Thai-American Business T-AB Thai- American Business

Journal of The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand Volume 5/2017 VOLUME 5/2017 The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand

Educating Thailand’s Future Workforce

12 Skills Trap - Thailand’s Education Efforts to Meet Industry Needs 16 How AMCHAM Companies can Promote Real Education Reform 20 Developing Talent in Thai Organizations 32 Joint Statement between the USA and the Kingdom of Thailand

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K THAI-AMERICAN BUSINESS ISSN-T-A 0125-0191 Contents Volume 5/2017 | Covering September - October

12 32

11 In Rememberance of His Majesty 24 VISTEC – Creating Knowledge King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Cutting-Edge Innovation in 12 Skills Trap – Thailand’s Thailand Education Efforts to Meet Industry 26 Four Ways to Race to 4.0 Needs 28 Ethical Supply Chain 16 How AMCHAM Companies can Management: Short Term Promote Real Education Reform Investments, Long Term Gains in Thailand through Better 32 Joint Statement between the Programming United States of America and the 20 Developing Talent in Thai Kingdom of Thailand Organizations 34 The Depreciating Value of Cash

REGULAR FEATURES

6 President’s Remarks 36 Legal Updates: Recent Legal Changes Affecting Business 38 Member News 40 AMCHAM Executive Director’s Remarks 42 American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand Foundation 42 46 Government Engagement 48 Events Roundup 52 Mark Your Calendars 54 Committee Meetings 58 New Members and Changes 61 AMCHAM Affinity Program 62 AMCHAM Membership: Why Join AMCHAM 48 52 Cover: Thailand Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha and U.S. President Donald J. Trump in the Oval Office at the White House on October 2, 2017. Photo courtesy of Thai Government Spokesman Bureau 4 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017

PRESIDENT’S REMARKS

U.S. – THAI BILATERAL HONORARY CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD RELATIONS U.S. Ambassador Glyn T. Davies

AMCHAM BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2017 October also brought a big step forward in U.S.-Thai bilateral relations PRESIDENT Jeffrey Nygaard, Seagate with the visit of Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha to the White PRESIDENT EMERITUS House on October 2. This was a Brad Middleton, Chevron first visit of a Thai Prime Minister to VICE PRESIDENTS the White House since 2005. In a David Carden, FedEx statement following the meeting, Mark Kaufman, Ford President Trump emphasized the TREASURER importance of trade between the Teera Phutrakul, JTFP two countries. The full text of the joint statement between the United SECRETARY Dale Lee, CoffeeWORKS States of America and the Kingdom of Thailand can be found on page 30. GOVERNORS Parnsiree Amatayakul, IBM In September, AMCHAM hosted a James Amatavivadhana, Minor International Dear members, reception for U.S. Secretary of Com- Herman Ehrlich, Conrad merce, Wilbur Ross. Secretary Ross Vira-Anong Chiranakhorn Phutrakul, Citibank October marked the one year an- met with business leaders to learn Ornkanya Pibuldham, Bank of America niversary since the heartbreaking about the challenges and opportuni- Steve Rich, Caterpillar loss of His Late Majesty King Bhu- ties for American companies in Thai- Jeremy R. Osterstock, Esso mibol Adulyadej and gave us an op- land and reiterated President Trump’s BOARD ADVISORS portunity to pay our last respects at commitment to Thailand and the David Lyman, Tilleke & Gibbins the Royal cremation ceremony. Thai Asia-Pacific region. Thank you to AMCHAM President in 1975, 1986 people were joined by world leaders Chevron and the U.S. Commercial Harold Vickery, Jr. Prem Tinsulanonda and guests from all over the world Service for sponsoring this event. International School AMCHAM President in 1984 to say their farewells to the revered monarch. BOARD ELECTIONS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Judy Benn It has been a profoundly sad year At the Annual General Meeting on not only for the Thai people, but also October 18 the membership elected for people who live in Thailand and the new members of the 2018-2019 those familiar with the benevolence Board of Governors. The following new Governors will serve two-year Thai-American Business is published bi-monthly by and dedication of the late King to his The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand country and his people. King Rama terms on AMCHAM’s Board: with offices at: 7th Floor, GPF Witthayu Tower A 93/1 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330 IX’s reign was characterized by his Tel: +66 (0)2 254-1041 Fax: +66 (0)2 251-1605 loving and compassionate nature • David Nardone, Hemaraj Land & Email: [email protected] and his just and merciful ruling. He Development Website: www.amchamthailand.com designed and spearheaded count- • Gregory Bastien, American Axle & Editorial Advisory Board: Judy Benn, Harold Vickery, Jr. less development projects to im- Manufacturing Communications Director & Editor: prove the well-being of his people. • George Hartel, Newell Brands Deanna Despodov • Yukontorn ‘Vickie’ Wisadkosin, Email: [email protected] Ford Motor Company Artwork & Layout: Phaisan Nangnoi His loss was felt and mourned throughout the world. Life will never • Herman J. Ehrlich, Conrad Bangkok Production: Scand-Media Corp., Ltd • Jeremy R. Osterstock, Esso (Thai- Tel.: +66 (0)2 943-7166/8 Fax: +66 (0)2 943-7169 be the same for the Thai people and Email: [email protected] those whose lives were touched by land) Any opinions expressed in articles in this magazine the beloved late King, but as we enter • Parnsiree Amatayakul, IBM Thai- do not necessarily reflect the views of the Chamber. the reign of King Rama X we look for- land T-AB Magazine welcomes story and photo ward to another prosperous and sta- • Dale Lee, CoffeeWORKS contributions from AMCHAM members. Articles may be reproduced with acknowledgement, except for ble period. AMCHAM’s tribute to the those taken from other sources. late King can be found on page 11. (Continues on page 8)

66 Thai-AmericanThai-American Business Business • •Volume Volume 5/2017 5/2017

PRESIDENT’S REMARKS

I would like to extend my warmest welcome to the new made over the past five months, focusing on the U- Board members. Tapao airport development, the link-up of three international airports with high-speed trains, the Laem I would also like to thank the Election Supervision Chabang port development, the much-needed col- Committee consisting of: Gerald Margolis, Philip Morris; laboration in training in innovation-based areas, and Teera Phutrakul, JTFP, Tony Rodriguez, ICPA; and Lloyd the four-year smart visa. Wilson, Berkeley International School, for ensuring the election was fair, transparent, and ran smoothly. Many AMCHAM continues to work closely with the Royal thanks to those of you who voted, either at the Annual Thai Government on making Thailand 4.0 a reality General Meeting or by mailing your ballots to the AM- and as part of this effort this issue of T-AB Maga- CHAM office. The Chamber is only as strong and -dy zine focuses on education as a bedrock for the new namic as its members and we greatly appreciate your economy. involvement. Best Regards, THAILAND 4.0 AND THE EASTERN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (EEC)

The Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Cor- ridor Office of Thailand, Dr. Kanit Sangsubhun, spoke at our monthly luncheon on September 27. Dr. Kanit Jeff Nygaard presented the EEC Development Plan and the progress President

8 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 GO BEYOND THE CLASSROOM THE ISB ENVIRONMENTAL WILDERNESS CAMPUS ISB’s new 15-acre, state-of-the-art facility, located in Petchaburi province on the banks of Mae Prachan Reservoir, is a center of sustainability and outdoor education. It will be a place of exploration, adventure, research, and personal growth. Learners will build awareness and respect for the environment and community, while learning valuable, practical lessons in sustainability and sustainable systems.

FACILITIES

Accommodation

Classrooms

Canteen

Swimming pool

Boat house

SUSTAINABILITY

Grey Water System

Solar power ENVIRONMENTAL WILDERNESS CAMPUS Waste management

ACTIVITIES • Base for ISB Outdoor Education Programs • Field trips to the local botanical gardens FIND OUT MORE • Science, biology and ecology field studies • Artists and writers in residence programs • Environmental systems and societies field studies • IB Theory of Knowledge retreats • Geography Field studies • Duke of Edinburgh International Awards • Graduates’ life-readiness programs • Sports, Arts and Cultural Retreats In remembrance of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.

