. Moreover, Thai- have been less successful [with busiland’s location facilitates... ness expansion] is they stepped out Full story at http://goo.gl/Ch2Mq too far and did so too fast,” said SurBulakul, PTT’s chief financial Overweight on Thai ong officer, at the TMA Day 2012 conshares: HSBC ference. Instead Thai businesses are HSBC is bullish on the prospects urged to be prudent by conducting of Thai shares thanks to supportive thorough research to obtain knowlmonetary policy, expectations of edge of new markets. growth surprises, abating political risks and valuations that support Mr Surong said although the Asean earning growth of listed compa- Economic Community is often pernies. As its investment strategy for ceived as a single market, there are the third quarter, HSBC overweight various differences in business deThailand, along with Taiwan and mands in this region. Countries in China. Asean can be classified into two... Full story at http://goo.gl/1U6BC In its research note, inflation is not a worry yet, while political risks seem Gold bugs and late to be abating as fugitive prime min- savers beware ister Thaksin Shinawatra’s return For true believers, gold is the ultito Thailand seems to be a matter mate store of value. After all, gold of “when” rather than “if ”. HSBC has been with us since the height of economists believe rates will remain the Egyptian civilisation more than on hold for the most part of the year 3,000 years ago. But it is also posand expect a 25 basis points increase sible to argue gold is the ultimate in the fourth quarter. “Monetary speculation. Investment turns into policy is supportive for now, but we speculation when investors no lonexpect higher rates in 2013.” The ger look at the underlying value of economic house admitted that list... an investment but rely on the price Full story at http://goo.gl/4kH6T to rise so they can sell it to someone else. Let’s not forget there is no Tricks of the trade income stream to be derived from From punter to long-term investor, gold in the way that dividends come a stock wizard shares his tips – For from stocks, rents from properties... a small garment wholesaler, Kiti- Full story at http://goo.gl/8VzNf Bank of China Ltd’s Bangkok branch plans an aggressive expansion in this region to tap potential growth from the Asean Economic Community in 2015. General manager Che Jun said the bank has localised its brand in the Thai market over the past three years after operating here since 1994.

...added that the set aside a signi company had budget of Bt20 ficant investment million for over0 million to Bt300 seas expansion Full story at http: . //goo.gl/bH6PF

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Government / Economy

considering whether to continue granting GSP for Thai products, as local manufacturers in that country have called for protection of their http://goo.gl/EIbH6 businesses from high amounts of imports from Thailand and other Thai exporters could countries. Thai products of greatest risk of losing tariff privileges are... lose US Thailand risks losing export privi- Full story at http://goo.gl/WcAoC leges from the United States, mainly on zip-lock plastic bags, silver jew- Myanmar’s race ellery, rubber gloves, and air-condi- against time tioner parts because of strong export The reforms undertaken so far in growth. The Kingdom’s commercial Myanmar have given rise to expecambassador in Washington, Kes- tations that are probably too high siri Siripakorn, said Thailand would for any developing country to meet, face tougher competition from ex- let alone one that has been isolated port rivals, mainly China and other from the world for half a century. countries in Asean, if the US cuts Yet the expectations persist, and Generalised System of Preferences Myanmar’s government could face privileges for those products at the even more pressure as the 2015 end of this month. deadline for the creation of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) “If Thailand still receives the GSP, approaches, says Albert T. Chanit will be able to save at least US$70 dler, senior partner at Chandler and million a year in tax value. However, Thong-ek Law Offices in Bangkok. if it loses the GSP, each product will face a higher tariff, averaging 3-5 per He notes that Myanmar is schedcent per item,” she said. Kessiri said uled to assume the Asean chairthe US government was carefully manship in 2014 and is also sched-

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...added that the company had set aside a significant investment budget of Bt200 million to Bt300 million for overseas expansion. Full story at http://goo.gl/bH6PF

uled to complete the final phase of a progressive reduction and elimination of investment restrictions and impediments by 2015, one year after eight other Asean countries. It is also required to comply with agreements to reduce non-tariff barriers between 2015 and 2018 with some... Full story at http://goo.gl/9xZ2e

Washington’s recent flurry of engagement with ASEAN states – from the Philippines and Thailand to Singapore and Vietnam – is a potential source of friction with China, especially as tempers flare over territorial disputes and the rapid Chinese military build-up in the resource-rich South China Sea. But... Full story at http://goo.gl/RRuZH

budgets of state enterprises, a potential leakage of almost 330 billion baht, says a new study by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).

As America and Europe continue clawing their way through long drawn-out and persistent economic doldrums, Asia is looked upon as a “cheerful” lynchpin for economic recovery and long-term sustainability. Numerous leading global thought-leaders at the first annual “Asia in Transformation ” Forum sponsored by Chulalongkorn University’s Sasin Graduate Institute of Business said everyone should embrace and optimise the opportunity.

Up to 35% of project cash gets creamed off Asia ‘lynchpin of Tea money accounts for 30-35% growth’ for world of government land, building and economy equipment costs and investment

UTCC estimates government land, building and equipment costs will total 288 billion baht next year, while the investment budgets of state enterprises will be 655 billion baht. Of the 943-billion-baht total, 330 billion will likely end up in the pockets of corrupt officials and politicians. “In the past, our markets were local and national but today they are reA survey of 2,400 respondents gional and global,” said Toemsakdi (50.4% general public, 24.1% pri- Krishnamra, Sasin’s director. vate sector and 25.5% civil servants) found the Corruption Situation In- Although the current prolonged dex slipping to 3.5 points out of 10, economic doldrums in Europe and just below the 3.6 of the previous the US have re-emphasised Asia’s survey last December. importance, many speakers at the two-day event, that began yesterday, UTCC president Sauwanee reiterated that economic power had Thairungroj said 86% of respon- already been shifting from the West dents felt corruption will grow to the East during the past three deworse due to the big budgets for wa- cades. “China and India not only ter-management and infrastructure withstood the global economic criprojects. The private sector said in sis that began in 2008, but have... dealing with the government, it still Full story at http://goo.gl/WJzdR had to pay officials and politicians... Asia-Pacific medical Full story at http://goo.gl/93Ifb

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A U.S.-China tug-of-war over Southeast Asian influence is proving to be a critical test for Washington’s “pivot” East as Beijing strengthens its economic and military clout in its own backyard. Countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), one of the world’s fastest growing regions, are weighing up how to play their cards as the United States plays catch-up with the Chinese juggernaut and tries to reassert itself in Asia.

costs rising by more than 10%, survey finds

The cost of providing employee medical benefits continues to escalate at double-digit levels in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the 2012 Towers Watson Global Medical Trends Survey. It found that the cost of employee medical benefits in the region was expected to rise by 10.2 per cent this year, compared with 10.1 per cent in 2011. In the Asia-Pacific region, India continues to show one of the highest cost-rise trends in the region at 13 per cent for 2012, while China expects rates... Full story at http://goo.gl/k4lgm

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Thailand experiences foreign production boom Thailand’s (film) production industry has this year already exceeded last year’s revenue created by projects from abroad. The Thailand Film Office said that revenue from foreign productions for the first five months of 2012 is already 17.5 percent more than the country’s take for the entire year 2011. Revenue from foreign feature films, TV series, documentaries, commercials and music videos in 2011 amounted to $39.6 million. For the five-month period through May 2012, revenue from foreign productions has already totaled $46.5 million. That is already close to the level for the full year 2010 and on track to overtake a record set in 2008, according to TFO data dating back to 2007. The TFO cited two reasons for the uptick: increased outreach at film markets and trade shows in Hong Kong, London, Cannes and Los Angeles and the U.S. dollar’s recent gains over the Thai baht, which has reduced the cost of production for foreign studios shooting in Thailand. It didn’t detail how it calculates the revenue. The office said productions from Japan (59 projects), India (50), and Europe (48) were the biggest contributors to this year’s growth– particularly in advertising and TV... Full story at http://goo.gl/r8GhN

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Anuson Atilaksana, general manager of the company, said Thailand had a clear policy on solar cell development, under which solar plants generating 2,000 megawatts of electricity will be set up by 2021. “The parent company is focusing on setting up business here because it already has some new customers in hand,” Anusorn said. Demand for solar power in Europe has dropped considerably in recent years due to the economic crisis. However, the company has not yet set up any targets for Thailand and neighbouring countries, saying it would wait for the government to set a deadline for licensees to... Full story at http://goo.gl/JcYry

Samsung Engineering picks Thailand as Asean hub

Samsung Engineering Co has chosen Thailand as its Southeast Asian hub, paving the way for South Korea’s leading engineering, procurement and construction company to enter Myanmar and Australia.

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Park Ki-seok, the president and chief executive, said Samsung, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in Thailand this year, targets nearly tripling the number of its engineers in the country to 400 by 2014 from a projected 150 by the end of this year. At present, the company has about 80 engineers working in Thailand. The Bangkok office will serve as the Asean headquarters for Samsung Engineering to expand its presence in the region, said Mr Park. “The increased manpower will serve our existing projects and new markets... Full story at http://goo.gl/TZNqv

Mazda to unveil German solar power SkyActiv firm wants to make Mazda is ready to introduce the first SkyActiv model in the Thai market Thailand its Asean next year as it hopes for tax benefits hub to support its local production of A saturation of the market in Europe has prompted Germany-based SMA Solar Technology AG to shift its focus to the Asean region, particularly to use Thailand as a hub.

...added that the set aside a signi company had budget of Bt20 ficant investment million for over0 million to Bt300 seas expansion Full story at http: . //goo.gl/bH6PF

cars installed with the new technology. Takashi Yamanouchi, the chief executive of Mazda Motor Corporation, said the CX-5 compact sportsutility vehicle will be launched as the first SkyActiv technology model The company, as a global leader for Mazda in Thailand. in the production and sales of PV inverters, established SMA Solar He recently met with Deputy Prime (Thailand) last year and set up an Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong in office in Bangkok last month. Bangkok to discuss tax privileges in

support of SkyActiv vehicle produc- continents. Speaking at the recent tion in Thailand. Sasin Business School’s “Asia in Transformation Forum,” Professor SkyActiv is Mazda’s technology that Shigeyuki Abe of Japan Doshisha improves fuel efficiency by 30% University said that the great Japacompared with 2008’s Mazda con- nese earthquake in 2011 along with ventional level as well as lower car- the prolonged Thai floods spotbon emission to meet Thailand’s... lighted the fragility of Japan Inc’s Full story at http://goo.gl/j3yDu super-efficient supply-chains that stretch through Thailand. “The Thai Supply-chain floods showed the world that Sony rethink after 2011 and Nikon digital cameras are solely produced in Thailand and forced natural disasters Thailand’s major floods in 2011 the postponement of new model were a major catalyst why global launches,” he said. In addition, the companies’ are reassessing their 2011 floods also highlighted... supply-chains that stretch across Full story at http://goo.gl/05NIh

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To read the full article of a story brief, enter the short code at the end of the story into your browser: And seemingly the happiest was Woranate Laprabang, managing director of Thai Smile, a business unit under Thai Airways International (THAI), the national carrier.

