DEAR FRIENDS and MEMBERS of the STCC Been Working Hard to Avoid a Potentially Catastrophic Exit from the Euro Zone

JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

TOP NEWS SUPPORTED BY Deutsche Bank: Little Support From Domestic DFDL: Class Action Lawsuits Interview: Viktor Vavricka CBRE: Bangkok Among Cheapest Locations School News: Graduates Say Goodbye

THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE DEAR FRIENDS AND MEMBERS OF THE STCC been working hard to avoid a potentially catastrophic exit from the Euro zone. SERVICE The two sides have been dead- STCC CALENDAR locked on some major issues Thursday, 9th July 2015: for months, namely pensions STCC Stamm at Amari cuts and increase in value Boulevard Hotel, 18:00 added taxes, which the lend- PRESIDENT BRUNO G. ODERMATT Tuesday, 16th July 2015: ers feel absolutely necessary SSB Hoeck at Grottino It seems that the world has be- to get Greece back on solid Restaurant, 18:00 come more unpredictable and feet whereas Greece argues it unstable these days and when would force them into further Saturday, 1st August 2015: this edition of the newsletter recession. Fears of Greece’s Swiss National Day Brunch goes into press, one should know deteriorating finances have Party, Moevenpick Hotel, how the Greece saga turned out urged many Greeks to pull their Sukhumvit Soi 15. From 11:00 for the Euro zone and for Europe savings from the banks, reach- onwards (SSB) in general, and in that we should ing 1 billion $ per day, and Thursday, 13th August 2015: include Switzerland as well. if this were to continue then STCC Stamm at Amari the Greek Central Bank might Boulevard Hotel, 18:00 After a last ditch effort, the consider implementing capital Tuesday, 18th August 2015: Greek government finally made controls, which would be an- SSB Hoeck at Grottino some major concessions and it other blow to the already bat- Restaurant, 18:00 appears that the desperately tered economy. needed bailout aid for Greece Thursday, 10th Sept 2015: could come to closure. The in- Whilst Thailand was often STCC Stamm at Amari stitutions overseeing Greece’s coined “Teflon Thailand”, Boulevard Hotel, 18:00 bailout, the lenders represented which describes its ability to More details for above events by the European Commission, absorb economic or political please wait for the invitation- the European Central Bank and shocks without any long last- mail or get it from www.swis- International Monetary Fund, ing negative effects, it might sthai.com, click on “events”. and the Greek government have well be that this time around

1 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE SUPPORTED BY the outcome could be differ- of the Thai economy and the ent. The short-term symptoms country is a top destination for of a weak economy are usually medical tourism with an aver- visible in lower exports, low- age of 1,4 mil medical tourists er domestic consumption and per year, the stakes are quite slower than expected govern- high for Thailand to contain ment spending, which we are this disease early on. There now experiencing in Thailand. are worries that the Mers vi- However there are long-term rus could add another blow weaknesses that cannot be to the already shaky economy solved overnight, even by the and those fears were recent- best of intentions. The gov- ly reflected by the sell-off of ernment’s plans to restructure aviation companies, hoteliers the economy and engage in and hospitals at the Thai stock higher value-added economic exchange. Though Mers should activities, such as hybrid and have a far lesser impact than electric cars, bio-plastics and the Sars pandemic, it might medical equipment, are well still erode foreign tourists con- thought through and impor- fidence in Thailand, and one tant for Thailand, notAdhesive just as can hope &that Sealant the effective TechnologiesTRINA an exporter of goods and but measures undertaken by the INTERNATIONAL also as an investment destina- Ministry of Public Health will tion. Furthermore stability and bear fruits. predictability are important to foreign investors and we hope In the meantime you should that the government will be have received the yearly invoice MS Hybrid Polymer given enough time to imple- for the STCC’s membership fees, ment necessary reforms and which were this dispatched best performing economic policies to enhance by e-mail this time round. Al- window, door the competitiveness of Thai- though a bit delayed this year land. we made however some nec- and facade essary changes to our internal SERVICE After the outbreak of the dead- accounting procedures. It takes sealant. ly Middle Eastern Respiratory lots of efforts to issue invoices MEMBER DETAIL Syndrome (Mers), also known and reconcile payments and for SoutheastUPDATES Asia Link Co., Ltd. as Camel flu, in South Korea, that reason I would like to ask Dowww.seal-ast.com you have changes among the Ministry of Public Health you or your accounting staff for your delegatesT: 0 2732 or changes 2092 to reported the first Mers case in your support and to be kind to your e-mail, mobile, telephone, Thailand. One needs to be re- send us a copy of your payment or fax numbers? minded that it is a deadly dis- slip. This will make the life of Please send all updates to ease that is transmitted most- our administrative office and [email protected] ly in hospitals where infected accounting staff easier and will people are seeking treatment. help us to reconcile incoming As tourism accounts for 10% payments more effectively. You

2 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE can reach our accounting staff *** at [email protected]. Contact the President: I wish those of you who will be Bruno G. Odermatt spending the summer holidays President STCC in Switzerland or Europe a safe [email protected] journey and looking forward to Tel: +66 2 652 1911 seeing all of you at the 1st Au- gust celebration in Bangkok or at our next Chamber’s function.