The beloved King will forever be remembered and his legacy will live on. Group of Chevron Companies in Thailand In remembrance of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej For 70 years as the King of Thailand, His Majesty King Bhumibol Aduyadej reigned of Thailand. over the country with righteousness during periods of social, economic, and development transformations. He journeyed through rivers and mountains in order to truly understand the life of his people and worked tirelessly on countless of projects to ease their poverty and starvation. His Majesty was respected internationally for his devotion to improving the livelihoods and wellbeing of his people. His dedication The beloved King will forever be remembered and sel�lessness re�lected that of father’s to his children. Through his actions, he and his legacy will live on. showed kindness for the bene�it of others; through his actions, he showed that working together. The passing of His Majesty was the greatest loss to the country. Group of Chevron Companies in Thailand differences can be overcome; through his actions, he showed that we are stronger We will always remember His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej as the true “Strength of the Land” and the true “King of Hearts”. EDUCATING THAILAND’S FUTURE WORKFORCE Skills Trap - Thailand’s Education Efforts to Meet Industry Needs

Written by: Richard Bernhard and Rattana Lao

pportunities for Thai economic growth are restricted due to Thailand’s inability to compete with low-wage Ocompetitors, while lacking the skills and research and innovation base required to compete with the innovative and technologically advanced countries that dominate higher-value sectors. To break out of the middle income trap, Thailand is pursuing the development of Indus- try 4.0, a knowledge-based economy driven by innovations in connectivity, automation, and information technology in manufacturing. In particular, the Thai Government is targeting 10 “new S curve” industries, namely: Next-Gen- eration Automotive; Smart Electronics; Medical and Wellness Tourism; Agricul- ture and Biotechnology; Food for the Future; Robotics; Aviation and Logistics; Biofuels and Biochemicals; Digital; and, Medical sectors, with a major focus on Chevron Enjoy Science and partners launched the Lanna TVET Hub in October 2016. The Hub will the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). serve as a center for teacher development and vocational student training in northern Thailand, and will provide students with a learning environment that simulates a real workplace. While there has been a great deal of promotion of Thailand 4.0 and the EEC de- proportion of Thai economy that was at of science and math at the primary level velopment in 2017, a major concern for industry 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 were 75%, 25% is necessary to build a strong foundation investors is “where are we going to find and less than 1%, respectively. The move for future engineers and technicians. The the skilled workers to meet the require- to Thailand 4.0 requires a new genera- delivery of vocational education requires ments of these advanced industries?” tion of innovative engineers and highly enhancing the STEM (science, technol- skilled technicians who have the so- ogy, engineering and math) foundation, The Asian Development Bank writes that called 21st century skill sets, including critical technical skills and 21st century “…Thailand needs to move into the high- critical thinking and problem solving, col- skills. In higher education, universities er-value segment of economic activity laboration and teamwork, creativity, and need to build high- level technical knowl- and create high-quality jobs. Innovation, imagination. edge, management abilities and soft skills, adaptation, and use of technology are while nurturing innovation. critical to such growth, driving improve- THAILAND’S EDUCATION ments in productivity and enabling the CHALLENGES Thailand’s education portfolio has done production of more sophisticated and well in terms of quantitative expansion, higher-value goods and services.” In this Addressing the needs of Thailand 4.0 but the concerns over quality are aston- new economy, systems will be intercon- industry requires a comprehensive ap- ishing. According to UNICEF, 90.5% of nected between firms along the value proach including improving basic educa- school-aged students enroll in primary chain. Digital production systems, driven tion (Office of Basic Education -Commis school, while 72.2% enroll in second- by automation and robotics, will enable sion – OBEC), vocational education (Office ary education. Nonetheless, Thailand efficient production of higher-quality of Vocational Education Commission struggles to provide a strong basis of lit- goods, reduce costs, improve productiv- – OVEC and the Department of Skills De- eracy and numeracy skills for students. ity and enhance competitiveness. velopment – DSD), and higher education The World Bank reported that 32% of 15 (Office of Higher Education Commission – year olds in Thailand are “functionally il- However, in 2016, the Federation of OHEC and the Mistry of Science and Tech- literate” and Thai students performed Thai Industries (FTI) estimated that the nology). In particular, the strengthening much poorer than their counterparts in

12 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017

EDUCATING THAILAND’S FUTURE WORKFORCE

Vietnam. When comparing the achievement of 15 years old students on the Programme for International Student As- sessment (PISA) in 2015, Thailand ranked 54th for math, 57th for reading and 54th for sciences amongst 70 countries.

The picture for vocational education is also bleak. Currently, there are more than 1.2 million vocational education students. Not only is this an insufficient quantity to meet industry demand, but the graduating students do not meet the skill needs of industry. In particular, STEM education is necessary to upskill existing students, and STEM careers offer new opportunities for upward mobility. Greater collaboration with the private sector is also needed to provide linkages and information necessary to ensure schools develop students with the right competencies.

For higher education, Thailand’s competitiveness is mixed. In terms of access, more than 2 million students are en- rolled each year in 150 universities and Chevron Enjoy Science project in collaboration with partners organized a series of events to mark Thailand Children’s University 5th year anniversary in June 2017. 19 community colleges throughout the country. While Thailand has done well open-minded and position themselves development courses from a wide range to provide educational opportunities, its as facilitators rather than fact providers. of service providers. In addition, profes- quality is called into question. In the most The curriculum also needs to be less sional learning communities (PLCs) are recent World University Ranking, none content based and become more ana- being developed so groups of educators of Thai universities are ranked in the top lytical, practical and hands-on, while stu- can meet on a regular basis, share expe- 500 universities. dents must be given ample opportunities rience, and work collectively to improve to think for themselves, raise questions teaching skills. OBEC is also reviewing the Thailand’s higher education has been go- and think creatively. Instead of drilling for curriculum for STEM subjects, the test- ing through what educators call ‘diploma tests, students should learn to participate ing systems and approach, and the use disease’ – a situation where graduates in debates and dialogues with their peers of technology in education. To address obtain work based on their degrees, but and differentiate fact from fiction. poor English skills, English boot camp the applicant does not have the requisite training workshops are being delivered skills. Moreover, too few students enter THAILAND RESPONDING TO THE at regional English training centers in col- the science track, while the social scienc- CHALLENGE laboration with the British Council. es are more popular, and developing the needed 21st-century skills is not a prior- To address the skill deficits and empower In the vocational education sector, par- ity. While there are efforts to increase in- Thai students to contribute to Thailand ticular industry-focused colleges are novation and research and development, 4.0, the Ministry of Education is imple- being improved through pilot programs the results to date lag in comparison to menting a myriad of policy efforts. OBEC and public-private partnerships. These Thailand’s competitors. objectives include: a. improving the qual- include: ity of education; b. adjusting the appro- The underlying challenges to Thai edu- priateness of the learning approach and • The Science-Based Technology Col- cation include a top-down, centralized, curriculum; c. achieving equity in the de- leges (SBTC) focuses on gifted and rote learning approach. The lessons are livery of education; and, d. developing fair talented students who are developing content-based and focused on passing and relevant evaluation of school, teach- specific industry skills at five colleges exams that do not test critical thinking. er and student outcomes. To improve including the Lamphun College of Ag- Thailand needs systematic reform that the quality of education, professional riculture and Technology (Agricultural moves toward critical thinking, project- development of the teachers and prin- Biotechnology) and Singburi Voca- based learning and engaging classrooms cipals is paramount. OBEC has launched tional College (Food Technology). that places students’ learning at the a voucher system for teachers and prin- • The Vocational Chemical Engineering heart of the process. Teachers need to be cipals to take accredited professional Practice College (V-ChePC) at the Map

