Informa May 2021

ISSUE May 2021

INFORMA The Business Magazine of the Thai - Italian Chamber of Commerce

May 2021

1

Start

Your

Child’s

Learning Journey With Us

Sukhumvit-Rama 9

@SHBcitycampus

Exceptional People 2

INFORMA

Take Your Virtual Tour Here Outstanding Opportunities

Academic Excellence

President's Message Federico Cardini President

PRESIDENT Mr. Federico Cardini VICE PRESIDENTS Mr. Simone Callai Ms. Mallika Esposito Seu Margherita BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Andrea Gallucci Mr. Brian K. Prasomsri Mr. Chakrit Benedetti Mr. Enzo Massimo Chiappa Dr. Francesco Pensato Mr. Luca Bernardinetti Mr. Rene Okanovic Mr. Yongyudht Teeravithayapinyo DESIGN AND ART DIRECTION: Ms. Sasithorn Amartmontee EDITOR Mr. Michele Tomea ADVERTISING CONTACT Mr. Mufaddal Jafferjee (MJ) Sales & Marketing Manager Tel: +66 2 255 8695 Ext. 103 E-mail: marketing@thaitch.org Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce 1126/2 Vanit Building II, Room 1601B 16th Floor, New Petchburi Rd., Makkasan, Rajdhevee, Bangkok 10400 Tel: +66 2 253 9909, +66 2 255 8695 Fax: +66 2 253 9896 E-mail: secretarygeneral@thaitch.org TICC STAFF: Mr. Michele Tomea Secretary General Mr. Giacomo Iobizzi Deputy Secretary General Mr. Mufaddal Jafferjee (MJ) Sales & Marketing Manager Ms. Chenchira Boonchuai Membership Executive Ms. Sasithorn Amartmontee Media and Editorial Manager Ms. Sirintip Chungasa Accounting Manager Mr. Nattapong Phalathikom Event Coordinator SCAN-MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE Mr. Gregers Moller PUBLISHER Scand-Media Corp., Ltd. 211 Soi Prasert Manukitch 29, Prasert Manukitch Road, Chorakaebua, Ladprao, Bangkok 10230 Tel: +66 2 943 7166-8 Fax: +66 2 943 7169 Mr. Finn Balslev Director of Marketing Scand-Media Corp., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 943 7166 Ext. 116 Fax. +66 2 943 7169 Mobile: +66 81 866 2577 Email: finn@scandmedia.com www.scandmedia.com

Dear Valued Members, I am delighted to present to you the May 2021 Issue of our Informa Magazine. As Thailand navigates another wave of COVID-19, the TICC would like to extend its utmost support and encouragement to all of our members and affected Thai institutions. Each wave has been a test of resilience and adaptability, but I remain certain that the Italian and Thai business communities will be able to endure and come out on top of this crisis.

Despite the current situation, I am pleased to inform our members that the TICC have been working hard to improve the quality of our inhouse activities. These include additional webinars and more frequent Informa magazine publications which will be available monthly.

The TICC will be resuming the Annual General Meeting as soon as the local COVID-19 situation deescalated. In the meantime, the office of the Chamber will take any inquiries that you may have.

In this issue, you will find several helpful business insights, as well as, Thailand legal guideline on Energy Efficiency projects contributed by Italmec Siam, Board of Investment of Thailand and RSA Asia. Moreover, the TICC have also been strengthening its relationship with international hospitals, schools and Thai institutions with the aim to provide expanded network to our members.

Lastly, any members that are interested in our webinars may subscribe to the TICC’s YouTube Channel. We have published several interesting and useful webinars produced by various experts within our network.

Our TICC staff will keep you posted on forthcoming activities and news.

I wish everyone safety and good health in these dire times. I look forward to meeting you again soon.

Arrivederci!

Federico Cardini President

ABOUT US The Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce (TICC) is a private, non-profit organization which has a network of companies from all around the world but mostly focusing on Italian and Thai companies with its headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand.

The main goal of the Chamber is to enhance cooperation between Italy and Thailand, by developing programs of common interest in order to increase the awareness between organizations and public administrations in the two countries. In order to reach its goals, TICC constantly organizes activities, seminars, commercial missions, networking events and meetings to promote the development of commercial activities as well as industrial and cultural collaboration between organizations and entrepreneurs both Thai and Italian.

TICC is a member of Assocamerstero (the association of Italian Chamber of Commerce abroad) (http://www.assocamerestero.it), the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) (http://www.jfcct.org) and is one of the founding partners of the European ASEAN Business Center (EABC)

May 2021

3

PERFORMANCE WORTHY OF THE WORLD’S TOP UNIVERSITIES #NordAngliaWay

Discover Sixth Form at Regents International School Pattaya.

admissions@regents-pattaya.co.th +66 (0) 93 135 7736 regents-pattaya.co.th

4

INFORMA

CONTENTS

CONTENTS

SMART CITY: THE WORLD OF OUR MAKING

ITALMEC GROUP OF COMPANIES:

6

10

A SOLE DISTRIBUTOR OF DALMEC IN APAC AND MENA

8

SUSTAINABILITY IN EEC

13

UAC GLOBAL: DIVERSIFY WITH SUSTAINABILITY

ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY NEWS..................................................................................................................................14 LESS PAIN AND FASTER RECOVERY WITH ROBOTIC SURGICAL ASSISTANTS.........................................................................16 BLOCKCHAIN SOLUTIONS FOR SUPPLY CHAIN SUSTAINABILITY...............................................................................................18 THAILAND APPLIES VAT ON FOREIGN E-SERVICE AND E-PLATFORM......................................................................................19 THAI-ITALIAN INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION: TIMES FOR EXPANSION.........................................................................................20 ISOPTIK: PEOPLE LOOK WITH THEIR EYES, BUT SEE WITH THEIR BRAIN.......................................................................................21 THE BELLAVITA EXPO BANGKOK 2021.......................................................................................................................................22 LA SCALA: ITALIAN RESTAURANT AT THE SUKHOTHAI BANGKOK........................................................................................24 EUGENIO CANNONI: NEW CHEF AT LA SCALA.......................................................................................................................25 TICC WEBINAR SERIES: THAI HERB BUSINESS INDUSTRY............................................................................................................26 PAST EVENTS................................................................................................................................................................................28 NEW MEMBERS............................................................................................................................................................................29 FORTHCOMING TRADE SHOWS.................................................................................................................................................30

LIST OF ADVERTISEMENTS

P. 2

P. 4

P. 11

P. 12

P. 17

P. 32

May 2021

5

SMART CITY: THE WORLD OF OUR MAKING

SMART CITY: THE WORLD OF OUR MAKING The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a timely demonstration of the extent to which digital technology could become entrenched in a city to support health precautions and effective infection control. Sensor connectivity and the Internet of Things have been used to facilitate the screening for and tracking of infections while also enabling the delivery of contactless services in the new normal of people’s daily lives.

electric wires placed underground. The NCT expects the efforts to be focused on creating economic hubs and developing run-down areas into smart blocks.

The development of smart blocks is already underway in 6 out of thirteen municipalities: Chiang Mai, Nakhon Sawan, Udon City, Khon Kaen, Rayong City, and Patong City.

Thailand’s smart city development will not only accelerate investment and create employment across various modern industries, notably in IoT, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and smart grid energy management, but also in related city management businesses such as waste to energy plants, smart energy, design and smart construction.

Thailand has successfully implemented a smart tracking system called “Thai Chana” that allows residents to check in and out when visiting public spaces. By tracking people’s visits to public places, this system is able to recommend a test and/or quarantine via a notification to users who visited a specific place at the same time as a person who was later found to be infected.

As the latest ICT technologies and next-generation data platforms become realities, Thailand and its fellow ASEAN members remain committed to enhancing the use of technology to improve the quality of city services and address the challenges of environmental and healthcare threats.

The Smart City concept is a core pillar of the Thailand 4.0 policy that the country is pursuing under its 20-year national development plan. The country aims to lift the digital capacity of the whole ecosystem of city management while preserving Thailand’s unique social fabric and enhancing the quality of life of its urban residents.

Moreover, the plan looks to encourage the local participations of cities in their future development.

