Bangkok Business Brief - Volume 1, Issue 3 - February 2012

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BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF February 2012

1

BUSINESS BRIEF

Vol. No. 1, Issue No. 3

February 2012

Read business news briefs daily at www.bangkokbusinessbrief.com

Inside

General Interest Economy Government Finance/Investment Production Infrastructure/Logistics Retail/Services IT/Comms Tourism Real Estate Environment/CSR Business Organizations The Chambers The Calendar

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 22

Forecasting Thailand’s Economic Growth in 2012

By Dean Outerson

After a disastrous year for the Thai economy, forecasts for Thailand’s 2012 GDP growth are currently hovering between 4.7% and 5%, figures described by some as ‘conservative’ and others as ‘optimistic.’ Both sides agree that any growth will depend heavily on the successful implementation of the

economic stimulus packages proURGENT! British posed by the government, restoraexpats see Page 20 tion of investor confidence, and NOW! the absence of any serious global economic or monetary shocks or nomic stimulus package and a further domestic disasters.

350 billion baht (US$11 billion) investment in water management Skeptics of the government’s plans initiatives to prevent future floods, to right Thailand’s economic ship in the face of Thailand’s current question the wisdom of the 120 debt. The government’s recent billion baht (US$3.7 billion) ecoStory continues on Page 20.

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BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF

Briefs General Interest

http://goo.gl/ozbNM

Average salary hike at 6.2% for next year

www.bangkokbusinessbrief.com

February 2012

To read the full article of a story brief, enter the short code at the end of the story into your browser: that you have contributed much to its growth. You have put in the work required and more – and now it’s payback time.

But while you are just itching to ask your boss for a much-deserved raise, you’re hesitant to get into an actual conversation about it. The boss might say the company is experiencing hard times, you might feel that you do not have negotiation skills, or you’re just scared of being rejected.

Pre-flood poll shows bonus at 3.4 months – Despite a turbulent economy in 2011, the average salaryincrease across all sectors for 2012 is 6.2%, with an average variable bonus paid at 3.4 months, re- The first thing you need to do is ports human resource consulting take these concerns off your mind. firm Towers Watson (Thailand).

While your boss is not likely to give you a raise voluntarily, don’t...

The salary rise is higher than 5.9% Full story at http://goo.gl/DT6ij last year and 5.7% in 2009. However, the survey was completed Steve Jobs inspires just before the floods in October. Big Cola brander to The top three industries for... follow his heart Full story at http://goo.gl/6VlHi After spending a decade in ThaiDos and don’ts of land’s beverage industry, Big Cola’s asking for a raise brand builder, Chanin ThienchaYou have been working in your roen, decided to start his own company for several years and feel business.

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Delivery

Cha Lormnak Volume 1, Issue 3 • February 2012 Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.

...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

Optimus Co was recently set up with 2 million baht in registered capital to engage in brand building and marketing consultancy services for Thai producers.

goo.gl/bH6PF

Mahidol University (CMMU) recently. The Nation’s Pichaya Changsorn reports.

First of all, says Ariya, Google’s culture is “bottom up”. “My boss in Singapore hasn’t told me what to do. And this is the same everywhere in the world. It’s the way we work.”

Mr Chanin left Ajethai Co, the producer of Big Cola soft drinks, after he was inspired by Steve Jobs’ speech that ended with: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. You need Everything at Google has been... to have the courage to follow your Full story at http://goo.gl/BymOg heart.” With his six years of...

Profit-Based bonus Full story at http://goo.gl/ivN5f

Google’s first Thailand boss explains the ‘Googley’ way

Ariya Banomyong, the first country business manager for Google Thailand which set up its first office in Bangkok on July 1, explainsthe company’s corporate culture and its strategic priorities for the Thai market at the “CEO Perspectives” forum held by the College of Management

no joy for employers

Life is never easy for employees.

After hard work and limited personal life throughout the year, now is the bonus time.

The situation is even more complicated for employers. They start out by recruiting the right persons, train them properly and, most importantly, give them reasonable pay. Missing any of these and the process is back to square one, resulting in a high turnover rate and...

Full story at http://goo.gl/2FvLk

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Briefs 3

General Inte

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Economy

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December 20 11

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

...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 Our services: 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 weakest na w s the ian cri – Total Facilities – Cleaning - pensionManagement Asian economi opportunity for sis in the late 1990s was a systems in the tional lems that must be sol list of probwa es to increase the kecal up ved wo l for in rld cri Ba , & Systems – Gardening the region that – Security Personnel 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 de climate– ch services at a tim a blessing in d bt, young retire – Inventory & Audit Catering ange on dis e 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 e ational agencies – Mechanical &d Electrical ers to work– Pest Management financial sec Full story at htt are... . p://goo.gl/S65D6 able to sus tor is now strong and study poor pension take-up, a The conclusio showed. tain a certai–nWashroom Hygiene 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

...

The Nation’s Business Desk reports on this year’s expected market trends in products and services.

RETAIL: Luxury department will be a rising star in the Inflation tamed but stores retail sector as Thailand transrisks remain forms from a shopping destinaForecast unchangedin spite of oil tion for mass products to one spike – Oil price fluctuations have offering luxury goods luring not yet altered this year’s infla- tourists from around Asia. tion forecast in a range of 3.3% and 3.8%, but the private sector Tourists come to Thailand for is worried rising energy costs and two main reasons. The first is to higher wages will eventually push enjoy Thai hospitality, while... up goods prices.

Full story at http://goo.gl/eZhZD

Yanyong Phuangrach, permanent Thai Confidence secretary of the Commerce Min- Rises First Time in istry, said the oil price volatility 5 Months on Flood would impact the inflation by only 0.05%, a level hardly affecting the Aid annual rate.

Thailand’s consumer confidence rose for the first time in five However, it will add to the costs of months in December as the govsome products such as construc- ernment took steps to aid a recovtion materials, cement and steel ery from the worst flooding in alof which prices the ministry will most 70 years. closely monitor.

An index measuring sentiment The ministry earlier based its in- increased to 63.1 from 61.0 in Noflation target for 2012 on the... vember, the University of the Thai Full story at http://goo.gl/XxrdC Chamber of Commerce said in a statement in Bangkok today. The Thai fortunes tied gauge is based on a survey of 2,242 to key economies respondents.

The Asia-Pacific, including Thailand, remains vulnerable to an The Cabinet earlier this week apeconomic slowdown despite proved a plan for 350 billion baht strong trade links within the re- ($11 billion) in investment for wagion, a report from the Mumbai- ter management projects to prebased subsidiary of Standard & vent future floods on top of 120 Poor’s showed. billion baht in planned spending...