14 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 Ta Phut Technical College is preparing Institute (TPQI) was established to set Mobility” to facilitate the mobilization of graduates to work in the petroleum the competency-based standards and research and development personnel and petrochemical industry. This effort 23 ‘industry skills’ councils have been from universities and public research in- is supported by various petrochemical established for key economic sectors stitutes to work in the private sector. and energy companies through the such as automotive, petrochemical and Petroleum Institute of Thailand. micro-electronics. A competitive Thailand depends on a • The Chevron Enjoy Science Project competent workforce. Schools, train- has established public-private sector In the EEC, OVEC will strengthen pro- ing centers and universities are pivotal hubs with OVEC and the Department grams on logistics and infrastructure to this transformative process. However, of Skills Development (DSD) focused services, robotics and automation, digital educational institutions cannot do it on key industrial sectors including mi- economy, food and agriculture quality, alone. To succeed, the Thai Government cro-electronics in Nakhon Ratchasima and petrochemical and energy. Further- must show its commitment through and automotive in Chonburi. more, the Department of Skills Devel- more strategic use of its resources, • The Work Integrated Learning (WiL) opment under the Ministry of Labor is targeted policies and a sustained com- approach initiated by the National focused on upgrading the skills of techni- mitment to succeed. The private sector Science Technology and Innovation cians, particularly in the automotive and can play an even greater role through Policy Office (STI) is a dual-vocational microelectronics sectors. stronger public and private partner- training program where students par- ships. Concerted effort, commitment ticipate in hands-on training in manu- At the higher education level, the Ministry and innovation are necessary to move facturing facilities such as Michelin. of Science and Technology takes the lead Thailand out of its current skills trap and in driving innovation. For example, the towards its goal of sustainable competi- Thailand is establishing competency- National Science and Technology Devel- tiveness. based standards across occupations in opment Agency (NSTDA) runs the “Inno- order to prepare the Thai workforce to vation and Technology Assistance Pro- Richard Bernhard is Executive Director meet national and international stan- gramme” (ITAP) to enhance productivity and Rattana Lao is Senior Consultant dards of knowledge and skills and to of private firms though collaboration with at Kenan Institute Asia. They can be implement a quality assurance system. universities and research institutes. Simi- contacted at [email protected] The Thailand Professional Qualifications larly, STI initiated a program called “Talent and [email protected]. It’s time for the Holiday Eggnog Get-Together! Thursday, December 7, 6 pm Ballroom, Anantara Siam Bangkok

Wish your AMCHAM friends a happy holiday season while enjoying great food, adult beverages, and, of course, the famous Minor Group eggnog.

Please bring a monetary donation or an unwrapped gift for the children at Father Joe’s Mercy Center.

Children are welcome and will be entertained with activities at the Elves Workshop by the Rose Marie Academy from 6-8 pm

Santa Claus is coming to town! Don’t forget to wear your best holiday outfit for your photo with Santa from 6:30-7:30 pm.

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 15 EDUCATING THAILAND’S FUTURE WORKFORCE How AMCHAM Companies can Promote Real Education Reform in Thailand through Better Programming

Written by: John DaSilva

t is truly amazing to see the consen- for delivering education to students. of thousands of students in the Thai sus in Thailand around the critical No other component of the education education system. A key element of the need to strengthen the Thai educa- system has a more direct relationship work today is the application of a three- tion system – in particular, the need to student outcomes. Make no mistake, part model that has proven essential to Ito improve science, technology, engi- teachers who are motivated, know how teacher success and government sup- neering and math (STEM) education, and to engage students, and understand port: 1. Professional development for promote 21st-century skills (commu- how to utilize modern pedagogies will teachers and school leaders, 2. Provision nication, critical thinking, and problem- almost always outperform their peers in of materials and resources to teachers solving, to name a few skills in demand the classroom, as measured by levels of and students, and 3. Alignment with the by employers). Anyone with an interest student engagement and student per- Thai curriculum. in improving Thai education outcomes formance. would be hard pressed to find a govern- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ment official (policy or implementer), a Starting in 2006, Kenan Institute Asia senior politician, a senior business lead- first focused on improving teaching Professional development refers to the er, or an academic who disagrees on the pedagogies in Thailand with the MSD range of activities around training teach- top level of this pressing national priority (Merck)-INSTEP project, by introduc- ers and principals, and providing ongoing under Thailand 4.0. ing inquiry-based science learning into mentorship to help them learn, adjust, 7th-9th grade classrooms in Phang-nga and grow in their ability to implement and Of course, as with so many of the issues province. Inquiry-based learning, as support the roll-out of inquiry-based ed- facing the world today, the devil is in the opposed to rote-memorization (more ucation and other modern pedagogies. details, and many people have differing common in Thailand), begins by hav- Too often, programs designed to develop ideas on how best to address these chal- ing students presented with a learning teachers rely on a goal that emphasizes lenges. In my conversations with business question or problem, which must be the number of teachers trained, rather leaders, senior government officials, and addressed. Such pedagogy may incor- than their ability to adapt what they are academics, I have heard some truly cre- porate other learning techniques, but taught to their classroom. ative (and some shocking) ideas on how the basic premise is the same: engage best to address these challenges. Ideas students in small group activities, en- Resources that trained many teachers such as improving teacher incentives, courage them to think critically, work on would be better used by re-directing decentralizing the Ministry of Education, problems, and find their own solutions them to provide ongoing teacher men- improving English language instruction, under the guidance of a teacher trained torship to help a smaller number of improving the Ordinary National Educa- in these methods. From those begin- teachers tackle the challenges they face tional Tests (O-NET), upgrading facilities, nings, our project work has expanded in managing an inquiry-based classroom. and going ‘on-line’ with instructional to include project-based learning (par- As well, without the support of school materials, are just a few of the ideas that I ticularly good for building 21st century leaders who understand what teach- have heard in my conversations. skills), technology-enhanced learning, ers are doing, these efforts will often be and other pedagogies proven to im- abandoned as principals insist on revert- However, one solution that always re- prove student outcomes. ing back to the calm quiet of a rote class- mains constant is that the central idea room. As such, efforts that truly move the behind improving student educational Presently, with the support of companies needle on improving teaching capabili- outcomes requires focusing on the like Chevron, Boeing, and IBM, Kenan ties must focus on both the teacher and most important element of any educa- continues these efforts and trains thou- the principal, and provide ongoing men- tion system: the teachers responsible sands of teachers, benefiting hundreds toring to help them along the way.

16 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 Teachers from Bangkok participate in a professional development workshop under the IBM-sponsored Thai Teachers Try Science project

PROVISION OF MATERIALS AND today are incredibly busy and have pre- the need to promote the importance RESOURCES cious little time to add new materials to and excitement of STEM careers and their lesson plans. They are also required 21st century skills development to par- There is perhaps nothing more frustrat- by the Ministry of Education to spend a ents and students should not be over- ing to a teacher than completing a train- certain amount of time covering key top- looked. Today, parents are far more in- ing course, returning to their classroom, ics. As such, you cannot simply add more clined to push their children to enter a and lacking the resources to deliver their material to a teachers’ teaching load and general education track and learn social new lessons to their students. What good expect them to implement it in the class- sciences rather than push for a STEM is training a teacher in how to deliver an room. career, or a career in a technical field. exciting new physics experiment in force Action must be taken to encourage stu- and motion when they lack the materials Rather, you must carefully match pro- dents and help children enjoy science needed for the students to recreate the vided materials with specific areas of and math education, and inspire them experiment? Teachers need access to the the Thai curriculum so that it enhances to learn about STEM careers, while we necessary equipment, teacher’s manuals, what they are required to teach stu- must also convince parents that this is lesson plans, and other resources in or- dents, without adding significant time an excellent choice for their child. Events der to deliver what they have learned to to the lesson plan. Furthermore, if you like science camps and contests, STEM their students. Without them, teachers, operate like Kenan and bring in inter- caravans, career days, maker spaces, and students, will soon grow frustrated national quality curriculums, you must and other awareness events will help and revert back to a traditional rote learn- be sure that they are localized correct- close the gap in moving students from ing model. ly. This is no mere translation exercise, a social science focus to a STEM focus, or as once joked to me by a teacher, and support Thailand’s goal of increas- ALIGNMENT WITH THE THAI changing pizza examples to som tam ing the number of vocational students CURRICULUM examples, but rather, working to ensure to 50% of all students (it was just 32% that learnings and examples take into in 2014). Another major hurdle to successful edu- account Thai language, culture, and cation programming is the need to align teacher practices. Today, no project undertaken by Kenan materials, such as lessons and modules, has combined these three elements with the Thai curriculum, and ensure they Finally, although not critical to educa- and sought to raise awareness more address the local Thai context. Teachers tion programming at the project level, successfully, and at such scale, than the

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 17 EDUCATING THAILAND’S FUTURE WORKFORCE

Shifting to a Student-Centered Classroom Leads to Lasting Impact

Teaching physics is hard enough, but when the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) wave swept through Bangkok’s Lad Pla Kao School two years ago, Wilailuck Pinkaew, a dedicated teacher, felt utterly hope- less. Without notice, she had to drop everything she knew to implement some mysterious, inter-disciplinary learning methodology. Predictably, Wilailuck’s first forays into the STEM world were disastrous.