With the best wishes

Bruno G. Odermatt President

Business Consulting Adhesive & Sealant Technologies TRINA Start up – Business Registrations – Visa & Work permits INTERNATIONAL Recruiting Accounting Services including VAT, Tax, year-end closings, reportings MS Hybrid Polymer Insurance Solutions ONE STOP Medical Insurances (individual and staff / groups) best performing Car- , Bike- & Property Insurance Life Insurances window, door and facade TRINA Management (Thailand) Co. Ltd. Your reliable Partner 18th Floor, Unit 1802; Bangkok Business Center Building sealant. in Thailand #29, Sukhumvit 63 Road, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 02 714 4177; Fax: 02 714 4179 Southeast Asia Link Co., Ltd. + Swiss Management + [email protected] www.trina-thai.com www.seal-ast.com Since 1996 Member of the Swiss & German Chamber of Commerce T: 0 2732 2092

3 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

ECONOMY REPORT BY DEUTSCHE BANK SOME SUPPORT FROM EXTERNAL, LITTLE SUPPORT FROM DOMESTIC

• Economic outlook: was -1.7%yoy in April, thanks middle of last year, with the Exports weakness has eased to both electronics and auto trend flattening only recently. a tad while tourism remains exports up around 7%yoy. Com- If finally exports to China and strong, but indicators of do- modity related exports, espe- the EU bottom out, the outlook mestic demand, especially pri- cially fuel products, rubber, for the Thai exports will have vate consumption and private resin, and chemical products finally improved in a long time. investment remain anemic. remained in contractionary Thailand’s trade with Australia territory, however. Also, food and CMLV countries has deep- • Main risks: exports (-6.8%yoy) have also ened in recent years, which Deflation could exacerbate and been a negative drag to the could prove to be a useful domestic demand could contin- overall exports picture. source of balance. ue to reflect stagnation, rais- ing calls for further rate cuts Countrywise, exports to China Tourism revival (with BoT policy rate getting appear to have bottomed while closer to the zero bound). exports to the US have been While the bottoming of the ex- gaining momentum (+8.4%yoy). ports cycle is still rather tenta- While its exports blues are far Still, exports to EU (-5.1%yoy) tive, one unambiguous area of from over, Thailand’s monthly and ASEAN (-11.6%yoy) contin- revival is tourism. After suffer- trade data are not as poor as ue to be quite weak. The chart ing considerably last year owing they were a few months ago. below shows that exports be- to political unrest and military Merchandise exports growth gan to lose strength from the intervention, there has been a

4 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

ECONOMY REPORT BY DEUTSCHE BANK strong rebound in tourist arrival, hotel occupancy, and a variety of visitor related services. The authorities’ attempt to court Chinese visitors by relaxing visa requirements has been very success- ful lately.

Indeed, in February and March of this year the number of visitor arrivals from China (about 0.7mn) exceeded those from Asean countries (0.6mn) for the first time in history. While arrival from Asean economies grew robustly (up 38.5%yoy and 25.2% in February and March respectively), the growth of Chinese tourists was far more striking (120.1%yoy and 112.5%yoy during the same period). Whatever weakness has lingered due to a falloff in Russian tourist arrivals appears to be comfortably offset by the China strategy pursued by the authorities.

While the idea of targeting the world’s most populous and fastest growing economy for tourism appears to be on obviously simple policy, the credit due to the government should not be downplayed. Competition for Chinese tourists is intense in the region, and in terms of the mac- ro situation, China has seen better days. Getting such a large spike in tourism flow in this context looks particularly impressive. It reflects a well

5 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

ECONOMY REPORT BY DEUTSCHE BANK thought-through strategy, will- yet again. Durable goods con- current and investment budget ingness to reduce bureaucratic sumption growth is in negative rose by 6.1%yoy and 37.2%yoy barriers, and a strong domestic territory, although non-durable respectively. The challenge for absorptive infrastructure. goods and service consumption the rest of year is clear—the continue to grow modestly. In authorities have to complement Still weak domestic demand general, high household debt the bottoming external demand burden (86% of GDP) and ris- dynamic with a turnaround in The contrast, however, is stark ing real rates (due to decline in domestic consumption and in- on the domestic demand side. inflation outpacing the policy vestment. Confidence indicators remainrate adjustment substantially) particularly weak as questions are still hampering consumption Taimur Baig, linger on the role of public pol- decisions. Stagnant rural wages Singapore, icy on reviving investment and and farm income, an anemic in- +65 6423 8681 income. vestment environment, and lin- gering political uncertainty will In addition to worrisome slip- remain drags to Thai consump- page in sentiment indicators, tion for the rest of the year, in data on domestic consumption our view. demand continue to paint a poor picture. Power consump- On the positive side, public tion has flattened while domes- spending increased by 10.8%yoy tic auto demand has faltered in April after disbursement in the