Full story at http://goo.gl/t1L5M “Although the higher trade interaction within the Asia-Pacific Public debt forecast region provides some intermit- to rise rapidly on tent buffer, the eventual trade big borrowing exposure of China, South Korea, Japan and the five countries that Thailand’s Public Debt Manageform Asean-5 – Indonesia, Ma- ment Office (PDMO) predicts that laysia, the Philippines, Thailand, the country’s public debt will rise and Vietnam – with the advanced rapidly to 51% within the next two economies remains high,” Cri- years, as the government requires sil Limited’s report on “Growing at least 350 billion baht in loans to Global Risks Eclipse Asia-Pacific invest in permanent flood prevenEconomic Growth in 2012” said... tion projects.

Full story at http://goo.gl/iINbx senior Finance Ministry official, Flood-hit economy Awho declined to be named, said retools for 2012 the debt projection is not only calThe flood aftermath and fast- culated on the new loan that the changing consumer behaviour in government plans to issue a royal the digital community have cre- decree for to be allowed to obtain ated opportunities for businesses loan for supplementary budget. whilephasing out those that are The PDMO has also forecast the... uncompetitive and outdated. Full story at http://goo.gl/Jm8kg

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Five-year trade plan Government focus

Government

Sponsoredhttp://goo.gl/EIbH6

by TISCO Financial

Thai cabinet reshuffle likely, Kittirat may be finmin

www.bangkokbusinessbrief.com

February 2012

With global trade forecast to slow this year, the Trade Negotiations Department will prioritise Asean and six key Asian markets in its trade and investment plan for the next five years.

Thailand’s cabinet is expected to be reshuffled soon, with Kittirat Na Ranong, the deputy prime minister in charge of economic affairs, becoming finance minister and new ministers of energy and industry also appointed, media said on Tuesday.

It will also expand free-trade agreement negotiations to new potential partners and continue driving multilateral trade talks under the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and the World Trade Organisation as key channels to promote trade growth. Srirat Rastapana, director-general...

Full story at http://goo.gl/QgPyW

The cabinet reshuffle reported

by Thai newspapers was “about 90 percent accurate”, according to Kittirat, while a government spokeswoman said 10 changes had already been submitted to King Bhumibol Adulyadej for his endorsement. The reshuffle would...

Full story at http://goo.gl/wD4Rl

Thailand and China want to work together to support each other’s entry into Burma, partly through the deep-sea port in Dawei being developed by a Thai company.

Burma projects could strengthen Thailand-China ties

...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

Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na- Ranong said Asean connectivity with the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) via the eastwest and north-south economic corridors could further enhance bilateral trade between Asean and China, on the order of US$300 billion.

goo.gl/bH6PF

The department is about to complete a trade blueprint for 2012-15, co-developed with Chulalongkorn University’s Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration, which also features a vision for the next eight years. According to Mrs Srirat, the new strategy will call...

Full story at http://goo.gl/NtV4G

At the same time, the Asean-Chi- Tax reforms to na Free Trade Agreement, which benefit low- to took effect at the beginning of middle-income 2010, should further evolve to help Chinese and Asean firms invest... groups Full story at http://goo.gl/ntkz8 Reforms for the personal income system will benefit lower- to Top-10 ranking seen tax middle-income taxpayers, accordby 2020 ing to Satit Rungkasiri, directorNew international trade strategies general of the Revenue Departare being planned in an attempt to ment. make Thailand one of the world’s 10 largest trading nations by 2020. He said both current tax rates and deductions are under review, The country is currently ranked and authorities see the decline in 17th globally in the value of its the tax burden for the lower- and international trade, according to middle-income classes as supportSrirat Rastapana, director-general ing the government’s broader goal of the Trade Negotiation Depart- of reducing the income gap in... ment at the Commerce Ministry. Full story at http://goo.gl/qimFH

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BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF February 2012

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Briefs 5

General Inte

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Finance / Investment

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December 20 11

rest

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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 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

...

Thailand plans to be Asean’s most active securities market by yearend, says president Charamporn Jotikasthira.

The SET currently ranks second the region after Singapore. AvThailand ‘needs to’ in erage daily turnover last year was restore confidence 29.4 billion baht for the SET comThailand must rapidly restore in- pared with 34 billion for the Sinvestors’ confidence in the wakew gapore Exchange (SGX). of the big flood and become the region’s industrial hub in the future, But Mr Charamporn said tradSupachai Panitchpakdi, secretary- ing volume in December actugeneral of the the UN Conference ally exceeded that of the SGX, and on Trade and Development, said the SET is targeting average daily on Tuesday. turnover of 31-32 billion baht this year.

Mr Supachai was speaking at a CEO forum on ”Thailand’s invest- Meanwhile, the Thailand Futures ment strategies for sustainable de- Exchange (TFEX) expects even velopment” hosted by the Board of stronger growth, with daily turnInvestment. over of 55,000 to 57,000 contracts compared with an average of...

He said the BOI’s five year-term Full story at http://goo.gl/KeOyI investment strategies were going in the right direction, and restor- SET spikes on good ing investors’ confidence after the news out of China, devastatimg flooding last year Germany must take priority.

Thai stocks jumped 1.88% yesterThe country must not only rely on day as regional and global stock its core industries and must ex- markets gained on optimism over pand into being the region’s... the global economy.

Full story at http://goo.gl/txmwr news about the Chinese Baht set for biggest Positive and German economies helped annual loss in 6 counter worries about the European debt crisis and a Greek debt years default. China yesterday reported The baht fell yesterday and is fourth-quarter economic growth heading for its biggest annual loss of 8.9%, the lowest growth rate in in six years as Europe’s debt crisis 2.5 years but above market fears of damped the outlook for exports a bigger slowdown. and economic growth. Bonds also fell.

The announcement helped push the Stock Exchange of Thailand up Foreign investors sold 119 million 19.53 points to 1,056.54 on trade baht more Thai stocks than they worth 24 billion baht. Energy bought, bringing this year’s net stocks rose 2.92%, banks gained... sales to US$200 million, SET data Full story at http://goo.gl/Yty9n show.

Gold, not stocks, to remain investors’ favourite

The Commerce Ministry last week said exports dropped by 12.4% year-on-year in November follow- Funds would still concentrate ing a gain of 0.3% in October. their investment in gold rather than stocks, according to survey ”The 2012 outlook for Asian cur- results released yesterday by Capirencies isn’t bright, as Europe re- tal Nomura Securities. mains the biggest risk to exports,” said Kang Pan-seok, a Seoul...

The return on investment in the Full story at http://goo.gl/1eWN0 gold market reached 474 per cent the past 10 years, which is highSET aims to be most in er than investing in other assets.

active in Asean

...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

New finance minister opposes pri- The gold price is also projected... vatisation – The Stock Exchange of Full story at http://goo.gl/wQcwx

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Briefs Production

http://goo.gl/UrVpE

Thai market set for record sales Toyota chief says growth will cross a million units, rebounding 38 per cent from last year After a year of ups and downs in 2011, the Thai automobile market is expected to rebound sharply in 2012 to as much as 1.1 million units, up 38.5 per cent.

