Voyageur Magazine - July 2012

JULY 2012 A publication of the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce

07 / 2012

Celebrating Canada's 145th Birthday Ave, Bloody Caesars‌ Dum vivimus, vivamus!

(See story on page 4)

Corporate

Partnership

Premier Sponsors

Executive Sponsors

Calendar

Calendar of events: 2012/2013 TCCC Executives Patron:

His Excellence Ambassador of Canada

Officers:

President – Peter van Haren Vice President – Derek van Pelt Vice President – John Casella Secretary – Dr. Tim Cornwall Treasurer – Michael Howard

Executive Board: Ali Fancy Derek van Pelt John Casella John Stevens Neil Chiu Michael Howard Peter van Haren Ron Livingston Scott Coates Sranyoo Chanate Dr. Tim Cornwall Todd Switzer

Embassy Representative: Ping Kitnikone

Advisors:

Don Lavoie Geoff McIntyre Michael White Picharn Sukparangsee Raymond Bodemer Sam Cohen Surachit Chanovan

Executive Director: Randy Shockley

Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce 139 Pan Road, Sethiwan Tower 9th floor, Bangkok 10500 Tel: +66(0) 2266-6085-6 Fax: +66(0) 2266-6087 Email: tccc@loxinfo.co.th Website: www.tccc.or.th

The Voyageur is the monthly magazine of the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce, covering all Thai-Canadian business, legal and social news of interest to the members and others who are active in expanding Thai-Canadian bilateral trade.

Editor: Randy Shockley, Executive Director, Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce Publisher: Scandinavian Publishing Co., Ltd. 211 Soi Prasert-Manukitch 29, Prasert-Manukitch Rd., Chorakeabua, Ladprao Bangkok 10230 Tel: +66(0) 2943-7166-8 Fax: +66(0) 2943-7169 Design: Disraporn Yatprom Email: disraporn@scandmedia.com Advertising Contact: Mr. Finn Balslev, Marketing Director Scandinavian Publishing Co., Ltd. Tel: +66(0) 2943-7166 ext.116 or 08-1866-2577 Email: finn@scandmedia.com

TCCC

WHEN: Wednesday, July 18, 2012; 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm WHAT: TCCC’s 9th Annual Maple Leaf Bowling Tournament WHERE: Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl, 5th Floor - Siam Paragon Cineplex PRICE: Bowlers: Individuals - 1,000 baht; Team (4-persons) - 3,600 baht; Non Bowlers – 100 Baht WHEN: Thursday, July 26, 2012 (6:30 pm – 9:00 pm) WHAT: Joint TCCC & NZTCC Networking Night WHERE: Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit PRICE: Special pricing for this joint event: 300 baht – Members; 500 baht – Non Members; price includes snacks, beer & wine.

WHEN: Friday, July 27, 2012; 11:30 am – 2:00 pm WHAT: Joint Chambers Speaker Luncheon: Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will speak on “Thai Politics: Friend or Foe of Business?”

WHERE: Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok PRICE: 800 baht – Members; 1,200 baht – Non Members WHEN: Friday, August 8, 2012; 11:30 am – 2:00 pm WHAT: Speaker Luncheon: ”How to Avoid Being Ripped-Off By Your Accountant & Run-Over by the Revenue Department” WHERE: Dusit Thani Hotel - Bangkok PRICE: 700 baht – Members; 850 baht – Non Members WHEN: Wednesday, August 15, 2012; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm WHAT: Canuck Connections Networking Night WHERE: Tenderloins – Sukhumvit Soi 33 PRICE: Members & Non Members – 200 baht

Upcoming events in the region:

CCBA

Vietnam: http://www.canchamvietnam.org When: Wednesday, July 18, 2012; 7:00 – 9:00 am What: The Breakfast Club: Hour of power of FIVE presentation x 5 Minutes Where: Jaspas Restaurant , 33 Dong Khoi, D1, HCMC Price: 220,000 VND for member, 270,000 VND for non-members (Include a buffet breakfast) Hong Kong: http://www.cancham.org When: Wednesday, July 18, 2012; 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

What: Shadow Banking In China: The Development of China's Trust Sector Where: The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, 1301 Kinwick Centre, 32 Hollywood Road, Central.

Price: 150 HK$ for members, 250 HK$ for non-members.

Japan: http://www.cccj.or.jp When: Thursday, August 2, 2012; 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

What: ‘Floating Lounge’ Summer Networking Where: Waterline, Tennozu Isle Price: 5,500 yen for members, 7,500 yen for non-members (includes 1 drink, buffet-style of a delicious selection of food, 500 Yen cash bar.)

