Voyageur Magazine - November 2012

NOVEM BER 2012

A publication of the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Corporate

11 / 2012

Partnership

Premier Sponsors

Executive Sponsors

Calendar

TCCC

Calendar of events: 2012/2013 TCCC Executives Patron: His Excellence Ambassador of Canada

WHEN: Wednesday, January 16, 2013; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm WHAT: Canuck Connections Networking Night WHERE: The British Club - Silom Poolside Sala (Silom/Soi 18) PRICE: Members & Non Members – 200 baht

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: Sean Brady 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

WHEN: January 2013; 11:30 am – 2:00 pm; final date to be advised WHAT: Speaker Luncheon: Khun Pimpaka Nichgaroon, Head Strategist for Thanachart Securities Research Department is being recruited to provide a Thailand economic and investment outlook for 2013 WHERE: Venue to be advised - See event mailer for details PRICE: 700 baht – Members; 850 baht – Non Members WHEN: Saturday, February 9, 2013; 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm WHAT: The Great Canadian BBQ 2013 WHERE: Ambassador’s Residence PRICE: 1,600 baht per person; Kids 12 & under - 500 baht WHEN: Wednesday, February 13, 2013; 11:30 am – 2:00 pm WHAT: Speaker Luncheon: Mr. Sek Wannamethee, Director-General, Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs will talk about ThaiCanada overall bilateral relations, ongoing and future cooperation and the results of the Canadian PM's last visit to Thailand.

WHERE: Venue to be advised - See event mailer for details PRICE: 700 baht – Members; 850 baht – Non Members WHEN: Saturday, March 2 & Sunday, March 3, 2013; 10:00 am – 8:00 pm WHAT: The 46th Diplomatic Red Cross Bazaar 2013 WHERE: Royal Paragon Hall, 5th Floor- Siam Paragon PRICE: 1,600 baht per person; Kids 12 & under - 500 baht

Upcoming events in the region:

CCBA

The Philippines: http://cancham.com.ph WHEN: December 11, 2012 WHAT: Latest Tax Developments of 2012 and How They Impat your Business WHERE: Canadian Chamber Board Room PRICE: Free for members and 500 Philippine peso for non members Japan: http://www.cccj.or.jp WHEN: December 16, 2012 WHAT: Canadian Christmas dinner WHERE: Two Rooms Grill/Bar PRICE: 14,500 yen

His Excellency Mr. Philip Calvert

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to the Kingdom of Thailand Philip Calvert (BA Honours, University of British Columbia, 1980; MA, York University, 1982; PHD, University of Washington, 1991) joined the Department of External Affairs in 1982. His first assignment was as Second Secretary in Beijing from 1984 to 1987. At Headquarters, he worked in the Trade Policy Competitiveness Division and the APEC Division, as Director for technical barriers and regulations and as Deputy Chief Negotiator for Canada for China’s accession in the World Trade Organization. Abroad, Mr. Calvert has served as both Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission in Beijing. Since 2008, Mr. Calvert has been Director General of the North Asia Bureau. He is married and has three children.

November 2012

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TCCC News

The 2012 Beaver

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nce again the TCCC joined forces with the Flying Farangs Hockey Club for a weekend of golf and fun for a cause. The 3rd Beaver Invitational Charity Golf Tournament was held in Pattaya. The Organizing Committee welcomed a field of over 140 players to an event that has quickly become one of the most popular on the expat golfing calendar.

Title Sponsors KINGDOM PROPERTY did a superb job in bringing their high standards to the event, promoting their Southpoint condominium project in South Pattaya, and participating in every phase of the event, led by their Managing Director Nigel Cornick who was well supported by a top-notch team headed by Henri Young.

The event kicked off in style in the lobby lounge of the Amari Orchid Hotel, with a superb assortment of food being washed down with a popular open bar. A 50-50 raffle was held with lucky winner Dawn Lynn Bowness taking home half the pot.

Then it was on to Saturday and down to business at a well-groomed Phoenix Golf Club, where the popular two-player scramble is the standard Beaver format. Upon arrival, the players were greeted by the event sponsors with mulligan tickets being quickly snapped up.