All smiles aboard Thai Smile Airbus’ first unofficial run from Germany

Welcome aboard the unofficial first flight of Thai Smile. This jet was the first Airbus A320-200 in its fleet, delivered last Friday in Hamburg. The firm has leased it from SMBC AviaTG 8929 took off from an Airbus tion Capital of Britain for 11 years. base in Hamburg bound for Bangkok last Saturday at 12.38pm. The On its first official flight, it will travel new 174-seat aircraft carried just 30 from Bangkok to Macau this compassengers, excluding seven pilots ing Saturday. Thai Smile intends to and cabin crew. They were allowed have 11 aircraft in its fleet by next to choose whichever seats they year and plans to increase this to wanted. Sounds strange – but this 20 by 2015. By the end of this year, was no ordinary TG flight. three new A320-200 jets will be delivered. This fuel-efficient aircraft... Shortly after in the plane was air- Full story at http://goo.gl/COaH5 borne, four cabin attendants, two of them in orange uniforms, started Airlines unsure serving snacks, hot dishes, desserts about Don Mueang and drinks. The airliner flew very move smoothly to Bangkok via Dubai for almost 12 hours. A long, tiring Sketchy plans for support facilities flight, but apparently, all the passen- are keeping airlines from commitgers were in a happy mood. ting to relocate from Suvarnabhumi

...added that the company had set aside a significant investment budget of Bt200 million to Bt300 million for overseas expansion. Full story at http://goo.gl/bH6PF

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airport to Don Mueang. Unclear availability of facilities for ground handling, catering, immigration, duty-free shopping and customs services were named by executives as complicating the shift to Bangkok’s old airport, code-named DMK. Another question mark is passenger-oriented service such as ground transport between DMK and Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to accommodate flight connections.

Lazada sees high growth in e-commerce

“These are critical factors in the decision-making process and are not yet clear to us,” a senior executive of a South Korean budget carrier told the Bangkok Post. “I’m afraid unless these are made clear to us, we cannot make a decision and would rather stay put and endure congestion at Suvarnabhumi.”

With 18.3 million Internet users, Thailand in 2010 produced an aggregate amount of Bt52 billion in e-commerce transactions. Rocket Internet is hopeful that its Lazada. co.th will become No.1 e-commerce website in the country. In March, it launched the first SEA website in Indonesia.

Another cost is transporting inflight meals from catering at BKK to DMK. Also, DMK has no formal ground handling services, like aircraft cabin cleaning and plane pushback tractors, making it necessary... Full story at http://goo.gl/oM5Zi

Johannes Friedric von Rua, CEO of Lazada Co Ltd – the operator of the Thai website, said that in the past five years, Thailand’s e-commerce industry has shown the 25-30 per cent average annual growth rate. In the first half of this year, the trans-

Berlin-based Rocket Internet, claimed to be the largest European incubator for the establishment of successful Internet e-commerce models, has recently launched its e-commerce website in Thailand, as the second country in Southeast Asia after Indonesia.

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BANGKOK BU SINESS BRIEF

December 20 11

Briefs 7

BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF Mid-August/Mid-September 2012 General Inte

Use the QR Code reader in your smartphone to see all the stories in a certain category. actions expanded 22 per cent from the same period last year. “The second half should show a 30 per cent growth rate, following greater confidence in online security and greater access to the Internet – particularly through smartphones,” he said.

rest

To read the fu ll article of a story brief, enter the shor t code at the end the story into your browser: of liam Shakespe are

Expatriate Medical Insurance ...added that the set aside a signi company had budget of Bt20 ficant investment million for over0 million to Bt300 seas expansion Full story at http: . //goo.gl/bH6PF

goo.gl/bH6P

...

Middle East, said that this year the group continued to focus on the buoyant Asian market by expanding operations into India, Indonesia, Philippines, and even Myanmar.

“Non-core business is our core business. Thus the TFM has been creFollowing the 4 months of trial, ated to offer an integrative solution Lazada has amassed over 20,000 of non-core services for clients,” items in 12 categories, with about... she said. Suksem added that with Full story at http://goo.gl/E6R80 its worldwide presence, OCS had a focus on the Asian market, Krungsri Exclusive strong where nearly half of its global emeyes rich young ployee strength working in different countries across the region – and clients Bank of Ayudhya has rebranded with Thailand taking the lead. its private-banking business as Krungsri Exclusive to respond to the OCS now provides integrated facilitrends of younger high-net-worth ties services in more than 30 counindividuals. Executive vice presi- tries worldwide with more than dent Kris Chantanotoke said these 60,000 employees. Under the extrends were increasing in Thailand pansion plan, the company expects in line with the rest of Asia-Pacific, to generate 20,000 additional jobs driven mainly by growing numbers in the near future. In this country, of new entrepreneurs and business Property Care Services (Thailand) successors. or PCS, part of the OCS Group, has officially launched the TFM as a Kris said wealthy customers who new solution offering a full suite of have assets under management facilities services, while maximising (AUM) worth more than Bt5 mil- clients’ asset values. To date, PCS’s lion at Krungsri were 40-50 years TFM portfolio includes Harrow... of age on average. A customer is Full story at http://goo.gl/H77mn classified as of high net worth by Krungsri if he or she has AUM of Tesco Lotus aims Bt10 million on average. To capture for CSR leadership younger customers in this category, Tesco Lotus has stepped up its comKrungsri Exclusive has developed munity activities by introducing the new privileges covering sales and “Community Day” for its moreservice and such things as invest- than 40,000 full- time staff around ment advice. the country, granting them a special one-day leave to carry out volunteer The bank began luring wealthy cus- activities. This will allow Tesco Lotomers in 2008 with the launch of tus staff to provide solid support to Exclusive Banking, and by the end their neighbours and make Tesco of that year, it had 10,000 customers Lotus a CSR role model for other with AUM worth a total of Bt150 companies in Thailand. billion. Year to date, Krungsri has 25,000 high-net-worth customers “For 17 years, Tesco Lotus has opwith AUM worth Bt270 billion. Kris erated its business in Thailand with said wealthy individuals who used a commitment to actively support to invest half of their portfolio... our local communities. We have Full story at http://goo.gl/QYnHR helped our staff benefit their communities around the country with OCS Group keeps activities and budgets. For instance, focus on Asia with during last year’s floods, our staff helped many flood victims and the total facilities company made donations of cash management and products of more than Bt23 OCS Group, a UK-based interna- million,”said Head of Public Affairs tional facilities service provider, has Charkrit Direkwattanachai. He is made an aggressive move to expand proud of the volunteer spirit shown its services in Asia with its solution- by the staff and said that these acoriented Total Facilities Manage- tivities show the dedication of Tesco ment service (TFM). Heather Suk- Lotus to improve the communities sem, regional managing director of and country we live in, according... OCS in South, Southeast Asia and Full story at http://goo.gl/7dOF9

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Tune Hotels set to open ‘dream’ property in Bangkok Encouraged by the success of its properties in Hat Yai and Pattaya, Tune Hotels is opening its first hotel in Bangkok on October 1 to promote its “pay-as-you-use” concept, which it says is popular among travellers across the world. Tune Hotel Asoke is set to be a landmark achievement for the company in Thailand in its efforts to become a recognisable, reputable player in one of Asia’s most developed tourism economies, said Mark Lankester, group chief executive officer of Tune Hotels. “Tune Hotel Asoke is very important to us as it marks our presence in Bangkok, one of the world’s most visited cities. With thousands of

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Mid-August/Mid-September 2012

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...added that the company had set aside a significant investment budget of Bt200 million to Bt300 million for overseas expansion. Full story at http://goo.gl/bH6PF

goo.gl/bH6PF

home-grown and international hotel brands spread across the city, it’s everyone’s dream to be part of Bangkok’s thriving tourism industry. “With Tune Hotels’ innovative concept and highly competitive pricing, we are confident of providing visitors to Bangkok a world-class accommodation that offers great value and great savings,” he said. Under the “pay-as-you-use” concept, room rates are set according to the optional services added by the guests themselves, amenities such... Full story at http://goo.gl/SZ9iE

Thai tourism ‘at risk’ from Myanmar travel boom

Travel agents yesterday warned the government that Myanmar’s rapidly growing tourism sector could put Thailand’s position as a major regional gateway at risk. The comments came as Myanmar’s tourism minister U Htay Aung told the Sasin Bangkok Forum yesterday that his country was ramping up its tourism infrastructure to cope with a sharp

web • creative • event rise in the number of visitors.

However, he believes Thai Smile, with 174 seats per flight and its He conceded that the Myanmar Smile Plus business-class service, tourism industry was still in its will have a competitive edge over infancy, but pointed to rapidly in- rivals. creasing visitor numbers. Between January and June of this year, the Besides attractive pricing, the new number of foreigners flying in to carrier offers convenience and reYangon and Mandalay airports was wards, as passengers can share facil50% higher than the same period in ities with sister airline Thai Airways 2011, U Htay Aung said. and also collect mileage points with Royal Orchid Plus, he said. Some Market analysts believe Myanmar snacks and drinks are served, while has strong potential to establish it- those requiring something some self as a prime tourism destination substantial can choose from the airin Southeast Asia following... line’s in-flight menu. Hot dishes cost Full story at http://goo.gl/dxVDj Bt130, for example.