SPECIAL NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE CHAMBER… Please take time today to mark these two upcoming TCCC events on your planning calendar: • The Maple Leaf Ball and Silent Auction on Saturday, October 6, 2012 from 6:30 pm to Midnight at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. This is the Chamber’s #1 social event of the year and a great party night, so make sure your reserve time to attend. The Silent Auction also represents a great opportunity to make a few early Christmas purchases.

• 3rd Beaver Invitational Charity Golf Tournament on Friday, November 9, 2012 and Saturday, November 10, 2012. This event is a fun-filled weekend for golfers of all skill levels and kicks-off on Friday, November 9th with the Beaver’s Eastern Seaboard Networking Night & Pre-Registration event from 6:30 pm to 9:00 PM; the Beaver Invitational Charity Golf Tournament and awards dinner occur on Saturday, November10thth We thank you for taking note of these two great annual TCCC event’s.

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Chamber News

Members of the local Canadian community and their friends gathered at the British Club on Saturday, June 23 to conduct an early celebration of Canada’s 145th Birthday. This year’s Canada Day event offered a great opportunity to connect with old friends, express some national pride and to enjoy some great Canadian comfort food and drinks.

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hile our day started off with a beautiful blue sky, Mother Nature made sure we were blessed with a short and humidity breaking rain around 4:30 pm. In the end, everyone took the short monsoon down pour in stride and we never missed a beat. We even conducted our annual boat races under dry conditions with the Flying Farangs taking this year’s honours.

In total, 329 adults and kids turned out to share in this year’s festivities. The front and rear lawns of the British Club were a hot bed of activity with Don Lavoie and Ali Fancy supervising volleyball, ball hockey, tug-of-war games and a pickle eating contest, while BNH Hospital, Michael Albert and the “Right To Play” crew managed all of the children’s games. One clear winner with the kids at this year’s Canada Day event was the British Club’s all new and massive Bouncy Castle.

The late afternoon rain helped turned the castle’s slide into one super 'Slip & Slide' event.

This year’s buffet offered some Canadianized dishes with the support of Bernie and Pauline Tweedie. Their efforts are worthy of special recognition since Bernie served his committee support role from a far in Afghanistan, while Pauline handled the local logistics support.

Additionally, no Canada Day event would be complete without our traditional Bloody Caesar Bar which was manned by John Stevens and Yves Gaboriault who poured over 60 liters of Clamato Caesars from 3pm to 5:30 pm. This year’s guests were also treated to an endless supply of Singha draft as well as specially flown-in Moosehead beer.

We wish to thank the Canada Day 2012 Committee members of Sam & Sumon Cohen, Don & Daniele Lavoie, Claudia van der Heyden, Michael Albert, Germain Bergeron and Randy Shockley, as well as Delphine & Walter Jamieson, Claudia & Andre van der Heyden, Eva Dagmar, Sranyoo Chanate, Fang van Haren, Kay Stevens, Yui and Aomy for helping to staff the event’s registration desk.

And to the British Club and its staff, we say thank you for delivering a great 145th birthday party for Canada.

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CANADA DAY 2012 Celebrating Canada’s 145th Birthday Saturday, June 23, 2012, British Club

Presentation of RT Hong Kong to Canada airline ticket by Khun Varitephas Tuppasutti, S&M Executive - Air People International, Air Canada’s new GSA for Thailand.

Presentation of two Air Asia domestic tickets to Michael Howard by Derek van Pelt

Don Lavoie winner of the Vacancies Siam’s Club Med stay

Derek van Pelt presenting the Loy Nava dinner cruise prize

Khun Vanida Kasemsri of Tours “R” Us presenting the Air Asia prize for two international tickets

Chamber News

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1. Tug of War - Men 2. Tug of War – Ladies 3. Tug of War - Kids 4. British Club Bouncy Castle 5. Pattaya Pickle eating contest 6. Daniel & Don handling drink ticket & T-shirt sales 7. Canada’s 145th birthday cake cutting ceremony 8. Preparing for the start of this year’s boat race 9. Flying Farangs winning this year’s boat race

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Chamber News

Manulife Insurance

NIST

Santa Fe

Qatar Airways

Top Hat - Pattaya Pickle booth

CANADA DAY 2012 PRINCIPLE SPONSORS & PRIZE DONORS: A special ‘Thank You’ goes out to all of the following Canada Day 2012 Principle Sponsors & Prize Donors for helping to ensure a great event: Gold Sponsor British Club’s new bouncy castle

Right to Play Team

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

True Clarity Prize and Product Donors

Singha

BNH Hospital Team

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Air Canada Air Asia Tours "R" Us Vacances Siam (Club Med) Ltd. Natee International Law Office Ltd.