Not one to sit on her hands, however, Wilailuck quickly sought to improve her aptitude for the new approach. When she heard about Kenan’s Thai Teachers Wilailuck Pinkaew in her classroom at Bangkok’s Lad Pla Kao School TryScience (TTS) program, supported by IBM, she jumped to join, a decision she gained access to cutting-edge lesson but enabled them to analyze phys- would not regret. plans and STEM modules through the IBM ics questions,” Wilailuck said cheer- TryScience web portal, as well as received fully. “Most importantly, everyone in Unlike other professional development ongoing mentoring support from Kenan’s my class, whether a good student or programs for teachers in Thailand, all education experts as she began using the student who struggles, now enjoys features of Kenan’s programming are modules in her classroom. learning and is more confident in their geared towards achieving one thing: creativity. Many of my students have impact. To realize a measurable impact After joining the program, Wilailuck’s class- now been inspired to study or pursue on student outcomes, Kenan localizes room blossomed into a bastion of higher- careers in STEM.” international best practices in STEM ed- order thinking, where students experi- ucation and trains teachers on how to mented, probed, and analyzed. Wilailuck Once an open skeptic of STEM, bring these practices into the classroom. began attaining the impact every teacher Wilailuck is now championing the ap- Wilailuck quickly became well-versed in dreams of because her students were proach in her role as a TTS Master a student-centered learning approach learning and actually enjoying the process. Teacher. In this role, she shares her that emphasizes critical, analytical, and experience and helps fellow teachers innovative thinking in lieu of rote mem- “The lessons and activities not only helped craft the type of learning environment orization. Beyond training, Wilailuck my students understand difficult concepts, that has worked so well for her.

Chevron Enjoy Science project, which instance, training under our Boeing with organizations that can deliver a ho- will reach over 660 schools, 10,000 Technology Enhance Learning (Boe- listic project, or who excel in building part- teachers and benefit almost 200,000 ing TEL) project will now feature mod- nerships to provide a holistic approach. students in Thailand over the course of ules localized by Kenan experts under Without the three elements presented five years. The large-scale impact of this the IBM Thai Teacher Try Science (Thai previously, teachers will be hard-pressed work is incredibly impressive, represent- TTS) project, while all corporate-funded to deliver the kind of education services ing a significant financial investment by programming benefits from Kenan’s to prepare students with the STEM and Chevron (USD 30 million), and is sup- education network of partners from 21st-century skills needed in a modern ported by the collaborative efforts of Thailand and abroad, which provide workforce. seven key government partners. expertise, learning modules matched to the Thai curriculum, and locally John DaSilva is the Director of Corporate However, smaller projects can indeed sourced equipment. Engagement at Kenan Institute Asia and improve student outcomes, provided was the lead designer for the Chevron they remain focused and leverage They key for any company looking to im- Enjoy Science Project. He can be other quality project activities. For pact the education system is to partner contacted at [email protected].

18 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 Material Description Page Aspects Number

GOVERNANCE G4-34 Governance structure of the organization 29

ETHICS AND INTEGRITY G4-56 Describe the organization’s values, principles, standards, and norms of behavior 30 such as codes of conduct and codes of ethics

Specific Standard Disclosures

Material Description Page Aspects Number

CATEGORY: ECONOMIC Material Aspect: Indirect Economic Impacts G4-DMA Economy summary 34 G4-EC8 Significant indirect economic impacts, including the extent of impacts 36

CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY G4-DMA Environment, Occupational Health and Safety summary 40 Material Aspect: Effluents and Waste G4-EN22 Total water discharge by quality and destination 46 Material Aspect: Occupational Health and Safety G4-LA5 Percentage of total workforce represented in formal joint management-worker health and safety 47 committees that help monitor and advise on occupational health and safety programs

CATEGORY: SOCIAL Sub-Catagory: Labor Pratices and Decent Work Material Aspect: Employment G4-DMA Great Place to Work summary 50 G4-LA1 Total number and rate of new employee hires and employee turnover by age group, gender, 51 and region G4-LA2 Benefits provided to full-time employees that are not provided to temporary or part time 53 employees, by major operations G4-LA3 Return to work and retention rates after parental leave, by gender 53 Sub-Catagory: Society Material Aspect: Local Communities G4-DMA Global Citizenship summary 56 G4-SO1 Percentage of operations with implemented local community engagement, 60 impact assessments, and development programs EDUCATING THAILAND’S FUTURE WORKFORCE Developing Talent in Thai Organizations

Written by: Christopher Schultz

t was heartening to hear that the Gov- helping them prepare to step into those modified because they are no longer as ernment has made education one of leadership roles? More fundamentally, important. the pillars of its Thailand 4.0 strat- how is your organization going to retain egy designed to transform Thailand’s Gen Y employees long enough for them When defining your needs, you can do Ieconomy from volume-based to value- to become leaders? more than define the needed competen- based. However, education does not only cies. You can determine where you are happen in academic institution and does During the August AMCHAM Human having retention gaps. For some organi- not end with getting a university degree. Resources Committee event, represen- zations, it is hard to retain senior leaders. Education is a life-long process and con- tatives of three member companies ex- For others, it is mid-level managers. One tinues throughout employees’ careers. plained how they are building the next fast-emerging trend is the challenge of Hence, companies need to invest in their generation of Thai leaders. While all three retaining high-potential young manag- employees’ continuous education and companies are multinationals, their ex- ers. After about three years with an or- development to allow them to develop periences provide valuable insights for ganization, if they do not see a clear way their full potential to be Thailand’s future organizations of all sizes and in all indus- forward they choose to leave for oppor- leaders. tries. I have summarized these insights as tunities elsewhere. five lessons. When it comes to preparing the next Use data to help analyze these trends, generation of leaders in the Thai work- LESSON 1: DEFINE YOUR NEEDS even in small organizations. Talk to peo- force, I hear many complaints about ‘Gen ple who leave your organization, espe- Y’ – the millennial generation of workers, Each organization, and even each posi- cially a few months after they have left, roughly defined as those born from 1980 tion within your organization, requires and try and get an accurate sense of why to 1995. different skills. Do you know which skills they chose to leave. Notice the trends in are crucial for success? You cannot effec- terms of age, length of service, which part You have probably heard some, if not all, tively develop these skills in people if you of the organization they are leaving, etc. of the complaints: Gen Y employees are do not first define them. This is especially Resources are limited; focus your atten- spoiled, overconfident, “expect it all right true for the skills needed of the next gen- tion on closing the gaps that are most now” and entitled. They don’t have what it eration of leaders. critical for your organization. takes to be leaders. And let’s not start talk- ing about “Gen Z” or whatever we will call Many organizations use competencies – LESSON 2: IDENTIFY TALENT EARLY the young people who are just now start- defined sets of behaviors – to create job AT ALL LEVELS ing to enter the workforce. Most likely, we descriptions, to measure performance can expect more of the same complaints. and to drive employee development. A All employee development is important well thought-out competency frame- but you still have to prioritize. This means The problem, though, is not Gen Y. The work is a good step. Even if your organi- that blanket proscriptions that “everyone problem is that our organizations have zation is too small for a formal competen- must have a development plan” may not not adapted to the changing world. As cy framework, you can think about what be the most effective use of resources. just one example, consider the impact of skills and behaviors are most important You should first put your resources into smart phones in the approximately ten for a role or a group of roles. developing the people who are critical for years they have been part of our lives. If your organization, especially the leaders you didn’t like your current boss, applying For example, one AMCHAM member of the future. The development of other for another job used to be a time-con- company recently reviewed their lead- people should happen, too, but start with suming process. Now, in the course of a ership competencies, which apply to the critical talent. ten-minute coffee break, a disengaged their more than 3,000 managers world- employee can apply for a half-dozen on- wide. They revised those competencies It is important that you align talent line job postings. The barriers to chang- in light of their changing needs. They across the organization so that they ing jobs are falling. added “collaboration” to the list because aren’t hidden from opportunities. This they wanted to explicitly identify people alignment isn’t about a conversation Like it or not, Gen Y are the next genera- with that capability and nurture it. Other between the manager and HR – it is tion of leaders. How is your organization competencies have been removed or about conversations between manag-