6 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

NEWS BY DFDL THAILAND WELCOMES CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS On 4 December 2015 Thailand’s heads in confusion we provide the introduction of a class ac- Civil Procedure Code will include some good examples of class action law in Thailand will de- provisions for class-actions, tions: crease Thailand’s attractiveness which were not previously per- as a business destination and mitted under Thailand’s legal • Consumers harmed by defec- impact future foreign invest- regime. Our article this month tive products (e.g. a car mod- ments. explains how typical class action el with an manufacturing de- legislation works and the impact fect); We don’t believe this is an ac- this new law will have on busi- • Homeowners affected by large curate statement. In many ways ness operators in Thailand. development projects such as providing better legal recourse dams and factories; to groups affected by faulty We conclude by providing you • A group of employees be- products or other typical class with a practical step-by-step ing subjected to racial, age, action cases will improve the guide on how to launch class or gender discrimination by standing of the Thai legal sys- actions in Thailand. What is a their employer. tem. As class action laws exist “class action”? - A class action all over the world, many compa- is a type of lawsuit in which one The final question we ask this nies are familiar with the risks or a group of individuals sues a month is: What does this mean and how to address these. defendant on behalf of a larg- for business operators? At this er group. There are certain ele- early stage the precise impact It will also have a positive effect ments which are common to all of the new provisions remain for consumers because compa- class actions across all jurisdic- unclear. Though the scope of nies will become extra cautious tions where such laws exist. a class action laws’ impact can about introducing new prod- only be determined after testing ucts to the market since selling These include: in the courts, some businesses products which are unsafe will may be at a higher risk after the expose these companies to class 1) The dispute issues are com- passage of this law than others. action law suits. Corporations mon to all members of the This higher risk will probably will have to act more responsi- class; and mean higher insurance premi- bly and this can only be viewed 2) Those affected are so large in ums. This will affect smaller as a good development. number, that it would be im- businesses more than larger practical (and surely a waste corporations. And unlike big- Step by Step Guide of the court’s time) for each ger corporations, small busi- person to bring a separate nesses may not have the luxury Thailand’s class action legis- lawsuit against the defend- of in-house counsel to handle lation includes elements men- ant. class-actions. As such, higher tioned above though it varies in legal costs will be involved in some respects from other U.S. For the benefit of those who are engaging outside legal counsel. and Common Law class action still probably scratching their Commentators have argued that laws.

7 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

NEWS BY DFDL

Numerous international stat- Step 2: Selecting a Court Court to proceed under, must utes permit class actions to be demonstrate to the Court that brought in regard to any subject If you have decided that a class there exists a “group of people” matter. Thailand has decided action law suit is appropriate who carry common rights, facts to limit its focus on tortious for you and your group’s claim, and base their legal claims on claims (negligence etc.), breach the next stage is to approach common ground (despite their of contract claims and “claims the courts. “injury” varying from person to of legal rights” (which are laws person). generally passed to protect the But which Court? public (i.e. environmental laws, The second point demonstrated consumer protection laws, la- The jurisdiction for class actions to a Court under Section 222/8 bor laws and securities and ex- is subject to the Court which is of the Civil Procedure Code is change and trade competition empowered to hear an individu- that bringing individual actions laws). al on the same matter *except (as opposed to actions brought municipal court (kwaeng court). as a class) would be “trouble- The first step is to find a “class” The class actions concerning some and inconvenient” and of individuals and then, deter- certain specific matters such as that bringing the action as a mine whether the courts will the administrative decisions, class of individuals will result permit a class action in relation the labor dispute and trade in “better justice and efficien- to the claim. protection disputes, shall be cy”. Subject to these conditions, brought to the relevant courts the Court considers whether the Step 1: Identifying a Class (i.e. the Administrative Court, class action should be heard. Labour court and the Intellec- To kick-off a class action one tual Property and International While there may be instances needs to satisfy certain condi- Trade Court). where the court prevents the tions: (a) Identifying whether class action from moving for- a class exists; (b) whether the Step 3: Obtaining Certification ward, the Civil Procedure Code dispute is common among the states that an interlocutory ap- members of the class; and (c) Before proceeding with legal ac- peal can be filed to ensure that whether the courts are willing tion, the class of plaintiffs, who the class’ facts are heard thor- to hear your claim as a class. have now determined which oughly.

Premier International Co.,Ltd.

We fabricate P.T.F.E. Coated Glass Fabric Material into different kind of belts for many Industries

We produce textile dryer belts, packanging belts, processing belts, backing sheets, silicone sheets and tapes according to customer specification

Contact us: Tel.0-2935-9023 to 5 Fax. 0-2539-1743, 0-2935-9023 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.premier-belting.com, www.premier-belts.com