Oakwood Apartments Dusit D2 Chiang Mai Loy Nova Dinner Cruises Courtyard By Marriott Bangkok Conrad Bangkok

Smiling Albino Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Grand Millennium sukhumvit Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom Crepes & Co Foodland Supermarket Co., Ltd. The Thai Silk Co., Ltd. (Jim Thompson) Shangri-la Hotel, Bangkok Genesis Skin Klinik Rajawongse

Spice Roads Company Limited Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Anantara Bangkok Riverside Amari Atrium Hotel Bangkok Neil's Tavern Spice Roads Company Limited The Sukhothai Bangkok Bumrungrad International Hospital Raja's Fashion

Economic News

Thailand, World Bank, Growth The World Bank has once again released it East Asia and Pacific Economic Update, May 2012—Capturing New Sources of Growth.

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he report offers a somewhat optimistic picture for the region, while recognizing the challenges and risks that continue to be posed by the overall external environment, notably in Europe.

The East Asia Pacific Region today has the strongest growth of any other region, as shown in World Bank Figure 2 below. While developing East Asia grew by 8.2 percent in 2011, it was nevertheless a drop from growth of nearly 10 percent in 2010, although this is explained in part due to the supply disruptions caused by the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan and flooding in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.

Despite the weaker demand coming from the United States and Europe, as these regions continue a slow recovery from the global financial crisis, the East Asia and Pacific region managed strong growth in 2011 as domestic demand, supported by easing of monetary policies, took up the slack. World Bank Figure 10 clearly shows the declining emphasis on exports. The report does note, however, that the EU, US and Japan account for more than 40 percent of the region’s exports and that European banks provide one third of trade and project finance in Asia. “Most East Asian economies are well positioned to weather renewed volatility.

Domestic demand has proved resilient to shocks. Many countries run current account surpluses and hold high levels of international reserves. Banking systems are generally wellcapitalized,” said Bert Hofman, World Bank Chief Economist for the East Asia and Pacific Region And at the same time that domestic demand has been increasing there is a notable decrease in the region’s poverty levels. “The number of people living on less than US$2 a day is expected to decrease in 2012 by 24 million. Overall the number of people living in poverty has been cut in half in the last decade in East Asia and Pacific,” said Pamela Cox, World Bank East Asia and Pacific Regional Vice President.

This increased domestic demand is something that the Bank sees as the best prospect for maintaining high growth, job creation and poverty reduction, along with investment in productivity increases and continued international integration.

This outlook bodes well for Thailand which not only has a vibrant domestic market, but is also moving away from economic

growth that is based on the attraction of low wage employment towards increased productivity through technology and increased value-added products from the creativity and knowledge of the workforce. All of this should put ASEAN’s second largest economy in a good position when the ASEAN Economic Community emerges in 2015.

The 4.5% GDP growth forecast for Thailand is somewhat lower than that issued by the Bank of Thailand in May 2012, which sees growth for the year coming in at 6%, with other forecasts as high as 6.5%.

Looking at Thailand, the World Bank counts among its reasons for growth: lower global prices, government corporate tax reduction, which is now at 23% and will reduce to 20% at the end of the year, as well as the nation’s strong banking sector and high international reserves. Also having a positive effect on Thailand is the growth in China and signs of recovery in Japan and the US. Confidence in Thailand’s economy has been supported by the flood recovery and

rehabilitation program and the public investments that will be made this year. The report also notes the government’s income support policies.

Like other economies in the region, Thailand could still encounter challenges to its growth from several areas, such as to exports from the Eurozone crisis, a fall in rice exports, inflation stemming from income and consumption support policies and reconstruction, as well as the continued threat of floods.

While consumption and support policies and reconstruction are listed among issues that could pose a challenge to growth, they are also among the reasons for the current level of growth, although clearly a balance needs to be struck. “Some countries will need to stimulate household consumption.

In others, enhanced investment, particularly in infrastructure, offers the potential to sustain growth provided this does not exacerbate domestic demand pressures,” said Bryce Quillin, World Bank Economist and lead author of the report. “With a changing financial sector in the aftermath of the financial crisis, new ways to finance higher levels of infrastructure investment need to be developed. Governments would need to focus on accelerating the preparation of infrastructure projects.”