The forecast was made by Kyoichi Tanada, president of Toyota Motor Thailand, the largest auto company in the Kingdom.

He said Toyota is also building a second manufacturing plant at the Gateway Industrial Park as well as restarting the production line at Thai Auto Works that once...

Full story at http://goo.gl/nIY3M

www.bangkokbusinessbrief.com

February 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

tomaker known for its strength in the compact-car segment, is gearing up its eco-car marketing campaign and sales, targeting sales of Chonburi Concrete Product tar- 10,000 units in Thailand’s highly gets revenue growth of 15-20 per competitive small-car segment cent to between Bt2.7 billion and this year.

Bt2.8 billion this year on strong demand for building materials to Becoming the third or fourth ecorenovate both residences and fac- car carmaker after Nissan and tories in the wake of the recent di- Honda, Suzuki has not yet decidsastrous flood. ed on the trade name of its eco-car built in Thailand. Mitsubishi also...

Managing director Chakrit Full story at http://goo.gl/XgSsR Theepakornsukkasame told a group interview on Tuesday that Four new industrial 40 per cent of revenue would estates planned come from the private sector and along borders 60 per cent from government conThe Industrial Estate Authority of struction projects.

Thailand (IEAT) plans to develop Last year the mix was 30:70, when four industrial parks along the revenue rose an expected 11 per borders to help promote trade and cent to Bt2.4 billion. The company investment. now has an order backlog of...

The plan supports the East-West Full story at http://goo.gl/W6qBT Economic Corridor development, Suzuki fires up which aims to link China’s southeco-car ern provinces with its neighbours Suzuki, Japan’s fourth-largest au- in the lower Mekong region, dep-

Concrete firm eyes 15-20% growth on strong demand

goo.gl/bH6PF

uty governor Verapong Chaiperm said at the BoI Fair yesterday.

Construction will begin this year and the new estates should be ready to begin operation within 2015, when the Asean Economic Community (AEC) is formed.

The potential developers and operators of each project may be the IEAT itself or its partnerships with the private sector.

The first industrial estate will likely be in Ban Phu Nam Ron in...

Full story at http://goo.gl/HH4I1

Garment-makers eye Burma as production base

The Thai Garment Manufacturers Association will lead a group of its members to Burma early this year to explore setting up production bases there in the face of the Bt300 minimum wage and serious labour shortage back home...

Full story at http://goo.gl/QnXdD

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BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF February 2012

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Briefs 7

General Inte

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

December 20 11

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

...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 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

...

Infrastructure/Logistics Thailand’s largest construction

http://goo.gl/Tg0b7

Bangkok displaces HK as major hub airport

firm, said on Monday it expected to reach a conclusion in 2012 on how it would finance the Dawei deep sea port and infrastructure projects in Myanmar.

Loss-making Italian-Thai has no plan to raise funds via an equity issue, but it planed to convert some land into capital and also receive Bangkok and Dubai dominate revenue from land sales in Dawei, growth among major hub air- President Premchai Karnasuta ports, according to the latest sta- told reporters. tistics from OAG, a UBM Aviation brand.

“We are discussing with financial institutions about financing and The world’s airlines have sched- received a good response from... uled 2.883 per cent more capacity Full story at http://goo.gl/BbA0V on 1.86 per cent more flights this month, marking the eighth con- Wary retailers rejig secutive month of growth com- logistics systems pared to the same period last year, Thailand enters 2012 emphasisthe OAG reported. ing restoration, with state agencies having to take the lead in infraIn seat capacity terms, Bangkok structure investment, including overtook Hong Kong as the sixth- installinga heavyweight disaster largest seat-capacity provider with warning system, to prevent not 14.44 per cent year on year growth only floods but also other catasto 6,329,628 seats, and similarly, trophes in the future. Meanwhile, Dubai overtook Los Angeles for... the private sector has to fine- tune Full story at http://goo.gl/YMZx0 its business models to cope with possible calamities. The country’s Govt must give severest deluge in seven decades top priority to has forced the government to rethink crisis management and the infrastructure private sector to rethink business investment, say operations after the World Bank experts estimated in early December that Investment in infrastructure the total damage from the floods should be the government’s top was about US$45 billion (Bt1.35 priority to ensure long-term com- trillion) and reinsurers indicated petitiveness in preparation for the that insured losses from the floodupcoming Asean Economic Com- ing could be up to US$11 billion munity (AEC) and a likely new (Bt330 billion). The inundation of round of foreign direct investment seven industrial estates housing in Asia, experts said at a seminar. leading multinational...

Full story at http://goo.gl/uzhtC Speaking at a recent event held

by Krungthep Thurakij newspa- Logistics sector per, Kobsak Pootrakool, executive needs to be prepared vice president at Bangkok Bank, for emergencies pointed out that an investment cycle was coming to Asia. If the Thailand’s logistics services may US economy remained stagnant need to revise their procedures and Europe remained mired in in terms of precise warning systhe debt crisis, investors would tems and physical development to likely relocate their bases to Asia, reduce the possibility of supplyhe said. chain disruptions during a crisis such as last year’s flood disaster.

“This is a great opportunity for...

Full story at http://goo.gl/dXCLE Meanwhile, a number of manufacturers are looking for alternaItalian-Thai aims tive suppliers outside Thailand in to conclude Dawei order to diversify their risks, as they face the additional factor of financing in 2012 needing to prepare for the Asean...

Italian-Thai Development Pcl, Full story at http://goo.gl/us3oy

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BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF

Briefs

www.bangkokbusinessbrief.com

February 2012

To read the full article of a story brief, enter the short code at the end of the story into your browser:

...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

The recent opening of the luxurious facility, built at a cost of 13.5 million baht, made Oman Air the second carrier from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to run http://goo.gl/QyrTE Thai Airways International Plc has its own lounge at the airport. revised its strategic and operatCentral Silom ing plans for its new airline, Thai The only other airline with such a Complex unveils Smile Air, by shifting its focus facility is the Dubai-based Emirfrom the domestic to the regional ates, while other GCC airlines new look Central Department Store Co will market in the first year, aiming to such as Etihad and Qatar Airways spend 250 million baht to give its maintain the group’s 29-per-cent use third-party lounges at SuvarSilom Complex branch a facelift in share in Asia. nabhumi.

2012.

“The adjustment came after THAI The opening reflects the Omani President Yuwadee Chirathivat increased its stake in Nok Air national carrier’s strategy to build... said the budget will be used to from 39 per cent to 49 per cent, so Full story at http://goo.gl/JJEIT renovate the Central Department Nok Air will continue to serve the Store and Tops Supermarket at the domestic market while Thai Smile Dutch mall Silom Complex branch, which has Air will go overseas,” Woranate... developer eyes been closed since Saturday.