Ambitious Thai Smile debuts Bangkok-Macau service

Thais are among the top travellers to Macau, with almost 200,000 visitors last year and about 87,500 in the first five months of this year. Thai Smile expects its average cabin-load factor Saturday’s first flight to Macau by on the Bangkok-Macau route will... Thai Smile, the new sub-brand of Full story at http://goo.gl/PMg2g Thai Airways International, marked the national carrier’s foothold in the Single-visa plan regional market with its new A320- of neighbouring 200 aircraft, as well as an intensifi- countries worries cation of competition on the route between Bangkok and the casino- Thai operators Tourism operators urged the govresort city. ernment to set a well-defined stratThe number of daily flights each egy for this important industry after way between the destinations has they started wilting under pressure risen from six to eight, said the from the emerging power of neighMacau Government Tourist Office. bouring nations, which are moving Four are operated by AirAsia, two towards a single visa. The CLMV by Air Macau, and now another two scheme is an initiative of four forby Thai Smile. AirAsia also operates mer and current communist couna daily service between Chiang Mai tries – Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. Its single visa will be and Macau. launched officially next month in Woranate Laprabang, managing Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, and director of the Thai Smile business the next step is to allow foreign unit, yesterday acknowledged that tourists to travel in their bloc. the number of seats on offer from the three airlines between Bangkok The Association of Thai Travel and Macau could exceed demand. Agents, Association of Domes-

BANGKOK BU SINESS BRIEF

December 20 11

Briefs 119

Mid-June/July 2012 BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF Mid-August/Mid-September 2012 General Inte rest

Use the QR Code reader in your smartphone to see all the stories in a certain category. tic Travel (ADT) and Thai Travel Real Estate Agents Association (TTAA) called on the government to address this issue, as it has been clearly slow to respond. If it does not act right http://goo.gl/hPK52 away, Thailand will lose its prominence in this industryto in the region. Residences

cost more “Nowadays, the country’s tourism Home-buyers willbyhave to increase industry is driven the private, not their budget by 5-10 per cent buy the government sector,” theytosaid. residences in has the shown second little quarter of The industry progthis year compared with last year, ress in the past five years because of propertyfrom experts said. to natural dithreats politics sasters. The government has to give The price of residences rise asin-a more importance to thewill tourism result of the hike in the daily minidustry with measures to promote... mum wage to Bt300, which came Full story at http://goo.gl/VX0w2 into effect on April 1, and also an TAT focus increaseto in the priceson of construcweddings andConstruction health tion raw materials. raw material manufacturing firms Thai tourism offices worldwide have have had to shoulder not only the been told to focus on four niche increased labour cost but also the market segments to ensure tourrising price of energy. ism revenue meets 2 trillion baht over the next three years. The four The president and chief executive segments are the areas where Thaiofficer of leading property firm land is doing well: golf; health and Pruksa Real Estate, Thongma Vijitwellness; honeymoon and wedding; phongpun, forecast that residential and products and services related prices would increase by 3-5 per to eco-tourism. The four markets cent. “We will absorb the increased have generated high income for the cost in the first two or three months country. after the wage hike to help our customers. But after that, we will have... One plan is to increase the number Full story at http://goo.gl/onYC9 of wealthy foreign tourists – those spending an offers average of new 6,000 baht KBank per day, compared 4,000 baht in the 50-year mortgage mass market. The shift of focus is Competition in the mortgage marin line with global trends in which ket is heating up as Kasikornbank travellers prefer tourism products (KBank) offers the industry’s lonthat have less damage to natural regest mortgage instalment of 50 sources. years. KBank is looking to penetrate the lower-income segment In China, the biggest emerging marof customers earning 16,300 baht a ket, the wedding and pre-wedding month, down from its earlier focus segment is on the rise, according to of 20,000 a month. Pong-Anan Sunpanich, director of The TAT’s Beijing Office. “The upThe longer maturity loans would per-class there do like to have their make housing more accessible to weddings abroad such as in South lower-income earners via lower Korea and Guam,” he said. The trend monthly payments. The previous is a boon to related businesses such maximum period for housing loans as professional pre-wedding studios was 30 years, said executive viceand hotels. For Thailand, the TAT president Chatchai Payuhanaveewill promote Samui and Phuket as... chai. Full story at http://goo.gl/yTg0L Typically for mortgages, 1 million Youthful investors baht in credit is available for clients keen on hotel sector with monthly incomes of 20,000 Asian hotel owners, including Thais, baht for monthly payments of 8,000 tend to be younger than their counbaht over 20 years. terparts elsewhere, leading more young businessmen to consider hoKBank’s new loan package would tels as a safe long-term investment, also allow customers purchasing say hotel management companies. higher-priced houses more... Moreover, hoteliers have more Full story at http://goo.gl/NLEAE

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...added that the set aside a signi company had budget of Bt20 ficant investment million for over0 million to Bt300 seas expansion Full story at http: . //goo.gl/bH6PF

goo.gl/bH6P F

Nature and life in JuliusCaesar. 1997-98 wa are cyclical _ the impact of s a blessing, as the mains seasons of the yea 2008 would ha above the Europ the phases of the r, life and death, far worse ve been ean average. for the region, mo http://goo.gl/o on, the tides. ” Azman In Caught up in da zbNM India, China ily details, we eas Mokhtar, the managing and Thailand, ily forget that dir ect of or Kh Asia stands to rou aza ghly 12 percent nah the business wo of has cycles, too. rld told the CI Nasional of Malaysia, tion contribute to a the populaWe are all fam MB Asean Confe gain from W pension, while iliar with the econo rence. the we es t mi ak c ne bu sse sin s ess of cycle His com slowdown of expansion, con sion system are Thailand’s penments were... ... covery. Howe traction and re- Full story Full story at htt The shift of eco ver, other cyc at http://goo.gl/d nomic growth p:/ /goo.gl/rtpH3 lic ph al fu2 en u om ena affect... momentum to the Thailand near Preventing up numerous East has opened Full story at http://goo.gl/fJ to p opportunities olr of list of wor that Asian countries Bangkok from out, suggests an should not miss Panel: Asia bett weakest pensld’s sinking bigges economist. io off, not immun er n t systems: stud challenge The robust eco y from global cr e, no Greece, India, Ch Land subsidence China and em mic growth of is es ina and Thailand erging economi caused by groun are home to the water losses top will open a ne es KUALA LUMPUR : The As d weake w s ian cri- pensi on systems in st national lems that must the list of probAsian economi opportunity for sis in the late 1990s was a wa es to increase the be the kesol cal up ved wo l for in rld cri Ba , the region that pp wealth from tra ir has turned eig led by a mix of acute sover- kok to mitigate the impact ngde in goods an out to be of the n debt, young climate change services at a tim a blessing in d retire dis e on States and Europ when the United nearly 15 years later, as the guise high ratios of pension ment ages, a study by multin flooding, says region’s ers an ers to worke ational agencies financial sec Full story at htt are... d . p://goo.gl/S65D6 able to sus tor is now strong and study poor pension take-up, a The conclusio showed. tain a certain n de is gre contained in of e shocks from the Grow with th a rep ort entitled “Clim e flow Western Hemi fallout in the The Allianz ate Risks and Ad of cycles sphere, accord ing sion Susta Global Investors Pen- Megac aptation in Asian Coastal to a panellist at a recent As inability Index, ities”, jointly con ‘There is a tid ean conference. ducted by the which Asian De tracks the rel e velop ati men, which, tak in the affairs of ity of nationa ve sustainabil- Internation ment Bank, the Japan l al leads on to for en at the flood, “There wi in 44 countries pension systems and the Wo Cooperation Agency ll be more crises tune”, wrote Wi around the wo rld Bank in 201 l- future, an in the showe rld, 0. d the Asian crisis in tirees d the number of Greek reThe report recom to people of wo rking age reFull story at htt mended a... p://goo.gl/20yMD Sponsored by ...

choices with all the local and interContractor rides on national chains serving the market. condo boom

Glenn De Souza, vice-president for Contractor and property developer Asia and Plc the is Middle East revenue at Best Pre-Built targeting WesternofInternational said growth 23 per cent to (BWI), Bt3.7 billion young people paytomore attention to this year, thanks growing condohotels and this has prompted invesminium projects around Bangkok. tors, mostly the second generation of rich families, to stayWirot for 25-35 years. Managing director Charoen“Thesaid investors strongly tra contractors are believe engagedthat in hotels condominium are a stable long-term more projectsbusithis ness,”than he said. “Most of them year in the same periodcome last from Due othertoindustries such as textile year. the limited number of and electronic manufacturing. contractors, it parts has created business They have money and want to to get reopportunities for Pre-Built ducecontracts. their business risk.” new

This company is a challenge for hotelinchains The is engaged conthat will have to present their busistruction valued at Bt5 billion and nessalso to bid young hoteliers who are will for new contracts worth newbillion to the in field. hotel Bt5 theMoreover, next eightthe months. business in Thailand and Aseanoffice will They include condominium, see a risingand number of new investors building, manufacturing faciliafterlocated the formation of... and... ties in Bangkok http://goo.gl/2OhVR Full story at http://goo.gl/OJKcy

Propertytourists developers Chinese air their reach topgripes of visitor The property market will grow in list in Thailand

line with the country’s recovering The number of Chinese nationals economy this year, but regulations visiting Thailand surged during the still obstruct its development, say first half of the year, exceeding Maproperty developers and analysts. laysians for the first time, tourism officials said. Thongchai Busrapan, president of Noble Development Plc, said the Between January and June, some property market will be good this 1,124,234 Chinese tourists visited year, but regulations, down paythe kingdom, up 28.9 per cent from ments and price supports will hamthe same period last year, the Tourper growth. Developers believe ism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Bangkok’s new city plan follows the said. Altogether some 10.5 million US model, where it tries to reduce tourists visited during the first half urban density. of 2012, up 7.6 per cent year-onyear. “The most important conThailand’s floor-area ratio (FAR) detributor to this growth was arrivals termines how many square metres a from China which, for the first time, building can have, meaning a 1:10 crossed the 1 million arrivals mark ratio allows one sq m of land to dein the six-moth period,” TAT said. velop 10 sq m of building. “Thailand should have superblocks or more Tourists from neighbouring Maflexible FAR zoning, with higher laysia have traditionally been ThaiFAR near public transportation to... land’s leading market. But MalayFull story at http://goo.gl/89mW4 sian arrivals were down 8.5 per cent in the first six months of the year at Long-stalled land 1,115,721. In the same period, the tax bill back in number of Russian tourists reached discussion 634,312, up 12.2 per cent, British... The Finance Ministry is vowing to Full story at http://goo.gl/FuWTr push forward the land tax bill, stalled for a decade, may increase the Push forand progress tax ceiling. Under the current draft report on protection there are three tax rates depending ofthe tourists on purpose offrom land usage. Land and buildings for commercial use, scam residential land and buildings, and Diplomats from 10 European nafarmland are subject to an annual... tions have asked the Ministry of Full story at http://goo.gl/2Gbi1