While the Beaver is not known for serious golf, it is known as a great day out, and this year was no exception, with exceptional hospitality being provided on course by Kingdom Property, Bourbon Street and Richman Poorman restaurants. Beverages were in demand, and as usual there was an ample supply, with beer consumption at a new alltime record. On-course games and fun from Bazi’s beverage supply, the Flying Farangs slapshot contest, Doug Hood’s Beat the Pro, and Kingdom Property’s Hole in One for a condo made for great entertainment.

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9 The golf managed to finish in the daylight this year, allowing everyone time to get back to the Amari Orchid for the evening’s festivities, highlighted by our first chance to meet incoming Ambassador Phillip Calvert, who assisted with the prize giving.

All in all, a great weekend where friends get together for fun, friendship, and a great cause. We look forward to the 4th Beaver, which will be held over the same weekend next year – so sign up now! Check out the website www.beaverinvitational.com for updates or go to the Chamber website at www. tccc.or.th for the complete photo gallery.

About the Charity: We are delighted to support The People Eye Care Foundation (P.E.C.F.) of Thailand, a volunteer medical outreach organization that travels to rural community hospitals each month, performing cataract eye surgery on those who could not otherwise afford this important medical help. A dedicated team of 2-3 ophthalmologist surgeons, 6-10 nurses, auxiliary staff and volunteers donate their time to carry out weekend Eye Missions, restoring sight to anywhere between 100 – 150 patients blinded by cataracts over two days.

The dust and sun from working long hours in the fields in rural areas of Thailand can cause the early development of serious cataracts.

The other fifty percent of net proceeds will be split evenly between the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce to support the ongoing operation of this "Not-for-Profit" organization and the Flying Farangs to support the continued development of ice hockey in Thailand, with emphasis placed on encouraging Thais to learn the skills and dynamics of ice hockey.

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Networking Night:

1. TCCC VO, John Casella welcomes guest the Beaver networking night event at the Amari Orchid Pattaya 2. Kingdom Property executives Nigel Cornick and Henri Young enjoying Friday’s networking night. The tournament committee thanks Kingdom Property for serving as the events ‘Title Sponsor’ 3. Flying Farang participants kicking off a fun-filled weekend 4. Dawn Lynn Bowness with John Casella; Dawn was the lucky winner of the night’s 50/50 draw 5. (L-R) Simon Neville, John Stevens and the Mr. & Mrs. Sean Brady

Golf Tournament:

6. Players checking in on the morning of the Beaver Invitational Charity Golf Tournament 7. Player carts lined-up and ready to go 8. Colin Hastings, Big Chili’s Managing Director & Publisher, joined this year’s event as a guest player for Kingdom Property 9. Pattaya Pickle crew handing out snacks; all golfers received free jar of Pattaya Pickles on this day.

10. PPI crew serving breakfast 11. Doug Hood and Les Walsh getting ready for the big day

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TCCC News

RESULTS TECHNICAL PRIZE WINNERS: Prizeshole

Sponsor

Competition

Winner

L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 L6 L7 L8 L9

Kingdom Property Singha Bourbon Street Raja's Yamira Richman Poorman Doug Hood Baker Tilly Santa Fe

Nearest to Pin in 2 Andrew Kloosterhuis, Near Pin Longest Putt Holed Noi Cassidy Nearest to Beaver off Tee Long Drive in Fairway All in the Bunker - draw Sivilay Manisy Near Pin / Beat the Pro One Putt (Draw) Team Gross Birdie (draw)

Dave Zalewski Alan Abernathy

O1 O2 O3 O4 O5 O6 O7 O8 O9

Kingdom Property Flying Farangs Bazi Allied Pickfords Southpoint Pattaya Pickle Ppi Rajawongse Mazars

One Putt (Draw) Longest Putt Holed Nearest to Beaver off Tee Long Drive in Fairway Near Pin / Hole in One All in the Bunker - draw near Pin Nearest to Pin in 2 Team Gross Birdie (draw)

Chris Avant Lyle Schultz Jouni Heinonen Sunny Kishor Mark Leonard Rick Cassidy Martin Svensson Val Kienast Adam Huang

2nd 66 5.1 60.9 Ball Busters 1 Duff Soby Val Keinast

3rd 68 5.8 62.2 Can-Am 1 Nick Siripun Doug Knox

Larry Crebo Jari Turunen Anand Koghar Eli Pupovac & Leroy Charmdra Val Kienast & Duff Soby

