Bangkok Business Brief - Volume 1, Issue 6 - May 2012 by Mango Mango Ltd. Part.

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BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF May 2012

BUSINESS BRIEF

Vol. No. 1, Issue No. 6

May 2012

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Thailand’s MICE industry on the rise 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

in Thailand a much needed boost after recent catastrophes have afIn early May, don’t be surprised if fected both the leisure tourism Suvarnabhumi Airport seems bus- and MICE industries. ier than usual, as there will be as many as 38,000 Rotarians arriving The 2012 Rotary International and departing in a two-week pe- Convention will take place at IMriod. While it will certainly lead to PACT Exhibition and Convention some frustrations for other travel- Center from May 6th to 9th, with lers, this influx of Rotarians will Rotarians from over 160 countries be a boon to the Thai economy. attending and will be the biggest As such, the Thai government is international convention ever making every effort to welcome held in Thailand. MICE industry the Rotary International (RI) con- experts hope that it will help kickvention to the Kingdom and to put start an industry that has faced on a good show, and the success of some challenges in recent years the convention will go a long way as a result of political turmoil and toward giving the MICE industry last year’s flooding. Because of By Dean Outerson

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

these challenges, Thailand’s MICE industry, like many other sectors, is facing increased competition from neighbouring countries like Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, all of which are promoting themselves as safe, stable alternatives to Thailand. However, despite the problems in the past few years, Thailand is still one of the leaders in the region, and for good reason. The climate, the culture, and the country’s position as a leading tourist destination still make it a popular choice for companies and organizations Story continues on Page 20.

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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

Yesterday, event organiser Football Focus Asia announced it would hold the Standard Chartered EPL Masters Football Thailand Cup 2012 at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani on May 20.

renowned energy drink Red Bull, or Krating Daeng in Thai, is unlikely to be affected by the death of its founder, billionaire Chaleo TrueVisions, the country’s leading Yoovidhya, his second son said. cable television provider, says it will enter a bid for the three-year rights “My father always taught us [chilto broadcast the English Premier dren] to focus on what we are good League football solely, without part- at, and not to diversify,” said Chalnering with GMM Grammy. erm Yoovidhya, who developed the lucrative energy-drink business “We are confident we can win the alongside his late father both inside broadcasting rights again this year,” the country and globally. said Ongard Prapakamol, chief commercial officer of TrueVisions. He said he and his siblings have The company’s existing three-year taken care of the business during contract with the Premier League the past several years, even though will expire in May 2013. A new Mr Chaleo still attended and preround of bidding will take place in sided over meetings. Mr Chaleo, the middle of this year. TrueVisions 89, was ranked the third-richest... reportedly paid 3 billion baht to win Full story at http://goo.gl/QqBeQ its existing Premier League... Full story at http://goo.gl/UQFOT Emerging

Masters Football is an established indoor six-a-side football tournament that has been running in Britain. This year Football Focus Asia brings the tournament to... Full story at http://goo.gl/smNJn

Red Bull founder Chaleo Yoovidhya’s son reveals the making of the Thai brand that has become one of the world’s best-known. The business direction of the world-

General Interest

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Event organisers to bring in 6-a-side football, D1 series

To cash in on the rising demand for branding tied into sports marketing, event organisers and media enterprises are keen to acquire the rights to bring international sports tournaments to the Kingdom.

TrueVisions takes chance on Premier League

Energised as ever

goo.gl/bH6PF

Asian and global economies, and throwing a spotlight on a region that has experienced an economic renaissance that has largely escaped attention. The 50 Southeast Asia Challengers range in size, geographies and sectors, with revenues between $500 million and $63 billion annually. Thailand has 11 companies on the list. Recent research details insights into the region’s fastest... Full story at http://goo.gl/Oy8eg

Thailand’s global business positioning

Though the worst may have passed, Thailand is still losing its competitive edge to other countries in Asean (such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam), as well as the twin Asian powers of China champions highlight and India. For business activities, Thailand’s ranking in AT Kearney’s asean dynamism, 2011 Global Services Location Thai promise Index dropped to seventh from Fifty companies, the Southeast fourth due mainly to increasing Asia Challengers, have been ex- labour costs and uncompetitive... panding rapidly, competing in the Full story at http://goo.gl/bIriI

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sharp recovery from last year’s devastating floods, with growth of 5.5 per cent this year and 7.5 per cent next year, thanks to reconstruction and fiscal stimulus.

of capital inflows

She said enterprises had already improved their operational and production efficiency to offset higher labour costs. Producers would not raise prices immediately as it would affect their... Full story at http://goo.gl/iWVAJ

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

Thailand’s trend line will be steeper than that of Asean as a whole, which is forecast by the IMF to head up 5 per cent this UBS AG is bullish on the economy year and 5.5 per cent in 2013. this year as the country draws on its internal strengths rather than exter- Naoyuki Shinohara, deputy mannal factors to recover from last year’s aging director of the IMF, said devastating floods. the Thai economy had proved resilient and would see strong... “Thailand is now in a V-shaped Full story at http://goo.gl/SsdIF recovery after the floods with support from domestic demand. Thai Wage rise will sink exports to the rest of Asia should 10% of SMEs : TCC be relatively good. But the problem At least 10 per cent of the 2.2 milis the euro zone’s weak economic lion SMEs in the country – about growth,” Paul Donovan, managing 200,000 – would be forced to shut director for global economics, said down or move out to other counyesterday. Europe is expected to tries within half a year after the contract 0.7 per cent this year. minimum wage was bumped up to Bt300 this month, a leading busiBecause of its trade and financial ex- nessman has claimed. posure, Thailand will still be vulnerable to external shocks, he said. UBS “About 98 per cent of all compaforecasts Thailand’s economic... nies will suffer from the higher Full story at http://goo.gl/MiPqb wage as they are SMEs. Construction and security will be hurt the Wage hike won’t most since they have made adforce prices up right vanced contracts for a job, but they have to increase their spendaway ing on staff,” Bhumindr Harinsult, The Commerce Ministry yester- vice chairman of the Thai Chamday reaffirmed that the increase in ber of Commerce, said yesterday. the daily minimum wage that took effect in seven provinces on Sun- The TCC reported that about 5.6 day would not have an immediate per cent of all SMEs – companies effect on goods prices. employing 1-25 workers – would go out of business and 5 per cent would Vatchari Vimooktayon, director- relocate overseas, as they cannot general of the Internal Trade De- shoulder the higher costs in this... partment, said large enterprises Full story at http://goo.gl/DjMhe including Saha Group, which is the country’s leading manufactur- Developing Asian er of consumer goods, had said it economies will still would not increase the retail price attract a large chunk of any of its products.