8 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

NEWS BY DFDL

Step 4: Appointment of Class permit such notice to be distrib- Action Officer uted via mass media or in any other form deemed appropriate Once the “pre-class action by the court. phase” is successfully completed and the class action has been Step 6: Going to Trial certified by the court, the next stage is to submit to the court From a procedural standpoint, the plaintiffs’ desired remedy. the trial portion of class ac- The Court, prior to the trial, tions is not very different from will appoint a “class action of- ordinary civil actions. You can fice” (sometimes referred to as expect the same process of mean “executing officer”) whose diation, submission of evidence, job involves assisting the Court hearing of witnesses and finally by attempting mediation, col- a delivery of judgment. lecting and verifying evidence, meeting with witnesses and tak- Step 7: Obtaining a Judgment ing statements before and during the trial. If the court decides in the favor of the class of plaintiffs, then a During this phase, if “class judgment will include the class’ members” decide that the class lawyer fees along with the pay- action remedy does not best ment of damages to all class suit their needs, they have a pe- members individually (based on riod of forty-five days to with- the formula submitted to the draw from the “class”. It is not Courts). Section 222/37 author- uncommon for individuals to izes the court can consider and withdraw from a “class” follow- prescribe percentage of total ing a few rounds of mediation monetary awards up to 30% as between the parties. the attorney fees.

Step 5: Pre-trial Notification We hope that the above information has been useful to you Before the trial, it is required and your understanding of class that notification be provided to action lawsuits and their intro- the public that a class action duction into the Thai legal sys- lawsuit will be taking place and tem. any other individuals (with the same facts and grievances) may Marcus Collins apply to join the group filing ([email protected]) the lawsuit. Notification is to be Chartchai Piriyapanyaporn posted a public newspaper for a ([email protected]) period of three continuous days. Kunal Sachdev The court may, in its discretion, ([email protected])

9 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

NEWS BY DFDL DFDL WINS FINANCIAL TIMES’ MOST INNOVATIVE ASEAN LAW FIRM AWARD 2015 DFDL has been named “Most in- law firms and individuals that tremendously proud of our hard novative ASEAN law firm 2015” are pioneering in their approach work over the past 20 years. by the Financial Times. The to providing legal services. Da- DFDL is a truly regional firm, award was given to the firm for vid D. Doran, Founder and Chair- working in some of the most its innovative work and bold man, who attended the event in dynamic legal markets in the strategy to build legal and tax Hong Kong, said: “This award world.” More than 500 submis- practices across ASEAN and the strongly reaffirms what we have sions from 114 law firms in the frontier markets in Asia, as well always known to be true: that region were received and hun- as for providing innovative legal DFDL’s creative and innovative dreds of interviews were con- solutions to its clients in such business model, client services ducted with clients, experts and markets. offerings and regional growth lawyers to determine the short- strategy are at the cutting edge list. The Financial Times (FT) The FT Innovative Lawyer of the legal business. It’s the held the formal awards dinner at Awards – in both Asia Pacif- perfect year for us to win this the Asia Society in Hong Kong ic and Europe – are regarded award, being our 20th anniver- on 10 June 2015 where they an- as one of the best researched sary and the beginning of the nounced the winners of the 2nd awards in the market. They pro- Asian Economic Community.” FT Innovative Lawyers Awards vide a thorough analysis of the Asia Pacific 2015. The FT Asia legal industry and showcase new Martin Desautels, Managing Pacific Innovative Lawyers 2015 and innovative ideas from law- Partner, commented upon re- Report, which highlights DFDL’s yers and in-house counsel. The ceiving the news: “This recogni- high ranking in the region, was awards are a key recognition of tion is fantastic news – we are issued today.

10 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

MEMBER INTERVIEW VIKTOR VAVRICKA Viktor Vavricka, personal: Family, Hobbies etc.

I come in a package of six plus a beagle. My wife Bernadette is Swiss, and I have two girls and two boys aged 5 to 14. In my free time I enjoy being with my family, in particular travelling with them, which is rather cha- otic. I try to challenge myself and move as much as possible, running my rounds at Benjasi- ri Park on Saturday and Sunday mornings. I do boxing western style and have yet to discover Muay Thai. I like socializing and exchanging views with inter- esting people, out-of-the box thinkers like you are, Peter! The reality of my job is that work and life are heavily intertwined. Moments of a private life are rare.

How do your work and pres- ence in Thailand change your views and values?

On one hand, Thailand has not changed my views and values at all. After all, I am here to What brought you to Thailand? in any posting or situation, no represent Swiss interests and matter whether we are in Riyadh values in Thailand, and not the Coincidence. Or destiny. As a or Bangkok. Bangkok is treating opposite. On the other hand, career diplomat with the Swiss me very well though, and I am any posting abroad leaves a Foreign Ministry, personal wish- grateful for living and working considerable footprint on your es to be in one place or anoth- in Thailand. It is a great privi- life. When moving on, probably er are only one factor among lege to represent Swiss interests in 2017, I will have come to ap- many. We are chosen for our in a country in which Switzer- preciate and to incorporate Thai ability to appreciate the beauty land enjoys a high reputation. values and virtues to some ex-