Tourism and Sports to tighten safety them to help deliver a message on measures for foreign tourists after television that Thais should be good their people have been victims of hosts and welcome foreign tourists... cheating and other unfair practices Full story at http://goo.gl/oSFuW while visiting Thailand. They met yesterday with Dr Suwat Sidthilaw, Centara wants permanent secretary of the minis- Europe hotels try, to seek a progress report after Central Plaza Hotel Plc (Centel), they lodged complaints over the the SET-listed operator of Centara past three months. Suwat insisted Hotels & Resorts, is looking for opthat local authorities continued portunities to introduce its brand in to crack down on local operators European gateway cities, paving the conducting unfair practices against way for future business expansion. sukhumvit 33 foreigners. Prime Minister Yingluck Thesoi weak euro makes this an ideal Shinawatra has assigned Deputy Road time for Centel to expand its hotel • 400 meters from Sukhumvit PM• Newly Chalerm Yoobamrung, who business Europe. renovated apartments offeringto large spaces oversees national security, to take at attractive prices!. charge of the issue. “Negotiations are in progress for • 2 & 3 bedroom units available.both a management contract and The• 5-star diplomats said for theythewere hotel investment,” said Suparat amenities entire family. pleased with this development but Uahwatanasakul, vice-president for asked the ministry to send them business development of Centara monthly reports on moves to solve International Management. “If we the problem of tourist victimisation. can seal a good deal, then we’ll be These reports will be sent to the ready to invest and manage the hoprime minister as well. They said tels ourselves. The entry into Europe they would publicise information will help to diversify risks if Asian from the reports to their nationals and Asean markets are saturated,” about the situation here. said Mr Suparat. He said potential European locations are London and These are must-see units with many benefits. The 10 diplomats represented NorParis. Make an appointment today for a viewing way, the Netherlands, Australia, and the best possible deal. Germany, the United Kingdom, “Thainess and Thai hospitality are Austria, Poland, Switzerland, Swe- well known and welcomed by Euro02-262-0747 den and Denmark. Suwat also asked peans. Global brands have an... info@bangkokfinder.com them for cooperation. He wants Full story at http://goo.gl/IG9tD www.bangkokfinder.com

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BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF

Briefs IT / Comms

http://goo.gl/VwYn9

Dell predicts hardware outsourcing

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Mid-August/Mid-September 2012

To read the full article of a story brief, enter the short code at the end of the story into your browser: technology vendor. Companies are considering cost-saving methods and opting for monthly IT service models instead of purchasing the hardware and software as in the past.

...added that the company had set aside a significant investment budget of Bt200 million to Bt300 million for overseas expansion. Full story at http://goo.gl/bH6PF

goo.gl/bH6PF

ADDING A NEW DIMENSION TO

Dell Thailand offers a pay-peruse solution with annual fees. The charges vary based on the number The global economic slowdown of users and devices for end uscoupled with a higher number of ers, such as notebooks, desktops consumers using their own devices and tablets. It also provides remote such as smartphones at work could technical support options. The new change the face of corporate IT model could help companies reduce spending. Outsourcing is a prefera- their expenses on hardware and liwww.kudozonline.com/interactive ble option to investing in IT, experts censed software to an average of 18 predicted. The trend could see com- baht per computer per year, down... panies replacing new devices more Full story at http://goo.gl/1AghA of these mentions were on Twitter, services of Sanook Online Co. often and eventually increasing IT according to the third annual Burspending in the private sector in Twitter still son-Marsteller Global Social Me- Sanook is also planning to provide Thailand to 88 billion baht this year, dominates fortune dia Check-up. The survey includes an English-language version of its up from 80 billion in 2011. new data provided by Visible Tech- website in anticipation of the Asean 100 social-media nologies, a provider of social-media Economic Community. Mr Krittee The European slowdown has re- stats, global survey monitoring, analytics and services said Sanook will continue investing sulted in IT buying changes among finds for enterprises globally. in Thailand this year, especially in corporate users in Thailand, espe- Companies in the Fortune Globproduct development and people. cially for hardware, said Ekaraj Pan- al 100 were mentioned a total of The Social Media Check-up exam- “We plan to maintain our leadership javinin, the country manager for 10,400,132 times online during a ined the Fortune Global 100’s use position in the cyber world in terms Dell Thailand, the US-based global month-long period. The majority of popular social-networking plat- of web visitors and market share... forms, including Twitter, Facebook, Full story at http://goo.gl/3iyfN YouTube and, for the first time, Google Plus and Pinterest. Vis- Software marketing ible Technologies provided data on in the spotlight social-media users’ discussions of Three organisations have banded companies online. together to help strengthen local software firms’ marketing prowess. This year, the vast majority of com- The collaboration is between the panies (87 per cent) are using at Association of Thai Software IndusCOMPUTING SOLUTIONS least one of the major social plat- try (ATSI), the Software Industry forms to communicate with online Promotion Agency (Sipa) and the New ready-to-serve IT services by Hitachi. stakeholders, with by far the largest Marketing Association of Thailand We are experts in customizing systems to match growth in corporate usage occur- (MAT) is also intended to lift the your requirements. We guarantee high security ring on YouTube. The study found competitiveness of the Thai softand availability of system tools. there had been a 39-per-cent jump ware companies ahead of the Asean Examples of our Services in the number of companies with... Economic Community (AEC) in • Virtual server – request IT resources on-demand Full story at http://goo.gl/37NZL 2015.

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Sanook to expand Thai mobile reach

Sanook.com, a leading web portal in Thailand, says it will increase its investment by half this year to widen the content distribution channel on mobile devices. The joint venture firm between the MIH Group of South Africa and Tencent of China also announced plans to introduce a new website to compete in the online advertising market. “The move is aimed at keeping track of the time users spend on our site, with the goal of achieving 30% growth in advertising revenue this year,” said Krittee Manoleehagul, managing director for content and

“Our goal is to boost the proportion of domestic software sales to 20% of the 35-billion-baht market this year from 15% previously,” said ATSI president Somporn Maneeratanakul. He said the move is the first such collaboration aimed at providing workshops and other training to improve local software firms’ marketing skills. Mr Somporn said up to 90% of 1,200 Thai software firms still lack an effective marketing strategy or sales focus. Most simply rely on cutting prices. Only Thai majority-owned companies with at least 51% holding and operating for at least three years... Full story at http://goo.gl/hPPbl

BANGKOK BU SINESS BRIEF

December 20 11

Briefs 11

BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF Mid-August/Mid-September 2012 General Inte

Use the QR Code reader in your smartphone to see all the stories in a certain category.

AIS, DTAC discuss joint investment for 3G

Rivals Advanced Info Service (AIS) and Total Access Communication (DTAC) are in talks over a deal jointly to set up a “Tower Company” to invest in telecom-tower infrastructure for their own use in providing a cost-effective thirdgeneration broadband cellular service on the 2.1-gigahertz spectrum. Meanwhile, a source at the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) said the watchdog was considering changing the means of making available spectrum slots in the upcoming auction of the 2.1GHz spectrum bands. “We’re in talks on possible collaboration on the matter [Tower Co] with DTAC,” AIS chief executive officer Wichian Mektrakarn said yesterday. While TOT, which owns AIS’s concession, is also keen to set up its own Tower Co to rent its second-generation telecom facilities and network to cellular operators, Wichian said it appeared more technically feasible and cost-effective for AIS to join with DTAC in rolling out the new tower infrastructure to provide 3G-2.1GHz service.

rest

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Skyrocketing mobile data usage is pressuring mobile operators to improve bandwidth management and control in order to solve signal disruptions. Global bandwidth demand is expected to surge from the current level by 500% by 2013. Mobile broadband subscriptions are projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2014. The number of Internet-connected sensors would top 50 billion globally by 2020. These eye-popping figures are driving demand for heavy-duty network equipment, said Brendan Millard, director for wireless sales of CommScope for Southeast Asia, a USbased wireless device and optical maker. He said CommScope is pursuing a marketing strategy in Thailand now that the country is seeing a boom in the wireless data market.

goo.gl/bH6P

...

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The introduction of advanced wireless technology reduces network expansion costs and increases new revenue streams. A highlighted product is the multi-band base station antenna. This device supports mobile infrastructure from 2.5G to 3G and 4G and minimises mobile tower space. Mr Millard said the antenna could increase capacity of mobile networks by at least... Full story at http://goo.gl/P2f8R

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Using your phone as a wallet

Life will become much more convenient once mobile phones can serve as keys and wallets. Thanks to the short-range wireless technology called near-field communication (NFC), simply by tapping an NFCenabled phone on a reader, you could enter a building or buy groceries and goods and services from designated payment terminals.

Even though the use of NFC mobile access and payment in Thailand is not as widespread as in countries such as Japan or Singapore, Chanunporn Lokasiriwat, the regional sales manager for Thailand and Indonesia at HID Global, a manufacturer of secure identity solutions, believes NFC will become a phenomenon in the coming years as Thai retailers AIS has chosen to discuss the matter and consumers become more familwith DTAC because the two com- iar with the technology. “Thailand petitors are able to talk to each other has become one of the most exciting easily, he said. The companies are,... markets for NFC in Southeast Asia. The Thai market is much larger... Full story at http://goo.gl/abrvv Full story at http://goo.gl/jL92O

Data boom strains system

...added that the set aside a signi company had budget of Bt20 ficant investment million for over0 million to Bt300 seas expansion Full story at http: . //goo.gl/bH6PF

Crossroads of mobile innovation

Southeast Asia has been a trade crossroads for thousands of years, and now is a digital crossroads for internet and mobile innovation as well. Some local markets are large enough or resource-rich to nurture homegrown industry giants that are expanding across the region and outside as well. New players from South and East Asia are moving into the region, along with market leaders from the US and Europe. Though Singapore is a small market, the government and universities are actively promoting mobile innovation and facilitating digital testbeds. Indonesia is the region’s largest mobile market, and is the BlackBerry capital of Asia. Malaysia has an active mobile developer community,... Full story at http://goo.gl/dnImh

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Mortgages set to grow 5%

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...added that the company had set aside a significant investment budget of Bt200 million to Bt300 million for overseas expansion. Full story at http://goo.gl/bH6PF

caused by last year’s flood, was in the second half. “We expected echoed in GH Bank’s new-home new lending to reach... loan figures, totalling only 40 billion Full story at http://goo.gl/XPbFo baht, 20% lower than its target. It Condominiums the expects to reach 100 billion baht for the full year. big gainer in 2012

2012 will be the year of the condominium, as reflected in the 12-month increase in the condominium price index in Greater Bangkok during the first half that was higher than the single house and townhouse price indices, says the Real Estate Information Center (REIC).