Thailand in V-Shaped recovery, UBS says

...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

Developing Asian economies will still attract a large chunk of capital inflows in 2012 and 2013, though the net flows by value are expected to be of smaller amount from the previous year due to the eurozone crisis’s global spill-over effects. Reserves of the economies are also Thai economy to expected to increase accordingly out-grow Asean in the year. “Geopolitical tension affecting the oil market is surely peers: IMF a risk. But, the main risk remains The International Monetary that of another acute crisis in EuFund confirmed yesterday that rope. The building of the so-... the economy is set to stage a Full story at http://goo.gl/ZyKH8

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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

lows a complaint to the department by car importers that some in their industry provide false information about imported cars or auto parts to Prime Minister Yingluck Shi- pay low import duties. nawatra has assured South Korean businessmen of Thailand’s bright The move by the Customs Departeconomic prospects, citing the ment is expected to drive up retail government’s business-friendly prices of luxury vehicles in Thaipolicies, flood-management mea- land. However, it is well known that sures and the cut in corporate tax. those behind grey market importers usually have strong ties with politiIn a speech in Seoul, she said the cians and Army generals. Thai economy would expand by 5.5-6 per cent this year, supported So, it is not surprising that Somchai by strong economic fundamentals Poolsavasdi, director-general of the despite last year’s flood disaster. Customs Department, came out to Yingluck told more than 450 at- say that the department is giving tendees that with its solid fiscal grey importers a grace period to status, Thailand is able to launch adapt to the new regulation and... policies to promote investment... Full story at http://goo.gl/Kwt9I Full story at http://goo.gl/nnR2W

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Government hikes entice new workers The government’s new salary of 15,000 baht a month for state employees with bachelor’s degrees on top of an expected 12% hike in wages this year and the promised 300-baht daily minimum wage is starting to take a toll on industrial operators and employers. Inexperienced and new graduates have begun asking for higher starting salaries from corporate employers, starting from 15,000 baht per month or higher, said Tanit Sorat, of the Federation of Thai Industries. “If companies offer new graduates below 15,000 baht a month, they will not accept it,” said Mr Tanit. “Several companies pay that amount because we are facing a.... Full story at http://goo.gl/TU227

Grey market faces stiff test

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FTI wants delay in wider minimum wage

Businesses are urging the government to evaluate the impact of the new 300-baht daily minimum wage already in force in seven provinces,

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including Bangkok, and they plan to ask for a delay of the nationwide plan to January 2014 instead of next January. Payungsak Chartsutipol, of the FTI, said the government should wait five or six months to see how businesses are adapting before it implements the hike in the remaining provinces next year. Thaveekij Jaturajarernkul said labour-intensive industries may need to relocate to neighbouring countries, while businesses in Thailand will have to... Full story at http://goo.gl/p5BFu

Kittiratt: SMEs are on their own

Thai firms must adjust to rising labour costs without state assistance, says Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong. He dismissed a call from local business groups for the state to set up a financial assistance fund to help small businesses adjust to the wage hike. Mr Kittiratt said business leaders should not complain about the minimum wage policy, as higher wages mean higher disposable income for... Full story at http://goo.gl/qVGUs

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Thai banks eager to test Myanmar’s open door

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Myanmar ‘the last golden destination

Myanmar is on the radar for possible investment by Vietnamese companies, particularly now that western powers appear ready to lift some important sanctions on the once-isolated country. Soon after opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s party swept parliamentary byelections on April 1, the US government said it was ready to relax some sanctions in recognition of its continuing reforms.

Than Lwin, deputy chairman of Kanbawza Bank Ltd, yesterday said Myanmar authorities plan to amend laws on banking, insurance and foreign exchange operations in a few months.

The European Union last week proposed lifting almost all sanctions except an arms embargo. Washington may soon lift a ban on exports of US investment and financial services, starting with agriculture, telecoms, banking and tourism. While large amounts of foreign capital are forecast to pour in as sanctions are lifted, many foreign businesses remain cautious and will likely gauge the... Full story at http://goo.gl/6izMz

UOBT: Wealthy Thai investors looking to AEC

High-net-worth customers are increasingly expanding their investment portfolio to cover other booming Southeast Asian markets, targeting better returns on the back of the region’s booming economies, says United Overseas Bank (Thai) or UOBT.

goo.gl/bH6P

Thai banks are welcoming Myanmar’s new policy of allowing international banks to operate there by 2015 as it tries to attract foreign investment, saying they are ready to run operations there.

Thai banks are welcoming Myanmar’s new policy of allowing international banks to operate there by 2015 as it tries to attract foreign investment, saying they are ready to run operations there. KBank has set a goal of 5,000 outlets throughout Southeast Asia including Myanmar using a partnership strategy. Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) is to date the sole Thai bank to have gained Bank of Thailand permission to have an operating... Full story at http://goo.gl/2lwXw

...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

Templeton cautions investors on Myan.