Full story at http://goo.gl/q6Ivs Thailand, VN

Retail/Services

THAI Smile to go regional re-think as parent

This is the first big renovation of Oman Air opens the Central Department Store in passenger lounge the Silom Complex in two decades As testimony to the importance of business. it places on Thailand as a port of call, Oman Air has opened a preIt is in line with company plans to mium passenger lounge at Suvarmake all Central department... nabhumi airport, the first outside Full story at http://goo.gl/K1Izc of its Muscat home base.

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while magazines saw spending stagnate at Bt5.7 billion.

Television remained the main medium with a 2.42-per-cent increase to Bt62.2 billion from Bt60.1 billion.

Out-of-home advertising enjoyed strong growth – 20 per cent to Bt7.22 billion for cinema, 10.9 per cent to Bt4.2 billion for outdoor, 18.9 per cent to Bt2.6 billion for transit and 46.3 per cent for instore media.

Advertisers and marketers also...

Full story at http://goo.gl/8oCnJ

Labour shortage looms in Thailand

Demand and supply mismatch ECC Intl budgets $500m for six will be unresolved next year: Manproperties after project in Chiang power Mai Thailand will face a labour shortNetherlands-based mall developer age next year and a mismatchof ECC International RealEstate yes- market demand and labour supterday announced a five-year plan ply, according to Simon Matthews, to invest between US$400 million country manager of Manpowerand $500 million (Bt12.5 billion Group, one of the world’s leading to Bt15.6 billion) to develop five recruitment agencies. or six malls in Thailand and Vietnam.

The group also plans to do business in Cambodia next year and is The move follows ECC’s exist- looking for business opportunities ing investment of Bt2.9 billion to in Laos and Burma, Matthews said develop its first resort-style mall, yesterday.

Promenada, in Chiang Mai, which is scheduled to open in December He said he expected manufacturnext year. ers in six submerged industrial parks to resume operations within Tjeert Kwant, president and chief the first quarter of next year. Workexecutive offficer of ECC Interna- ers who temporally lost their jobs tional Real Estate, said the com- because of the floods are expected pany would announce details of its to be re-employed. A mismatch second mall-development project between market demand and supin Thailand, a community mall in ply will be unresolved next...

Bangkok, in the second week of... Full story at http://goo.gl/GxLGL Full story at http://goo.gl/cv5jq

Advert spending jumps nearly 4% in 2011 despite flood

Airlines brace for turbulent 2012 setting

Euro crisis, US growth remain wild cards – Almost against all odds, the global airline industry showedsurprising robustness in 2011, but the air freight business was a different story.

Although local advertisers were hard hit by the recent flooding, ad spending last year increased almost 4 per cent to Bt104.6 billion from Bt101 billion in the previous year, according to Nielsen Global passenger demand was likely to grow by 6.1%, a pace Research. faster than the International Air However, advertising on radio Transport Association (IATA) had declined by 3.07 per cent from earlier anticipated, while air cargo Bt6.1 billion to Bt5.9 billion and growth rates started to fall in midin newspapers by 2.95 per cent 2011. By October the air freight... from Bt15 billion to Bt14.5 billion, Full story at http://goo.gl/y4Vuu

2

BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF February 2012

BANGKOK BU SINESS BRIEF

Briefs 9

General Inte

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

IT / Comms

http://goo.gl/VwYn9

Social media trends in 2012 McCann Worldgroup Thailand (MW) – through its research tool McCann Pulse, has scanned the globe for the key social media trends influencing consumers’ live.

The digital 2012 will be shaped up by the significant moves in social media platforms driven by the concept of individualisation of experience and social discovery.

“We will see the growing trends in which consumers expand their social media usage to more and across devices where they embrace the new social media experience as their primary source of content and in-depth community...

Full story at http://goo.gl/HW5UW

Software firm eyes floods

December 20 11

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...

Meanwhile corporate social responsibility activity assisting the country’s rehabilitation after the flood disaster will be key to strategies to create brand loyalty and will have a big impact on their marketing campaigns.

Last year many companies lost millions of baht because of the massive floods, but they should be able to retain customers through supportive campaigns including cleaning, laundry services and...

Full story at http://goo.gl/4eV2k

B2S, IT Works offer e-book app for phones, tablets

B2S, a bookstore chain, in cooperation with IT Works, a software developer, has launched an e-book application for tablet computers and mobile phones, to be followed next quarter by a download service for movies and music.

“We have launched ‘B2S eBook Store’ to respond our customers’ needs as well as to match new behaviour trends,” Nath Vongphanich, managing director of B2S, which is a subsidiary of Central Retail Corporation, said yesterday.

Ronnachart Mahattanapreut, the 3G concessions country director of Infor Global under fire Solutions (Thailand), said Thai- Thailand’s third-generation (3G) land is the group’s biggest market service on high-speed packet acin Asean. cess (HSPA) technology is being challenged again, with some sayHe said the company this year ing it should be terminated for expects to see high demand from not falling under current concesclients in discrete manufacturing sion agreements. businesses to invest in enterprise resource planning (ERP) solu- The state telecom enterprise TOT tions, especially those in industry Plc is the sole operator with the equipment, machinery and high- right to provide commercial 3G technology computer and elec- service on its 1900-megahertz frequency, said Anuparb Thitronic components, thanks to...

Full story at http://goo.gl/s6wV6 ralarp, an independent academic who follows the telecom industry.

Social media will play a vital role in the event organisation business this year, leading event organisers and marketing-communications agencies say.

/bH6PF “ HOW CAN I GET MYo.glPEOPLE TO WANT TO DO THE THINGS I WANT THEM TO DO?” go

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

Infor Group, a US-based provider of enterprise applications and services, is making a major stride in expanding its business footprint in Thailand by offering heavy promotional discounts on its software for flood-affected factories.

“Developed for both Android and iOS [iPhone operating system], The world’s third-largest applica- the e-bookstore application will tions software company aims for a become an alternative channel for 30% growth rate for its Thai busi- book lovers besides our existing... ness unit this year.

Full story at http://goo.gl/Ghnua

Social media vital to event organisation

...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

The challenge comes in the wake of the third network collapse by Total Access Communication (DTAC) in as many weeks just as the second-ranked operator was...

Full story at http://goo.gl/aCsXP

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10

BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF

Briefs Tourism

http://goo.gl/fxE4d

Thailand as best sailing venue: Survey

Thailand was voted the favourite sailing venue and best regatta location in Asia thanks to the best sailing grounds, good weather conditions and beautiful scenery.