New mortgages this year will continue to grow by 5-6% or 300 billion baht due to rising home prices speeding up homebuyers’ decisions. Kitti Patpongpibul, chairman of the Housing Finance Association, said the minimum-wage increase has forced property developers to raise their prices in the second half, Worawit Chailimpamontri, presiresulting in higher-than-expected dent of the Government Housing sales. Bank (GH Bank), said the number of new condominiums in the period Earlier this year, the industry fore- was triple that of single houses and saw zero growth this year in the townhouses. “Housing demand in aftermath of floods but the second all segments remains strong. Overquarter was a different story. “This all housing sentiment should be pushes housing loans to rise in line back in the second half, as a repeat with the trend,” said Mr Kitti. of last year’s flooding is unlikely to occur. This will build up homebuyer He also attributed the strong growth confidence,” he said. of mortgage demand to government spending in infrastructure projects The dismal first-half sentiment,

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a high price of Bt1.5 million per square wah (Bt375,000 per square metre) for a plot purchased from a listed property firm, SC Asset Corp chief operating officer Kree Dejchai said yesterday. SC Asset remains confident that demand for condominium projects on Sukhumvit will continue to show strong growth, he said, adding that most of the more than 10,000 units put on the market since 2010 have been sold.

The REIC said the condominium price index in all segments was 115.56 points in the first half, up by 6.44 points year-on-year and by 2.94 points from the end of last year. “Consumers are interested in condominiums in the city, as they... According to a survey by the comFull story at http://goo.gl/nOZnP pany, the current supply of condominiums from Nana to Thong Lor Developers upbeat is fewer than 1,000 units, which on demand, from means the market can absorb more project launches in the area. “Our Nana to Soi Thong research shows that demand averLor ages 50 units a month from domesProperty developers believe detic buyers as well as foreign... mand for housing on Sukhumvit Full story at http://goo.gl/TWC5h Road from Soi Nana through to Soi Thong Lor continues to show prom- ‘Clarity needed’ in ise, despite the fact that about 10,000 rules on foreigners new homes have been launched in the area since 2010. Meanwhile, Experts say there should be clear land for sale in the area is limited, distinction between those for induswith the last deal for undeveloped trial use and residential purposes land, on Sukhumvit 39, showing – Developers and other experts are

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December 20 11

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BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF Mid-August/Mid-September 2012 General Inte

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mittee does not revise the draft of the new plan, set to take effect next May, the amount of land available for residential development will be further restricted, with prices in some locations more than doubling.

Clayton Wade, managing director of Premier Homes Real Estate, who has been in Thailand for more than 20 years, said that with the AEC’s full implementation in 2015 nearing, the government needed to act quickly on how it intends to handle foreign land and house ownership via Thai registered companies, as soon this issue would be dealt with by the Kingdom’s neighbours.

The latest Bangkok City Plan from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is designed to reduce the capital’s population density under the “Green City” concept, said Pruksa Real Estate chief executive Thongma Vijit-phongpun.

Pattaya condo market strong despite blues

The Pattaya condominium market remains rosy despite global economic blues, thanks to local demand, according to Knight Frank Thailand’s research and valuation department. Previously, most property buyers were foreigners, but after the economic crisis hit a few years ago, more local buyers entered the market. In some projects, especially those in North Pattaya , where many retail outlets, high-end restaurants and bars and a shopping mall are located, demand was mainly from Thais. Risinee Sarikaputra, associate director, said yesterday that condos in South Pattaya, however, were still generally favoured by foreigners, with preferred locations in the Pratumnak Hill and Jomtien Second Road areas, thanks to the completion of road-improvement projects that make the area more attractive. The first half of this year saw about 5,500 condos from 12 new projects come on stream. Most condos launching this year are asking Bt900,000 to Bt1.8 million per unit... Full story at http://goo.gl/ypy04

Bangkok City Plan expected to hike prices

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urging the government to establish clear regulations on land ownership to lure a greater number of foreign investors amid the coming trade liberalisation under the Asean Economic Community.

“The government needs to differentiate between large foreign corporations seeking large pieces of land for industrial use versus foreigners simply seeking to retire in Thailand to... Full story at http://goo.gl/cgcnr

...added that the set aside a signi company had budget of Bt20 ficant investment million for over0 million to Bt300 seas expansion Full story at http: . //goo.gl/bH6PF

As a result, the draft contains additional conditions on the construction of residential buildings. It further regulates the size and floorarea ratio of residential properties in relation to the width of the road – such as 6 metres to a maximum of 30 metres – which would make it more difficult for property firms to develop homes at their present cost levels, he said. “We have to study the new Bangkok City Plan before making a decision to buy land at this time, while [the process for] our existing land will also have to be... Full story at http://goo.gl/TAZDg

Two foreign investors eye condo market

A Taiwanese developer and a Chinese contractor will separately launch pre-built condominium projects in the Ratchadaphisek and On Nut areas worth a combined 6 billion baht in October because they are optimistic about Thailand’s potential in the Asean Economic Community (AEC). Monchai Orawongpaisan, senior manager for project sales and marketing at the property consultant Colliers International Thailand Co, said the two investors view Thailand as a possible Asean hub because of the influx of regional residents likely when the AEC kicks off in 2015 due to the country’s geography. “Thailand is livable with lower costs and a good standard of living. When investors visit Thailand for a business meeting, they often spend an additional few days for leisure. For other destinations like Singapore, business meetings usually only consist of one day,” he said.

The company is in talks with the two investors whose names cannot Property developers are concerned be disclosed. The deals are expected that if the Bangkok City Plan com- to be finalised within two weeks.The

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Taiwanese investor is a top-10 developer in Taiwan and has a connection with China State Construction Engineering (Thailand) Co Ltd. It plans to get financial support from Taiwan to develop the project. It is planning a condominium project worth 3-4 billion baht on a three-rai site on Pracha Uthit Road where... Full story at http://goo.gl/IG1YO

Office market poised to take off on AEC

Thailand will be the base for the offices for foreign interests expanding their investment in the region after the Asean Economic Community (AEC) becomes effective in 2015, real-estate experts say. CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) managing director Alisawasa Pattanathabutr said that now demand is growing by an average of 10 per cent annually, and will work out to about 100,000 square metres this year. This surge is due to the country’s economic growth and the need to set up head offices for foreign investors doing business not only in Thailand but other Asean countries, especially Myanmar. She added that although Thailand faced a flood disaster last year, most foreign investors had maintained or expanded their presence in Thailand, as shown by the new

contracts to buy land at industrial estates. Some may be avoiding flood-prone areas, but they are not leaving the country. Some industries looking to expand in such emerging countries as Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos under the AEC will also need to use Thailand for their office bases because of this country’s superior infrastructure. That why Alisawasa believes that the office market here will see... Full story at http://goo.gl/mlzSB

Raimon’s River serves white-collar needs

Raimon Land Plc (RML) is offering two new products at The River, the luxury condominium complex overlooking the Chao Phraya River, to attract investors from blue-chip companies as well as Thai customers to a high-end location. The latest additions are fully serviced residences for investors that cater to long-stay, executive guests and home offices that give tenants the ability to work and live in a leisurely environment. “In Thailand, there many options and consumers are very discerning, so we have to supply more for the money,” said Piaras Moriarty, a vicepresident of Raimon Land. “We want to build a better company by... Full story at http://goo.gl/6773f

BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF

BANGKOK BU SINESS BRIEF

Briefs

December 20 11

www.bangkokbusinessbrief.com

Mid-August/Mid-September 2012

The Chambers

General Inte rest

liam Shakespe are Nature and life ar seasons of the yea the phases of the r http://goo.gl/o Caught up in da m zbNM ily ily forget that Asia stands to the b has cycles, too. We a gain from W with the econo mi slowdown est of expansion, con c tra cov ery. However, The shift of eco o no mentum to the mic growth mo- phenomena affect... up numerous East has opened Full story at http://go op Asian countries portunities that out, suggests an should not miss Panel: Asia b economist. off, not immu The robust eco fr om global c nomic growth China and em of erging economi will open a ne es KUALA LUMPUR : Th w opportunity sis in the late 1990 for Asian economi s was es wealth from tra to increase their call for the region that de in goods an out to be services at a tim a blessing i d e States and Europ when the United nearly 15 years later, as t e financial sec Full story at htt are... p://goo.gl/S65D6 able to sus tor is now s tain a cer of shocks from the ta Grow with th fallo e fl ow We ste rn Hemisphere, of cycles to a panellist at a rece ‘There is a tid con ference. e men, which, tak in the affairs of leads on to for en at the flood, “There wi ll be more cris tune”, wrote Wi l- future, an d the Asian Sponsored by ...

Use your smartphone’s QR Code scanner or enter the short code to go directly to AMCHAM’s website.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM) 7th Floor, GPF Witthayu Tower A, 93/1 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 (0)2 254 1041 Fax: +66 (0)2 251 1605 Website: www.amchamthailand.com Email: service@amchamthailand.com

Gatenipa Chantem, Kochakorn Sookprayoch and Savija Pannark Korslund with Baan Nong Lak School students.

To rea enter the sto

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An “All Chambers” donation On March 29, 12 Chambers of Commerce joined together and organized the “All Chambers Networking Night,” which funded the purchase of new library books and a water filtration system for Baan Nong Lak School in Lampoon. The event was a great success, raising over Baht 75,000 in donations.

The books were purchased through Nanmeebooks, which donated an additional Baht 15,000 as part of their 2012 campaign to provide books to over 800 Thai schools.

As of August 1, 2012 AMCHAM Thailand’s Charitable Foundation (ATCF) had provided 1700 student scholarships and is very close to completing its 700th school

renovation. In July, the ATCF celebrated their most recent works with students, teachers and school administrator.

The opening ceremony took place on July 5 at Nanmeebooks building on Sukhumvit 31.

AMCHAM Charitable Foundation continues their good work

International SOS Provides First Aid Education On July 11, 23 members of the International SOS Assistance visited Wat Sai Ngam School in Ayutthaya province. The International SOS team provided First Aid education and interacted with 129 primary students through team building activities. On July 19, a second SOS team of 15 members visited Wat Chad Tong School in Ayutthaya province, where they provided the same training to over 60 primary students. Wat Chad Tong School band returned the good will by performing traditional Thai music for their visitors. The International SOS Assistance has donated Baht 188,880, and received an AMCHAM matching grant of Baht 188,880, to provide both schools with canteen and library renovations.