Investors should be cautious when pursuing the opportunities for growth present in Myanmar and Cambodia, Southeast Asia’s frontier markets, Templeton Asset Management Ltd. said. While Myanmar’s natural resources of oil, gas and minerals are positive factors, there are “areas of concern,” Templeton portfolio manager Dennis Lim wrote on Chairman Mark Mobius’s blog. Although Cambodia is “ideally located” to benefit from trade with Thailand, Vietnam and Laos, investors need to study corporate governance standards, he said. “Weaknesses we’re especially mindful of in Myanmar are lack of a proper legal structure, the lack of a well-developed banking system,... Full story at http://goo.gl/ppBeV

Adisorn Sermchaiwong, an executive vice-president, said assets under management (AUM) of UOBT’s wealth customers total Emerging markets 120 billion baht. Of that amount, ‘key’ to prosperity 10% is in foreign investment funds Thai companies should establish a (FIFs), mainly in Singapore, Indo- firm foothold in emerging-market nesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Asia, which is expected to see higher intra-regional trade over 15 years This portion of regional market despite China lowering the annual investment has enjoyed strong growth target for its gross domestic growth, which is expected to con- product to 7.5 per cent, according to tinue after the advent of the Asean HSBC Thailand. “The opportunity Economic Community (AEC) in Thai companies should tap into is 2015. Mr Adisorn said the UOB... likely higher trade volume among... Full story at http://goo.gl/IjkDj Full story at http://goo.gl/Kvtks

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AP Honda says inventory picking up after floods The inventory of Honda motorcycles nationwide has increased after hitting a low of 50,000 units following the floods late last year, said Suchart Arunsaengroj, general manager for sales at AP Honda Co. The depleted inventory resulted in a supply shortfall of Honda motorcycles in the market after the floodwaters had receded. All motorcycles manufactured after the flood were delivered directly to the dealers to help alleviate the shortage.

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Honda to build new plant in ThailandNikkei

Honda Motor Co will build another automobile factory in Thailand, likely in the southeastern part of the country where the risk of flooding is lower, Japanese business daily Nikkei said.

...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

strong growth of its visual display business, especially smart TVs, in Southeast Asia, hence it is selecting certain television factories in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia to deliver products to Asean to benefit from the Asean Economic Community in 2015. The key criteria include cost effectiveness and short delivery lead times, Hyunsuk Kim, executive vice president, said.

Quoting unnamed company sources, the paper said the plant Thailand will be a good candidate... will have an annual production Full story at http://goo.gl/yZ4Xz capacity of 120,000 vehicles, and Manufacturers be ready by as early as 2015. It may produce models such as large minivans, it added. The existing plant in Ayutthaya, with a capacity of 240,000 units, will continue to operate, the daily reported. Honda’s production in Thailand had fallen by about... Full story at http://goo.gl/6YBWT

unsure how changing labour climate will affect them

Manufacturers are unclear on how recent developments will affect the labour situation, as reform in Myanmar is attracting migrant workers back home while the recent rise in the Thai minimum With the Honda plant at Lat Krawage has increased production bang in Bangkok operating three Samsung plans costs here while a labour shortage eight-hour shifts a day, inventory... Thailand base Full story at http://goo.gl/A3uYU Samsung Electronics is seeing persists in some sectors.

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As Myanmar languished for decades under military rule, many of its people became migrant labourers throughout this region, including Thailand. But as the political and economical reforms in their homeland lure them back, it is forecast that demand for replacement labour will increase significantly. Meanwhile, there is concern that the higher minimum wage in... Full story at http://goo.gl/9VNsp

Six top garment makers fleeing to low-wage Burma

At least six leading garment manufacturers plan to set up plants in Burma in the second half of the year. Rangoon will be the first city that Thai investors explore, since it has more highly developed infrastructure than elsewhere and is a port gateway. The current shortage of labour in Thailand and the plan to raise the minimum wage next month to Bt300 a day has... Full story at http://goo.gl/YveKx

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

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...

Infrastructure/Logistics tor-general of PAT, said yesterday that the project was developed to... Full story at http://goo.gl/y5CBx

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BKK expansion a must, IATA says

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned that a failure to deal with capacThe automatic passport screening ity limits at Suvarnabhumi airport system at Bangkok’s Suvarnab- would lead to a loss of business to humi airport went into operation other hubs in the region. yesterday without a snag, much to the rejoice of passengers for the The global airline industry body speed and convenience it provides. warned the Thai government to make aviation part of its national The Immigration Bureau, which agenda and support it by urgently spent 76 million baht on the sys- expanding airport infrastructure. tem known as Autochannel for “Thai authorities should recognise initial use by Thai passport hold- that aviation is a key enabler of ers, voiced satisfaction with how travel and tourism and contributes it was easing passenger traffic at substantially to the Thai economy the crowded airport. “It works fine and employment,” the air travel and we received a lot of compli- trade group said. ments from passengers who told us we should have had this system Citing a study completed by Oxin place long before,” Pol Col Vi- ford Economics, a global foreboon Kittiisaengsuwan, who su- casting and research consultancy, pervises departure immigration at IATA said Thailand needs to build Suvarnabhumi, told the Bangkok a new terminal and runway at SuPost yesterday. varnabhumi to ensure it remains one of the region’s main hubs. SuAnirut Thanomkulbutra, presi- varnabhumi opened in 2006 but is dent of Airports of Thailand Plc, already overcrowded, with close said passengers have yet to get to 50 million passengers using the fully acquainted with the new sys- airport each year while the stated tem but the number using it will capacity is 45 million a year. Airpick up quickly. That process will lines and the travelling public.. be quickened by the guidance of... Full story at http://goo.gl/8ozTK Full story at http://goo.gl/AmUCe

Autochannel active at Suvarnabhumi

Committee pushes Port authority woos rail plans after more banks to $1bn loan e-payment scheme The Port Authority of Thailand is seeking four more banks to join its Internet payment network for exporters and importers at Bangkok and Laem Chabang ports. Siam Commercial Bank yesterday became the second provider of electronic payment services for PAT’s customers after Krung Thai Bank. The four others that PAT hopes to enlist to offer more services to its customers are Bangkok Bank, Bank of Ayudhya, Kasikornbank and Citibank. Having more bank partners will help traders pay surcharges more conveniently through www.port.co.th, which is directly linked to those banks’ websites in real time and 24 hours a day.

The government is being urged to speed up rail development after securing a US$1-billion loan from the World Bank. Rail development is the priority in an infrastructure development plan that will require 2.27 trillion baht over five years (2012-16), according to the Strategic Committee for Reconstruction and Future Development, chaired by Virabongsa Ramangkura. Rail development under the plan will cost 321 billion baht, and the government will allocate part of the fiscal budget for this investment.

Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Board, said the government had already agreed to the loan but not the development of a high-speed rail... Surapong Rongsirikul, acting direc- Full story at http://goo.gl/rC21j

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Eco-cars lead the way as Motor Show sees good sales The 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show, which ended on Sunday, saw higher-than-expected orders for 57,058 vehicles worth more than Bt80 billion, thanks to higher consumer confidence in the economy and the release of pent-up demand from late last year. Event organiser Prachin Eamlumnow yesterday said this year’s orders had exceeded the target of 40,000 units and last year’s total of 35,000 vehicles. Between 20 and 30 per cent of the orders taken were for eco-cars, as such vehicles meet people’s concerns over rising fuel prices. Most carmakers received orders above... Full story at http://goo.gl/77515

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May 2012

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Modern trade boosts demand for consumer goods Thanks to a steady growth and a continuous expansion of modern trade, Thailand’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) showed the 2011 growth rate at 5.3 per cent compared to the year before despite having been heavily impacted by one of the country’s worst floods, according to Market Pulse – a Nielsen’s study on the overall outlook of Thailand’s FMCG market.

...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

Top retailers show mega confidence in Mega Bangna

Major retail anchors yesterday expressed confidence that Mega Bangna, the region’s super shopping centre, will be a significant driver for their growth after its grand opening on May 5. Christian Olofsson, president and shopping-centre manager for SF Development, the operator of Mega Bangna, said that the mega-mall is expected to welcome more than 110,000 visitors daily, or 40 mil“Super/Hypermarkets and Con- lion annually. venience Stores in Greater Bangkok showed great signs of re- Praphan Eamrungroj, executive covery,” commented Yongyut vice president for properties at Big Ongwattanapat, director of Nielsen C Supercenter, said the company Retail Measurement Services, “we would open a 9,100-square-metre have observed a strong rebound in Big C Extra store at Mega Bangna. terms of sales growth immediately “The new Big C Extra at Mega after the flood and this positive mo- Bangna will be our 109th hypermentum has also continued into the market in Thailand and the 16th first quarter of 2012. Even though Big C Extra opened in the market,” Traditional Trade in affected areas he said, adding that it was expectstill suffers a steep continuous... ed to break even in... Full story at http://goo.gl/ZZpX2 Full story at http://goo.gl/phnpW

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Jet charter firm plans expansion amid rising demand Advance Aviation Jet Co, a newcomer in the Thai market for private charter flight service, plans to invest at least Bt1 billion to buy three more super mid-size jets over the next three years to serve rising demand from rich people. Acting on the good feedback it has received after being established in 2006, the company officially launched a new private-jet-charter service in addition to its current VIP helicoptercharter services. The US$10-million (Bt300 million) jet – a Gulfstream G200 – designed to serve high-power passengers such as businesspeople who need to fly further than a helicopter’s range is considered the first of its kind in Thailand, said Chai Nasylvanta, vice chairman and chief executive officer. He added that the new jet-charter service would not cannibalise the company’s helicopter business... Full story at http://goo.gl/5gxcV

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Ad firms turn to social networks to boost brand engagement Seeing increasing potential in the digital arena in the Kingdom, leading global advertising and communication agencies are looking at recruiting and nurturing young talent to increase brand engagement with socialnetworking consumers. Though Thailand is experiencing a rapid rise in the number of Internet users via personal computers and smart devices, return on investment in online media remains low. Creating brand engagement and interaction with target customers would be valuable for digital advertising agencies here, as elsewhere in the world. Nick Brien, chairman and chief executive officer of McCann Worldgroup, said his firm was planning to launch a “McCann Social Central” in Thailand this year. This unit, which kicked off in New York, is meant to be a hub for a global network of social... Full story at http://goo.gl/6yt2l

NBC named as Google AdWords Premier SME Partner

Google has appointed Nation Broadcasting Corp as a Google AdWords Premier SME Partner to support small and medium-sized enterprises that want to promote their business via online media. Ariya Panomyong, country business manager of Google (Thailand), yesterday said the company had appointed NBC to distribute and sell Google online media to SMEs wishing to pursue this form of business promotion. “NBC is becoming our main partner for selling Google AdWords to SME businesses. Thailand has about 3 million SMEs, and the Internet is important for Thai business to be-

rest

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May 2012

H6PF 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, http://goo.gl/o ” Azman In Caught up in da moon, the tides. Mokhtar, zbNM India, China the managing ily details, we eas 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

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come more competitive and create benefits for them as the Asean Economic Community approaches, and enable them to expand their business base to the world,” he said.

NBC is a multimedia company that can run Google AdWords to its audience and explain online media to new SMEs, he said, adding that NBC also has an experienced sales team in this field. “SMEs are a very big channel. There are 3 million such compa- the newly created position of chief nies in Thailand, and that is why... marketing officer. He will be reFull story at http://goo.gl/A5pAQ sponsible for exploring new areas for business development. Mark Allied Telesis Chong Chin Kok, the chief operating officer, will also be appointed as strenghens Thai deputy executive vice-president for foothold marketing to temporarily take over Allied Telesis has set up a branch Mr Somchai’s tasks. office in Thailand and will establish a regional office in Chiang Mr Somchai has served as execuMai province in the third quarter tive vice-president for marketing for of the year. The networking com- five years, the longest for that post. pany expects these moves will help He will become one of the top four drive local revenue growth of 30 management executives at AIS, reper cent this year. quired to declare his shareholding... Full story at http://goo.gl/2q5p9 Kazuki Oya, chief marketing officer of the Japan-based company, NBTC vows no said it had created a branch of- loopholes in 3G fice in Bangkok early this year, auction about a decade after entering the The National Broadcasting and Thai market. “Thailand is the first Telecommunications Commission country in Asia in which we need (NBTC) has promised to plug any to focus and provide strong sup- possible legal loopholes relating to port. Thailand is an important the planned auction of the muchmarket for us with big potential, as awaited 2.1-gigahertz spectrum the company last year was able to licences to discourage attempts by generate revenue growth of more ill-intentioned parties to disrupt the than 50 per cent in the local mar- auction. ket,” Oya said. NBTC commissioner Suthiphon “We will invest more, and focus Thaveechaiyagarn made the agenmore on healthcare, government, cy’s intent clear as a guest speaker at education, networking service a recent seminar on the legal aspects providers, Japanese companies of the watchdog’s master plans and and the enterprise market in the... the 3G spectrum auction. The event Full story at http://goo.gl/Z6jBY was hosted by Phatra Securities Plc.