That was a result of a survey conducted at the 2011 Phuket King’s Cup Regatta of international sailors from around the world.

The survey was (taken)... with the aim to find out sailing trends in the region, provide useful information in helping to attract more sailors to the region, and to improve facilities and services in the region. The survey found that of the sailors who came to the Regatta, 53 per cent were resident in...

Full story at http://goo.gl/3qc5V

www.bangkokbusinessbrief.com

February 2012

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Travel industry ‘keeps calm, carries on’ during crises

...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

spite the flood crisis, Supol Sriphan, director general of the Tourism Department at the Tourism and Sports Ministry, said on Thursday.

According to Tony Tyler, directorgeneral of the International Air He said 19.09 million tourists Transport Association, “The natu- came to Thailand in 2011, up 19.8 ral condition of the airline indus- per cent on the previous year,. try is crisis.”

The largest number of foreign tourThe last few years have redefined ists were from Malaysia, at 2.47 the term “volatile”. Crises have million, followed by China (1.76 increased the magnitude of the million), Japan (1.12 million), peaks and troughs in travel, and Russia (1,014,493), South Korea changing consumer demand is (1,014,292), India (916,787), Laos forcing the industry constantly to (887,677), Australia, (854,064), meet new expectations.

Great Britain (844,221) and the United States (684,073).

For this reason, it could be said that crises are in fact helping our... Tourists from these countries...

Full story at http://goo.gl/mbyPo Full story at http://goo.gl/JBS9X

2011 tourism revenue a record high

The tourism business boomed in 2011, with overall revenue up 23.92 per cent over 2010 to 734.59 billion baht, a historic high, de-

ATF event proves a flop in Indonesia

Thai tourism operators attending the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) in Manado, Indonesia were disappointed with the lower-than-expected buyer turnout and lack of venue facilities and services.

The number of sellers from 10 countries participating in the event fell to 316 compared with 429 that joined the previous event at Diamond Island in Phnom Penh.

goo.gl/bH6PF

Chon Buri, Phuket, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai, Rayong, Songkhla, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Krabi.

The ranking was completed with an aim to encourage provinces to develop their tourism sites, said permanent secretary Suwat Sidthilaw.

Local and foreign tourists who contacted the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s call centre (1672) for tourism information were polled, in addition to using studies from private operators.

“We want to see each province...

Full story at http://goo.gl/yUUI7

Passengers at AoT airports up 15%

The number of passengers passing through the six airports operated

by Airports of Thailand Plc this year was up 15 per cent over last year to a total of 66.3 million, AoT president Anirut Thanomkulbutra said on Wednesday.

The six airports are Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket and Chiang Rai.

Of the total, 42.11 million were international passengers, up 17.53 per cent year-on-year, and the Jurairat Sirisambhand, Dusit In- other 24.18 million were domestic ternational’s group director for passengers, an increase of 12.02 sales and marketing, said buyers per cent, he said. were sparse, but the company still attended the event to keep con- A total of 441,440 flights had used tacts and update new products. services at the six airports this fiscal year, up 14.43 per cent from Most buyers were from Europe, last fiscal year, he added. followed by Southeast Asia, South Asia and the US. AoT president said altogether 109 airlines are now using the six...

“I think the tourism infrastruc- Full story at http://goo.gl/2Ovtr ture in Manado is not enough to serve an event like this,” Ms Jurai- Chinese shun rat said. “It is very inconvenient Thailand to come. They say Manado is one Chinese tourists are expected to of the best places for diving, but buy fewer package tours to Thaithere are no interesting tourism... land during the Chinese New Year Full story at http://goo.gl/DCCYh this month due to safety concerns six bombs were found in Bangkok top tourist after Bangkok shortly before the New destination Year.

Bangkok was ranked first among the top 10 tourist destinations in The Association of Thailand Travel 2011 by the Ministry of Tourism Agents (ATTA) has revised down & Sports, which completed the list the number of charter flights from with assistance from private op- China to Thailand in the coming erators.

Chinese New Year to around 100, down from the projection of 150...

The other nine destinations are Full story at http://goo.gl/NSgPi

2

BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF February 2012

BANGKOK BU SINESS BRIEF

Briefs 11

General Inte

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

Real Estate

http://goo.gl/hPK52

Nana area gained most from BTS Steady rise along all transport lines – Among land located along the skytrain route, prices near Nana BTS station have risen the most, by 270%, since operations began in 1999, says the Agency for Real Estate Affairs (AREA). President Sopon Pornchokchai said land prices along the route have risen by an average of 210% over the past 12 years.

December 20 11

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

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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 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

...

said last year’s floods affected 23 housing projects which were subsequently closed down for renovation. The floods also delayed project launches in the fourth...

Full story at http://goo.gl/PsuOG

Developers flock to Pattaya

Strong demand seen for condos priced under Bt3 million – Amid strong demand in Pattaya, listed property firms are launching condominium projects worth more than Bt10 billion, offering units priced lower than Bt3 million.

According to a Nation survey early this week, several listed property firms plan have been inspired to launch condo projects in Pattaya after LPN Development successfully sold out its debut condominium project in the city with units priced lower than Bt3 million.

The mass-transit line transformed the area around BTS Nana station from a small business centre on lower Sukhumvit Road into a prominent trading district connected to the more upscale Phlo- Quality Houses plans to launch enchit neighbourhood, he said. its first condominium project, offering units priced lower than Bt3 On the new BTS extension route million in South Pattaya this year, between On Nut and Bearing sta- worth nearly Bt1 billion. Raimon tions, prices have risen by an...

Land, which has experience of...

Full story at http://goo.gl/U8Ltv Full story at http://goo.gl/53omY

Real estate firms prepare for future floods

...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

The property allure

A regional property portal likes the potential of Asia even as the Western powers tumble, with China, India and Indonesia all looming players. Demand for property continues to remain robust in various parts of Asia, particularly China, India and Indonesia.

Location, location, location has been a byword for all parties related to the real estate industry for a long time. This word is still applicable in all situations, even in the country’s worst inundation last year. People are now looking for non-flooded locations.

“There continues to be a growing middle class that is keen on inFlooding has become a new de- vesting in the cross-border propcision-making factor to consider erty market,” said Steve Melhuish, when buying a house, acquiring group chief executive officer of All land and approving home loans Property Media Pte, the operator and it will also affect the design of of www.ddproperty.com in Thaihouses, condominiums and prop- land and www.propertyguru.com. erty projects which will all require... sg in Singapore.