11 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

MEMBER INTERVIEW tent. I do not mean the NCPO’s However, on the net flow of new Thailand – just like Switzerland happiness campaign, but the investments, Switzerland last – has a services and export ori- observations anyone can make year fell from the 7th to the ented economy. I am convinced in everyday life: for example 26th rank. The Swiss-Thai Cham- that liberalizing the Thai servic- acts of solidarity, respect for ber of Commerce is the relevant es sector and opening it to for- each other, sufficiency, being platform to exchange know- eign investment further would in the here and now, the pro- how, best practices and lessons be beneficial to the Thai econ- nounced love for food... I have learned on business activities in omy. More specifically, we often become a passionate food pho- Thailand. The Swiss Embassy is hear issues around work permits tographer myself. here to represent Swiss econom- which seems to be a science in ic interests and to provide es- itself. Also, the current gov- How can the Swiss Thai busi- sential contacts. However, every ernment is cracking down on ness community help to in- company needs to make its own corrupt practices in the public crease business activities in calculations, market and risk as- sector, and it needs to keep Thailand? sessments, and the fall in the the momentum. At the Embas- rankings above are a reflection sy, we get feedbacks on corrupt Switzerland takes an eminent of the realities that are beyond practices all too often. Also, we position in trade relations the control of STCC or the Swiss must regret how openly Swiss among non-Asian countries, Embassy, mainly the overall po- high end watch fakes are still although Switzerland in 2014 litical situation in Thailand, the available on the market. Just dropped in the Thai import sta- business climate and the world have a stroll through Asiatique tistics from the 6th to the 13th markets. The Riverfront or MBK. The pro- rank. On Thai exports to Swit- tection of intellectual property zerland, we moved from the In your opinion what should rights requires more efforts. 27th to the 25th rank. There be the Thai government’s top are around 150 Swiss compa- priority to improve the busi- nies present in Thailand. They ness processes for foreign employ almost 49’000 workers. companies in Thailand

12 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

NEWS BY CBRE BANGKOK REMAINS ONE OF THE WORLD’S CHEAPEST OFFICE LOCATIONS Bangkok was ranked among the recovery of the global economy. outsourcing (BPO) firms and cheapest office locations in the Overall global prime office occu- non-banking financial institu- world whereas other Asian cities pancy costs rose 2% year-over- tions are in expansionary mode, continued to dominate the world’s year, with Asia Pacific up 1.4%. stimulating demand for office most expensive office locations, space. However, we are also see- accounting for four of the top “Occupier caution has declined ing diverse occupier activity in five markets, according to CBRE and corporate confidence has the region with less expansion- Research’s semi-annual Global been on the rise, and this con- ary markets—some occupiers Prime Office Occupancy Costs sur- fidence is starting to translate are looking to optimize existing vey. London’s West End remains into a degree of expansionary accommodations rather than ex- the world’s highest-priced office momentum,“ said Mr. Richard pand.” market. Barkham, Global Chief Econo- mist, CBRE. “At the same time, In Q1 2015, average Grade A Bangkok was ranked at 105th many office markets are in- CBD rents in Bangkok increased place out of 127 cities world- creasingly short of the quality, by 3.2% year-over-year to wide surveyed by CBRE Research modern, flexible and highly ac- THB 859 per sq.m. per month. in Q1 2015 for overall occu- cessible or CBD-located office There is limited supply due for pancy costs for Grade A office buildings which corporations completion between 2015 and space. Canberra in Australia was are seeking to execute work- 2017. Less than 400,000 square the only city in the Asia Pacific place strategies that will drive meters of office space is under that is cheaper than Bangkok at productivity and attract or re- construction. About 20% of 111th position. tain talent.” space under construction will be Grade A in the CBD. The total London’s West End’s overall Dr. Henry Chin, Head of Re- net take-up in Bangkok for Q1 prime occupancy costs topped search, CBRE Asia Pacific, com- 2015 was around 65,000 sq.m., the ‘most expensive’ list at THB ments, “in the Asia Pacific re- increased by 17% year-over- 8,058 per sq.m. per month. gion, occupancy cost trends year. “The space taken up at Hong Kong (Central) followed in were mixed, with regional sur- owner occupied buildings was a second place at THB 7,669 per veys showing stronger hiring significant part of net take-up sq.m. per month. Beijing (Fi- intentions among employers in this quarter. A reasonable level nance Street) (THB 5,907 per India, Taiwan, New Zealand, the of demand and limited supply sq.m.), Beijing (Central Busi- Philippines and Japan while cor- has caused office rents to rise ness District (CBD)) (THB 5,657 porate hiring activity remained by 3% - 12% year-over-year in per sq.m.) and New Delhi (Con- muted in other locations. India all grades and areas,” reported naught Place –CBD) (THB 4,735 and the Philippines also con- Mr. James Pitchon, Executive per sq.m.) rounded out the top tinued to benefit from growing Director - Head of Research, five. IT back office services looking CBRE Thailand. for operational and costs effi- The change in prime office occu- ciency. Throughout Asia, tech- CBRE tracks occupancy costs for pancy costs mirrored the gradual nology firms, business process Grade A or prime office space in

13 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

NEWS BY CBRE

127 markets around the globe. For Thailand/regional property Of the top 50 ‘most expensive’ news or global stories, follow us markets, Asia Pacific had the on Facebook: most number of markets fea- CBRE.Thailand and tured, with 20 markets ranked. CBRE.Condo.Society Twitter: @CBREThailand For more information, YouTube: CBREThailand visit the company’s website at www.cbre.co.th