AIS lays out restructure

Advanced Info Service, Thailand’s largest mobile operator, is restructuring its management for a major business diversification, a top executive says. The restructure has emerged as the Thai telecom industry prepares for a 3G licensing auction on the 2100 MHz frequency scheduled for October.

aiming to double its customer base and revenue this year. The planned living social mobile application, to be launched in May, will be available for customers using Apple’s iPhone, Android-based smartphones and BlackBerry. “Given the surging number of smartphone users, at 5.4 million now, plus 20 million credit card users in Thailand, we want transactions made through mobile handsets to make up 1% of the total in one year,” said Tom Srivorakul, Ensogo Thailand’s CEO and co-founder. Mr Tom said initially KBank creditcard users will be able to purchase Ensogo discount deals from their smartphones. Top-up service is also available at 7-Eleven and Tesco Lotus stores, he said. Mobile phones... Full story at http://goo.gl/imhFR

Computers, Social media and thai law: Reducing employer liability

In the second part of our series, we highlighted employee activities involving social media which expose employers to substantial penalties under the Civil and Commercial Code (CCC) and the Computer Crimes Act (CCA). Today we identify five methods for employers to reduce their social media liability He said the commission would ask under the CCC and the CCA. potential bidders to vow that they would bid for the licences on a trans- 1. Impose terms of use specifying parent basis. The NBTC intends to that access to the employer’s comauction the 2.1GHz licenses in... puter system is only permitted if Full story at http://goo.gl/Xbysw users agree not to use the computer network to enter or forward objecEnsogo wants tionable content.

to tap growing smartphone population

Employers that allow clients or employees to access a computer system under the employer’s control risk Under the restructure, Somchai Le- Ensogo, Thailand’s largest group dis- fines of 100,000 baht and imprisonrtsutiwong will move from execu- count website, is expanding its daily ment for five years if the employer... tive vice-president for marketing to deals to the mobile phone channel, Full story at http://goo.gl/gWzqC

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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

single city. Currently, IHG operates Elite cards in need InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn. Hotel Indigo will open of funds on Wireless Road in Bangkok... The Tourism Authority of Thailand Full story at http://goo.gl/zZe8u is working hard to extend the life of http://goo.gl/fxE4d Thailand Privilege Card Co (TPC) TAT plans to woo by seeking new funding in a bid to IHG set to double Olympic refugees end continuing controversy over the properties in 5 The Tourism Authority of Thailand future of the Elite Card scheme. A is actively wooing London residents source at the TAT, who declined to years InterContinental Hotels Group who plan to be away from their be named, said an executive had pro(IHG) is cashing in on the fast- homes when the city stages the Sum- posed that the TPC board seek fresh growing hospitality market in mer Olympics from July 27 to Aug 12. funds to keep the project alive. Thailand with an aggressive plan to double thenumber of its hotels and With millions of visitors converging The remaining cash flow of Bt34 milresorts here to 24 over the next five on London for the Games, demand lion to operate the scheme, an initiayears, thanks partly to the imple- for accommodation is immense and tive of former prime minister Thakmentation of the Asean Economic Londoners have been encouraged to sin Shinawatra for exclusive use by Community (AEC) in 2015, which leave the city and open their houses wealthy tourists, will dry up this May. will drive regional travel traffic. for rent. “This is an opportunity to offer them a two- or three-week Possible funding sources include an At the same time, the group will add trip in Thailand,” said Siripakorn increase in TPC’s paid-up capital, two new brands, Holiday Inn Ex- Cheawsamoot, director of the TAT’s along with borrowings from the TAT, press and Hotel Indigo, to its port- UK Office. The office is in talks with or borrowing from financial institufolio in the Thai market, bringing its partners including Thai Airways In- tions by using the TAT as a guarantor. total brands to five. The Thai launch ternational to coordinate the Thailand of the two new brands will be their Longstay Summer 2012 campaign. There is also the possibility of taking first in Southeast Asia, so this will be all of the TPC shares from the TAT for the first country in Southeast Asia Mr Siripakorn said demand in... resale to the public. The source said... with five IHG brands operating in a Full story at http://goo.gl/q9i3e Full story at http://goo.gl/unsIE

Tourism

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Time for a tourism tune-up AirAsia marketing expert says TAT doesn’t understand technology, independent travellers, or how to cater to Asian markets. Thailand’s tourism promotion agency needs to change its mindset if it wants to successfully woo foreign tourists to the kingdom. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) needs to embrace new technology to engage a new generation of travellers, scale back its typical promotional tie-ins with travel agents, come up with country-specific promotional campaigns and refocus its marketing away from the West and toward Asia, said Kathleen Tan, a seasoned marketer known for being instrumental in helping AirAsia transform into the continent’s market leader. “The TAT needs a big change. The people at the top there are very conservative and old-fashioned,” said... Full story at http://goo.gl/uJgDf

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BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF May 2012

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Bt35-bn mega mixed-use project to take shape

Siam Piwat, the operator of Siam Centre and Siam Discovery Centre, yesterday signed a joint-venture agreement with CP Group and MagnoliaQuality Development for the development of a mega mixeduse project, which will require the country’s highest-ever investment by the private sector.