A question on first aid question and plenty of willing respondents.

BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF

BANGKOK BU SINESS BRIEF

Briefs

December 20 11

www.bangkokbusinessbrief.com

Mid-August/Mid-September 2012

The Chambers

General Inte

rest

liam Shakespe are Nature and life ar seasons of the yea the phases of the r http://goo.gl/o Caught up in da m zbNM ily ily forget that Asia stands to the b has cycles, too. We gain from W with the econo mi slowdown est of expansion, con c tra cov ery. However, The shift of eco o no mentum to the mic growth mo- phenomena affect... up numerous East has opened Full story at http://go op Asian countries portunities that out, suggests an should not miss Panel: Asia b economist. off, not immu The robust eco fr om global c nomic growth China and em of erging economi will open a ne es KUALA LUMPUR : Th w opportunity sis in the late 1990 for Asian economi s wa es wealth from tra to increase their call for the region that de in goods an out to be services at a tim a blessing i d e States and Europ when the United nearly 15 years later, as t e financial sec Full story at htt are... p://goo.gl/S65D6 able to sus tor is now tain a cer of shocks from the ta Grow with th fallo e fl ow We ste rn Hemisphere, of cycles to a panellist at a rece ‘There is a tid con ference. e men, which, tak in the affairs of leads on to for en at the flood, “There wi ll be more cris tune”, wrote Wi l- future, an d the Asian Sponsored by

Use your smartphone’s QR Code scanner or enter the short code to go directly to AustCham’s website.

...

The Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (AustChamThailand) 20th Floor, Thai CC Tower, 889 South Sathorn Road, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120 Tel: +66 (0)2 210 0216-8 Fax: +66 (0)2 675 6696 Website: www.austchamthailand.com Email: admin@austchamthailand.com

http://goo.gl/N47Gg

AustCham Events for Your Calendar in August-September RMA Site Visit and Eastern Seaboard Sundowners August Eastern Seaboard (ESB) Sundowners networking event will be hosted by AustCham and follows a visit to the RMA Group Assembly and Distribution Centre in Laem Chabang. American (AMCHAM) and British (BCCT) Chamber of Commerce members are invited to join us for both events member prices. Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, RMA Group is an international company with a global presence providing essential automotive and infrastructure solutions for clients operating in difficult markets and terrains. Where a country is in transition or the early stages of recovery, entire populations are often in need of basic infrastructure support for such essentials as power, fresh water, transportation; they are often at risk of illness and disease. RMA is a provider of the equipment, services, and comprehensive solutions that respond to commercial and humanitarian needs in such environments. RMA customers are typically governments or government agencies, aid and relief organisations, peacekeeping missions, and other non-commercial enterprises. RMA supplies and

Recent Highlight Events

CUEL Site Visit - Friday 22 June Last month AustCham members and friends visited the CUEL fabrication yard in Laem Chabang for a fascinating look into the production and transportation of oil and gas facilities. CUEL is a major supplier of infrastructure for both the Thai and regional markets and is playing a major support role in the $A34 billion (over Baht 1 trillion) Ichthys Liquefied Natural Gas project in Australia.

supports commercial enterprises that include aid and development contractors, and those engaged in construction, road building, utilities, mining, and telecommunications. AustCham is delighted to welcome you for an exclusive tour of their impressive facility. Date: Friday, 17 August For full event details and to book: visit www.austchamthailand.com Sundowners Sundowners is AustCham Thailand’s monthly business networking function. It is a great opportunity for members and guests of the Chamber to meet, network and exchange views in a social environment. Date: Wednesday, 5 September Time: 18:00 - 21:00 (last drinks served at 20.30) Cost: Baht 500 for all Chamber members and Baht 950 for non-members. Location: Banyan Tree Bangkok To book: visit www.austchamthailand.com - Cooking a fun and simple dish from his days as a student in Australia, Khun Bunn Borriboon (Chef Ik), Moderator of the popular ‘Indy Kitchen’ TV program. - Making amazing prints on paper using stencils carved into wooden panels, Khun Kitikong Tilokwattanotai, Founder of Chiangmai Art on Paper (C.A.P) and Joshua Lee, renowned printmaker.

- Teaching how to make easy yet striking floral arrangements, Khun Chusak Paungphaka, Hotel Stylist and Chief Florist at Swissotel Nai CUEL’s 689,000 m2 fabrication yard has direct waterfront access to Lert Park. the Gulf of Thailand. The fully self-contained facility has a production capacity of over 60,000 tonnes per annum. Dedicated workshops are Many thanks also to sponsors VIE Hotel and Opus Recruitment, as well equipped with overhead cranes, computer-controlled plasma cutting as emcees Khun Nikan Wasinondh, and Khun Edward Kitlertsirivatana equipment, plate profile cutting machine, manual plate cutter, section for supporting this extraordinary event! cutting machines, rolls, hydraulic presses, drills, guillotines and a wide range of manual, semi-automatic and automatic welding equipment. The company has approximately 2,000 skilled employees on site. Many thanks to Steven Hovi Kym Stuntley, John Blyton, and the CUEL team for such an interesting tour of their facility. Creative Alumni Showcase: Chef Ik, Kittikong, and Chusak - Wednesday 27 June at VIE Hotel Last month AustralianAlumni, a joint program between AustCham Thailand and the Thai Australia Association, held a special evening showcasing our creative alumni. Each of our skilled presenters spent significant time living and studying in Australia, and have gone on to excel in their chosen fields. Thanks to the four Australian Alumni below for showing us skills on stage – it was a very special event to witness.

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BANGKOK BU SINESS BRIEF

December 20 11

Briefs 17

www.bangkokbusinessbrief.com

BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF Mid-August/Mid-September 2012

The Chambers

General Inte

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Use your smartphone’s QR Code scanner or enter the short code to go directly to BCCT’s website.

...

British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) 7th Floor, 208 Wireless Road, Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 (0)2 651 5350-3 Fax: +66 (0)2 651 5354 Website: www.bccthai.com Email: Greg@bccthai.com

ABOUT Established since 1946, British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) currently has a membership of approximately 600, with nearly 3,000 named representatives covering a broad cross-section of business interests in Thailand. The BCCT is one of the most active foreign chambers in Thailand, holding close to 100 events throughout the year. These range from special lectures, presentations and panel discussions with guests from the Thai and UK government representatives, and the business sectors. Networking evenings are held monthly in Bangkok and the Eastern Seaboard. BCCT aims to foster partnerships and strengthen ties between Thailand and the UK. Activities are dedicated to building networks, connecting business and creating opportunities for members. Our focus is on serving the needs and facilitating opportunities for our members. The BCCT has a seat on the Board of Trade of Thailand and is active in representing members’ interests. Membership is open to companies and individuals of all nationalities. ACTIVITIES/SERVICES BCCT Website: www.bccthai.com The BCCT website is the major communications vehicle for the BCCT. Members can find the latest business reports, access to comprehensive list of contacts of the BCCT members list, news and special members benefits offered by other members, amongst other useful information collected in one site.

Networking Opportunities Networking Evenings are held once a month in Bangkok and the Eastern Seaboard. Events are also held in Chiang Mai and Phuket throughout the year. Networking events are open to members and non-members thus widening the networking base for BCCT members and providing public relations exposure. Business Presentations A number of special interest topics are presented by experts either over breakfast briefings, luncheons, or evening panel discussions. Guest speakers have included Prime Ministers of Thailand, key government ministers from Thailand and the UK, British Ambassadors to Thailand, senior officials or senior executives from Thailand and the UK. Training workshops Workshops on key business and management skills for junior and mid level are conducted several times a year. Workshops are conducted in Thai and adopt a participative approach. They range from half day to three days. Business Introductions/Referrals Members can utilise the experience and knowledge of BCCT executive office staff to facilitate direct business introductions to other member companies, for face-to-face meetings with visitors from overseas, etc. The Executive Director also meets businessmen during his visits to the UK. Charities The BCCT also supports a wide range of children’s and educationbased charities in Thailand. The Chamber works closely with the British Community in Thailand Foundation for the Needy (BCTFN), which organises the Annual Ploenchit Fair.

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Sports & Social The BCCT organises annual football tournament and occasional golf events. The Annual Christmas Luncheon is the BCCT’s major social event with approximately 700 guests consisting of members, their friends, families and business associates coming together to celebrate the festive season.

5.30 pm, the BCCT office also incorporates a small library providing access to UK and Thai trade directories/CD ROMs, Chambers of Commerce handbooks, business journals and magazines. There is also a small meeting room available for members use during office hours. For more information visit www.bccthai.com or like us on Office Hours Facebook ‘British Chamber of Open weekdays from 8.30 am – Commerce Thailand’. BCCT says farewell to Ambassador Asif Ahmad As we welcome the Ambassador-designate Mark Kent, BCCT also bid farewell to Ambassador Asif Ahmad. Ambassador Ahmad was posted to Thailand for two years. Pictures show the Ambassador at his farewell dinner and lunch in Pattaya and Bangkok respectively. The dinner in Pattaya was sponsored by Finnair, MBMG, Colliers International, Pattaya Mail, Defense International Security Services and Tesco Lotus; while the lunch in Bangkok was sponsored by MSIG insurance and M&C Energy.

BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF

BANGKOK BU SINESS BRIEF

Briefs

December 20 11

www.bangkokbusinessbrief.com

Mid-August/Mid-September 2012

The Chambers

General Inte

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Use your smartphone’s QR Code scanner or enter the short code to go directly to a Chamber’s website.

...