The recent May meeting of the bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee “deemed the current level of the policy rate to be appropriate in supporting a smooth recovery in economic activity to normal levels, while keeping inflation risks manageable.”

With economic growth in Thailand strong for the foreseeable future, with the coming AEC in 2015, reduced corporate tax rates and located in a vibrant economic region, Thailand remains the ideal location for investors.

Source: Thailand Investment Review-A publication of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).

For more information about investment opportunities in Thailand, click www.boi. go.th The BOI Investment Review is a monthly publication of the Thailand Board of Investment.

Any questions or comments regarding content may be addressed to marketing@ boi.go.th or the BOI Marketing Division at Tel. 66 2553 8217.

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Member News

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NIST launches its one-to-one iPad Programme in its Elementary School in August

In August 2012, NIST will introduce a bold new iPad programme in its Elementary school, equipping Year One to Year Three classrooms with sets of Apple iPads and providing one iPad per student in Years Four to Six. Over 500 iPads will be launched to complement the school-provided, PC laptop or tablet computers used in its secondary school 1:1 programme.

NIST has been amongst the leading international schools in the region for the past 7 years to embrace technology-enhanced learning, with its one-to-one tablet programme, interactive whiteboards and Front Row audio amplification system.

“Although we would never advocate pursuing every new technology for the sake of technology, we are very convinced that the iPad offers a unique opportunity to impact teaching and learning. NIST’s Vision for Technology is to develop responsible global citizens equipped with the critical thinking and technological literacy skills necessary to participate effectively in the worldwide community of learners. To this end NIST seeks to use technology as a cognitive tool to support teaching and learning,” said Jay Priebe, NIST Technology Director.

What this means for students, teachers, administrators, and ICT support teachers is that the focus is to use technology to facilitate learning not just to have technology. The NIST framework for technology learning goes beyond the use of the computer or device into the conceptual areas of Communication, Collaboration, Creation, Investigation, Organization, and Being Responsible. When students have technological understanding at conceptual levels, they are better able to apply them to new situations and even new devices.

NIST remains committed to its tablet programme and the introduction of iPad is an extension of that commitment. Tablets or slates, such as the iPad, have come a long way in a short space of time. Having emerged as media consumption devices, they have transformed into capable, mobile computing devices. The form factor of a tablet such as the iPad is a perfect fit for younger children who need lightweight devices that do not get in the way. The touch-screen is very age-appropriate. Additional features, such as battery life and instant start-up, make them easier to use flexibly within the IB PYP (Primary Years Program), inquiry-based, classroom.

For more information, please contact: Thitiphon Untrakul , 02 651 2065 ext 125, thitiphonu@nist.ac.th Supranee Taecharungroj, 02 651 2065 ext 100, supraneet@nist.ac.th

Rio+20: Fighting Poverty can Benefit Businesses DOI CHAANG COFFEE COMPANY named in the Top 10 Small & Medium Size Enterprises at World Business and Development Awards 2012

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oi Chaang Coffee Company was shortlisted in the top 10 Small & Medium Sized Enterprises and was the only Canadian Company to berecognized at the WBDA held June 19th in Rio de Janeiro at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20).

These awards given by the International Business Leaders Forum, the International Chamber of Commerce and the United Nations Development Program are recognition of the crucial role the private sector plays in achieving the millennium goals: eight internationally-agreed targets to reduce poverty and environmental degradation and improve education, health conditions and

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gender equality by 2015.

The international judging panel reviewed 115 entries from 38 separate countries to select the top companies delivering inclusive business models that are sustainable and commercially-viable while expanding access for low-income people to goods and services, or improving their livelihoods by engagement in value chains as direct employees, suppliers or distributors, while also generating sales and profit growth.

“We are truly honoured and appreciative of this recognition” said John Darch, Chairman and founder of Doi Chaang Coffee Company. “By recognizing companies in the private sector for their innovative and sustainable business practices, the WBDA are bringing awareness to the vital role we play in achieving the MDGs as well as hopefully encouraging more companies to embrace social responsibility as a necessary yet viable approach to business development.”

This is the third major international recog-

nition for Doi Chaang Coffee Company within the past 5 months. In May, 2012 Doi Chaang Coffee Company received the “Company of the Year” award from the Thai Canada Chamber of Commerce and in November 2011 Doi Chaang Coffee won 3rd Place for “One Village One Brand” by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Doi Chaang Coffee Company continues to receive much international attention due to its innovative Beyond Fair Trade relationship between the Northern Thailand’s indigenous Akha hill tribe and the Canadian family run company. In addition to its commitment to environmental sustainability, the growers are paid above Fair Trade prices for the green beans and keep 100% of the proceeds from the green beans they sell within the Asian market. In addition, the growers were gifted a 50% registered ownership in the Canadian Company.