December 20 11

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...

week. Union Pattaya Property Co launched its latest condominium project, Unicca Pattaya, worth about Bt900 million, this month. Plus Property Co’s research shows that demand for condominiums in Hua Hin has grown strongly, both... Full story at http://goo.gl/ln22V

Foreign investment pouring into Amata

Amata Corporation, the leading industrial estate operator, expectsto sell 3,000 rai of land this year, aiming for revenue of 4 billion baht on continued expansion by Chinese and Japanese investors, says chief operating officer Viboon Kromadit. Amata sees the momentum of the two countries supporting revenue Worth about Bt35 billion, the proj- growth into next year. ect – described as a world-class lifestyle shopping and residential The firm is also studying investdestination – will be developed on ment in Myanmar’s Dawei project a 40-rai (6.4-hectare) plot on Cha- and is in talks with Italian-Thai roen Nakhon Road in Bangkok. Development (ITD), the project Construction will commence early operator, though still unclear on next year, with completion sched- project leeway. uled for 2015. As of the first quarter, Amata’s Tipaporn Chearavanont, CEO of largest client is Bridgestone, Magnolia Quality Development, whose project value exceeds 1 bilsaid: “We want the new property lion baht. But so far it has realised development, which will include a revenue of 200 million baht from residential project, to be among the the deal, while transfer of land title first choices for foreigners who want deeds will be completed next year. to live in Bangkok. They can spend In the second quarter, the compatheir normal life as when they are... ny will sell 350 rai of land worth Full story at http://goo.gl/xHf5D 700 million baht to a Chinese... Full story at http://goo.gl/JHleq

Property market hot in Hua Hin, Chon Buri

The property markets in Hua Hin and Chon Buri are seeing strong growth as property firms launch new residential projects worth more than Bt10 billion this month. Sansiri launched its latest vacation condominium residence, the Bt530 million Summer Hua Hin, last weekend. The project has 150 units on 3 rai (4,800 square metres) of land at a starting price of Bt2.39 million per unit. This follows its success in selling out the Bt620-million Baan Kun Koey, with a combined 302 units, in the first week of this month. The company launched the Bt1.2-billion Chelona Khao Tao condominium project in Hua Hin in March.

Residential presales exceed forecasts

The top 10 listed property firms saw presales worth more than Bt40 billion in the first quarter of the year thanks to the return of demand for homes that was suspended during the fourth quarter of last year because of the floods. This is about 60 per cent of total market value in metropolitan Bangkok of about Bt70 billion in the first quarter. Property-market observers said they had expected demand to return in the second half, but it had recovered faster than estimated. According to a survey by The Nation, Sansiri saw the highest presale value due to strong demand not only in Bangkok but in the provinces, especially its new projects in Phuket and Hua Hin.

SC Asset Corporation launched its first condominium project in Demand for low-rise homes such as Hua Hin, The Crest Santora Hua townhouses and detached houses... Hin, worth Bt1.25 billion, last Full story at http://goo.gl/WKXFY

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ies, the application of reusable materials in assembly, and the adoption of advanced technology to offer an enhance driving enjoyment. It also features solar roof, which turns sohttp://goo.gl/Y09sv lar energy to be an electric power New Prius launched for the ventilation system, as well as the remote air-conditioning for Bt1.199 mn system powered... Toyota Motor Thailand on March Full story at http://goo.gl/Ko9db 21 launched the new Prius. Toyota Prius was introduced in Thailand TREES – a new in 2010. It has attained warm wel- mark of Thailand’s come from customers in Thailand greenness like those in the world market with the accumulated sale figure LEED, Green Star, AQUA, Green at approximately 2,500,000 units Globes, PromisE, HQE, DGNB, since 1997, accoridng to Toyota. CASBEE, Green Mark, BERDE, Coming with 5 colours, the hy- and Minergie. These are unfamilbrid vehicle calls for the prices of iar to most Thais,but one day they Bt1.199-Bt1.369 million. will be, when all property owners in Thailand have the desire to obThe new Prius still comes with com- tain green building status, to leave pact appearance and state-of-the-art a neutral footprint on our severely technology that enhance environ- battered planet. mental friendliness and lower fuel consumption. Such features include The names refer to building envithe hybrid system with work by us- ronmental assessment systems curing an electric battery or a gasoline rently in use in the United States, motor coupled with electric batter- Australia, Brazil, Canada, Finland,

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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

France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines and Switzerland, respectively. Soon, Thailand’s TREES will join the ranks after its launch in March by Thai Green Building Institute (TGBI), the newly established organisation that is committed to improving the Kingdom’s environment through local engineering and architectural prowess. While multinational companies like HSBC, Bank of America and Jones Lang Lasalle are boasting of their environmental concerns through the LEED Gold certification, six Thai companies – Univenture, Toyota Motor Thailand, Toyota Nakornratchasima (Tai-Yen), Kasikornbank, Siam Cement Group’s Siam Fibre Cement, and Ananda Development – are seeking the Thai version of... Full story at http://goo.gl/3nLoL

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Thailand’s automobile industry, as the eco-car project is now close to conclusion in terms of investment figures as well as market acceptance. Toyota is the only eco-car maker that has yet to launch a vehicle, which is scheduled for introduction in Thailand in mid 2013. Nissan, which is the market leader in the eco-car segment, is starting to feel the heat from the newcomers, both of which grabbed thousands of orders at the recent Bangkok International Motor Show and ranks among the top 10 models. Other brands, including Ford and Tata, are also feeling sorry for missing out on the project

The tremendous response points to the government taking the right approach in establishing a second “champion product” for the auto industry that coincides with the global trend for smaller and more fuel-effiEco-cars start cient vehicles. Thailand’s strategy does new revolution in not end with the eco-car, and those behind strategy making are all seeing Thailand The arrival of the Mitsubishi Mirage that the eco-car is leading to a third and Suzuki Swift city cars has ap- champion product: the electric car... peared to start a new revolution in Full story at http://goo.gl/XjAFX

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Preparation for the AEC: Free flow of goods

Section 9 of the AEC Blueprint clearly lays out the five core elements to attain the goal of having a single market and production base for the Asean region; let us take a look at the issue of free flow of goods. Certain international protocols are already in effect that help facilitate movement of goods within Asean. The Asean Free Trade Agreement, Common Effective Preferential Tariffs and the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (Atiga) greatly reduce or eliminate tariff rates for most goods traded among Asean member states. For example, under Atiga, import duties are effectively eliminated for all products (with exceptions of certain “sensitive” goods) traded intra-regionally among the more developed Asean-6 (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand). Import duties are scheduled for elimination between 2015 and 2018 for... Full story at http://goo.gl/kGZco