14 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

INTERN WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS: CORPORATE MEMBERS:

Westin Grande Sukhumvit Activity: Hotel Replenish your body and mind [Grande Asset Hotels and Prop- in the heart of downtown Bang- erty Pcl. Branch 2] kok. Nestled between top res- 259 Sukhumvit Soi 19, taurants, vibrant entertainment Sukhumvit Road, venues, and major shopping Klongtoey Nua, Wattana malls, it is also just steps from 10110 Bangkok the Skytrain and MRT, making Tel: 02-207-8000 exploration effortless. Recharge Fax: 02-651-1080 after an exhilarating day in our E-mail: [email protected] 362 guest rooms and 31 suites. www.westin.com/bangkok Stretching over 24 floors, they showcase city views and re- Representatives: nowned Westin amenities, in- Mr. Raich Martin, cluding our Heavenly® Bed, and General Manager, and top technology, such as LCD Ms. Nongluck Narkam, televisions and High Speed In- Director of Sales & Marketing ternet Access.

Let us guide you throughout Asia

COME EXPLORE WITH US.

 · [email protected]  · [email protected]  · [email protected]  · [email protected]  · [email protected]  · [email protected]  · [email protected]  · vietnam@asiantrails.com.vn

..

15 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

RIS SWISS SECTION DEUTSCHSPRACHIGE SCHULE BANGKOK 44,644 BAHT FOR NEPAL The appeals at our school for This amount was transferred to the Great Book Swap, gave money the earthquake victims in Nepal the Thai Red Cross Society. We during the Aloha Splash or donat- raised an amazing 44,644 Baht. thank everyone who took part in ed their leaving gift to Nepal. SEA GAMES IN KUALA LUMPUR The 13th South East Asian Games with 4 tied games and 1 win. were without a doubt the sports This earned them the bronze highlight of RIS-Swiss Section medal. The boys won all games in the recent school year. From and they triumphantly won the 28th May until 2nd June 2015, gold medal for football! teams from six different German International Schools of our The first place trophy went to region were welcomed by the Singapore and third place to RIS host, German School Kuala Lum- Swiss Section – Deutschspra- pur. The top 20 athletes from chige Schule Bangkok. After each school came to compete in this, we could all finally cele- four different events. The com- brate together! petition began and ended with festive opening and closing cer- emonies.

On the first day the volleyball tournament took place. At the end of the day, German School Kuala Lumpur took the gold medal, RIS Swiss Section took the bronze medal.

Saturday was the competition day for the track and field events. The 120 athletes participated in shot put, high jump, long jump and various running events. On Sunday morning the swimming competition was held. After the medal ceremony, all athletes en- joyed an excursion to the main attractions of Kuala Lumpur. On the last day of competitions, the football tournament took place. The girls performed well,

16 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

RIS SWISS SECTION DEUTSCHSPRACHIGE SCHULE BANGKOK 2015 GRADUATES SAY GOODBYE With shining students, proud 10 got awarded with the admis- zerland in Thailand, and H. E. parents and prominent guest sion to the Gymnasium (Ober- Mr. Rolf Schulze, Ambassador of speakers, RIS Swiss Section – stufe), three students with the the Federal Republic of Germany Deutschsprachige Schule Bang- Realschulabschluss and two in Thailand. Both ambassadors kok presented an impressive students of grade 9 with the praised the students for their program to their guests on 12th Hauptschulabschluss. hard work and they told the June 2015 at this year’s gradua- students that today, they have tion ceremony and said goodbye The guests were greeted with just reached another level of to the eight graduates who have welcoming words from the Prin- their lifelong learning process successfully completed their cipal Mr. Dominique Tellenbach and experience. Both ambas- school career in 2015. and Mrs. Monika Eberl, Head of sadors will leave Thailand and Secondary School of RIS Swiss the school community thanked The school welcomed students, Section – Deutschsprachige them for their continuous sup- their parents, teachers, the am- Schule Bangkok, who will return port of the school. bassadors of Switzerland and to Switzerland and Germany this Germany, members of the Mat- summer and both focused in With enthusiastic and emotion- ura Commission, representatives their speeches on the support al parting words from the class of Ruamrudee International of a big team that made this teacher Anita Schwarz the eight School, and friends of the school success possible and expressed students of grade 12 were re- during a formal ceremony hon- that today is a testament to the leased to their next stage of life ouring years of dedication and achievements of the graduates as they will start university in hard-work across all disciplines and the love and support they different locations all over the in the Matura Program. have received over the years. world. In another speech, San- The diplomas were presented dra Jüngling and Luzi Supik, In addition to the Matura grad- by H.E. Mrs. Christine Schraner students of grade 12, expressed uates, nine students of grade Burgener, Ambassador of Swit- their gratefulness to all teach-