6

INFORMA

Turning the Future into Reality As part of Thailand’s efforts to push smart city development forward, the National Charter of Thailand (NCT), the organization tasked with the sustainable development of the cities, has developed a blueprint for creating “smart blocks” or experimental zones of 0.25 square kilometers in communities where physical infrastructure will be set up in an attempt to win public approval and make way for the introduction of digital technology. These experimental zones will see all-in-one “smart poles” and complete streets placing priority on pedestrians, followed by cyclists, public transport users, and finally private car users. Personal vehicles will not be banned, but they rank fourth in order of importance.

From an environmental and aesthetic perspective, more trees will be planted and

Driven primarily by consumer-related needs, the IoT market in Thailand is forecast to reach a value of US $2.19 billion by 2030.

From a baseline of US $120 million in 2018, this represents a CAGR of more than 27 percent. This rapid growth, the highest among all Smart Electronics segments, makes the IoT market an area of huge opportunity.

A recent Asia IoT Business Platform survey ranked Thailand highest among all ten ASEAN countries for corporate IoT implementation.

One of the key features of the Smart City vision is the connectivity among devices, places, and transportation infrastructure.

To enable such communication to take place, reliable baseline technology like sensors, cloud computing, and Wi-Fi are required. Thailand’s potential for IoT is reflected through the country’s competency

SMART CITY: THE WORLD OF OUR MAKING

in its electronics and robotics sectors. In the past recent years, the unit price of sensors has fallen significantly from $10 to $2, providing a convincing argument for companies and the government to adopt IoT services into their business activities.

At the same time, internet penetration is relatively high in Thailand compared to its neighbors. As of 2019, more than 75% of the Thai population had access to the internet, according to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC). This high percentage is partly due to the government’s mega projects under its Thailand’s 4.0 initiative to develop digital citizens. The country has invested in building a nationwide digital infrastructure through a village internet project called “Net Pracharat,” which has made high-speed internet available for 75,000 villages across Thailand.

Beyond home broadband connectivity, 5G development in Thailand has also progressed relatively quickly. The country concluded bidding on its 5G license auction in February this year. The NBTC auctioned off 700-megahertz, 2600MHz and 26-gigahertz, raising more than 100 billion Baht. AIS, a top spending phone operator in the bidding, launched its first 5G trial in early March, allowing users in inner Bangkok to experience the very latest in wireless connectivity. Thailand’s achievements in its digital infrastructure opens up many potential innovations and developments as 5G provides 100 times faster connections than 4G and will enable users to download data more quickly, robots to work faster, and cars to drive themselves.

To facilitate Thailand’s transition into a smarter society, the government has established the nation’s first IoT Institute under the supervision of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA). Located in Digital Park Thailand within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the institute is tasked with providing the necessary infrastructure, digital ecosystem, and business matching service to bring large tech companies and startups together. Covering more than 60,000 sqm, the state-of-art facility will include 5G lab, cloud innovation lab, AI design lab, and data analytics center.

Government and BOI Incentives Through tax and non-tax incentives, the BOI and government agencies are helping the private sector to play an active role in shaping the future of smart cities in Thailand.

Government agencies are actively stimulating investment in smart city projects through pilot city policy-making mechanisms, an infrastructure-incubated ecosystem, Smart City applications, and the

development of personnel and human resources. Tax incentives are also being offered through the BOI for investors in smart city projects. Other benefits include exemption of tax on imported machinery and corporate income tax benefits.

Following the Smart City Development Committee’s meeting in May, the BOI has enhanced the investment incentives for smart city development. At present, the BOI offers incentives for business activities in smart city area development, smart city system development and smart industrial zones. Development of smart city area and system are entitled to 8 years of Corporate Income Tax (CIT) exemption. For smart industrial zone development, the same length of CIT exemption will be granted if all seven criteria are met.

In order for a project to be eligible for the BOI incentives, it must include a plan for the development process as well as digital technology infrastructure, along with Smart City system services and environmental regulations. A participation meeting for the project must be organized to receive the Smart City Steering Committee’s approval to receive the incentives.

Beyond the tax incentives, the BOI also provides land ownership rights, and foreign workers can also enjoy the expedited route of entering the country through the BOI’s smart visa scheme, which grants a maximum 4-year permission to stay with exemption from the work permit requirement and entitlement to additional privileges.

For further details about privileges, conditionality and the application process, please visit www.boi.go.th.

Source: Thailand Investment Review (TIR), A World of Our Making: Smart City and IoT Technology vol. 30, No. 8, August 2020; available at https://www.boi.go.th/upload/content/ TIR_Newsletter_August.pdf • •

May 2021

7

SUSTAINABILITY IN EEC

SUSTAINABILITY IN EEC The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project is Thailand’s flagship project aiming to transform the Thai economy by keeping pace with technological changes, embracing future technologies, and moving towards Industry 4.0. Meanwhile, transport and digital infrastructure are being upgraded in the three provinces of the Eastern Seaboard development project, namely Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Rayong, to boost investment and foster sustainable economic growth.

The concept of sustainable development has been adopted in EEC specifically for its mission of investment promotion. The Bio Circular Green (BCG) economy has been laid out as a main priority in Thailand’s development policy as well as a cornerstone for the EEC project. In light of Covid-19, three clusters emerge, encompassing EEC’s targeted industries, namely health and well-being, digital, and smart logistics, all of which leads to the development of the BCG economy in EEC. EEC recognizes the potential of BCG economy to create sustainable growth and fosters long-term economic competitiveness and green jobs. In addition, it is important to note that Industry 4.0 is a key enabler of the BCG economy, allowing new business models to be profitable while reducing environmental impacts. Ultimately, it is also the EEC’s effort and action to fulfill objectives of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs, Paris Agreement, and EU Green Deal that make an effort to achieve the environment challenges the global faces.

To promote sustainability, Bio Circular Green economy approach will be implemented in EEC’s Smart Cities. Moreover, EEC aims to enhance productivity and the value for agricultural products by investing in Agri-tech. To increase productivity, EEC aims to support the use of biotechnology and digital technology in agricultural production to enhance the quality and standards of Thai agricultural products that will be used as a raw material for the bio-based industry. EEC is working with local and international partners to pro-

8

INFORMA

mote research and development in EEC area. This will enhance the agricultural raw materials quality. Thai SMEs in agriculture, food, and biotechnology will benefit from the supporting eco-system that improves the value of their products.

To promote Green and Circular economy, EEC has set a target to become Net Zero Carbon Emission area for industrial sector in the EEC area. To this end, the focus will be on reducing carbon emission from industrial sector and encouraging new investment in Green and Circular projects to improve energy efficiency, to enhance resource and waste management, and to develop ecosystem for sustainable and green business. On the investment front, EEC promotes the acceleration of green and circular economy approach in the targeted industries, such as advanced agriculture and biotechnology, digital, and next-generation automotive through widespread adoption of automation and digital technologies to scale up circular practices. Currently, EEC Office and Thailand GHG Management Organization (TGO) are working together to develop infrastructure for Green and Circular practices in EEC through the establishment of emissions trading system. In addition, there is a plan to develop the Ban Chang district in Rayong province to be a pilot EV City to mitigate emissions from the transportation sector by addressing barriers to the adoption and scale-up of e-mobility.

SUSTAINABILITY IN EEC

To facilitate this technological transition, EECi was established as a technology and innovation platform to support advanced and innovative industries in the EEC area. EECi provides publicly accessible specialized translational research infrastructures and supports localization and commercialization of advanced technologies and innovation. The infrastructures at EECi are among the first ones available in Asia, for example, the EECi biorefinery pilot plants that are built as multi-purpose and served as infrastructure for research and development at laboratory level for commercialization in the biochemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries. In addition, innovation platforms for targeted industries have been established to accelerate the pace of innovation in EECi. These platforms include biotechnology platform, automation, robotics and intelligent system platform, food industry related technology platform, and aviation and aerospace technology platform.

As previous mentioned, there are tremendous opportunities for international investors in Bio Circular and Green investment in EEC. Together with the support of the EEC Office and its regulatory sandbox feature, investors will be able to invest in new technologies and pursue innovative business models that utilize disruptive technologies without prohibitive regulatory constraints. Incentive packages are being developed for targeted technologies and their use cases. EEC Office will be a business facilitator and partner, with the flexibility and customizability that EEC will be able to offer, to ensure successful investment projects in EEC. For further detailed information about EEC, please visit www.eeco. or.th

Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) 25th Floor CAT Tower, 72 Soi Wat Maungkhae, Charoenkrung Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Thailand www.eeco.or.th May 2021

9

ITALMEC GROUP OF COMPANIES: A SOLE DISTRIBUTOR OF DALMEC IN APAC AND MENA

ITALMEC GROUP OF COMPANIES

A SOLE DISTRIBUTOR OF DALMEC IN APAC AND MENA Italmec has been representing Dalmec with passion and determination for more than 20 years, with more than 5,000 manipulators sold across the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions, and we are proud to be known as a trusted supplier of tailor-made solutions.