Don’t count Europe out

The European Union, despite the ongoing economic woes of some of its members, is keen to increase its trade and investment into the smaller countries of Asean as it says there is a greater potential for growth in this part of the world. “Despite its problems the European Union remains a strong and viable partner with the Asean,” Karel De Gucht, the EU commissioner for trade, said during the second Asean-EU Business Summit in Cambodia last week. Mr De Gucht said that the future of Asean and the EU were “entwined” and the ongoing momentum to expand trade and investments should be pursued. He said EU businesses and policymakers realised that 90% of future growth would be outside their borders and a large part of it would come from the Asean grouping, so

December 20 11

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

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 the populahas cycles, too. rld told the CI Nasional of Malaysia, tio• n con Dedicated. Respected. We are all fam MB Asean Confe tribute to a pensi Trusted. gain from W iliar with the econo rence. the we on, while es t mi ak c ne bu sse sin s ess of Thailand’s peof properties. cycle His com slowdown of expansion, con • R ich database sio nn system are... ments were... covery. Howe traction and re- Full story Full story at htt The shift of eco ver, other cyc at http://goo.gl/d no p://goo.gl/ris lical fu2u • Our service to none. tpHsecond 3 mentum to the mic growth mo- phenomena affect... Thailand near Preventing up numerous East has opened Full story at http://goo.gl/fJ to p opportunities • E xpert communicators olr of list of wor that Asian countries Bangkok from out, suggests an should not miss Panel: Asia bett weakest pensld’s sink& economist. ingnegotiators. biggest io off, not immun er n systems: stud ch e, al le The robust eco nge y fr om nomic growth gl ob Gr al eece, India, Ch crises Land subsid China and em of erging economi are home to the ina and Thailand water losses ence caused by ground will open a ne es KUALA LUMPUR : The As weake tops w 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 be wealth from tra to increase their call for the region that ha ke-up crippled by a mix of the world, kok to mitigate solved in Bangs turned eign the impact of acute soverde in goods an out to be the de climate change services at a tim a blessing in disguise high bt, young retirement ages, e when the Un d nearly 15 on years later, as the ited ratios of pension a study by multin flooding, says States and Europ reg ers e are... ati ion on to fin al ’s wo an age rkers cia ncies. l sec and Full story at htt p://goo.gl/S65D6 able to sus tor is now strong and study poor pension take-up, a The conclusio showed. tain n is containe of shocks from a certain degree Grow with th d in 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 ina ‘There is a tid ean tracks the bility Index, which Asian ities”, jointly conducted by the conference. e Develop relati men, which, tak in the affairs of ity of nationa ve sustainabil- Internation ment Bank, the Japan en at the l al flo od leads on to for in 44 countries pension systems and the Wo Cooperation Agency tune”, wrote Wi , “There will be more crises around the wo rld Bank in 201 l- future, an in the showe rld, 0. d the Asian d the nu mber of crisis in tirees to people of wo Greek re- The report recom rking age reFull story at htt mended a... p://goo.gl/20yMD Sponsored by

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German chamber calls for better skills training

German investors are keen to see the Thai government quickly address the issues of insufficient skilled engineers and rising costs for businesses following the increase in minimum wages, saying such measures are critical for Thailand to stay competitive with its Southeast Asian neighbours.

T: (66) 2 260 6200 M: (66) 81 206 9993 E: ep@sincere.co.th

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However, some challenges must be addressed for Thailand to be able to capitalise on increased investments and free flows of trade in the region when the Asean Economic Community (AEC) is established in 2015, he said. “Some factors are really limiting Thailand’s capability, especially [a lack of] qualified engineers and technicians,” said... Full story at http://goo.gl/opXo7

ASEAN’s overall attractiveness matters for bus. inv. decisions

The ASEAN region holds good prospects for attracting investments, and a significant share of businesses consider the investment attractiveness of ASEAN as a whole when planning their investments in ASEAN countries. In addition, businesses attach relatively high importance to ASEAN’s implementation of measures to achieve an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015 but are relatively less satisfied with the grouping’s effectiveness in implementation. These are key findings from the 2011-12 ASEANBAC Survey on ASEAN Competitiveness. The Survey collated 405... Full story at http://goo.gl/8sgUL

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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 AMCHAM’s website.

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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

USA Fair a big success On April 19-22, the USA Fair helped attract over 100,000 visitors to CentralWorld. Leading U.S. companies and top U.S. brands created an American shopping and entertainment showcase in downtown Bangkok. AMCHAM and the U.S. Embassy

a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Over the next four days, five exhibit pavilions offered visitors an organized the event to provide array of products, giveaways and Bangkok residents and visitors the games. opportunity to sample and purchase at special prices the prod- Ford brought their Focus Theucts and services that help define ater, as well as their new Ranger the American lifestyle. pick-up and 1.6 liter Fiesta. Amway’s glamorous exhibit provided The Fair opened on April 19 when health and beauty tips and prizes U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney worth in total 12 million Baht. made a grand entrance aboard Coca-Cola supplied free Cokes all day, every day. There was also the Brand USA Pavilion, sponsored by Chevron, which contained exhibits from the U.S. Embassy, AMCHAM, United and Delta.

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http://goo.gl/mbUpG shoes and Siam Winery’s Gallo Wines. And HP provided all visitors with a picture and print with President and Michele Obama (reproductions of, that is). A drawing for two round-trip (return) flights to the USA aboard Untied Air concluded the Fair on Sunday, April 22. Ambassador Kenney did the honors of drawing the winning entries and congratulating the winners, Mr. Songyos Kulvichien and Ms. Somsri Thongtitcharoen.