Business News

Why People Become Negative and…

What You Can Do About It! On June 13, 2012, the TCCC supported a joint foreign chamber speaker luncheon in which AmCham, AustCham, BCCT and TCCC all participated.

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n total, 90+ individuals participated in this mid-year luncheon with AmCham contributing over half of the events attendees.

The featured presenter, Chérie Carter-Scott, defined Negaholism, the climate conducive to creating and fostering negativity, and showed the way to overcoming it.

As a professional, you might encounter negative executives or employees who have Negaholic tendencies in the workplace.

People aren’t born negative, and most negative people do not perceive themselves that way. You may not be negative, however, you probably encounter and interact with negative people in your work or personal life.

In a climate of sufficiency, there is little negativity, however, when scarcity becomes the norm, negativity starts to creep into even the most positive of situations.

Change is an invitation to Negativity, especially significant change. When approaching the ASEAN Economic Community of 2015, this is the type of significant change that can summon the naysayers to come forward. Understanding where Negativity comes from, knowing how to detect it, and determining how to effectively change the behavior of an individual or an entire culture is critical to embracing major change. If people buy-in to the change, it will be effective, and if they don’t, it will fail. Leaders must know how to effect buy-in to change if they are to be successful.

We thank Chérie for supporting this unique joint chamber luncheon and for sharing her insights on why it is so difficult for people to make the shift from Negativity …to a positive, optimistic, hopeful mindset. The TCCC also wishes to thank AmCham, AustCham and BCCT for their strong support of this joint chamber event.

Preparation for the ASEAN Community in 2015 In order to response to the globalization, and to strengthen the economics and security in this region, ASEAN leaders announced their intention to establish the ASEAN Community by the year 2015.

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since 1974.

She is the author of 16 books, a consultant to CEO’s of top companies, she is an expert in Coaching, Customer Service, Change management, and this month’s luncheon topic, “Negaholics: Overcoming Negativity”.

She has been featured on The Today Show, CNN, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and many more television and radio programs. Not only is she a media personality who has worked on 5 continents, Dr. Carter-Scott is also a wife, mother, and an instrument-rated pilot!

he ASEAN Community will enhance the cooperation among ASEAN countries in various aspects. This will be based on three main pillars: ASEAN Political-Security Community, ASEAN Economic Community, and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

As one of the ASEAN members, the integration and the cooperation of the ASEAN Community 2015 will greatly impact Thailand by increasing people mobility (workforce, students, and tourists), increasing trade, and increasing investment, etc. Hence, it is essential that we prepare ourselves well for the next three years.

Many organizations both in the private and public sectors have been alerted to this fast-approaching ASEAN Community.

As a result, many companies have set their strategic goal in human resource development in order to prepare their companies and their employees to be competitive in the ASEAN market.

Language skill has been emphasized as one of the keys to the success of the ASEAN Community. Increasing in regional trade and investment due to this cooperation will require the workforce to have a much higher level of English skill.

Education First (EF) is the largest language education institution which has been founded since 1965 in Sweden. Now we have over 400 offices and 40 schools all over the world. We have been working with many large multinational organizations, including DHL, Accenture, P&G, Sony, Nestle, IBM, Volvo, HP, Google, Beijing Olympics game 2008, to help them breakdown the language barrier in workplace, to enhance international trade, and to support the company global mobility program.

Not only at the corporate level, students and young professionals also need to be prepared for the ASEAN Community 2015 as well. The liberalization of trade in education services and the future employment in ASEAN will enhance the mobility both for the higher education and workforce in this region.

To address all these needs, EF offers in-house online corporate language training, short-term language course for both adults and students, long-term language course, English for Business course, summer language camp for children, university preparation course, and internship program. EF does offer up to seven different languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, and Dutch.

In addition, EF has an exclusive promotion to the members of the Chamber of Commerce. If you would like to obtain more details, please contact Mr. Shane Wanniwat Lersnimitthum, a Business Development Manager at EF. We will be able to address all your language needs both at the corporate level or individual level.