The key to Italmec success is not a secret: we put the client at the center of all our activities. We believe that our achievements based on six guiding values that accompany us in every step of our journey: passion, quality, customer satisfaction, mistake management, dedicated employees, and giving back to the community.

Dalmec offers a wide range of equipment for the “weightless” handling of any materials. Simple to be used, as they allow the operator to move the materials quickly, accurately and safely. So, within any industrial sector of activity, most companies may meet with some several problems every single day in regards to the manual handling issues, and DALMEC solutions are able to prevent the risks to those issues as well as ensure safe and continuous operations.

Manipulators are customized and designed bearing in mind specific movements, operations and requirements of the production process of every single customer. So, over the years, DALMEC has become a widely recognized and established supplier of solutions designed to optimize human resources in any production or logistic chain, with an immediate impact on work quality and profitability.

Scan to view video

10 INFORMA

Italmec Siam Co., Ltd. The Emporio Place, N. 93/351 Building C, 8th Floor, Soi Sukhumvit 24, Klong Ton, Klong Toei, Bangkok 10110 Phone: +66 2117 2935 | Fax: +66 2117 2936 | www.italmecgroup.com

CATALOGUE ON FOOD&BEVERAGE PRODUCTS

Present your product to a

WIDE TARGETED AUDIENCE!

Showcase of food&beverage products, wines and alcoholics, in English and Italian.

Circulated in Italy and in Europe and to the most important events in the food sector.

by Editrice Zeus publisher since 1981

All

online

click on:

allfoodonline.com

EDITRICE ZEUS SAS - Via C. Cantù, 16 - 20831 - SEREGNO (MB) - Italy Tel. +39 0362 244182 - 0362 244186 - www.editricezeus.com May 2021

11

12 INFORMA

Mar-Apr 2021

17

UAC GLOBAL: DIVERSIFY WITH SUSTAINABILITY

UAC GLOBAL: DIVERSIFY WITH SUSTAINABILITY

With global concerns over climate change, UAC Global decided to diversify into alternative and renewable energy, pioneering in several businesses.

The Company was established back in 1995 under the name ‘Universal Absorbent and Chemicals’, with the main business being trading in the energy and industrial sectors, for example, oil refinery plants. Under the new philosophy of ‘Energy Transformation for Future’, UAC expanded into the field of alternative and renewable energy. The first attempt in the sector was the collaboration with Bangchak’s subsidiary, BBGi, forming Bangchak Biofuel or BBF, which UAC holds 30% of the shares.

UAC continued to grow in the clean and green energy business after entering the stock market (mai) in 2010. Having worked with oil and gas companies, UAC saw a unique opportunity in the by-product of oil exploration process – the associated gas. When drawing up oil from the reserve, associated gas would naturally come out in the process. In the past, this gas was rid of by burning.

However, with UAC’s Petroleum Production Plant (PPP), the Company is able to put the associated gas in the separation process to derive with C1, LPG, and NGL, since 2014. With PPP, UAC was able to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide gas from associated gas combustion by 28,061 tons in 2020.

Not long after, UAC proved to be a rising star in renewable energy with its national role-model biogas power plant from energy crop. This biogas power plant is built in Mae Taeng district, Chiang Mai province, hence its name Mae Taeng Plant. Mae Taeng plant uses energy crops like Napier grass and corn stem to obtain biogas (methane) after fermentation process. This way, it can help reduce the need in burning crop waste which is a contribution to lessen PM2.5 problem in the North. Furthermore, as suppliers of UAC, farmers have a more stable income since the biogas plant would need its feed all year round. With this, UAC creates a more sustainable income source for the community around Mae Taeng. Not only that, the by-product of biogas fermentation which can be used as soil improvement substance in solid and liquid forms, is distributed to farmers and local communities, helping in reducing the cost of fertilisers and use of chemicals. Last year, UAC’s Mae Taeng was able to reduce 8,096 tons of carbon dioxide emission from crop waste burning.

Apart from the mentioned, UAC also has a business in the EPC of solar panels (Enerray UAC (Thailand), which it has been collaborating with an Italian firm, Enerray. The Company has also stepped into the municipal waste management sector by establishing Vientiane Waste Management in Laos DPR, with the sorting phase completed in March 2021.

In addition, UAC Global holds 100% shares in its chemicals manufacturing subsidiary, UAC Advance Polymer and Chemicals (UAPC), whose income is from the production and trading of latex polymer and emulsion used as binders in numerous industries such as paint, floor polish, and more.

From this year onward, UAC will keep its focus on sustainable growth in circular economy and the business of green chemicals.

While continuing its investment in renewable energy projects (e.g., Community Power Plant Project), UAC is also aiming to penetrate new markets for chemicals business in Thailand and CLMV. In addition, it seeks fresh opportunities in consultancy for power plant project management, energy efficiency projects, and biochemicals, to top up its expertise in the alternative and renewable energy businesses, providing sustainability for all its stakeholders.

UAC GLOBAL PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED 1 TP&T Tower 19th Floor Soi Vibhavadirangsit 19, Vibhavadirangsit Road, Chatuchak , Bangkok 10900 www.uac.co.th

May 2021

13

ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY NEWS

ASEAN TODAY

REGIONAL LEGAL & BUSINESS NEWS MARCH 2021 of employment. Additionally, the RPTKA requirement will be waived for directors or commissioners who are shareholders and diplomatic and consular officers, and foreign workers in Indonesia tech-based startups will be exempt for three months after which the company must apply for an RPTKA.

ASEAN Economic Community News ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility Experts believe that ASEAN’s current infrastructure investment shortfall of US$100 billion a year has worsened due to the COVID19 pandemic. The ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility (ACGF) could help mitigate this problem. The ACGF is a green finance facility focused on developing and increasing climate-positive infrastructure projects that are owned by the governments of the ASEAN member states. The ACGF’s innovative finance mechanisms can help generate much-needed funds from private capital to boost a green, sustainable economic recovery in the region with infrastructure that is environmentally sustainable, low-carbon, climate-resilient, and meets the needs of local communities.

ASEAN countries will also have access to US$1.4 billion in loans and technical assistance under the ACGF. ASEAN Digital Economy Taxes ASEAN governments plan to impose more taxes on digital companies and transactions in the digital economy. New levies have already come into effect and more are in the pipeline. Thailand requires foreign digital platforms with no local subsidiary to pay 7% value added tax on sales of more than US$57,000 a year, and experts believe this could generate US$100 million a year in revenue. Indonesia has imposed a 10% tax on the sale of digital products and services including streaming services, mobile apps, and digital games. Both Singapore and Malaysia now have digital tax regimes for overseas digital platforms. Singapore is targeting imported services and Malaysia has imposed a 6% service tax on foreign provid-

ers with an annual turnover of more than US$120,000. Experts say to expect more taxes on digital goods and services in the future as the governments of countries with revenue shortfalls try to increase revenue streams as online sales have been surging in all the ASEAN countries.

Cloud Technology A new report says that cloud technology has the potential to modernize and empower communities across the ASEAN region and that it is expected to grow by 117% in the Asia Pacific from 2019-2024.

Cloud technology needs minimal infrastructure and investment and allows businesses to operate at scale very quickly and this makes it very attractive to emerging economies. However, the report says that the digital divide is a major impediment to the growth and use of cloud technology in ASEAN. Some ASEAN members are being left behind in the digitization of their countries due to unreliable power supplies and unstable internet provision. ASEAN member states also need to keep focusing on education and computer literacy to ensure continued growth of cloud technology in the region.

Indonesia News Foreign Worker Utilization Plan Indonesia released new implementing regulations for the Omnibus Law that will make the process of hiring foreigners much easier. There are now new authorization categories for the Foreign Worker Utilization Plan (RPTKA) that is the first step of acquiring a work permit in Indonesia. An RPTKA is a detailed employment plan for a foreign worker that includes their position and length

Indonesia-Singapore Investment Treaty The Indonesia-Singapore Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) came into effect on March 9, 2021, and updates the rules on investments from both countries, introduces a multi-tiered dispute resolution mechanism, and broadens the criteria for the protection of investments. It replaces the previous 2006 BIT which expired in 2016 and complements the Double Taxation Agreement between the two countries that was updated in 2020. Bilateral trade between Indonesia and Singapore reached US$36.3 billion in 2020 and, despite the pandemic; Singapore is still Indonesia’s top source of foreign investment. Two-way investments are expected to grow by 18 to 22% over the next five years.