Full story at http://goo.gl/exCqk Mr Melhuish said the global slowHousing market down is not affecting rising marseen picking up in kets such as China, India and Indonesia, where a kind of diver2012 The housing market will improve sification is catching on, propping slightly this year, with more than up property markets in countries 80,000 units of new supply serving such as Singapore. pent-up demand from last year’s fourth quarter and the higher in- “The Chinese are buying up everycomes of civil servants. where, Indians are looking at Singapore and Malaysia, and IndoneSopon Pornchokchai, president of sians are looking at several new the property consultant Agency markets,” he said. More buyers... for Real Estate Affairs (AREA), Full story at http://goo.gl/FKmxb

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Briefs Environment / CSR

To read the full article of a story brief, enter the short code at the end of the story into your browser:

‘Urban Farm Factory’ wins international award

Thailand’s green-architecture http://goo.gl/Y09sv team headed by Isavaret Tamonut has won the prestigious Silver Siam Industrial Award for its “UrbanFarm FacWire focuses on tory” project to grow crops on a 10-rai (1.6-hectare) plot in Bangenergy efficiency kok’s Rat Burana district, beating standard thousands of entries in the Holcim Siam Industrial Wire Co (SIW) is Foundation’s Asia-Pacific compeamong Thailand’s first manufac- tition. turing companies to receive energy management certification from Held every three years, it honours the Management System Certi- designs for “sustainable construcfication Institute (MASCI). SIW tion” that reduces carbon emisis Thailand’s largest producer of sions and cuts waste and... high-tensile pre-stressed concrete Full story at http://goo.gl/KhHK9 steel wire and strands.

In December 2010 the company, set up a policy for energy management with the goal of achieving this standard by March 2011. SIW trained its staff on how to manage energy efficiently and had to change some equipment. The roof...

Full story at http://goo.gl/9OVyI

www.bangkokbusinessbrief.com

February 2012

...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

According to Krairit Nilkuha, director-general of the Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency Development, who recently had a discussion with Australian Ambassador James Wise and five Australian Members of Parliament led by Sid Side Bottom, the discussion also focused on algae-based fuel research and development as well as carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. Thai researchers could be invited...

Full story at http://goo.gl/YNVdF

THAI tests out biofuel flight

Thai Airways flew its first flight in the region yesterday under its biofuel pilot programme. The airline is ready to continue using bioPromoting fuel for future commercial flights alternative energy if PTT can supply the fuel at the Australia has shown interest in same price as current jet fuel.

Thailand’s solar power development, seeing the possibility of The company is set to be the first welcoming Thai investment to airline in Asia to fly a commercial Australia, which is known as the passenger flight using biofuel to land with the world’s highest solar support its “Travel Green”...

Full story at http://goo.gl/CnC9U power concentration.

Green tax sought on makers, users Finance Ministry officials and academics have urged the government to levy an environmental tax on both producers and consumers involved in water, air and other pollution. A tax on foreign tourists has also been proposed...

Full story at http://goo.gl/mJQ8Y

Panel discussion

Even if you’re keen to use solar power at your house, one expert says it doesn’t always make sense Prasong Lodarbchai, managing director of the nine-year-old Northern Sunshine Co Ltd, is one of the country’s pioneers in the sector. “It all started when I went to China,” he said. “At that time, they were not as developed as now, but they had solar cells on their rooftops already. Thailand on the other hand has a higher average wage but no one uses solar cells, so I went back to Thailand to do some research...

Full story at http://goo.gl/eWi6S

BANGKOK

BUSINESS BRIEF “Magazines Perform Best At Sending Consumers To Start A Search Online” Source: BIGresearch Simultaneous Media Usage Study (SIMM17) Dec. 2010

The Bangkok Business Brief has a circulation of 10,000 copies with distribution as listed below: • Direct mailing to Chamber of Commerce members • Circulated to Amata Industrial Estate executives • Five-star hotel business centers and executive lounges • Delivered with ‘Food By Phone’ orders

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BANGKOK BU SINESS BRIEF

Briefs13

General Inte

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

Business Organizations

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Phnom Penh in the spotlight

December 20 11

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

...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 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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China-Asean Expo (CAEXPO) wants a new mission and direction for its 9th edition, after the latest expo was less effective than previous sessions.

Next year will mark the new beginning of another 20 years of China-Asean dialogue, giving the expo an important role. “We want the expo to serve as a platform to better serve the development of the China-Asean Free Trade...

Full story at http://goo.gl/1JHA8

As regional political tensions ease, Cambodia takes over Asean chair with a golden opportunity to help group pursue economic goals.

More peaceful Cambodian-Thai relations, modest democratisation in Burma, and hopes for reduced The upcoming aec tension with Beijing over the prompts rethink South China Sea are among the of thailand’s tax factors that should help Asean focus on creating a truly integrated approach economic community in the next In a globalised world like we’re in three years. today, going it alone is not a good idea. Few countries have the abilChairing the 10-country group ity to bargain with others in the this year is Cambodia, and the international arena on a one-onearly days have been smooth one basis or to share with their given the improving atmosphere neighbours resources such as geobetween often-antagonistic Bang- graphical advantages, public facilkok and Phnom Penh. Cambodia, ities, raw materials, trade quotas, like other smaller members in the skilled labour, and tax and duty group, fully understands the need systems. This applies to Thailand to catch up with others in light of and its fellow members of the Asglobalisation, says Edmund Sim. sociation of Southeast Asian NaAs long as potential distractions tions (Asean). such as the...

Full story at http://goo.gl/ilFbh With a population of around 600 million, Asean ranks fifth worldThe time is now, wide in terms of purchasing powThe place is asean er. Nonetheless, loose integration One day in June this year, traders over the past four decades has... on Southeast Asian stock markets Full story at http://goo.gl/07HaR will wake up and be able to seamlessly trade shares on each others’ Banking and the exchanges. The Asean Trading aec: More talk than Link will initially connect Bursa action Malaysia and the Singapore Ex- Amid all the buzz about the Asechange, with the Stock Exchange an Economic Community (AEC) of Thailand joining in August. coming in 2015, there has been Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila very little talk about the bankand Jakarta are slated to join later. ing industry. Partly at fault is the This is an unmitigated benefit. In- AEC Blueprint itself, which is vestors will gain a vast number of vague about what financial seroptions, companies will get larger vices might be integrated by 2015, investor bases, and both groups making it hard to quantify the... will enjoy lower costs.

Full story at http://goo.gl/Ak6Nm How did this come to be? Asean Thailand shows has sometimes been dismissed as progress on AEC a “talking shop”, but as the trading preparation link indicates, regional cooperation has very tangible benefits...

Thailand has shown progress Full story at http://goo.gl/xZ7Vf over the preparation towards the Economic Community, acChina-Asean Expo Asean complishing 79.56 per cent of the steps up its efforts AEC Blueprint. Asean as a whole Goals are revised to turn the event achieved 68.6 per cent of the into a platform for the develop- preparation guidelines. ment of bilateral free trade – The Full story at http://goo.gl/2hBjW

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14

BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF

BANGKOK BU SINESS BRIEF

Briefs

December 20 11

www.bangkokbusinessbrief.com

February 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

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The American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM Thailand) 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

http://goo.gl/mbUpG

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Khun Kittirat na Ranong addresses AMCHAM

Flood,” but also answered questions regarding Thailand’s economic policy and economic projections for 2012.