17 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

RIS SWISS SECTION DEUTSCHSPRACHIGE SCHULE BANGKOK ers and parents helping them to extraordinary and memorable Amari Watergate Hotel for this achieve their goals. Evan Hof- farewell performance including year’s Matura ball. This year’s mann and Andrash Meszaros, classical music, pop and jazz. theme was “The Final Count- students of grade 10, also used down”. At this social highlight their speech to say “Thank you” The ceremony closed with con- of the German-speaking commu- to all teachers, staff and their cluding words from the Princi- nity in Bangkok, people danced parents for the big support over pal Mr. Dominique Tellenbach and celebrated extensively. The the last years. who appreciated and praised the students of grade 11 entertained people organizing the ceremo- the audience with a number of In the festively decorated Per- ny for their hard work that was funny games. forming Arts Centre of Rua- needed to prepare this wonder- mrudee International School, ful event. Following the ceremo- With great anticipation, the students of grades 10 – 12 and ny, a vin d’honneur was served, guests waited for the announce- the music teacher Verena Bock offered by the Ambassador of ment of the main prizes of the and the pianist Noriko Nakashi- Switzerland. One day later, the tombola, which again offered ma captured the stage and en- celebrating school community great prizes. tertained the audience with an met again in the ballroom of the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL CELEBRATION On the last day of school on Fri- Sierotzki, President of the Board well-rehearsed songs, pieces and day, 19th June 2015, teachers, of the Swiss Educational Asso- skits immediately opened the families and friends were invited ciation (SEA), and by the Prin- audience’s hearts. It was delight- to join the students for the year- cipal Mr. Dominique Tellenbach. ful to see and hear the results end celebration at the Perform- of many hours of practice and ing Arts Centre of Ruamrudee Students of Kindergarten and all rehearsals. The students of the International School. grade levels captured the stage 6th Grade even contributed their and provided the audience with own movie trailer. At the event, The guests were greeted with an extraordinary and memora- teachers, staff and students welcoming words from Mr. Knut ble farewell performance. The who are leaving the school were

18 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

RIS SWISS SECTION DEUTSCHSPRACHIGE SCHULE BANGKOK bid farewell with a big round – Team” for their great effort, In his closing words, the Prin- of applause. Mr. Knut Sierotzki, highlighted the contribution of cipal Mr. Dominique Tellen- President of the Board of the the “Library-Team” and final- bach thanked all members of Swiss Educational Association ly thanked all members of the the school community for their (SEA) also thanked Principal Mr. school administration and staff support and especially the “Sa- Dominique Tellenbach and Mrs. for their excellent work through- nuk–Team” and all the teachers Monika Eberl, Head of Second- out the year. and staff involved in organizing ary School of RIS Swiss Section this wonderful last day of school – Deutschsprachige Schule Bang- Mr Dirk Stepf, Head of P.E., had event which concluded with a kok, who will return to Switzer- the pleasure to honour the ath- big choir of students asking the land and Germany this summer, letes and coaches of our suc- school community to enjoy the for their hard work and service cessful team who participated holidays with the catchy song to the school. Afterwards, mem- in the South East Asian Games “Don`t worry, be happy!”. bers of the Students’ Council SMV in Kuala Lumpur and won med- thanked the “Pausenbrotverkauf als in different competitions.

Important events in the second semester of the school year: 10.08.2015 First Day of School – Welcoming Ceremony 14.10 2015 Annual General Meeting of SEA 11.11.2015 Open House Day (7.30 – 14.40 Uhr) 13.11.2015 Lantern Parade (KG - Grade 3 - evening) 25.11.2015 Loy Krathong - Day 10.12.2015 Sports Day (7:30 – 12:00) 16.12.2015 Christmas Party (from 13:00) Please visit our website – www.ris-swiss-section.org – and get more information about our upcoming events.

19 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

MEMBER CONTRIBUTION THAI MEET SWISS INNOVATION IN JAPAN Solar Impulse Two (SI2) , the airplane powered by energy coming solely from mother sun is making headlines. While writing this article, my com- puter screen points to http:// www.flightradar24.com and shows the position of SI2 at 26.2240°/-170.5887° east of the Midway Islands heading for Hawaii. My second screen shows the cockpit’s energy widget in- dicating the airplane is flying in mode 3 (batteries are pow- ering the aircraft) slowly descending with 100 feet/min at an altitude of 19396 feet. It is Thursday July 2, 07:11 UTC. At Midway it is 20:11. The longest The beautiful cycle of sustainability upper trace: altitude of SI2 night of the entire trip of SI2 is lower trace: charge state of batteries (100% ~ 160kWh) approaching.