Vietnam Watch New Business Registration Procedures New regulations on enterprise registration in Vietnam came into force earlier this year and simplify registration procedures for businesses. Experts believe that Vietnam’s government will continue to amend enterprise regulations due to the country’s strong economic growth and rising foreign investment. Business establishment in Vietnam has been hampered by complex procedures and regulations in the past, so the government is focusing on business regulation amendments in order to improve economic development and foreign investment inflows. The key changes include enterprise code integration, exemption of hard copy document requirements, ability to appeal if enterprise name registration is rejected, and fees refund for unsuccessful registrations.

Cambodia Bulletin Inclusive Business Report Cambodia launched the Inclusive Business Landscape Study Report this month and is the first ASEAN country to adopt the ASEAN model for inclusive businesses. Inclusive businesses are sustainable business entities that productively integrate low-income populations into their value chain.

The Cambodian government says that the study report will have an impact on the development of human resources and the exchange of experiences on the landscape of inclusive businesses in Cambodia and ASEAN. The guidelines for the promotion of inclusive businesses were signed by all ASEAN member states in September 2020.

News for clients and friends of Dej-Udom & Associates and members of the ASEAN Attorneys Alliance www.dejudomlaw.com | www.aseanattorneysalliance. com

14 INFORMA

ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY NEWS

Philippines Update Intellectual Property MOU Intellectual property (IP) leaders in the Philippine government and business community signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to counter piracy and counterfeiting on e-commerce platforms in the Philippines. The MOU will establish codes of best practices among online retailers to help restrict online IP infringement through self-regulation. Measures include notice and takedown procedures that IP owners can use to inform e-commerce sites about pirated products and infringing goods being sold. Feedback mechanisms between e-commerce sites and IP owners will also be strengthened.

Singapore News Business Resilience Survey A recent survey by a professional accounting body in Australia found that Singapore businesses have been more resilient than their ASEAN counterparts during the COVID19 pandemic. The survey shows that Singaporean business resiliency was mainly due to going digital as most businesses earned revenue from online sales, used social media to promote their business, and adopted new digital payment technologies.

Corporate Law News Request for Tax Filing and Tax Payment via Electronic System with the Department of Business Development From February 1, 2021, any business operator that wants to register a business entity’s establishment with the Department of Business Development (the “DBD”) and/or wants to apply for tax filing and tax payment via the electronic system with the

Revenue Department (the “RD”) are now able to make both requests to the DBD simultaneously. The main requirement to be used with the DBD is a request form in compliance with the Notification of the Director-General of the RD, dated January 18, 2021, (the “Notification”), and filing this form shall be deemed as making a request for tax filing and tax payment via the electronic system with the RD. The process of making a request for tax filing and tax payment via the electronic system with the DBD is summarized as follows: (1) A business operator who wants to register a business entity’s establishment submits the required request form for tax filing and tax payment via the electronic system under the Notification, together with the incorporation document set to the DBD (2) Once the DBD approves such request, this shall be deemed as such business operator having appeared before the RD’s competent officer. The DBD will be responsible for submitting such request to the RD

be approved, and such company or juristic partnership will have to make a new request via the RD’s website.

VAT for Foreign e-Service Providers Under Revenue Code Amendment Act (No.53) that came into effect on February 11, 2021, foreign e-service providers with an annual turnover exceeding 1.8 Million Baht from providing such e-services in Thailand shall be subject to value-added tax (VAT) registration. This means that the foreign e-service provider listed below shall be responsible for tax filing and tax payment the same as Thai VAT registrants. The imposition of VAT will become effective from September 1, 2021.

(1) A foreign e-service provider who provides such e-service in Thailand to a nonVAT registrant (“Foreign e-Service Provider”). In this case, such e-service provider shall be subject to paying VAT by calculating output tax without deducting input tax

(4) The RD will send the Username and Password to the company or juristic partnership via the e-mail address within 15 days

(2) An e-platform operator providing services such as a market, channel, or any other procedure for a large number of Foreign e-Service Providers. Such e-platforms services include a continuous process comprising offering services, receiving payment for services, delivering services, and other processes as prescribed by the Director-General of the RD. In this case, such e-platform operator shall be subject to paying VAT in place of all such Foreign e-Service Providers without having to classify each business person’s service provision details

If the company or juristic partnership fails to perform the duty as mentioned in (3) above, the request for tax filing and tax payment submitted to the DBD shall not

Both Foreign e-Service Providers and eplatform operators as mentioned above will have no responsibility for the issuance of tax invoices.

(3) The company or juristic partnership that has made the request for tax filing and tax payment via the electronic system shall confirm and accept the terms via the email address as listed in the incorporation document set within 15 days from the date as received from the RD

News for clients and friends of Dej-Udom & Associates and members of the ASEAN Attorneys Alliance www.dejudomlaw.com | www.aseanattorneysalliance. com

May 2021

15

LESS PAIN AND FASTER RECOVERY WITH ROBOTIC SURGICAL ASSISTANTS

LESS PAIN AND FASTER RECOVERY WITH ROBOTIC SURGICAL ASSISTANTS treatment. “If the mass is on the periphery of the kidney, and is not too big, we will try to save as much of the kidney as possible. We will do our very best to explore the possibility of not removing the entire kidney, because we don’t just want to cure the patient of cancer, we also want to see them go back to living their lives as fully as possible.”

The robotic surgeon is a cool hand Robot-assisted surgery can lend a hand in achieving the fastest recovery times, the least scarring, and the highest patient morale.

“Prostate and kidney cancer are the two most common forms of cancer in the urinary tract. To date, the surgical procedures opted for treatment tend to leave both physical and mental scars in the aftermath. But with robotic surgery, patients no longer have to bear any significant kind of scarring and can go straight back to living their normal lives. Our goal is to see the patients smile and go about their normal lives after surgery, even if that just means being able to go to the toilet without any problems or having a healthy sex life; we would call that a big success.” This is the recommendation of Dr. Teerapon Amonvesukit, an expert on minimal invasive surgery (MIS) on the urinary tract with over 20 years’ experience.

Complexity calls for precise targeting The urinary system is a network of many organs, such as the bladder, kidneys, and prostate. Problems in any of these organs will almost always impact the day-to-day life of the patient. Treatment of cancer in the urinary tract must therefore be especially careful and thorough.

“Abdominal surgery—otherwise known as a laparotomy—to remove cancerous tissue involves a very large incision; it must be large enough to allow the hands of the surgeon and their surgical instruments to access the area concerned. The complex risks involved mean that operating in this area of the body calls for a huge degree of accuracy, manual dexterity, and experience on the surgeon’s part. That said, by utilizing modern methods such as keyhole surgery, which requires an incision only 1cm wide, these risks can be greatly mitigated. It puts more options on the table for the patient, and might be the only suitable for patients with certain physical conditions.” Dr. Teerapon explains the benefits of MIS. “When cancer is found in the urinary tract, say for example kidney cancer, the doctor will inform the patient of the facts. It is not unusual, and is indeed quite natural, for a patient to enter the denial phase upon being given the bad news. As a doctor, it is my job to keep the denial phase as short as possible for the patient, so that treatment can commence as soon as possible. This is why the good news for their treatment are given immediately after the bad news.” Dr. Teerapon explains why patient morale is so crucial to 16 INFORMA

“We start by making a small incision in the abdomen and insert a camera and all the surgical instruments required into the patient.

The robotic arms and surgical instruments attached are controlled in real time with high precision by the hand, wrist, and finger movements of the surgeon. The images from the robot’s cameras are rendered into an ultra-high-definition 3D image, giving clear closeup views of the internal organs, blood vessels, right down to each individual nerve ending. This makes for a highly precise surgical operation,” Dr. Teerapon details.

“Surgery to remove cancer mass from the kidney comes with one major limitation; after the mass has been cut out, the stitching together of the remaining kidney must be completed while there is no blood circulation to the kidney. We have to use clamps to stop the blood flow prior to the main act of cutting out the mass, and the entire operation cannot take more than 30 minutes to complete. The robotic surgeon makes this operation a breeze, even when time is of the essence.”