20 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 At KIS International School in Bangkok, Thailand all students “A better future starts with one person can shine. The midsize, caring community allows KIS students to be con dent and to be appreciated as an individual, with who cares about a better world.” unique dreams and strengths. The school is a full IB school, Fran, Grade 10, designed a sustainable building oering the International Baccalaureate Programmes for all for his personal project. age groups (IB Primary Years Programme, IB Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma), ensuring an academically rigorous curriculum that not only prepares students to be successful at university, but also teaches important life skills. KIS, it’s all about Knowledge, Inspiration and Spirit. Check out the students’ videos to learn more about their passion www.kis.ac.th

Tel: +66 (0) 2274 3444 Email: [email protected] EDUCATING THAILAND’S FUTURE WORKFORCE

ers across a business unit, department ward people development. For example, like delegation and giving people new ex- or function about their shared talents. include retention and promotion rates in periences. As people get good at some- This creates visibility and the opportu- leaders’ performance targets. thing, it is time for them to grow. They nity for people to quickly find ways to should always be in a cycle of first being help each other develop talent. It takes Educate your managers around the challenged, then achieving mastery and a village to build a young leader, not just power of asking instead of telling: the then being challenged again. As soon as their individual superior! more managers learn to ask questions they are comfortable and capable with of employees, the more quickly they can something, expand their scope of re- The process of defining talent opens the help them grow and engage them. It is sponsibility. door to engaging and developing people. not a matter of taking more time to de- Starting the conversation about what velop people; it is a matter of using the Formal development includes career people are interested in and where they time you spend more effectively. When conversations and documented devel- want to go in their career shows that you it comes to developing people, asking opment plans. These are important but value them. It doesn’t mean that you are questions is almost always more effec- are often less effective than the informal making promises about the future – it tive than telling. The first simple change: development. A key to success is that for- means that you want to understand their when an employee asks you a question, mal development requires commitment goals and then find ways to work togeth- ask them for their thoughts about the and follow-up. A good tip is to make de- er to help them achieve those goals. possible answer. velopment plans a living document, not a once-a-year exercise. They must be re- What about people who don’t want to Help your managers learn to speak hon- viewed quarterly, if not more often. be promoted? Development isn’t about estly about performance. The manager necessarily moving up in the organiza- must be explicit about what was done Larger organizations have more resourc- tion; it is about expanding one’s area of well and also what could have been done es for formal “young talent” development responsibility, knowledge and ability. The better. If the performance was only ‘good’ programs, job rotations, mentoring, etc. world keeps changing and we must keep but not ‘excellent’ the manager should Several larger AMCHAM member compa- developing. That said, based on your or- explain why. This also means managers nies have formal “new generation leader” ganization’s needs, it might make sense must be able to have difficult conversa- academies, often lasting several months to prioritize development for people who tions about performance: don’t let poor and including group and individual proj- want to move to larger roles, especially performance linger. If something was not ect work. These programs not only pro- leadership ones. up to standard, the employee must know duce strong results, they are visible ex- immediately. The focus is not on blaming amples of the promise these companies LESSON 3: UPSKILL YOUR – the focus is on helping the employee make to give people opportunities to MANAGERS TO MAKE THEM PEOPLE improve. grow their careers. DEVELOPERS

Managers in many organizations see their job as delivering results. When asked how Effective development of young leaders does not they get results, they often are slow to re- require big, formal programs. Smaller activities alize that the results come from people. If there is no development of people, there tailored to the needs of the individual employee will be no sustainable results. will be more effective and easier to implement. That means every manager is responsible to develop people. This is a big mind- set shift as many managers assume that These steps not only help develop the Such highly-structured programs work development is the role of HR. There are next generation of leaders; they also well for large organizations, but even some simple steps you can take to help serve as a good example to those fu- the smallest organization can make managers learn that their first responsi- ture leaders about their role developing use of a similar approach. Consider a bility is to develop people: others. “development landscape” – a way of listing the different areas of knowledge Make expectations clear for your man- LESSON 4: IMPLEMENT FORMAL AND and skill an employee will need to gain agers: you do more than deliver results INFORMAL PROGRAMS TO DEVELOP in order to advance in their career. For – you get results through people. This TALENT example, for a senior management expectation must come from the top of role you may need to gain experience your organization. If you and other senior Talent development requires a balance of in sales, operations, finance, marketing leaders invest in developing your peers formal and informal development activi- and IT. and subordinates, more junior manag- ties and programs. ers will follow your lead. You can also put This development landscape gives em- your money where your mouth is and re- Informal development includes things ployees a roadmap of the different types

22 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 of experiences and job roles they will learnings after every meeting, sales call, lated to developing future leadership tal- need to have to reach their career desti- project presentation, etc. ent. At their core, though, they are quite nation. It opens the conversation about simple and can be implemented by orga- how they can develop in each area. Give and seek out feedback regularly. A nizations of any size. Too often, younger employees expect learning culture is one in which every- to achieve great things but do not fully one wants to know how they are doing. The most important step is to begin understand the journey of hard work it One of the best ways to do this? Start the development journey. Gen Y, Gen requires. That is the value of these devel- asking for constructive feedback, publi- Z and all generations to come will opment conversations. cally, from subordinates, peers and of want the same basic thing from work: course your superiors. And when people meaningful opportunities to reach Be open to creative approaches, espe- give you the feedback, remember to just their full potential. There are many cially in smaller organizations. Effective listen to what they have to say and then ways to achieve this; all of those ways development of young leaders does not thank them – even if you don’t agree with require that you invest in helping peo- require big, formal programs. Smaller what they said. ple grow. activities tailored to the needs of the individual employee will be more effective Finally, if there is a formal development Christopher Schultz is Senior Manager and easier to implement. plan, review it formally at least quarterly. of Group Leadership Development at DKSH. He can be contacted at LESSON 5: MAKE DEVELOPMENT AN These five lessons cover a lot of ideas re- [email protected]. ONGOING PROCESS RATHER THAN JUST AN ANNUAL EVENT

We have all been part of development plan conversations that, while well-intentioned, resulted in a piece of paper sitting forgot- ten in the back of a filing cabinet. This is not just a waste of time: it demoralizes the employees involved. Better to have no development conversation at all than a conversation that results in inaction.

How do you overcome this challenge? Make development an ongoing process.

Look for ways to create a culture of learning and development. Recognize and celebrate development efforts. When someone has learned something new, taken on a new level of responsibility or overcome a challenge, celebrate that achievement. You may think that this is just “doing what they get paid for” but there is plenty of evidence that positive reinforcement is effective.