If you missed the Fair, you can view the coverage on Channel 3 at http://www.youtube.com/ Visitors lined-up to clear the watch?v=oM7TVt-8ecQ or at shelves of Heritage Snack’s nuts, Facebook at http://www.facebook. fruits and juices, Winner Group’s com/USAFair2012. coffee and confections, Sino-Pacific’s Campbell’s Soups and Her- The USA Fair would not have shey’s chocolates, Piriyapul ‘s Prin- been possible without the great gles Chips, KCG’s Sara Lee cheese support from our co-host the U.S. cakes and True Value’s home and Embassy, our event partners Ford, garden products. Amway, Coca-Cola and Chevron and the other 27 participating exOther brisk business was experi- hibitors. We are already looking enced by Sunrise Tacos, Aerosoles for a date in 2013, so stay tuned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sundowners Sundowners is AustCham Thailand’s monthly business networking function. It is a great opportunity for members and guests of the Chamber to meet, network and exchange views in a social environment. Date: Wednesday, 2 May 2012 Time: 18:00 - 21:00 (last drinks served at 20.30) Cost: Baht 500 for members and Baht 950 for non-members Location: Hansar Bangkok Hotel & Residence, Rajdamri Road BTS: Ratchadamri (Exit number 4) To book: visit www.austchamthailand.com Natural Ville & Lenotre Diamond Ball celebrating 6 years of Thai-Australian bilateral relations AustCham’s Ball this year will be a night of glamour and excitement with a high quality Australian sparkling wine reception, great entertainment including the Boss Band, over 100 charity raffle prizes to win and a grand prize of a champagne diamond from Argyle mines in Australia, valued at Baht 200,000 (approximately AU$6,200) courtesy of PFJ Asia Pacific. Ticket prices are exceptional value at only 3,500 Baht per person. When you book nine on a table you will receive a tenth ticket for free! Date: Saturday, 26 May 2012 Time: 18.00 onwards Cost: Baht 3,500 per person or Baht 31,500 for a table of ten. Location: The Royal Orchid Sheraton To book: visit www.austchamthailand.com

Highlight Events from April Bangkok Sundowners - Wednesday, 4 April Sponsored by Bangkok Fine Wine and hosted at the venue of Ambar at Four Points By Sheraton Sundowners was a great success. Thanks go to our generous sponsors for a spectacular evening and their ongoing support.

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The Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (AustChamThailand)

AustCham Events for Your Calendar in May

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BANGKOK BU SINESS BRIEF

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

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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

ASEAN chief calls for education reform and English language skills

Dr Surin answers questions from the audience

Thailand faces some major challenges in the lead-up to the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. That’s the view of ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan, who was addressing British Chamber of Commerce Thailand members at our Annual Lecture & Dinner, sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank (Thailand).

fathers’, the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand when they signed the ASEAN Declaration in 1967. The aims and purposes were about cooperation in the economic, social, cultural, technical, educational and other fields, and in the promotion of regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.

“Forty five years later and we are now talking about an ASEAN economic community in a region with some 600 million people and a combined trade volume of Two Dr Surin emphasised the need for Trillion USD per year,” he said. education reform for Thailand to remain competitive as the region The Secretary General was enprepares for the ASEAN Econom- couraged by the fact that there ic Integration (AEC) in 2015. would be a 99 per cent tariff free zone by 2015 and that they were While there will be vast business ‘on course’ to secure major agreeand investment opportunities and ments on goods, services and greater connectivity, AEC also investment. But his message to brings with it challenges. Dr. Surin Thailand’s politicians and busistressed the need for Thailand to ness leaders was clear: ‘change focus on the quality of its human your mindset and explore the resources, and on increasing the possibilities’. efficiency of Thai enterprises so as to enhance its competitiveness. He stated that multinationals were doing much better than Thai He began his address by recall- companies in taking advantage of ing the words of Thailand’s former the new deregulation across the Prime Minister Anand Panyarac- ASEAN region. “Thailand’s manuhun (1991/2) who had stated during facturers are reluctant to open up his tenure that ‘the region needs to because they have so many vested develop a free trade area to prevent interests to protect. We have the the Chinese taking everything’. potential to create a new centre of growth in East Asia. Our connecHe also recalled the original aspi- tivity makes us very attractive. We rations of the ASEAN ‘founding have a master plan that embraces

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http://goo.gl/Vav3Q

road, rail and air transport, with Asked about the threats to and north-south rail links and east- opportunities for Thailand, the west corridors.” Secretary General highlighted the need to improve English language He encouraged businesses in Thai- skills (English being the official land to explore growth outside in language of ASEAN) and the imorder to compete amid globalisa- portance of reform in the state’s tion, stressing the importance of education system. intra-regional trade. “You can’t expect protection forever. Even if “Thailand is not comfortable with Asean does not open up your in- change but it faces a tremendous dustry, the World Trade Organisa- challenge. English proficiency is tion will. If it doesn’t then globali- extremely low across the country. sation will. Globalisation means The quality of our people depends commerce flows, you can’t stop it,” upon the quality of their educahe said. tion. Our students must develop analytical skills if they are to comReferring to Europe as a signifi- pete effectively.” cant trading partner for ASEAN, Dr Pitsuwan said that more in- The Secretary General clarified vestors were considering their the issue of labour mobility across options. “ASEAN is a sexy sub- ASEAN borders. “We cannot have ject now because it offers jobs, total free movement,” he said. “It is growth and profits.” However restricted to skilled labour coverone of the biggest challenges for ing such professionals as dentists, the group now was ‘the move architects, accountants, surveyors from ratification to implemen- and doctors.” tation’, as this would require legislative amendments at the He concluded by welcoming input national levels. from members of the British business community in Thailand. The Secretary General, mindful of the major problems affecting the A full report on the AEC scoreeurozone, all but ruled out a single card and how Thailand is doing is currency within the ASEAN Eco- available in the BCCT’s bi-monthly nomic Community. “It’s difficult magazine, The Brief Issue 2/2012. to have monetary union without You can request copies of the Brief countries monitoring each other’s by writing to us at membership@ macro-economic policies,” “the bccthai.com. You may also read EU is our inspiration, not our The Brief and check our upcoming model.” he said. events online at www.bccthai.com.

Dr Surin Pitsuwan (third from right) with distinguished guests and BCCT Board Directors at the Chamber’s Annual Lecture & Dinner

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

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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

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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

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