You’re only as good as your team “The one thing that gives our patients the greatest peace of mind is the readiness and expertise of our specialist teams. For example, the lead cardiologist will confirm the patient’s cardiovascular readiness prior to surgery. Expert pharmacists will prepare medication to suit the patient’s physical condition in tandem with the highly experienced anesthetists, who will ensure that the patient is in no pain. Specially trained nurses prep the robot for surgery, and the robot itself is overseen by technicians for the duration of the operation. All bases are covered, and everyone is as ready as they can be,” Dr. Teerapon gives a snapshot of the multidisciplinary team in action at the Horizon Regional Cancer Center.

A treatment supermarket for the patient “Our patients are our family. If the patient can smile and go about their normal life after surgery, even if that just means being able to go to the toilet without any problems or having a healthy sex life, that is a big success for us. When the patient feels that nothing is amiss, we know we’ve done a satisfactory job,” the doctor smiled.

“If the patient sees this place as a supermarket for treatment, then it’s our job as doctors to supply them with the best selection of treatments possible.”

By Bumrungrad Horizon Regional Cancer Center: Hot line tel. +66 63 234 7950, or 1378

May 2021

17

BLOCKCHAIN SOLUTIONS FOR SUPPLY CHAIN SUSTAINABILITY

payment or other subsequent step along the supply chain when prescribed terms and conditions relating to delivery have been met. This automated system reduces the likelihood of errors, and facilitates detection of suppliers that do not meet requirements.

More information for the sustainability-conscious consumer Brands can thus substantiate sustainability claims to consumers who progressively choose products that reflect their own environmental and social values. Some companies are aiming to integrate all this information within QR codes that can be scanned to reveal product data, such as health and nutrition, ecological sustainability, human rights protection, fair trade, animal welfare and other factors that may be considered by the sustainability-conscious consumer.

Recent media attention surrounding the surge (and drop, and surge) of Bitcoin price, and the proliferation of non-fungible tokens (unique cryptographic tokens) highlight just two of numerous applications of blockchain. This distributed ledger technology has also attracted attention in the sustainability space ? in negative terms owing to the enormous electricity consumption of certain uses, and at the same time, its potential in the reverse: to provide energy solutions, to increase energy and cost efficiencies by streamlining transactions, and to create purpose-driven tokens to incentivize sustainability-conscious behavior. One of the most promising applications of the technology for sustainability, currently piloted by a handful of multinationals working in partnerships, is to address supply chain challenges.

Why Blockchain?

Blockchain is a ledger of transactions (recorded in time-stamped ?blocks? that create a chronological chain of digital assets) distributed among a network of users. Once a block is added to the network and chain, the record is permanent, transparent, encrypted and immutable. No single user can control the ledger, and all members of the network can view the transactions. This architecture can be harnessed to demonstrate the provenance of products or raw materials. All aspects of the transaction can be recorded, from the identity of suppliers, and the date and location of the transaction, to the quality, price and other (agreed) properties of the product. The figure below provides a schematic of a blockchain supported supply-chain.

A smart contract with automated execution can be used to trigger 18 INFORMA

Applications in Thai export sectors Seen at macro-level, the use of blockchain technology can support Thailand’s expansion towards increased value-added manufacturing in the agri-food sector, particularly for export-bound commodities. For this sector, blockchain can be used to track food safety parameters in addition to regulatory compliance requirements. Blockchain can also be used to track agricultural production efficiency in the use of natural resources and inputs.

To demonstrate sustainability of raw materials, and for supply chain management generally, blockchain technology may also be deployed in other manufacturing sectors that enjoy large export volumes, such as the electronics and automotive industries. Some blockchain applications have been considered in the tourism and hospitality sector, for use in developing loyalty programs and for inventory management.

Technological, financial and sector-specific barriers Notwithstanding the promising benefits, prevalent challenges include developing and adapting the nascent technology to suit the myriad needs of a target industry, inherent difficulties in making the technology scalable, and the complications of ensuring interoperability with other IT systems. Another obstacle is that consensus has to be achieved along the supply chain regarding data points and formats. Importantly, blockchain will not completely eliminate the risk of certain types of false statements being entered into the system in the first place. Finally, investment costs can be significant.

While technological and other barriers currently exist, the potential of blockchain towards contributing to sustainable development outcomes is promising, provided, like any other solution, the social and environmental externalities relating to its introduction and widespread adoption are carefully considered and mitigated.

Author: Ambra Gobena, Head of Business Sustainability, Mahanakorn Partners Group.

THAILAND APPLIES VAT ON FOREIGN E-SERVICE AND E-PLATFORM

THAILAND APPLIES VAT ON FOREIGN E-SERVICE AND E-PLATFORM

Thailand Applies VAT on Foreign E-Service and E-Platform On February 10, 2021, the Thai Government Gazette published an amendment to the Thai Revenue Code subjecting foreign e-Service providers and e-Platform operators rendering e-Service to non-VAT clients in Thailand to value added tax (the “e-Service Amendment”).

The e-Service Amendment added new definitions to the Revenue Code, as well as, imposing new VAT requirements; all of which will become effective on September 1, 2021 onwards. The details are explained below.

1). Key Amendments First up, the e-Service Amendment included new definitions to the Revenue Code, which are: • Goods means tangible and intangible assets, having a value, for sale or other uses, including imported goods, but does not include intangible assets that are transferable or deliverable via the internet or other electronic networks.

• e-Service means any service, including intangible assets which are transferred/delivered via the internet or other electronic networks, which can be essentially automated, and not achievable without the use of information technology.

• e-Platform means a marketplace, channel or any other means that enable multiple service providers to provide e-Service to recipients (e.g. Amazon, Shopee, Google Play or PSN).

2). Definition of e-Services and e-Service Providers In short, this e-Service Amendment re-defined the meaning of e-Service, the key takeaways are:

• e-Service is any intangible goods that can be delivered/transferred via the internet or other electronic networks, such as: downloadable software, gaming application, films or music.

• e-Service is any services that can be delivered/transferred via the internet or other electronic networks, such as: online advertisement service or online streaming service.

Under the above definition, examples of e-Service providers are: • Downloadable or online gaming services, such as: Genshin Impact, League of Legends: Wild Rifts or World of Warcraft.

• Downloadable or online media streaming services, such as: Netflix, Disney Plus or Spotify.

• Online advertisement services such as: Facebook, Line, YouTube or Google Ads. 3). New VAT Requirements Under this e-Service Amendment, a foreign e-Service provider or e-Platform operator (excluding those registered in Thailand) with an annual revenue over THB 1,800,000 deriving from e-Service rendered to nonVAT clients in Thailand, shall now apply for VAT registration and be liable for VAT payment under the following conditions: 1. If the client in Thailand is a VAT registrant, the VAT client shall be responsible for VAT payment; or 2. If the client in Thailand is not a VAT registrant, the foreign e-Service provider or e-Platform operator shall apply for VAT registration and be responsible for the said VAT payment and file a tax return on a monthly basis.

Previously, foreign e-Service providers or e-Platform operators were not responsible for (2). However, with this e-Service Amendment, foreign e-Service providers or e-Platform operators will now be responsible for the VAT payment as specified in (2), with the said VAT payment calculated from output tax only (without deducting input tax), and are not allowed to issue tax invoice(s).

4). Conclusion In summary, this e-Service Amendment will subject foreign e-Service providers and e-Platform operators to value added tax.

It is important that businesses clearly understand whether they are an e-Service provider or an e-Platform operator, and determine their source of revenue to duly comply with the new VAT requirements.

With this being said, the key VAT requirements are: • If a foreign e-Service provider renders an e-Service to non-VAT clients in Thailand via its own online channel/website, the said e-Service provider shall be responsible for VAT payment; or • If the foreign e-Service provider renders its services via a foreign e-Platform, the foreign e-Platform operator shall be responsible for VAT payment on behalf of that e-Service provider.

This e-Service Amendment is rather new and requires an in-depth understanding of both the tax code and related technology to determine local VAT liabilities. If you have any question or require further assistance on this matter, you are welcome to contact: law@ilct.co.th.

May 2021

19

THAI-ITALIAN INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION: TIMES FOR EXPANSION

THAI-ITALIAN INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION: TIMES FOR EXPANSION build immunity and reduce the number of infected people, which build confidence and support the opening country. Next, acceleration to create a passport vaccine platform for domestic and international travel. Then, the government should stimulate the economy and provide relief to SMEs because most of them base on Thai economic.