On January 18, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Khun Kittirat na Ranong addressed over a 300 AMCHAM members and their guests at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The Minister primarily stayed on his speaking topic, “Thailand after the

Minister Kittirat’s address was part of AMCHAM’s Membership Monthly Luncheon program.

Each month, AMCHAM holds a themed luncheon, which includes an address from a leader Bangkok hotel. To see upcoming Participation is free and registraof industry or government and membership luncheon guest, tion is available on the website a full course lunch at a leading please visit the AMCHAM website AMCHAM website. calendar.

AMCHAM Thailand Charitable Hotel Leaders Set To Gather At Foundation continues Teacher Thailand Tourism Forum (TTF) Fellowship Program

tic inflow into the country’s hotel grade assets. Based upon our participation in the banner sales of the Laguna Beach Resort, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Baan Taling Ngam and Sofitel Silom, we expect continued favorable momentum to spur a number of key transactions going forward.”

Thailand’s hotel leaders and international experts will discuss the state of the hospitality sector at the AMCHAM organized Thailand Tourism Forum (TTF) 2012, being held February 02, 2012 at the InterContinental Bangkok.

To re enter the sto

The AMCHAM Thailand Charitable Foundation (ATCF) provides AMCHAM members and other supporters an organization to channel their resources towards a range of educational, civic and social services projects. As part of its commitment to enhance the quality of teaching in Thailand, the ATCF administers the Teacher Fellowship Program. This program provides funds to Thai public schools to enable the schools to employ qualified teachers.

Key event participants include senior executives Chanin Donavanik, Chief Executive Officer of Dusit Hotels and Resort, Dilip Rajakarier, CEO Minor International, and Peter Henley, CEO and President of Onyx Hospitality In 2011, ATCF provided Baht 1.5 Group. million that supported 12 teachProviding a report card and ers at ten schools. In 2012, the benchmarking Thailand and its ATCF, with support of its commajor destinations such as Bang- pany members Philip Morris, Hekok, Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui maraj Land and Development and and Chiang Mai will be key play- Gallipeau Harris Foundation, will ers from Jones Lang LaSalle Ho- be supporting 16 teachers at 14 tels, Horwath HTL, PATA, STR schools.

Global, Quo and C9 Hotelworks.

To learn more about the ATCF Speaking on 2012 expectations, Teacher Fellowship Program Mike Batchelor, Managing Direc- and the ATCF’s many other actor for Investment Sales of Jones tivities, please visit the ATCF’s Lang LaSalle Hotels said “we ex- webpage on the AMCHAM pect this year to see a high level website or email Khun Kate at of both international and domes- kate@amchamtailand.com.

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16

BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF

BANGKOK BU SINESS BRIEF

Briefs

December 20 11

www.bangkokbusinessbrief.com

February 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.

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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

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BOI Fair 2011 – Going Green for the Future

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UN at the Sharp End: Office on Drugs & Crime

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BANGKOK BU SINESS BRIEF

December 20 11

Briefs 17

www.bangkokbusinessbrief.com

BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF February 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 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.

To re enter the sto

http://goo.gl/Vav3Q

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’.

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BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF

Briefs

The Chambers

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

http://goo.gl/EGpi8

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

Franco-Thai CC (FTCC)

rest

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

Malaysian-Thai CC (MTCC)

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 http://goo.gl/Xqn32 Email: admin@mtcc.or.th

Netherlands-Thai CC (NTCC)

Tel: +66 (0)2 309 5250 Website: www.ntccthailand.org Email: info@ntccthailand.org

German-Thai CC (GTCC)

http://goo.gl/WaAzA

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 http://goo.gl/7IxHW Email: director@nztcc.org

Singapore-Thai CC (STCC)

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 http://goo.gl/KizCx

India-Thai CC (ITCC)

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: www.singaporethaicc.or.th Email: marketing@singaporethaicc.or.th http://goo.gl/hwtqK

South African-Thai CC (SATCC)

http://goo.gl/j3q0Y

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 http://goo.gl/vTn6j

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 http://goo.gl/Ak9yr

10/143 (1503A), 15th Fl The 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 http://goo.gl/szwoZ

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

To re enter the sto

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 ...

New Zealand Thai CC (NZTCC)

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 http://goo.gl/QmEcX

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

General Inte

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December 20 11

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February 2012

Belgian-Luxembourg/Thai CC (BeLuThai)

BANGKOK BU SINESS BRIEF

http://goo.gl/EQ7pz

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 http://goo.gl/xOX5c

2

BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF February 2012

The Chambers

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 http://goo.gl/nvgVp

Thai-Finnish CC (TFCC) C/O FINPRO Office, 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 http://goo.gl/bZC1O

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 http://goo.gl/qY8zE Email: thai-hongkong@thta.or.th

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 http://goo.gl/ua3Aw Email: ticc@thaisraelcc.com

Thai-Italian CC (TICC) 1126/2 Vanit II Building, 16th Floor, 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 http://goo.gl/AAoTx

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 http://goo.gl/H33BK

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 http://goo.gl/wom78

December 20 11

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Thai-Chinese CC (Thai-CC)

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General Inte

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

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Thai-Pakistan CC (TPCC)

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Thai-Russian CC (TRCC)

To re enter the sto

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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 http://goo.gl/DdLeZ

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 http://goo.gl/PVRjt

Bangkok Entrepreneurs is a Networking group

for Entrepreneurs, Business Owners and Senior Executives living and working in Bangkok or around. We meet on a regular basis (every month) to exchange experience and ideas.

Every meetup starts with a presentation covering a different topic: Visa, Work Permit, Legal, Labor Laws, Accounting, Recruitment, Taxes, Real Estate, Social Security, Insurance, Audit, Business Practices, etc. The presenter is usually an expert in a related field who gives us the latest information and answer to all our questions.

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Join us now on http://www.meetup.com/Bangkok-Entrepreneurs and see you at the next event!

20

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Forecasting Thailand’s Economic Growth in 2012 Story continued from Page 1.

proposal to move US$35 billion of that debt to the Bank of Thailand’s balance sheet, a move that saw the baht fall dramatically over a five-day period, has further added to skepticism about Thailand’s ability to get itself out of its economic doldrums.

www.bangkokbusinessbrief.com

February 2012

US$3.7 billion package, the government wants to spend an additional US$11 billion on water management projects in order to boost investor confidence and prevent an exodus of companies that were forced to halt production because of the flooding.