Contact: Michael Pomije at michaelpomije@gmail.com or 081-252-5905 for Dr. Cherie Carter-Scott (www.drcherie. com) & (www.themms.com)

Contact: Mr. Shane Wanniwat Lersnimitthum Tel: +66 (0) 81-376-1989, E-mail: wanniwat.lersni@ef.com www.ef.com, www.youtube.com/ef

Luncheon Speaker Profile Chérie Carter-Scott The TCCC’s June 2012 Speaker Luncheon featured Chérie Carter-Scott, Ph.D., an international best-selling author, entrepreneur, OD consultant, lecturer, trainer, talk-show host, master coach, and seminar leader

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Member Profile

GUE… The new GSA for Air Canada Over Three Decades of Specialized Travel Service

Global Union Express Co., Ltd., a wholly Thai-owned company, was started by Mr. Charin Nukornavarat in Bangkok in 1980, initially handling Aeroflot’s passenger and cargo business with great success. Khun Charin started his career in the aviation business as a ground service officer working at Don Mueang International Airport for several European airlines. He quickly understood the significance of Thailand as the centre for air traffic in Southeast Asia, and as an attractive destination for tourists from around the world. He realized that the airline business was essential to the development of Thailand’s economy especially in the tourism and export sectors.

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Khun Charin with daughter Charunya

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UE quickly expanded its services in outbound and inbound tourist movement to and from Russia, Eastern Europe and Thailand. In 1982, it became one of the first accredited IATA agents in Thailand. The company also expanded its network of branches throughout the country to Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Phuket, and has ventures with partners in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Taipei.

GUE has extended its services to other areas of travel and transportation in its three

decades of operations. In 1986, it established Air People International and in 1989 this company started acting as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Czech Airlines. From 1989-2001 it provided an online service for Czech Airlines from Prague-Dubai-Bangkok and today it still act as an offline GSA for that airline, and as a preferred agent of Transaero Airlines, and Vladisvostok Air. In 1987, GUE set up its next company Asian Flight Services. It was established to develop inbound business to Thailand, Indochina and Myanmar. Its representatives

Member Profile

also handle chartered air companies’ ground handling and related services in major airports in Thailand too.

In 1990, it set up Global Express Center as an air-sea cargo forwarder and customs services to facilitate the prompt and reliable delivery of goods. Then in 1991, it established Aeroglobal Company Limited to act as a GSA for Aeroflot-Cargo and to help promote Aeroflot passenger sales. Russians love Thai hospitality Khun Charin says so in 2003, GUE established Destination Paradise to specifically deal with inbound Russian Market tour operators in Thailand and Cambodia as well.

Today, Global Union Express is one of the top IATA travel agents in Thailand, leading the industry into a new era of IT services.

The company’s corporate division has built a reputation for providing high quality and professional service with the association of its international partner, the global travel company, Radius. Services including worldwide online hotel accommodation and high-standard customer services to satisfy corporate customers.

The RADIUS International Hotel Program is one the industry's most comprehensive hotel programs. It provides substantial discounts guaranteed to be the lowest available from any travel company. It also features several innovative discount programs, all of which add up to superior value for travellers.

This year’s program has more properties than ever before—over 32,000! This compre-

Vancouver cityscape

hensive program includes hotels all around the world, in every class of service, so you’ll be sure to find exactly what you’re looking for. Each hotel offers the best room rates available as well as additional amenities and services including last room availability.

GEU’s Leisure Division (Flying Orange) represent a wide spectrum of products from regular tours to Russia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Turkey and all parts of Europe. It also designs attractive tailored-made incentive programs around the globe for corporate companies and individual package tours are available to Indochina, Myanmar, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Singapore, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, and of course, throughout Thailand.

On March 2012 GUE became the GSA for Air Canada. Since the airline doesn’t fly to Bangkok, you need to take another airline to either Hong Kong or Tokyo to grab your Air Canada flight home. When asked why so few Thais travel to Canada, Khun Charin says “There’s very little promotion about Canada here and many Thais think that Canada is very far away, further even than the United States. The cost of accommodation and transportation is also very expensive unless you stay in one place.” He says that Thais favourite Canadian location of choice is the Rockies, or more specifically Banff. Charin is trying to arrange package tours for Thais during Thai school holidays (April & May and October), when ticket prices are a little lower.

He’s also going to start promoting Canada

through a number of posters Air Canada will be delivering to him soon.

GUE sells about 100,000 tickets annually and has a turnover of two billion baht (ranked five in the business). This global group of companies provides a very comprehensive service in the travel and air transportation business. The company has many satisfied and happy customers, why not be one of them? www.guetravel.com