Belgian-Luxembourg/ Thai CC (BeLuThai) 15 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Road Lumpini, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 (0)2 309 5250 Website: www.beluthai.org Email: info@beluthai.org

Japanese CC (JCC) 3601 36th Floor, Q Houses Lumpini Bldg., South Sathorn Rd., Tungmahamek, Sathorn Bangkok 10120 Tel: +66 (0)2 677 7393 Fax: +66 (0)2 677 7394 Website: www.mtcc.or.th Email: admin@mtcc.or.th

Thai-Canadian CC (TCCC) 139 Pan Road, Sethiwan Tower, 9th Floor, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: +66 (0)2 266 6085/6 Fax: +66 (0)2 266 6087 Website: www.tccc.or.th Email: tccc@loxinfo.co.th

Thai-Norwegian CC (TNCC) 888/142 Ploenchit Rd, 14th Fl., Mahatun Plaza, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 (0)2 650 8444 Fax: +66 (0)2 627 3042 Website: www.norcham.com Email: contact@norcham.com

Danish-Thai CC (Dancham) 34 C.P. Tower 3, 9th Floor Tower A, Phayathai Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400 Tel: +66 (0)2 354 5220 Fax: +66 (0)2 354 5221 Website: www.dancham.or.th Email: contact@dancham.or.th

Korean-Thai CC (KTCC) 6th Fl. Rajapark Bldg, 163 Asoke Sukhumvit 21 Rd, Klong Toey Nua, Wattana Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0)2 204 2503 Fax: +66 (0)2 204 2504 Website: www.korchamthai.com Email: ktcc@korchamthai.com

Thai-Chinese CC (Thai-CC) Thai C. C. Tower 9th Fl., 889 South Sathorn Rd., Sathorn Bangkok 10120 Tel: +66 (0)2 675 8577-84 Fax: +66 (0)2 212 3916-7 Website: www.thaicc.org Email: info@thaicc.org

Thai-Pakistan CC (TPCC) Thai Samut Asset Co., Ltd., Unit J, 16th Floor, 163 Suriwongse Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: +66 (0)2 634 0147-8 Fax: +66 (0)2 634 0149 Website: http://goo.gl/Z1VOd Contact: http://goo.gl/OKPmC

Franco-Thai CC (FTCC) 5th Floor, Indosuez House, 152 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 (0)2 650 9613-4 Fax: +66 (0)2 650 9739 Website: www.francothaicc.com Email: contact@francothaicc.com

Netherlands-Thai CC (NTCC) 15 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Road Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 (0)2 309 5250 Website: www.ntccthailand.org Email: info@ntccthailand.org

Thai-Finnish CC (TFCC) C/O Netpoint SEA Ltd. 2nd Floor Wandee Siam Bldg, 58/84 Muangthong Thani, Chaengwattana, Klongklua, Nonthaburi 11120 Tel: +66 (0)2 574 2879-80 Fax: +66 (0)2 574 2877 Website: www.thaifin.or.th Email: tfcc@thaifin.or.th

Thai-Russian CC (TRCC) 14th Floor Loxley Bldg, 102 Na Ranong Road, Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0)2 348 8873 Fax: +66 (0)2 240 3307 Website: www.trcc.or.th Email: admin@trcc.or.th

German-Thai CC (GTCC) 25th Fl., Empire Tower 3, 195 South Sathorn Road, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120 Tel: +66 (0)2 670 0600 Fax: +66 (0)2 670 0601 Website: www.gtcc.org Email: services@gtcc.org

New Zealand Thai CC (NZTCC) 9th Floor, ITF Tower, 140/26 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: +66 (0)2 634 3283 Fax: +66 (0)2 634 3004 Website: www.nztcc.org Email: director@nztcc.org

Thai-Hong Kong Trade Association (THTA) Empire Tower, 25th Floor, 195 South Sathorn Road, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120 Tel: +66 (0)2 343 9000 Fax: +66 (0)2 343 9029 Website: www.thta.or.th Email: thai-hongkong@thta.or.th

Thai-Swedish CC (TSCC) 34 C.P Tower 3, 9th Floor Tower A, Phyathai Rd, Ratchathewi Bangkok 10400 Tel: +66 (0)2 354 5229-31 Fax: +66 (0)2 354 5232 Website: www.swecham.com Email: contact@swecham.com

India-Thai CC (ITCC) No. 13, Sathorn Soi 1, Thungmahamek, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120 Tel: +66 (0)2 287 3001 Fax: +66 (0)2 679 7720 Website: www.itcc.or.th Email: info@itcc.or.th

Singapore-Thai CC (STCC) 193/8 Lake Rajada Office Complex, 1st Floor Rachadapisek Road, Klongtoey, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0)2 264 0680-4 Fax: +66 (0)2 264 0688 Website: http://goo.gl/WrTpX Contact: http://goo.gl/L727M

Thai-Israel CC (TICC) 14th Fl., Manorom Building, 3354/45 Rama 4 Rd., Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0)2 672 7020 Fax: +66 (0)2 672 7021 Website: www.thaisraelcc.com Email: ticc@thaisraelcc.com

Thai-Taiwan Business Association (TTBA) No. 30/207 Sukhumvit Soi 39, Sukhumvit Rd., Kiongtannua, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0)2 662 7335-6, 662 7385 Fax: +66 (0)2 662 7382 Website: www.ttba.or.th Email: ttba@ttba.or.th

Irish Thai CC (ITCC) Maneeya Center Bldg, 7th Fl, 518/5 Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 (0)2 652 0848 Fax: +66 (0)2 652 0671 Website: www.irishthaicc.com Email: info@irishthaicc.com

South African-Thai CC (SATCC) 10/143 (1503A), 15th Fl, Trendy Bldg, Soi Sukhumvit 13, Klongtoey-Nua, Wattana Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0)2 168 7416-7 Fax: +66 (0)2 168 7418 Website: www.satcc.net Email: satcc@satcc.net

Thai-Italian CC (TICC) 1126/2 Vanit II Bldg, 16th Fl, 1601B New Petchburi Rd., Makkasan, Rajdhevee, Bangkok 10400 Tel: +66 (0)2 255 8695 Fax: +66 (0)2 253 9896 Website: www.thaitch.org Email: info@thaitch.org

Joint Foreign CC of Thailand (JFCCT) 38th Floor, State Tower 1055/914 Silom Rd, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: +66 (0)2 630 6307 Fax: +66 (0)2 630 6303 Website: www.jfcct.org Email: secretary@jfcct.org

Japanese CC (JCC) 15th floor Amarin Tower, 500 Ploenchit Road, Kwang Lumpini, Khet Patumwan Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 (0)2 256 9170-3 Fax: +66 (0)2 652 0931 Website: www.jcc.or.th Email: info@jcc.or.th

Swiss Thai CC (STCC) 36/9-10 Chaengwattana Road Kwaeng Thungsonghong, Khet Laksi Bangkok 10210 Tel: +66 (0)2 982 4896 Fax: +66 (0)2 982 4897 Website: www.swissthai.com Email: info@swissthai.com

Bangkok Business Brief is offering a new service

to promote your business in a unique way – video interviews on our website’s homepage for a month. Advertorial videos not welcome here! Your company will provide actual, relevant content that will be of interest to our viewers and show that your company is knowledgable in its field, so that they will seek you out in a professional capacity. We can recommend a one-stop production service that can work with you to create your video. Contact Andy Hyde at andy@bangkokbusinessbrief.com for more details and rates.

BangkokBusiness BusinessBrief BriefMagazine Magazine––Publication PublicationInformation Information Bangkok Bangkok Business Brief Magazine – Publication Information Magazine– Thailand – Thailand businessnews news&&Chamber ChamberofofCommerce Commerceinformation information Magazine business Magazine – Thailand business news & Chamberใช้of information ร่วCommerce มกัน รายงานการละเมิ ด บล็อกถัดไป» Circulation– 10,000 – 10,000 copies Circulation copies Circulation – 10,000 copies Distribution Areas– Bangkok – Bangkok&&the theEastern EasternSeaboard Seaboard Distribution Areas Distribution Areas – Bangkok & the Eastern Seaboard

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Graph Values: 35,28,20,15,2 Overview Overview Overview pie chartnews magazine and daily website with domestic and regional business news articles aggregated from a Chart Type: The Bangkok Business Brief is a monthly3D business The Bangkok Business Brief business news with domestic domesticand andregional regionalbusiness businessnews newsarticles articlesaggregated aggregatedfrom froma a The Bangkok Business Briefis isaamonthly monthly business news magazine magazine and daily website with variety of news agencies. Short synopses of 1000articles are displayed online, though should the reader wish to view the full versions of the news stories, Width: variety of news agencies. Short synopses of articles are displayed online, though should the reader wish to view the full versions of the news stories, variety of news agencies. Short synopses of articles are displayed should the reader wish to view the full versions of the news stories, short URLs are included for easy navigation to the original sources’ story pages. Each month, the printed stories are decided from the most popular online short URLs easy original sources’ storyand pages. month, thewith printed stories aredecided decided from themost mostpopular popular online short URLs areincluded included for easynavigation navigation tothe the original sources’ Each month, the printed stories from the 200to Height: stories, asare measured byfor analytics for Bangkok Business Brief’s website, are again presented short URLsare and QR codes to take readers to theonline stories, measured analytics forBangkok Bangkok Businessnews Brief’s website, and are again of presented with short stories, asas measured bybyanalytics for Business Brief’s website, presented with shortURLs URLsand andQR QRcodes codestototake takereaders readerstotothe the original articles in Current their entirety and to other related categorized into 12 areas business interest. Color: originalarticles articlesinintheir theirentirety entirety andto toother otherrelated relatednews news categorized categorized into 12 areas of original and of business business interest. interest. The 10,000-copy monthly circulation is highlyAdd targeted toward top- to mid-level managers and executives. Choose Color Color The10,000-copy 10,000-copymonthly monthlycirculation circulationisishighly highlytargeted targeted toward toward toptop- to mid-level managers The managers and and executives. executives. Colors: Print & Online News Categories Generate Chart Print&&Online OnlineNews NewsCategories Categories Print Bangkok Business Brief Magazine Distribution – 10,000 copies The news categories featured in both The news categories featured both The news categories featured ininboth the Bangkok Business Brief monthly the Bangkok Business Briefmonthly monthly the Bangkok Business print version and theBrief daily news print version andthe the daily news print version and daily news website represent all sectors relevant (20%) website represent sectors relevant website represent allallsectors relevant to all business readers. Executives have business readers. Executives have toto allallbusiness Executives the ability toreaders. quickly review the have (15%) the abilityto toquickly quicklyto review the subjects pertinent the industries in the ability review the subjects pertinent theindustries industries which they are employed or required subjects pertinent totothe inin (2%) (26%) which they are employed or required to bethey informed about. or required which are employed informedabout. about. totobebeinformed

Advertising Rate Card

Dimensions

1 Month

3 Months

6 Months

12 Months

COLOUR

Full Page Half Page Quarter Page Eighth Page

Width x Height 222 mm x 314 mm 222 mm x 155 mm 109.5 mm x 155 mm 109.5 mm x 75.5 mm