Whether these measures will ultimately be implemented in their current form is now the question.

prevent future flooding, growth economist Thanavath Phonviin 2012 could go as high as 7%. chai said that “economic problems in Europe remain the key At a briefing in Singapore, Dep- risk factor this year.”3 uty PM Kittiratt said the government scheme “would offer better Indeed, the Eurozone crisis has purchasing power to lower-in- already affected Thai exports to come people [who] will consume Europe and to the West, in genmore local-content items and eral, resulting in a 6.8% weakenless import-content items. The ing of the baht since July 2011.4 multiplier effect of this domestic With the Thai economy’s reliconsumption will help support ance on exports and tourism, any the economy.”1 further negative developments with the Euro would have a proAchieving 7% growth in 2012 found effect and lead to a signifiwould only be the third time cant reduction in the forecasts the Thai economy has reached for GDP growth in 2012. such heights in the past 13 years and would be a dramatic turn- 1 http://online.wsj.com/article/ around from 2011. Thailand’s BT-CO-20120112-705000.html best years were 2003 (7.1%) and 2010 (7.8%), with the worst be- 2 I nternational Monetary Fund ing 2009 (-2.3%) in the midst of (IMF) - World Economic the global economic recession.2 Outlook October 2010

Meanwhile, energy prices are rising and the massive cleanup and rebuilding of homes and businesses is still underway, leading to predictions that consumer confidence will fall again in January and February. Many economists acknowledge this possibility, but point to an uptick in consumer confidence in December, the first such increase in five months, as a sign that the Thai economy can – and will – bounce back, with consumer Despite government optimism The proposed government stim- confidence rising again in the that domestic initiatives will help ulus package includes giving second quarter of 2012. stimulate the economy and lead credit cards to farmers, estabto a healthy GDP in 2012, global lishing a 15,000-baht-minimum Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt monetary shocks still loom large monthly salary for all university Na-Ranong, however, has called on the horizon and would, acgraduates, programs to help first- the forecast of 5% growth ‘con- cording to most economists, time car and home buyers, and servative’ and estimates that with scuttle any economic recovery in cutting the corporate income tax the government initiatives to the Kingdom. Speaking at a news from 30% to 23%. On top of this both stimulate the economy and conference this week, UTCC Thailand’s growth in 2011, originally projected to be 4.5%, has dropped significantly to a range of 1.5%-1.7% in the wake of the floods that devastated large parts of the Kingdom. Despite this dramatic drop, the Bank of Thailand projects 4.8% growth in 2012, while economists at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) predict 4.7% growth.

3

http://www.businessweek. com/news/2012-01-12/thaiconfidence-rises-first-time-in-5months-on-flood-aid.html

4

http://online.wsj.com/article/ BT-CO-20120112-705000.html

Photo by Gary Wong Photography, obtained from Flickr, used under the Creative Commons License.

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February 2012

The Calendar

February

Sunday

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

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

goo.gl/6ngBg

Tuesday

Monday

29

30

5

6

31

Bangkok Trader: Networking Night http://goo.gl/EnNbR AMCHAM: Social Networking http://goo.gl/z0vuF More events for today: http://goo.gl/qD2op

7 AMCHAM: Board of Governors http://goo.gl/9Z4Wp

12

19

13

AMCHAM: Ten Steps to Advocacy Success http://goo.gl/68BUZ AMCHAM: Tax Cmte http://goo.gl/kytp1 Bangkok Entrepreneurs http://goo.gl/U98Ux

20

14 AMCHAM: HR Cmte – Healthy Workplace http://goo.gl/AdmHh AMCHAM: Marketing Cmte http://goo.gl/tYHz5

21 AMCHAM: ICT Cmte: EIU Competitiveness http://goo.gl/vYyC8 AMCHAM: Professional Women Cmte http://goo.gl/qtG3Y

26

27 AMCHAM: Doing Business in Burma http://goo.gl/TJokm

4

28

BCCT: 1/2-Day Wkshop: Change http://goo.gl/ncOcp Bangkok Trader: Networking Night http://goo.gl/EnNbR More events for today: http://goo.gl/qD2op

5

6 AMCHAM: Board of Governors http://goo.gl/gtThO

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BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF February 2012

23

Send us your business event details for the March issue

by February 17th to calendar@bangkokbusinessbrief.com Wednesday

Thursday

1

2 AMCHAM: Healthcare Cmte http://goo.gl/K0xzz AMCHAM: Travel Tourism Forum http://goo.gl/y9nzn

AMCHAM: Food & Agri-Business Cmte http://goo.gl/fZNbq AustCham: Sundowners http://goo.gl/mb7u0

8

AMCHAM: Security/OSAC http://goo.gl/MHNdj AustCham: Alumni: Khun Mechai http://goo.gl/iGY2d More events for today: http://goo.gl/qD2op

15 AMCHAM: CSR Cmte http://goo.gl/42hkR

22 AMCHAM: Monthly Luncheon http://goo.gl/KSmtU AMCHAM: Energy Cmte http://goo.gl/jGsTU

29

9

16

3

10

4

23

AMCHAM: Char.

Found. Cmte http://goo.gl/2v9PM BCCT: Life & Style Garden Party http://goo.gl/Uqb2G AMCHAM: YPC Netw. http://goo.gl/KK57e

1

AMCHAM: Annual APCAC Spring Mtg http://goo.gl/PbQBt AMCHAM: Health. Cmte http://goo.gl/pXZpf AMCHAM: Travel & Tourism Cmte http://goo.gl/FDVm9

8

11 AMCHAM: 2012 Gala Installation Ball – New York, New York http://goo.gl/lLGCP

17 AMCHAM: 2012 Black History Month Dinner http://goo.gl/GrkpB AustCham: Eastern Seaboard Sundowners http://goo.gl/44JMh

AMCHAM: Customs & Excise Cmte http://goo.gl/DJLNO

AMCHAM: Travel & Tourism Cmte http://goo.gl/y9nzn

Saturday

AMCHAM: Independ.

Day Picnic Cmte http://goo.gl/CBkpa

AMCHAM: HR & Legal Cmte: Labor http://goo.gl/CdO4u AMCHAM: Transport. & Logistics Cmte http://goo.gl/rMRWv BCCT: Networking in CM http://goo.gl/cRFoP

7 AustCham: Sundowners http://goo.gl/mb7u0

Friday

24

18 AustCham: Volunteer English Teaching http://goo.gl/YPcXE

25

AMCHAM: Independ.

Day Picnic Cmte http://goo.gl/mwKlR AMCHAM: HR Symposium http://goo.gl/IOE7w

2

3

AMCHAM: Dedication at Baan Ku Kot School, Ayutthaya http://goo.gl/IE52N

9

10 AustCham: Volunteer English Teaching http://goo.gl/drVsK

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