In conclusion, the post Covid-19 in Thailand has many new opportunities for entrepreneurs, who desire the success in emerging market and chances in ASEAN countries. We can imagine the reversal from bottom of business cycle to up trend. It is so exciting.

Way forward for cooperation

Italian to the world As we know, the most popular export products of Italy are “3Fs”: food, fashion and furniture. They are symbolic of the Italian lifestyle.

However, they also have capital goods and advanced technology goods. Italy is the second-largest manufacturing country in European Union. A big part of Italy’s export to Thailand is industrial machinery, followed by chemical products, pharmaceuticals, vehicles. In the post-Covid-19, we will focus on digital products, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Thailand exports to Italy many products such as electric and electronic devices, agricultural products, rubber products, and vehicles.

Beyond trade, our relations with Thailand focus on a broad spectrum of topics such as sustainability and climate change. We both are committed to supporting multilateralism and we collaborate on several issues at the United Nations and other international fora.

The investment of Italy in Thailand, Ducati has been produced in Rayong since 2010. Also, in Rayong, Danieli Thailand produces turnkey plants for the metal industry, from iron ore to all the different finished products. Cavagna Group, a world-leading manufacturer of equipment and components for controlling compressed gases.

Likewise, Thai investments in Italy is also booming, the well-known is

by Central Group, which has acquired the historic Italian department store chain La Rinascente, while Thailand’s leading fisheries business, Thai Union, bought an Italian canned tuna brand, as well as, Minor Group in the NH Branded Hotel in Italy.

New opportunities of post Covid-19 Thai Economy has affected from Covid-19 around 3 times. It happens around the world and many people are not survive on their business. However, we have a lesson to prepare Thai economics to supported effect in a big tough time such as immune system in Financial sector or Real sector, Supporting policies from government. Thus, we try to find out a new way to recovery our business again.

In short terms, the government should have to accelerate the recruitment and vaccination of vaccines as quick as possible to

Italy has many interesting companies and brands in various sectors, not only in luxury but also in technology-intensive sectors. Real estate is interesting too, as foreigners are allowed to own property in Italy. Furthermore, the Italian government facilitates visas for entrepreneurs who invest above a certain threshold. Italy has many small and medium enterprises, which is the backbone of Italy’s economy, and among these SMEs there are many interesting Italian startups. Some of those SMEs are global leaders in their own market. It makes a lot of sense for Thai investors to look at these success stories to cultivate their relations. As we know, there are many institutions in Italy ready to help foreign investors to identify attractive opportunities. Also, in Thailand, we have the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce to support Italian investors.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that there are potential industries of both countries such as food and handcraft, which is related to Italian fashion product to be an industry that guides or attracts trade and investment between each country to increase their trading. Therefore, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI.) is a great pleasure to operate in various ways to achieve the objectives of enhancing trade and investment relations by 45 industries club and our industrial provinces.

Business matching would strengthen and expand our cooperation very well in the future to be an opportunity and build a strong business alliance network. It is immunity to protect the business from unexpected changes, which create a business risk that could have serious consequences. Further, the Exchange of knowledge and understanding of various technologies in the manufacturing sector is important in the Thai supply chain. The current upstream industry must be adapted to be consistent with the changing production technology in terms of Industry 4.0. Including being Service Industries, which are the policy and vision of the Federation of Thai Industries. Focusing on providing various types of industry information services to entrepreneurs.

As a representative of private sector, FTI and ITCCI can drive and support members for sustainable business expansion, based on the accuracy information and collaboration between us to foster a prosperous Thai-Italian Industrial cooperation. All of our work, are supporting members to beat a Covid-19 situation and be together to bright sky in post pandemic’s humanity.

The Federation of Thai Industries.

8th Flr, Creative Technology Bldg. 2 Nang Linchi Rd., Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120 Thailand www.fti.or.th

20 INFORMA

ISOPTIK: PEOPLE LOOK WITH THEIR EYES, BUT SEE WITH THEIR BRAIN

“

PEOPLE LOOK WITH THEIR EYES, BUT SEE WITH THEIR BRAIN

The most natural and comfortable feeling of having a crystal clear vision at every split second belongs to those who are in their adolescence years of age. However, this ability tends to start fading away right after you reach the age of 30. The effectiveness of your brain functionality starts to decline. Therefore, you feel tired and fatigued easily especially when you have to stare at the computer screen for hours, or read work documents and papers all day long.

The technology of unifocal eyeglasses commenced over 700 years ago to correct the symptom of presbyopia. This old technology was utilized to improve the quality near objects vision for those who needed, but the invention of unifocal significantly decreases the ability of the eyeglasses wearers to gaze and focus, perhaps faster than what it should normally be. In your daily life, if you are wearing reading glasses, and accidentally look further than the range of your lenses focusing ability, your visualizing system forces your eyes and your brain to adjust themselves to that focus range, which causes a headache, eyestrain and fatigues. Result? you eventually have to renew your eyeglasses prescription sooner than you actually have to.

Moreover, having to keep taking eyeglasses on and off, or looking above the top of eyeglasses to see distance objects is simply awkward. It is extremely inconvenient especially for those who have both presbyopia and nearsightedness, or for those who have both farsightedness and astigmatism at far distance. Some wearers have to own up to two or three pairs of eyeglasses, and use them alternatively. It is awfully inconvenient to carry that many pairs of eyeglasses, especially if you are a businessperson in top levels.

Today, a large number of eyeglasses users are still incapable of adjusting themselves to the bifocals or trifocals, particularly when they get in and out of a car, or walk up and down and sloping ground.

Every year, a number of first time bifocals and trifocals users reaches over 10,000, many of those accidentally look through the reading lenses when they walk, resulting in false distance speculation.

”

This has caused a lot of serious harmful incidents to the wearers.

Therefore, seamless multifocal progressive eyeglasses were invented and developed over 100 years ago to deliver clearer and better vision that comes with the wearing comfort at all distance.

At ISOPTIK, a world-class hi-end quality lenses design center – we offer an expertise in eye examination to create The ISOPTIK New Ultra Individual Digital 3D Progressive Eyeglasses, made with advanced digital 3D technology that produces 25 times more accurate and precise result than that of the general standard. Our exclusive top-notch lenses design and premium frames craftsmanship are customized according to each customer’s viewing behavior and visual analysis so that our customers do not have to waste any of their time adjusting to our customized lenses. ISOPTIK’s eyepieces promise to give the natural wearing comfort that comes with fast image focusing ability. Our lenses are specially designed to support curved frame six times higher than normal. We believe that an excellent pair of eyeglasses can improve your brain power drastically, as a result, you feel more empowered and energized like you were in your adolescence years of age.

ISOPTIK’s Ultra Individual Digital 3D Progressive Eyeglasses are carefully produced using the latest technology in all stages of the making -- eye examination, lenses design, and assembling process – all are elaborately done under the highest level of quality control by Master Bobi, who is regarded as a world-class eye examination, to ensure all ISOPTIK’s customers receive the masterpiece quality of eyeglasses that contributes the finest quality of vision to them.

For more information and reservation Tel : 063-994-1998 ( For your convenient and the highest possibility to receive the best thing, please make an appointment in advance for 3 Days.)

LINE ID :@isoptik Email : isoptik@gmail.com

May 2021

21

THE BELLAVITA EXPO BANGKOK 2021

“

Bellavita and the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce are going to organize the Bellavita EXPO Bangkok during the F&H Thailand from 8th to 11th September 2021

LONDON 15 April 2021 – Bellavita is pleased to announce the renewed partnership with the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce.

The main objective of the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce is the promotion of “Made in Italy” in Southeast Asia and the development of mutual cooperation and respect in the economic context, allowing positive economic flows between the two countries. Bellavita, through a consolidated partnership with Food and Hotel Thailand – the main international fair of the food and hospitality sector in Thailand and Southeast Asia – allows to show the best Italian F&B products to over 29,000 buyers and professionals in the sector. The third edition of Bellavita Expo Bangkok will take place from 8th to 11th September.