The batteries have to hold un- Wh/kg have to power the air- hours of darkness, SI2 could til the sun rises again at ap- craft through the night. Is this use an average of 16 kW pow- prox. 6am local time. Ten hours enough? A quick calculation er. Right now SI2 is descending without solar power. The 630kg on my breakfast napkin yields (peacefully?) with a power con- heavy lithium polymer batter- approx 160 kWh of storage. In sumption of 1kW at 19000 feet. ies, with an energy density 260 other words to get through 10 With the current falling rate of 100 feet/min it will reach 8000 Andre Borschberg at 19’000 feet on July 2, 07:11 UTC over Midway feet (the night cruising altitude) in approx 2 hours using roughly 2 kWh of stored energy. There is still 158 kWh left for the re- maining 8 hours. This should be enough to bring Andre Borsch- berg, the Swiss innovator and pilot, through the night safely if mother nature plays along. Imagine heavy head winds. Imagine turbulence. This is a real adventure indeed. Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg

20 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

MEMBER CONTRIBUTION make me think about energy, with very little following up Vavricka) we managed to get make me do napkin calculations in the kingdom. Short sighted an appointment to see the SI2 and make realize that there is economic gains still overpower at Nagoya Airfield. Already im- already technology for a future low profit visionary projects. pressed even before seeing the with a sustainable energy cycle. SI2, the inflatable hangar is a It is a paradigm shift. SI2 does Associate Professor Polkit Saeng- piece of art on its own. what no bird can: Stay in the vanich, Director of the Institute air forever. Use the power of of Biotechnology and Bioengi- Two compressors make sure the the sun during the day to gain neering at the Chulalongkorn monument is not collapsing. height (potential energy) and University understands the diffi- The weight of the specially de- to charge batteries (chemical culties of Thailand to become a signed fabrics could destroy the energy) and use both “stores” more innovation driven society. fragile SI2 if the compressors during night time. A beautiful In his opinion Thailand lacks were to fail. Heavy uninter- cycle of human ingenuity. inspiration. “To change this we ruptible power supplies make need to start to educate and in- sure the SI2 is safe in case the This paradigm shift has been spire our young children. Make Japanese power grid fails. celebrated all over the world them hooked to Science & Tech- including the Swiss embassy in nology.” Constantin de Nassau, Peter Bangkok last February. Those Stegovec, Daniel Cohen and who were attending remember When SI2 had to stop her jour- Eri Suzuki welcomed us and six an evening with an inspiring ney in Japan due to unfavora- other SI2 enthusiasts at the en- Christine Schraner Burgener, ble weather conditions over trance of the Hangar. The first the Swiss Ambassador to Thai- the pacific ocean, Assoc. Prof. impression is the lasting impres- land, promoting clean energy Polkit got excited. He had al- sion they say, and indeed you and Swiss innovation. The Swiss ready planned a trip to visit need to see this to believe it. Thai Chamber of Commerce has Japanese universities and a sci- supported the event by organ- entific instrument company in No words can describe the izing local innovators to pres- Tokyo. With help from the Swiss first personal contact with the ent their vision of a clean ener- embassy (Thank You Viktor “Swiss Lady”. gy future in Thailand. Here are reports in the Farang magazine Inflatable hangar at Nagoya airfield and the STCC newsletter for those who missed it.

What is the driving force of An- dre Piccard and Andre Borsch- berg to explore and risk their lives for a clean energy future? Is this kind of innovation possible in Thailand? Such questions are regularly discussed and everybody agrees: Innova- tion is key for mankind’s and Thailand’s future. Nice words

21 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

MEMBER CONTRIBUTION

First impression is the lasting impression, they say -- Prof. Young and Old generation celebrating Swiss Innovation Polkit: “Unbelievable, I want my students to see this”

Assoc. Prof. Polkit Saengvenich Li polymer batteries lighter. The decision makers are waking up could not hide his enthusiasm technology used in SI2 is state and face the future energy chal- for the SI2 project. “This is an of the art and will slowly find lenge”. unbelievable achievement of it’s way into commercialized human endeavour and ingenu- products, for us consumers to It is now 10:00am UTC on July ity. I want my Thai students to be used in a few years time in 2nd, looking at my screen num- see this”. our households. “This is similar ber two, Andre Borschberg just to the moon landing in 1969. tweeted from his cockpit that Peter, Daniel and Constantin an- The major benefit was not the he is definitely proceeding to swered our questions patiently. man on the moon but the tech- Hawaii. The batteries are now This is the new generation. Full nologies developed to make it at 82%. The motors are con- of enthusiasm and concerned happen,” explains Peter Steg- suming 15kW and the altitude about the old generation pol- ovec. of SI2 is 8400 feet. Going back lution our fragile planet trying to my napkin, Andre has still to stick to outdated, dirty and Indeed the young generation 130 kWh energy in his batter- profit driven fossil fuel technol- has a vision! Daniel Cohen ies and can fly another 8 hours ogies. got really excited when we without sun. Sunrise in Hawaii discussed the current politi- is 5:53am local time or 15:53 The SI2 project would not be cal system and how hard it is UTC, i.e. 6 hours from now. An- possible without the knowhow to demand changes in energy dre, Bertrand: Thank You for and technology of big and fi- policies. “People like Bertrand making me think! Andre, I wish nancially solid commercial and Andre give us hope that You a safe landing in Hawaii! companies. For example Bayer and Solvay, both chemical companies, have invested heavily in SI2. Eric van Rijn, President Office Manager, at Bayer Mate- rialScience Ltd., Hyogo, Japan, talked about thirty full time Bayer employees to be as- signed to SI2. Solvay developed special electrolytes to make the Eric van Rijn explains the BAYER contribution to SI2

22 JULY 2015 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #60

23 24