Creating a culture of learning and development is actually easier in smaller organizations as there are fewer hearts and minds to change. Development of people can be a regular topic at meetings, for example. Ask people to share what they have learned since the last meeting. Have people take turns teaching everyone else something they are expert in. Use the meeting for the aforementioned recognition and celebration.

Let learning happen every day: implement “after-action reviews” for quick

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 23 EDUCATING THAILAND’S FUTURE WORKFORCE VISTEC – Creating Knowledge and Cutting-Edge Innovation in Thailand

he Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Sci- ence and Technology (VISTEC) is a higher-education research institute in science and technol- Togy dedicated to academic research and creating knowledge and cutting-edge innovation in Thailand. VISTEC was established in 2015 under its previous name Rayong Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (RAIST). It is funded by PTT, which designated USD 160 million to establish the institute along with the Kamnoetwit Science Academy – KVIS, a science high school, back in 2014. It aims to be a world-class research institute in science and technology, and although fully funded by PTT, VISTEC is meant to be autonomous and academically inde- pendent.

VISTEC includes a Frontier Research Cen- tre which engages in research in energy science and engineering, advanced functional materials, biologically inspired engi- Dr. Pailin Chuchottaworn, Chairman of the Council at VISTEC neering, molecular re-engineering of agrochemicals, and sustainable environment, health and safety, as well as two academic Rey Davis-Tuplano, Editorial Manager at ing, but also to tailor research output in a schools: the School of Energy Science & Oxford Business Group (OBG), sat down way that is both pertinent to industry and Engineering (ESE) and the School of Mo- with Dr. Pailin Chuchottaworn, Chairman commercially viable. Furthermore, gov- lecular Science & Engineering (MSE). of the Council at VISTEC, to talk about the ernment incentives allowing recipients of value of research and education. private sector research funding to enjoy Their mission is to increase the country’s significant tax holidays will strengthen the competitiveness and foster the best people TO WHAT EXTENT CAN THE cooperation between the private sector in science and technology to ensure sus- PROLIFERATION OF PRIVATE and the educational system, allowing us tainable development and increased pros- RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS IN to supply the nation’s future economic perity in Thailand. Their aim is to become THAILAND LEAD TO GROWTH IN demands more directly. a national research university by 2020, an MARKETABLE RESEARCH? ASEAN research university by 2025, and a WHICH FRONTIER RESEARCH world research university by 2035. Dr. Pailin: The establishment of private FIELDS ARE BEING EMPHASIZED research institutions enables a degree of TO ADD VALUE TO THAI VISTEC is a private sector-funded initia- flexibility that is not present among public INDUSTRIES? tive to improve Thailand’s human re- institutions, which are often bound by resources and research capabilities in sci- strictive regulations and are simply teach- Dr. Pailin: The OECD recently published ence and technology. This complements ing universities. Private institutions are an outlook report on science, technology the Thailand 4.0 initiative as support for able to employ a business model that em- and innovation in which it outlined 40 key education and research are critical to en- braces collaboration with other members and emerging technologies. These tech- hancing Thailand’s technological readi- of the private sector. By opening private nologies can be grouped into four areas: ness and establishing an innovation-driv- sector research facilities, we are able not energy and environment, advanced ma- en economy. only to secure increased research fund- terials, biotechnologies, and digital tech-

24 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 nologies. I strongly believe that these belief that we can accomplish something which brought railways, electricity, and fields fall in line with the needs of Thai- just as well as our counterparts in the West medicines, among other things. One of land for achieving its goal of advancing can, and that there is no rea-son to think the fundamental reasons the two nations existing industries. The areas of frontier otherwise. We need to prove the hypoth- are so far apart from an economic devel- research which have a significant poten- esis that Thais can be very good scientists opment standpoint is that, at the time, tial for impact include energy science, and researchers. To this end, the nation is Emperor Meiji of Japan immediately en- advanced functional materials, biological now significantly increasing its research acted educational reform concurrent to engineering, molecular re-engineering of output and putting itself on the map. Sec- this inflow of Western technology. Thai- agrochemicals, and sustainable environ- ond, to achieve this, we must keep the land’s first university was set up 40 years ment, health and safety. best minds in Thailand. Apart from offering after that, thus missing the opportunity good faculties and a conducive setting, we to harness and master the technology To truly promote entrepreneurship and must truly encourage students through that was flowing in from the West at the innovation, however, I believe that inter- incentives such as full scholarships for the same time Japan did. disciplinary education must be offered. brightest, providing an appealing alterna- For instance, in regards to science stu- tive to foreign scholarships. However, I believe that South Korea is a dents especially, there is often a difficulty more comparable example, as it man- in emphasizing entrepreneurship. There- HOW CAN SUCCESSFUL aged to kick-start its education system fore, I am against the division or partition- EDUCATION SYSTEMS IN in a very short period of time following ing of any science and believe that liberal ADVANCED ASIAN ECONOMIES BE periods of debilitating conflict. The ad- arts can be the connection between all REPLICATED IN THAI-LAND? ministration of the time enacted radical the hard sciences. changes in the way research institutions Dr. Pailin: Two of the most economically in particular operated, including exempt- WHAT REFORM NEEDS TO TAKE and technologically advanced econo- ing students from military service and of- PLACE FOR THAILAND TO mies in Asia at present are Japan and fering professors very high salaries, which NURTURE AND RETAIN MORE South Korea. Japan shares a similar his- resulted in an economic boom. I believe STUDENTS IN THE SCIENCES? tory with Thailand due to the fact that we that Thailand can follow a similar path were the only two Asian nations to avoid by reforming and incentivizing research Dr. Pailin: The first step in increasing the sci- colonization by the West while still open- institutions to prepare for our economic entific output of the nation is to foster the ing our economies to Western trade, future.

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The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 25 EDUCATING THAILAND’S FUTURE WORKFORCE Four Ways to Race to 4.0

Written by: Bajinder Pal Singh

he education system in Thailand The top 10 universities in the Times that it managed to outclass many top has often come under criticism Higher Education World University Rank- universities that were twice its size. By fo- for being too traditional, insular ings (2018) includes three British, one cusing on niche areas where one excels, and inward looking. It has also Swiss, and seven U.S. entries (the total Thai universities can compete against Tbeen described as one which does not exceeds 10, since some universities have global majors, and in many cases even encourage innovative thinking and is joint positions). There is no Thai univer- beat them. hinged on hierarchical transmission of sity in its list of top 500. The only Asian knowledge. UNESCO’s Global Education university to reach the top 25 is the Na- INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION AS AN Monitoring Report 2017/2018, which tional University of Singapore (NUS). The EARNER was released on October 24, lists various fact that Singapore, despite its small size, shortcomings of the education system in could beat other Asian giants like Japan, Besides rankings, the second buzzword Thailand. China and India, indicates that with the is globalization of education and inter- right focus, direction, and resources, it is national education. Virtually all countries On the positive side, the same UNESCO not difficult for Asian universities to break are now focusing on international edu- report also compliments Thailand stating into the top league. cation, with the United States earning that the country “has the justiciable right an estimated USD 30.5 billion from inter- to education, meaning that citizens can Thailand universities continue to perform national students (according to the U.S. take the issue to court if that right is vio- better than Vietnam and Indonesia in the Department of Commerce estimates for lated – something only 55% of countries QS World University rating system, and the year 2015). Australia considers edu- can say.” this is again a positive indicator. cation as a significant foreign exchange earner, by hosting 554,179 full-fee If Thailand has been able to achieve what Universities in Asia can increase their ef- paying international students in 2016 more than half of the world has failed, forts to park themselves in the global uni- (figures from the Federal Education De- then it certainly indicates that while there versity ranking systems. In an era of glo- partment). Australia’s Federal Education may be shortcomings, it has a well-oiled balized education, applicants from foreign Minister Simon Birmingham was quoted functional system. The system may have countries look at ranking systems before as saying that with USD 21 billion of eco- its blemishes and flaws, and improve- they select their destination. Imagine an nomic activity, international education is ments are always welcome, but this does exchange student based in the United one of the top earners. not imply that like the proverbial wheel, it States or in Europe, who is provided with needs to be reinvented. an option of spending a semester abroad If we compare the number of interna- in Asia. Which country will the applicant tional students in Thai universities to lo- BREAKING INTO UNIVERSITY select? Similarly, when global major play- cal students, the figures range between RANKING SYSTEMS ers in technology and commerce look 1-3 percent. How come Thailand, which for graduates as potential employees, is an affordable, friendly, and welcoming All over the world, the educational system graduates from lower-placed universi- destination, falters in attracting interna- needs a reorientation in order to create a ties would be hindered when compared tional students? The same country which workforce that is recognized for its aca- to their counterparts who graduate from is a preferred destination for tourists is demic knowledge, market skills, global top-ranked universities. not very successful in drawing younger orientation, and adaptability. While there students. It should not be difficult for are many pathways that can help achieve There are non-traditional ways to break Thailand to emerge as an educational this goal, four measures can accelerate into the global league tables. For in- destination if it puts a bigger emphasis the journey as the country embarks on stance, the Asian Institute of Technology on attracting foreign students. Thailand 4.0 to achieve its rightful place (AIT) is not eligible to participate in major in the educational pantheon. ranking systems due to its status of being It is interesting to note that Thailand was a postgraduate institution (major rank- also host to what was one of the first Firstly, many Asian countries continue ing systems rate only those universities experiments in international education to underperform in the global ranking that have a significant undergraduate anywhere. The SEATO Graduate School of systems. This stems from many factors student body). To overcome this bar- Engineering established in 1959 hinged which include the dominance of Western rier, the Institute decided to participate in on international education. Its successor, universities in global education as well rankings and ratings in which it was not the Asian Institute of Technology, which as a reluctance on the part of others to constrained by such procedures. It par- boasts a 70 percent international student grapple with already established norms ticipated in rankings based on individual body, continues to be the top-ranked in- and indicators. subjects, and the results clearly showed stitute in international orientation glob-