TOURNAMENT WINNERS: GROSS 1st Gross 64 Team It's Only Light Blue Officer Player 1 Andrew Kloosterhuis Player 2 Dave Zalewski NET Gross Hcap Net Team Player 1 Player 2

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1st 70 12 58 Big Ones John Heatherington Roger Ford

TCCC News 1

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5. (L-R) TCCC President, Peter van Haren presenting the Award for 3rd Lowest Net Score to Nick Siripun and Doug Knox 4. Peter van Haren ( C ) presenting the Award for 2rd Lowest Net Score to Duff Soby and Val Keinast 2. H. E. Mr. Philip Calvert welcoming players and guests to the Tournament’s awards dinner 3. Ambassador Calvert presenting awards to this year’s Beaver Trophy Winners. John Heatherington and Roger Ford won with a Net Score of 58.

1. Wearing the Beaver Invitational Charity Golf Tournament’s traditional winner’s jackets are Messrs. John Heatherington and Roger Ford.

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TCCC News

The People Eye Care Foundation Story

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n 1987, General Kavee Kampeerayan, the Director of the Thai Army Security Centre, suffered retinal detachment in his right eye. Operated on by Dr Somsran Watanachote , his vision returned to 20-20 from only being able to see three feet ahead ahead. Along with Mr Sintu Sornsongkom and her Highness Tasanavalai Sornsongkon the General proceeded to raise Bt305,500 to start the Rajvithi Eye Foundation, located in Rajvithi Hospital (the organization was renamed the People Eye Care Foundation, the PECF, in 1994). The Christian Blind Mission (CBM) donated a cryomachine and other necessary equipment to help get the Foundation up and running.

To commemorate King Rama IX’s 50th year on the throne, the Foundation carried out 2,500 cataract operations with intra-ocular lens implantation from 1995-96. Fifty-nine Thai hospitals participated in the project and 2,464 lens were donated. Then to honour the King’s sixth cycle, 7,200 surgeries were performed from 12 Aug 1998 to 5 Dec 2000.

A cataract is defined as “a medical condition affecting your eyes in which they become white and you gradually lose the ability to see”. A cataract happens when a normally clear lens becomes cloudy, inhibiting light rays from reaching the retina causing cloudy or blurred vision. The most common cause of cataracts is aging, but inherited genes, a viral infection (like German measles), an eye injury or inflammation, long-term steroid use, long-term unprotected exposure to sunlight and a previous eye surgery can also cause cataracts.

In Thailand alone, approximately 200,000 suffer from cataracts. These cataracts can be extracted, but many elderly people in rural areas cannot afford to have cataract surgery, that’s where the People’s Eye care Foundation comes in. Each month, it organizes “Eye Missions” to rural community hospitals. A team of volunteers, usually consisting of a few

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Center Dr Somsran in yellow shirt ophthalmologists, 6-10 nurses and auxiliary support staff, as well as several non-medical helpers gather to travel by coach to the selected community hospital where they will carry out the “Eye Mission” and treat up to 150 affected by cataracts.

Since many of Thailand’s rural hospitals don’t have specialized eye equipment, the coach is packed with powerful and heavy microscopes, operating equipment and boxes of optical equipment. Each operation takes about 45 minutes.

The surgery has many effects; it obviously restores sight and freedom to the sufferer, and it relieves the strain placed on families who support the semi-sighted family member.

The benefits of the surgery are such that the generally elderly patient can return to a fulfilling family life by taking on small household chores or looking after grandchildren thus freeing up the parents to take up further employment.

The TCCC Executive Board is honoring the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to the Thai community by throwing its support be-

hind the PECF. The goal is to raise 600,000 Baht by the end of 2012, equivalent to the costs of lenses and supplies of one monthly mission of 120 operations (5,000 Baht per operation). In a recent meeting with Dr. Somsran Watanachote, founder of PECF, the TCCC made the commitment to reach that goal and agreed that the mission scheduled for January, 2013, to Thatum Hospital, Surin Province, would be ‘officially’ designated the ‘TCCC Eye Mission’.