THB p/month 40,000 27,000 16,000 9,600

THB p/month 37,000 23,500 13,500 8,100

THB p/month 34,000 20,000 11,000 6,600

THB p/month 27,000 17,000 9,500 5,700

B&W

Full Page Half Page Quarter Page Eighth Page

222 mm x 314 mm 222 mm x 155 mm 109.5 mm x 155 mm 109.5 mm x 75.5 mm

30,000 18,000 9,500 5,700

27,000 16,200 8,500 5,100

21,000 14,000 7,500 4,500

19,000 11,500 7,000 4,200

COLOUR

Circulation Information Circulation Information Circulation Information The readership of the publication The readership of the publication has been determined to be between The readership of the publication has been– determined to be between 25,000 45,000. has been determined to be between 25,000 – 45,000. 25,000 – 45,000. The Pass On rate is estimated to be The Pass Onand rate4.5 is estimated between 2.5 times per to be The Pass On rate is estimated between 2.5 and 4.5 times per to be individual copy. between 2.5copy. and 4.5 times per individual individual copy. of 10,000 copies The circulation The circulationdirect of 10,000 copies incorporates mailing to Chamber The circulationdirect of 10,000 copies incorporates mailing to Chamber of Commerce members, circulation incorporates direct mailingcirculation to Chamber of Commerce members, throughout Amata Industrial Estate, ofthroughout CommerceAmata members, circulation Industrial Estate, Eastern Seaboard, delivery with throughout Amata Industrial Estate, Eastern Seaboard, delivery with Food by Phone orders, and strategic Eastern Seaboard, deliveryand with Food by Phone orders, strategic distribution points at Bangkoks Food by Phone orders, and strategic distribution points at Bangkoks leading hotels’ and serviced distribution points at serviced Bangkoks leading hotels’ and apartments’ business centres and leading hotels’ and serviced apartments’ business centres and executive lounges. apartments’ business centres and executive lounges. executive lounges.

(37%)

Advertising Rate Card Advertising Rate Card

Front Cover Inside Front Cover Inside Back Cover Back Cover

222 mm x 65 mm 222 mm x 314 mm 222 mm x 314 mm 222 mm x 314 mm

40,000 43,500 43,500 47,000

37,000 40,000 40,000 43,500

34,000 37,000 37,000 37,000

27,000 33,500 33,500 33,500

Advertising Information

Andy Hyde - +66 (0) 8 0814 9080 - andy@bangkokbusinessbrief.com Andy Hyde - +66 (0) 8 0814 9080 - andy@bangkokbusinessbrief.com Mango Mango publishing 124 Sukhumvit 38, Prakanong, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Andy Hyde - +66 (0) 8- 0814 9080 Soi - andy@bangkokbusinessbrief.com Mango Mango publishing - 124 Sukhumvit Soi 38, Prakanong, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Mango Mango publishing - 124 Sukhumvit Soi 38, Prakanong, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110

BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF

Inroads to Myanmar’s Tourism Full of Potential and Pitfalls Story continued from Page 1.

www.bangkokbusinessbrief.com

Mid-August/Mid-September 2012

ering around 90%, and many upscale hotels have increased room rates from US$60 per night to US$200. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that in response to this dramatic increase in the number of visitors, the government is trying to control a ‘tourism bubble’ and is planning a second international airport and is considering capping hotel room rates.

Bangkok Business Brief, His Excellency said that the positive and negative impacts of tourism need to be controlled and that the government is in the initial stages of development, in terms of private entrepreneurs. He also said that colonial-era buildings With plans underway to host the and areas should be maintained World Economic Forum and the and preserved. Southeast Asian Games in 2013 and the ASEAN Summit in 2014, Thailand, with its thriving tour- the need for more and better hoist industry, is certainly in a po- tels and infrastructure will only sition to assist with the devel- increase. Some international hoopment of Myanmar’s tourism tel chains, as well as Thai hotel industry, and many Thai compa- operators, are considering a huge nies have begun to set up offices flow of investment into the counand consider major investments. try to meet the need, while the The hotel sector in particular Fuji Group, a Thai-owned Japais in need of substantial invest- nese restaurant chain, has recently ment. With only 8,000 hotel opened its first outlet in Yangon. rooms in Yangon, the Bangkok Post recently reported that an In order to handle what will be additional 2,000 rooms will be a construction boom in comneeded to handle the expected ing years, Siam Cement Group, surge in the number of visitors Thailand’s biggest construction to the city next year. Hotel occu- material producer, has plans to pancy rates are reportedly hov- establish a US$314 million ce-

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ment production plant in the country. Kasikornbank has also recently opened a Myanmar office through a joint venture with the private Asia Green Development Bank. And Bangkok Dusit Medical Services PLC (BGH), one of Thailand’s largest hospital groups, is also considering a significant investment in the near future, according to recent reports.

country in developing its crippled banking industry.”

As with many investment opportunities, Myanmar’s tourism industry is certainly a ‘high-risk, high-reward’ proposition. Many investors have taken a cautious approach to the sector because of the lack of a regulatory framework for foreign investments. The recent announcement that the oft-postponed Foreign InAnalysts see Thailand as a po- vestment Law has once again tential ‘gateway’ to Myanmar been pushed back will not help and suggest that Thailand could the situation. play a crucial role in the development of a number of sectors Foreign investors are looking for in the country. The Bangkok the government to show that it Post recently cited Rajiv Biswas, is committed to foreign direct Asia-Pacific Chief Economist investment (FDI), and until that at IHS Global Insight, who said happens, hotel rooms will conthat “Thailand was in a strong tinue to be expensive and difposition to invest in tourism, ficult to get, and the tourism healthcare, and manufacturing sector will continue to operate in Myanmar, and to assist the below its full potential.

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BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF

www.bangkokbusinessbrief.com

Mid-August/Mid-September 2012

The Calendar

For event details, enter the short code below the event into your browser:

Sept.

Aug.

Sunday

AMCHAM: Adopt-a-School Dedication – FedEx http://goo.gl/bkXFM

Bangkok Trader Networking Party http://goo.gl/6ngBg

goo.gl/6ngBg

Tuesday

Monday

AMCHAM: Legal Cmte – Calling the Bluff http://goo.gl/Bn97i

AMCHAM: Tax Cmte http://goo.gl/o5n6j AMCHAM: Meet the Author http://goo.gl/0Q33M Bangkok Entrepreneurs http://goo.gl/U98Ux

AMCHAM: Bus Econ – Secrets of... http://goo.gl/cHTXq AMCHAM: Mktg Cmte http://goo.gl/FCZtx Bangkok Trader Networking Night http://goo.gl/EnNbR

4 AMCHAM: Board of Governors http://goo.gl/M8OO2 BCCT: Special Luncheon (Bank of Thailand) http://goo.gl/8YeHn

9 BCCT: Jesters Care for Kids Fair Pattaya http://goo.gl/J5xit

10 AMCHAM: HR Cmte http://goo.gl/iAVcX Bangkok Entrepreneurs http://goo.gl/U98Ux

AustCham: Board of Directors http://goo.gl/DFuQN AMCHAM: Marketing Cmte http://goo.gl/MwK0z PPi Professional Hour http://goo.gl/KBhNN

18 AMCHAM: Tax Cmte http://goo.gl/dJbpa AMCHAM: Professional Women Cmte http://goo.gl/N4nXX

24 AMCHAM: Legal Cmte – AEC Integration and the Trans-Pacific Part. http://goo.gl/nJS58

AMCHAM: Bus Econ Cmte http://goo.gl/4GFZ7 AMCHAM: Monthly Luncheon: Index of Economic Freedom http://goo.gl/fOagv

www.bangkokbusinessbrief.com

BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF Mid-August/Mid-September 2012

Send us your event details for the Mid-September/October issue by September 5th to reid@bangkokbusinessbrief.com Wednesday

Thursday

AMCHAM: Monthly Luncheon – Dr Seree Supratid http://goo.gl/9dzp6 AustCham: Key Issues Dinner with Barry Petersen http://goo.gl/GduKn

Friday

AMCHAM: Food & Agri Business Cmte http://goo.gl/AAQ8h AustCham: Sundowners http://goo.gl/8bXEx

12 AMCHAM: SME Cmte http://goo.gl/NCp0M AMCHAM: Social Networking @ Glow Pratunam http://goo.gl/McWYp

19 AMCHAM: CSR Cmte http://goo.gl/xVpiH AMCHAM: Energy Cmte http://goo.gl/Jnryx

Siam Nitasratchamongkol (80th Anniversary of Thai-Swiss Diplomatic Relations) http://goo.gl/FTn87 http://goo.gl/68tde

AMCHAM: SME – Banking by Krungsri http://goo.gl/UQSg9 AMCHAM: Appreciation Dinner with PM Yingluck http://goo.gl/kkx3z Movers & Shakers http://goo.gl/K5Njw

AMCHAM: Healthcare Cmte http://goo.gl/Tr8k9 AMCHAM: Travel & Tourism Cmte http://goo.gl/yS0Uz Joint: YP Networking http://goo.gl/oE4d7 AMCHAM: Textile Cmte http://goo.gl/pVVzb AMCHAM: Transportation Logistic Cmte http://goo.gl/NhALB

AMCHAM: Customs & Excise Cmte http://goo.gl/7AT8e BCCT: Board Meeting http://goo.gl/zDdMl BCCT: Third Thursday Networking Evening http://goo.gl/0XwD3

27 AMCHAM: Charitable Foundation Cmte http://goo.gl/wHrQC

BCCT: One Day Wkshp (Personality Development) http://goo.gl/LV9Rg Siam Nitasratchamongkol (80th Anniversary of Thai-Swiss Relations) http://goo.gl/FTn87

AMCHAM: Charitable Foundation Cmte http://goo.gl/RCdsf Siam Nitasratchamongkol (80th Anniversary of Thai-Swiss Relations) http://goo.gl/FTn87

AMCHAM: Ambassador Coffee Briefing http://goo.gl/e5ecC

Saturday

AustCham: Voluntary English Teaching http://goo.gl/ZUzov

BCCT: Eastern Seaboard Evening Presentation (Tax & SMEs) http://goo.gl/hDKmJ Joint Chambers: Eastern Seaboard Networking Event http://goo.gl/tPcDK

28 Movers & Shakers http://goo.gl/xOfWr

22 BCCT: Jesters Care for Kids Gala Party Night http://goo.gl/X9H3o

29 AustCham: AFL Grand Final Day 2012 http://goo.gl/kpHUJ