26 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 na, with Alibaba and a host of others like JD and Baidu, has taken the lead in Asia; but an Uber or an Airbnb is yet to emerge from either South or Southeast Asia.

For Thailand, a potential area of emerging as a leader in innovation is the service sector. Innovation does not need to be restricted to STEM alone, since over half of Thailand’s GDP comes from the service sector. Innovation is equally important in other areas, and it has to go beyond the portals of conference centers and semi- nar rooms. Thailand is renowned for its creativity in the performing arts, and this talent can be channeled in creating innovations in the service sector.

ENABLING LEADERSHIP International orientation is the sine qua non in the global education system. Innovation creates opportunities for ally. In the U-Multirank rankings, it scored EDUCATION AND INNOVATION leadership, which is the fourth ingredi- six perfect scores in international orien- ent of the secret sauce. The harnessing tation and was among only eight such Both rankings and international outlook of leadership potential is based on the universities in the world (with the seven require a third critical ingredient — inno- bedrock of a good education system, an others coming from Europe). vation and entrepreneurship. If the edu- international orientation, and a system cational workforce is not innovative and that encourages innovation and entre- Other Asian countries are fast realizing the it lacks entrepreneurial skill, it will remain preneurship. These three ingredients significance of international education. confined to the lower ranges in the mar- provide the necessary conditions for the China is now offering liberal scholarships ketplace. These twin components can emergence of leadership qualities, but to foreign students, and its percentage of catapult Thailand into a higher league. they are not the only condition. international students is gradually inching up. Peking University now consists of 16 Thailand is ranked at number 51 among However, leadership is not constrained percent international students. In Japan’s 127 countries in the Global Innovation by the lack of any of these factors. Lead- University of Tsukuba 19 percent of stu- Index (GII). Switzerland comes at the top ership does not restrict itself to politi- dents are international. Both NUS and and the only Asian country in the top 10 cal leadership or individual might, but it Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is Singapore (ranked seventh), while Ko- lends itself to different avatars that are in Singapore have crossed 30 percent. rea follows closely at the eleventh posi- not restricted by geographical boundar- tion. Japan and Hong Kong (China) are ies. Consider leadership of thought, or Internationalization has another aspect, the other notable top entries from Asia, leadership in literature or in visual arts. and this deals with the creation of a while other Asian countries like India and workforce that is globally acceptable. A Indonesia do not perform well in innova- So a literary icon like Gabriel Garcia Mar- question that we need to ask ourselves tiveness. quez can emerge amidst asymmetric is whether a New York-based company conflicts and security issues in Colombia, would prefer to hire a fresh graduate The interface of education and innova- while Malala Yousafzai can brave bullets from Bangkok, compared to a fresh grad- tion can work wonders. Thailand could and terror to become the youngest-ever uate from New Delhi or Beijing or Kuala increase its expenditure on education, Nobel laureate. While individual excel- Lumpur? This question is also raised in lay greater emphasis on reading, math- lence thrives in adverse circumstances, the context of the advent of Asian CEOs ematics, and science, as well as focus on it is the presence of a conducive and en- in multinationals, particularly those hail- pupil-teacher ratio in secondary schools abling environment that can herald the ing from India. Is it the diversity of Asian as it moves on a path towards innovation. emergence of a generation of leaders. culture that prepares graduates better or The question is: Are we prepared to take is it their educational system that whets Innovation and entrepreneurship go the plunge? their appetite? While the jury is still out, hand in hand, and one fails without the university graduates from Southeast Asia other. While entrepreneurship has led Bajinder Pal Singh is Director of the lag behind others when it comes to mak- to the creation of Google, Facebook, Mi- Office of Media and Communications ing a mark in stewarding global compa- crosoft and Apple, all of which are based (OMCO) at the Asian Institute of nies. It is now time for Thai CEOs to claim in North America, similar examples are Technology (AIT). He can be contacted their rightful place in the world. scarce from other parts of the world. Chi- at [email protected].

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 27 SPECIAL REPORT Ethical Supply Chain Management: Short Term Investments, Long Term Gains

Written by: Reuben Lim

e live in a world on the move. safe working conditions and skills devel- about their employment. Once at their The International Organiza- opment opportunities to migrants will workplace, they are often forced to work tion for Migration (IOM) esti- help Thailand to achieve sustainable de- in hazardous conditions and are sub- mates that 1 in 7 persons (or velopment and move closer towards its jected to movement restrictions through 1W billion) globally is a migrant - essentially goals under Thailand 4.0. The private sec- measures such as withholding identity anyone who has moved away from his tor stands to gain considerably if it plays a documents. In extreme cases, migrants or her habitual place of residence either complementary role in achieving this. are subjected to abuse and forced labour, within their native country or across bor- working long hours for little or no pay. ders. Scarcity of decent jobs and income Thailand is a major country of destination inequality within and between countries for migrants from the neighboring coun- Businesses that employ these workers push many workers to move. tries, largely due to its role as a regional can be found along value chains that supply chain hub and one of the world’s supply major international brands and At the same time, many economies see a largest exporters of agricultural products, retailers, particularly towards the produc- continuous decline in their working age seafood, and electronics. Regardless of tion end. More often than not, these mul- population which results in labour short- the product, brands operating in Thailand tinational companies are unaware that ages. Thailand is one of these countries are likely to have migrant labour within their products have been tainted with and already has one of the largest shares their value chains. labour rights violations and possibly slave of elderly people in the Asia Pacific. By labour due to a lack of transparency and 2040, the country’s workforce is expect- Many migrants face a unique set of risks oversight in a complex and fragmented ed to decrease by 11 per cent. To sup- and challenges getting into jobs and at web of intermediaries. port its export-oriented economy which the workplace. Limited transparency of helps feed, supply and clothe the world, the recruitment and migration process, Companies that do not have a clear pic- the country currently relies on a foreign debt incurred due to high recruitment ture on how their products are made workforce of up to 5 million migrants. In fees as well as local regulations can limit are undertaking unnecessary business order to enable future competitiveness migrants’ options in finding suitable work risks. Reliance on exploitative suppliers, and growth of the Thai economy, efforts and moving safely. Lack of family support, and their possible affiliation with criminal to mitigate the decline of the working social exclusion, language and cultural smuggling and trafficking networks may age population and enhance the produc- barriers and lack of access to remedy result in supply chain disruptions, and tivity of the labour force are needed. further exacerbate their vulnerabilities criminal and civil liability when regulatory which can lead to situations of abuse and action and legal sanctions are imposed. INCREASING PROSPERITY THROUGH exploitation. HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT The risk of reputational damage is also MIGRANT LABOR IN VALUE CHAINS very real. Numerous media exposés have The key to success lies in improving hu- linked popular consumer products with man resources. Under the Ministry of Migrants are particularly vulnerable to migrant slave labour on farms, fishing Labour’s 20 year strategic plan for Thai- human trafficking and slavery – crimes boats, and factories. Regulatory frame- land 4.0, several priority areas have been that still exist today and on an extremely works that extend to global supply chains identified to achieve the overarching wide scale. Accordingly to the Interna- are also becoming the norm in many goal of “Stability, Prosperity, and Sustain- tional Labour Organization, it is estimat- countries. The California Transparency in ability”. These include commitments to ed that over half of the world’s 21 million Supply Chains Act of 2010 requires retail- enhance job security, decent work, and victims of slavery are found in the Asia ers and manufacturers operating in the legal protection for workers as well as the Pacific region. The cycle of exploitation state to disclose internal efforts to com- enhancement of skills. often starts at the recruitment phase bat human trafficking and slavery in their where migrants are forced by unethical supply chains. The United Kingdom also While the initiative is a largely focused on recruitment mediators to pay exorbitant introduced a similar law known as the native workers, extending fair treatment, fees and receive misleading information Modern Slavery Act in 2015.