In this perspective, the new partnership with the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce aims to enhance support activities for Italian producers – from small artisan producers to iconic brands – positioning Bellavita as a strategic and essential point of reference in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

“I am really happy for this perfect synergy and synchrony enclosed in this agreement. The agri-food system is confirmed as a key sector of our economy. Food & Beverage resists and is

22 INFORMA

”

confirmed as one of the pillars of the Italian economy even – and above all – in times of Covid. The Italian agri-food industry generated an added value of 64.1 billion euros, of which 31.2 billion related to the F&B sector, and 32.9 billion from the agricultural sector. Bellavita proposes to educate foreign buyers in the Italian regions, starting from the territory, passing through the product and ending with the producer. With the growth of the food and hospitality sector in Thailand, and with the Italian – Thai Chamber of Commerce, we will offer exceptional opportunities to Italian companies to exchange knowledge with professionals in the sector and to promote entrepreneurial activities in the country.” This is how Aldo Mazzocco, CEO of Bellavita, welcomes this renewed collaboration.

About Bellavita Expo Bellavita Expo is the leading B2B event dedicated to the promotion of Italian food and beverage through eight trade shows in London, Amsterdam, Toronto, Warsaw, Hamburg, Chicago, Mexico City and Bangkok.

Website: www.bellavita.com For more information please contact Bellavita EXPO, email: info@bellavita.com or trade@thaitch.org

FHT BANGKOK, BITEC

08 - 11 September 2021

For more information on how to exhibit email: info@bellavita.com or trade@thaitch.org

WWW.BELLAVITA.COM

May 2021

23

LA SCALA, ITALIAN RESTAURANT AT THE SUKHOTHAI BANGKOK

ITALIAN RESTAURANT AT THE SUKHOTHAI BANGKOK

La Scala first opened doors on November 24, 2002 serving classic Italian cuisine to food connoisseurs in a setting of innovative interior design. The first in Bangkok to introduce internationally-acclaimed guest chefs to local gourmands, La Scala was second home to a long list of Michelin and celebrity chefs featured in the Sukhothai’s signature series “The Art of Dining”. The restaurant has since served 220,000 guests from around the world in its years of operation.

Unique, one of a kind and clearly in a class of its own, the new La Scala is a triumph of innovative interior design paired with inspired Italian cuisine. Chef David Tamburini introduces a menu that is “Italian Fine Dining”: Pure, traditional Italian recipes with unparalleled creative flair, a veritable culinary tour de force that captures the essence of contemporary Italian dining.

Interior design distinguishes the new La Scala Light and contemporary, the new La Scala exudes the style, luxury and confidence that promises to surpass the success of the former La Scala.

Drawing inspiration from its namesake the grand La Scala Opera Theatre in Milan, the concept for the new La Scala is “The Great Theatre for Marvelous Moments”, where extraordinary moments engage patrons in a full sensory experience of cuisine, design, glamour and service. The space is designed to stage the culinary team’s performance, showing the chef as their lead performer. At this point the “lead role” belongs to the guests, who eagerly anticipate moments of pleasure as they take their cues from the wide open theatre-like kitchen.

The shimmer of mosaic tiles complements a new bar and a well-presented grand wine cellar that covers an entire wall as one of the focal points. In keeping with the attention to detail that makes La Scala special, great care is taken to ensure that the extensive wine list offers options most suitable to match menu offerings.

The most characteristic design feature is the oval ceiling at the centre. The perfectly balanced layout alludes to the La Scala Opera Theatre, with five black pillars connecting the oval ceiling to the open kitchen space. The contrast of the black colour and the traditional relief on the pillars present a fine balance of lightness and heaviness, with the symmetry and overall colour scheme reminiscent of the theatre’s interiors.

Another new addition is a private dining room, set off from the

24 INFORMA

main dining area by translucent screens that offer space that is at once enclosed yet light and airy.

The white walls of the reception area and pizza kitchen are clad in Bianco Carrara, a famous marble from Italy. Is it used to emphasize the perpendicular line characteristic of Sukhothai architecture, and designed to harmonize the Italian nuances of La Scala with the design aesthetics of Thailand’s 13th century capital.

The interiors are designed by spinoff co., ltd. in Tokyo, widely acclaimed for spaces that provide a calm, quiet atmosphere where people can feel comfortable amid a delicate balance created by carefully selected materials and well-edited design.

The Sukhothai Bangkok 13/3 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120. Thailand Tel: 66 (0) 2344 8888 Fax: 66 (0) 2344 8899 www.sukhothai.com

EUGENIO CANNONI, NEW CHEF AT LA SCALA

“

EUGENIO CANNONI

”

NEW CHEF AT LA SCALA, ITALIAN RESTAURANT AT THE SUKHOTHAI BANGKOK La Scala Restaurant at The Sukhothai Bangkok, a triumph of innovative interior design paired with inspired Italian cuisine, welcomes Eugenio Cannoni as their new Italian Chef.

Chef Eugenio Cannoni was born in the heart of Monferrato from the northern Italian region of Piedmont.

His grandmother, of Apulian origins, cultivated in him a passion for cooking and crafting dishes with love and care.

His career began in the family restaurant, but with a strong desire to enhance his knowledge he enrolled at one of Italy’s best cooking schools, Alma di Gualtiero Marchesi, which successfully launched him into the world of “haute cuisine”. From there begun a path of research and enrichment by touring different kitchens in Europe and around the world, also becoming the Chef of a starred restaurant and dedicating himself to collaborations and as a consultant on various TV shows in Italy and abroad. The latest appointment is Chef De Cuisine at Castello di Casalborgone in Turin.

Eugenio’s personal Cooking Philosophy is to leave the products and raw materials as intact as possible, treating them with the most innovative techniques available, maintaining traditional taste revisited with a contemporary perspective — very simple, definite, and direct flavors, refined in the preparations with a particular imprint derived from his memories, professional experiences, and gastronomic journeys.

• Ricciola: raw yellowtail, mediterranean dressing, bloody mary granita • Cannellone: lamb ragu cannellone, green tomatoes, smoked mascarpone • Peperone e tonno: red bell pepper filled with tuna cream • Spaghettino: cold spaghetti, almond ricotta and Uni • Lingua: beef tongue in dolceforte sauce • Torta al Limone: 5 different citrus, passion fruit and merengue Please join us in welcoming Eugenio Cannoni to La Scala.

Should you wish to interview him and review his new exciting menu, please contact us at 02 344 8671 or email me at chutima.l@sukhothai.com

With extensive experience in both operation and culinary management, Eugenio will maintain the fame of La Scala as the best Italian restaurant in Bangkok and continue serving an Italian flair to the connoisseurs locally and internationally.

The following are Eugenio highlight dishes on the new menu:

About La Scala La Scala, an award-winning Italian restaurant is highly coveted for classic and progressive Italian cuisine combined with fine Italian and European wines. Its beautiful poolside setting is a bold statement in contemporary décor subtly infused with The Sukhothai’s cultural heritage, and showcases an open kitchen, private room and a bar with a wine cellar. Great care is taken to ensure that the wines present the best choices to match selections, in addition to representing an excellent range of both Italian and other wines from around the world.

The Sukhothai Bangkok 13/3 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120. Thailand Tel: 66 (0) 2344 8888 Fax: 66 (0) 2344 8899 www.sukhothai.com

May 2021

25

TICC WEBINAR SERIES: THAI HERB BUSINESS INDUSTRY

The Thai Italian Chamber of Commerce is launching a series of webinars to educate more about the traditional pharmacopeia of Thailand, focusing on the traditional medicine on Thai Herbs.

In cooperation together with the Federation of Thai Industry, Mae Fah Luang Foundation and Get It Fair, TICC will be organizing a series of vibrant appointments between May to June, to inform, educate, and find new markets in Thailand and Italy for botanical food supplements.

EPISODE 1: “Thai Traditional Herbal Medicine Industry” In partnership with: Medicinal Plants Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University Special Guest: Asst. Prof. Rawiwan Charoensub, Ph.D, Director of Medicinal Plants Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University EVENT DETAILS Date: May 13, 2021 (Thursday) Time: 15:00 – 16:00 hrs.

Platform: ZOOM Ticket: FREE OF CHARGE Booking: Reservations@thaitch.org

Special guest: Mr. Cesare Saccani,ICMQ Certification India Managing Director EVENT DETAILS Date: May 19, 2021 (Wednesday) Time: 15:00 – 16:00 hrs.