The Executive Board has approved a plan to match members’ donations on a 2 for 1 basis. As an example, a member’s donation of, say, 10,000 Baht would be matched by 20,000 Baht from the chamber, using funds of the TCCC’s operating budget and other available resources, for an aggregate 30,000 Baht. If just 20 Chamber members donate 10,000 Baht each, when added to the Chamber’s matching monies, the TCCC will reach its target, and each of you will have the quiet satisfaction of knowing that you have helped restore the gift of sight.

TCCC News Schedule of Eye Missions in 2013 20 - 22 January Thatum Hospital, Surin Province 17 – 19 February Maelao Hospital, Chiangrai Province 17 - 19 March Hod Hospital, Chiangmai Province 21 - 23 April Bamnetnarong Hospital, Chaiyaphom Province 19 – 21 May Mae Ai Hospital, Chiangmai Province 16 - 18 June Nongbuarahaeo Hospital, Chaiyaphom Province 14 - 16 July Chondaen Hospital, Phetchabun Province 18 – 20 August Chumphae Hospital, Khonkaen Province 15 - 17 September Sawankhalok Hospital, Sukhothai Province 27 - 29 October Langu Hospital, Satun Province 24 - 26 November Maelao Hospital, Chiangrai Province 22 - 24 December Mae Ai Hospital, Chiangmai Province

How to donate: 1) By Bank transfer: Bank Account Number: 018-1-13396-1 Account Type: Current Account Beneficiary Name: Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce Name of Bank: Kasikorn Bank, Patpong Branch Bank Address: 42 G Floor, Songsermprakanpai Building, Surawong Road, Kwang Sashay Khet Bangrak, Bangkok 10500.

2) By Credit Card:

See TCCC Fax Credit Card Payment Form.

All donations are eligible for tax deduction.

3) By Cheque payable to: “Thai – Canadian Chamber of Commerce”.

4) By Cash at TCCC Office.

Fundamental freedoms in Canada 30 years of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

by Steven Trafford Taylor

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he Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the “Charter”) was introduced by the government of Pierre Elliott Trudeau and it was signed into law

by Queen Elizabeth II on 17 April 1982. For 30 years, Canadians have had a codified set of political and civil rights that includes fundamental freedoms and rights relating to democracy, language, equality and mobility.

The Charter has played an influential role in the development of the Canadian legal system. Legislation in Canada cannot, unless it is reasonable, violate Charter rights.

In other words, the Charter was designed to (1) codify certain absolute rights into law and (2) bind successive governments to uphold such rights. Canadians highly value the legal protections granted to them by the Charter and it is often used as a model code for the protection of individual liberties by countries around the world.

The process for which Charter rights are protected is litigious. If a person believes his or her right has been violated then that person can go to court to seek a decision. A judge will hear the case and has the authority to declare the alleged wrong as a violation of a Charter right. If there is a violation then the government has the right to counter by arguing that the violation is reasonable under section 1 of the Charter. There are situations where Charter rights have been restricted when it has been reasonable to do so. Courts

ultimately have the power to either limit a Charter right or declare that a Charter right has been violated. If there is a violation then the person will be granted a remedy based on what the judge feels is appropriate under the circumstances.

The Charter is one of Canada’s most revered and respected set of laws. Canadians

often take for granted the Charter and the rights they are protected by. There are only a handful of countries around the world that grant its citizens such protections.

Upholding freedoms and liberties require active involvement and cooperation by the judiciary and law-makers. Canada deserves recognition for its adherence to the continued protection of Charter rights for all Canadians since the introduction of the Charter. Canadians will be well served by the Charter for years to come.

Steven Trafford Taylor is a corporate lawyer with Consilium Law Corporation in Singapore. Originally from Canada, Steven has also taught contract law at the University of London.

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Planning a business or personal trip to Myanmar?

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uring September 2 - 5, 2012, the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce conducted its first market study mission to Myanmar to provide chamber members and Canadian companies with an opportunity to experience first-hand the Golden Land’s rapidly changing business environment.

As strangers in a new land, the success of our mission was due in large part to the great on-the-ground support provided by Grand Lotus Travels & Tours. Grand Lotus is a non-government tour operator that is owned 100% by Myanmar citizens and run by a group of enthusiastic and experienced young professionals. This Yangon based company was founded in 2007 and is a member of PATA, MMC (Myanmar Marketing Committee) and UMTA (Union of Myanmar Travel Association).