Platform: ZOOM Ticket: FREE OF CHARGE Booking: Reservations@thaitch.org

SCAN TO BOOK

26 INFORMA

EPISODE 2: “Competing in Italy with ethical claims and labels to meet the emerging European rules and customers’ needs” In partnership with: ICMQ Certification India

SCAN TO BOOK

TICC WEBINAR SERIES: THAI HERB BUSINESS INDUSTRY

EPISODE 3: “Leverage the quality of herbal products to pharmaceutical standards” In partnership with: T. Man Pharma Co., Ltd. Special Guest: Mr. Prapon Thanachotipan, Managing Director EVENT DETAILS Date: May 27, 2021 (Thursday) Time: 15:00 – 16:00 hrs.

Platform: ZOOM Ticket: FREE OF CHARGE Booking: Reservations@thaitch.org SCAN TO BOOK

EPISODE 4: “New Normal? There is no Normal. Integrating Herbal Remedies into your everyday life” In partnership with: Ouay Un Osoth Co., Ltd Special guest: Mr. Chanun Somboonvechakarn, Managing Director EVENT DETAILS Date: June 4, 2021 (Friday) Time: 15:00 – 16:00 hrs.

Platform: ZOOM Ticket: FREE OF CHARGE Booking: Reservations@thaitch.org SCAN TO BOOK

EPISODE 5: “What are the possibilities and competition of the Italian (European) Market?”

In partnership with: 6-Infinity (Thailand) Co., Ltd Special guest: Mr. Alberto Delrio, Managing Director EVENT DETAILS Date: June 10, 2021 (Thursday) Time: 15:00 – 16:00 hrs.

Platform: ZOOM Ticket: FREE OF CHARGE Booking: Reservations@thaitch.org

SCAN TO BOOK

EPISODE 6: “Standard Requirements and How to Organize the Export from Thailand?”

In partnership with: 6-Infinity (Thailand) Co., Ltd Special guest: Mr. Alberto Delrio, Managing Director EVENT DETAILS Date: June 17, 2021 (Thursday) Time: 15:00 – 16:00 hrs.

Platform: ZOOM Ticket: FREE OF CHARGE Bookings: Reservations@thaitch.org

SCAN TO BOOK

May 2021

27

PAST EVENTS

Bangkok, 23 March 2021 – The Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce hosted the first networking event of 2021 at the beautiful Ma Maison Restaurant at Nai Lert Park. The event was an indoor/outdoor hybrid event and the perfect location for networking and business matching amongst the Business Community.

We would like to express our gratitude to all the guests who attended this networking event and enjoyed a remarkable

night enjoying delicious food and beverage. We would like to thank Khun Naphaporn Bodiratnangkura (Lek) and Nai Lert Group for the membership with TICC and the beautiful venue.

The success of this event would have not been possible without our sponsors for the night: EWTA, KCG Corporation, Easy Best, accompanied by San Benedetto water and Italasia’s red, sparkling wines, and Menabrea Beer from Pacbev. Finally we would like to thank our exclusive Media partners Kitaya Brand Book for the coverage of this event.

Bangkok, 1 April 2021 – The Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce hosted the second networking event of 2021 at the authentic restaurant Paolo’s Rooftop at 4th Floor Mercury Ville.

The event was an indoor/outdoor hybrid event with the perfect location in the center of Bangkok’s sprawling metropolis for networking and business matching amongst the Business Community.

night enjoying delicious food and beverage. We would like to thank Paolo’s Rooftop for a great food and a beautiful view on a comfortable rooftop. The success of this event would have not been possible without our sponsors for the night: KCG Corporation, Easy Best Thailand, Zaino Food accompanied by San Benedetto water and Italasia’s red, sparkling wines, and Morena Beer from Gastro BKK.

We would like to express our gratitude to all the guests who attended this networking event and enjoyed a remarkable

Stay tuned for the next networking events are coming!

28 INFORMA

NEW MEMBERS

NEW MEMBERS

AUTOGRAPH COMPANY LIMITED Address: Unit B112, K Village Sukhumvit Soi 26, Klong Tan Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 9 5186 3415 Email: oli888asia@gmail.com Website: www.celebrityvipart.co.uk

MINOR HOTEL GROUP CO., LTD. Address: 88, The Parq Building, 12th Floor, Ratchadaphisek Road KHLONG TOEI KHLONG TOEI, BANGKOK 10110 Tel: +66 2 365 7500 Email: pressoffice@minorhotels.com Website: www.minorhotels.com

ASSET WORLD CORPORATION PCL Address: Empire Tower , Unit 1 54th Floor, Sathorn, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok Tel: +66 2 180 9999 Email: connect@assetworldcorp-th.com Website: www.assetworldcorp-th.com

NIRUNDA AESTHETIC CLINIC Address: 93/336 The Emporio Place, Sukhumvit 24 Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 2 160 4191 Email: inquiry@nirundaclinic.com Website: Nirundaclinic.com

T.MAN PHARMA CO., LTD. Address: 69 Soi Bangkhunthian 14, Samaedum, Bangkhunthian, Bangkok 10150 Tel: +66 2 415 1007 Email: t.manpharma@hotmail.com Website: www.tmanpharma.co.th

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BANGKOK Address: 300/1 CHAROEN KRUNG ROAD, SATHORN, BANGKOK 10120 THAILAND Tel: +66 2 032 0888 Email: prsm@fourseasons.com Website: www.fourseasons.com/bangkok

OUAY UN DISPENSARY CO., LTD. Address: 8 Petchkasem Road 76/1, Bangkae Nua, Bangkae, Bangkok 10160 Tel: +66 2 455 9555 Email: mo.somboonvechakarn@gmail.com Website: www.ouayun.com

UTOPIA CORPORATION Address: Utopia Gallery Zone Building B Premium Outlet 888/1 Moo.2 Tambon Kohkeaw, Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: +66 80 886 9660 Email: info@utopia.co.th Website: www.utopia.co.th

May 2021

29

FORTHCOMING TRADE SHOWS AND EVENTS

FORTHCOMING TRADE SHOWS

Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair 66th Edition 2021 Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) is one of the world’s most renowned and longest-celebrated gems and jewelry trade fair in the industry. Organized on a biannual basis by Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) in February and September, the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair is regarded as a significant trading arena where all key players in the global gems and jewelry business can achieve their purposes of sourcing, trading and networking.

ASEAN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY WEEK ASEAN Sustainable Energy Week is the major platform to introduce, exchange knowledge, and technology for professionals in the energy and related industries including Public Sector, State Enterprises, Private sectors, and Education Institutes. Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your innovation and technology where professionals in energy and related industries meet.

The 66th Edition will be converted to online platform in May. The 67th Edition will be held from 11-15 September 2021 at Impact Challenger Hall 1-3.

14 – 16 October 2021 at BITEC Bang Na, Bangkok www.asew-expo.com/2021

TUTTOFOOD 2021

HERO WORLD SERIES THAILAND 2021

TUTTOFOOD is the B2B exhibition for the entire agri-food ecosystem. Global and innovative, it is the reference point in the world for producers and distributors of quality products from the entire food and beverage supply chain, who meet during the exhibition buyers such as: distributors, importers, gdo, proximity stores, gourmet stores, food service, Out of Home professionals, chefs.

HERO THAILAND is Asia’s first and incredibly inspirational mountain bike marathon. The event will host in Chiang Rai, it will be the nature of the landscape which will certainly impress the bikers, who will cycle their marathon in the rainforest around Chiang Rai. From 13 to 15 NOVEMBER 2021, a threeday long programme packed with exciting events and features to delight all the participants as well as their families and friends.

22-26 October 2021 at Fiera Milano, Italy www.tuttofood.it

24-26 November 2021 at Singha Park, Chiang Rai www.heroworldseries.com

Agritechnica ASIA 2022 AGRITECHNICA ASIA emphasizes on agricultural engineering solutions that are both relevant and important to the development of agriculture in the Asian markets. Mechanization through modern machinery will increase significantly in the next decade mainly due to the growing labor shortages, more competition and therefore the requirement to reduce production costs.

The ‘AGRITECHNICA ASIA & HORTI ASIA Regional Summit’ marks the start of a series of physical events as well as digital information and business networking. The open-air event ‘AGRITECHNICA ASIA Live’ will follow in March 2022 in Vietnam.

The leading international trade fairs, AGRITECHNICA ASIA and HORTI ASIA, will be rescheduled to take place again from 25 to 27 May 2022 in Bangkok.

30 INFORMA

THE POWER OF SIMPLICITY – GTS SUPER SPORT 300 ABS (HPE)

May 2021

31

32 INFORMA