Grand Lotus has a demonstrated record for delivering tailor made business trips and offers branch offices in all key Myanmar destinations including Bagan, Mandalay, Inle

Lake, Myrauk U, Kyaing Ton and Putao. For business travellers looking for the right mix of comfort, style and safety, Grand Lotus will ensure you’re connected with the best dining venues, hotels and transportation that Myanmar has to offer. And as we found out, they will also back up your travel team with outstanding guides and translators. Their guides are full-time Grand Lotus employees who are carefully selected for their service skills and market knowledge.

If you’re looking to plan a successful and worry free business (or personal) trip to Myanmar, you may want to leverage our learning experience by contacting Grand Lotus Travels and Tours Co., Ltd. Tel: (95-1)-230 5003, 230 5004, 230 5005, 230 5006, 230 5007 Fax: (95-1)507 006 Email: grandlotus@myanmar.com.mm Website: www. grandlotustours.com

R EL I A B L E QU A L I T Y S U P ER B VA L U E I M P ECCA B L E S ERV I CE Providing high quality custom tailoring for more than 45 years, Raja’s Fashions has been featured in Men's Vogue Magazine, International Living, Worth Magazine, Esquire, Fortune, Bangkok Guide, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s Guide, Fodor’s Guide, The Washington Post, Vivre A Bangkok, Conde Nast Magazine and many other travel magazines.

N EW L OCA T I ON . T H E SA M E R A J A S EX P ER I EN CE.

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160/1 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110 Thailand NEW LOCATION on the main road near Soi 8, in front of NANA BTS Station Tel : (66-2) 253 8379 / (66-2) 253 8389 E-mail : rajas@ksc.th.com Open: Monday - Saturday from 10.30am to 8pm

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D R ESS S H A R P. L OOK S H A R P. F EEL S H A R P.

HISTORY OF THE GOLF BALL Doug Hood Owner of Doug Hood Golf School

The golf ball has developed through of number of stages since the beginning. In the 15 th century the original golf balls were made of wood. In the next century came the ‘‘feathery’’ ball: made from a leather casing stuffed with a tophatful of goose feathers; the making of which cost so much, only the rich Scottish Nobles could afford, while the ordinary Scot went on playing with wood.

clubhead and fly further with better control.

Out of the Haskel design has evolved the modern golf ball as we see on the market now. Today’s manufacturers’ have focused on improving the three key playing properties of the golf ball: durability, stability in flight, and, most of all, resilience.

In 1848 the Gutty ball; molded directly out of a lump of guttapercha rubber used as packing material for imports from Malaysia; transformed the game of golf. The advantages being, than it flew better after being scuffed up, could be used in the rain and could be hammered and reshaped when it became out of round.

This kind of resilience is evident in recent golf ball innovations, which combines the ability of the ball to ‘‘give’’ to the clubs impact by flattening out with the highest possible ‘‘liveliness’’ while springing forcefully back into shape again, giving the ball a high ‘‘coefficient of restitution’’. The two together have decisive effects on how long the ball will last, upon what it feels like to hit, and how far it will go.

The coming of the modern ball began around 1900 when an American golfer, Dr. Haskel, realized the possibilities of winding rubber thread tightly into a ball around a liquid center then putting a rubber cover over it. The ‘‘Haskell’’ ball was much more lively than the Gutty and possessed the resilience and soft feel of the Feathery. This golf ball combined with the addition of the dimple pattern built into its balata cover allowed it to go up more rapidly from impact with the

Nowadays, there has developed a strong school of thought that the ‘‘new’’ hi-tech golf balls are going too far for the good of the game. Already, famous old championship golf courses like St. Andrews in Scotland and Augusta National in America have felt it necessary to add to the length of their courses in an attempt to restore the original ‘‘playing characteristics’’, all because today’s super pros are hitting the ball so much further. All this makes for the argument: Is it time to limit by design, how far the golf ball should go!

Feathery Cube

The Gutta-Percha

The Hand Hammered Gutta

The Bramble

The Rubber Ball

The Modern Ball

DOUG HOOD GOLF SCHOOL Tel: 0-9924-2071

Website: www.doughoodgolfschool.com