28 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017

SPECIAL REPORT

Errant brands may be subjected to boy- Secondly, ethical businesses should ing on the development and current cotts and lawsuits brought on by con- also have good oversight over all as- piloting of a multi-stakeholder volun- sumers. This was the case in 2015 when pects of their supply chains and ac- tary certification scheme for interna- class action lawsuits were filed against tively engage with suppliers to protect tional labour recruiters – the Interna- several multinationals in the U.S. for the the migrants. This can be achieved tional Recruitment Integrity System use of forced labor within their supply through thorough mapping exercises (IRIS). chains in Southeast Asia. As more busi- to ascertain the presence of migrant nesses start to disclose their policies, workers in supplier factories, as well Moreover, IOM supports employers, par- increasingly discerning consumers will as assessments on the recruitment ticularly those in the manufacturing, con- begin to express their policy preferences management systems of suppliers and struction and hospitality sectors, in es- through the products they purchase. Fail- labour recruiters to identify potential tablishing skill development partnerships ure to comply with regulations can lead risks, develop risk mitigation strategies, with training institutions in countries to dented consumer trust as companies and build capacity on their implemen- of origin such as Cambodia, Laos and are blacklisted and investigated by au- tation. Myanmar. In Thailand efforts are being thorities. undertaken to develop tailored market- Thirdly, businesses can take an active role driven curricula for potential and current ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF in providing safe migration and employ- migrant workers. Such efforts aim to pro- PROTECTING MIGRANT WORKERS ment information through pre-departure mote more inclusive technical and voca- and post-arrival orientation for migrant tional training systems in the region, and Protecting and empowering migrant workers, possibly in partnership with assist employers in the areas of skill vali- workers can reap economic benefits. Protecting the rights of migrant workers often leads to safer and more pro- The most successful companies are proactive ductive workplaces with motivated employees, as well as lower turnover rates and commit to developing internal checks and and skill retention. Companies that invest in ethical business practices are balances to tackle slavery and exploitation in also likely to experience positive results in terms of increased customer and in- their daily operations. vestor trust. More-over, application of stringent standards throughout com- business associations, civil society and dation and matching. Improving access panies’ multinational operations can international organizations. Provision of to quality skills development and recog- help to increase policy harmonization valuable information on living and work- nition for all is key to improving Thailand’s across countries. related conditions, contract terms, build- competitiveness. ing human rights’ awareness, and facili- What actions can businesses take to tating access to remedy are important Ethical supply chain management and prevent trafficking in human beings and steps in ensuring worker protection. migrant worker empowerment often modern slavery and en-sure migrant go hand in hand in producing numer- worker protection and empowerment? Lastly, businesses can demand and en- ous benefits for workers, businesses, and The most successful companies are pro- force the employer pays principle in broader society. Private sector leadership active and commit to developing internal which the cost of recruiting workers is plays an essential role in achieving the checks and balances to tackle slavery borne by employers. This can lead to elimination of modern slavery and rein- and exploitation in their daily operations. transformative change in the recruit- forcing growth and development in Thai- IOM, the UN Migration Agency, recom- ment industry and ensure that migrants land and the wider region. mends efforts in several focus areas to need not pay for an opportunity to get a enable businesses to implement robust job. IOM provides a suite of services for busi- oversight in their supply chains. nesses to ensure ethical recruitment and RESPONSIBLE RECRUITMENT AND clean supply chains under its Corporate Firstly, it is important to raise awareness SKILLS DEVELOPMENT Responsibility in Eliminating Slavery and about slavery and trafficking with staff Trafficking (CREST) programme. For more and with the broader supplier network. To support these efforts, IOM is part information, visit https://thailand.iom.int Knowing how to identify and reduce the of the global Leadership Group for or email [email protected]. risk of slavery and trafficking, comply with Responsible Recruitment, a collabora- relevant legislation, as well as knowledge tion between leading companies and Reuben Lim is Communications and on ethical recruitment practices will en- expert organizations to drive positive Media Officer at the International able managers to better monitor suppli- change towards the total eradication Organization for Migration (IOM) ers and take immediate action if ethical of fees being charged to workers to Thailand. He can be contacted at codes of conducts are breeched. secure employment. IOM is also lead- [email protected].

30 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 Our Guiding Statements and values lead us to continuously improve our students’ learning experience at all stages of development.

Our new Early Years learning spaces further enhance the experience of our youngest students through:

Even more time to inquire Even more opportunities for Even more early years through play-based, outdoor learning, creative role experts inspiring each experiential learning play and physical development child’s learning with an extended in our inspiring new facilities school day

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www.patana.ac.th [email protected] Tel: +66 (0) 2785 2200 Celebrating 60 Years of British International Education

Bangkok Patana is a not-for-proﬁt, IB World School, accredited by CIS and NEASC SPECIAL REPORT Joint Statement between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Thailand

On October 2, 2017 the Two Countries Announced a Stronger Alliance for Common Security and Closer Economic Partnership

1. The President of the United States of America Donald J. Trump welcomed the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand General Prayut Chan-o-cha to the White House today to reaffirm the importance of the enduring alliance between the United States and Thailand and to discuss their shared commitment to promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo- Pacific region and beyond.

2. The two leaders shared the view that the long friendship and close cooperation that have existed between their two countries and peoples for almost two centuries constitute a firm foundation for further strengthening The U.S. and Thai delegations at the White House on October 2, 2017. Photo courtesy of Thai of United States-Thailand relations. Government Spokesman Bureau President Trump extended his profound condolences on behalf of the the Indo-Pacific and resolved to - fur 6. Recognizing the leading role of Thai- American people for the passing of ther strengthen the alliance through land in promoting regional peace and His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej a broad range of measures, including security, and in support of regional of Thailand, who was born in the Unit- enhanced dialogue, closer coordina- architecture centered on the Associa- ed States and a true friend of America tion, regular exchange of visits, and de- tion of Southeast Asian Nations (ASE- throughout his 70-year reign. fense modernization efforts to ensure AN), which advocates a peaceful set- it continues to help shape the future tlement of disputes and confidence 3. The two leaders affirmed that a strong of the region. building, the two leaders discussed a and thriving United States-Thailand number of security issues, including: alliance is underpinned by shared in- 5. Building on the 2012 Joint Vision terests and common values. The two Statement for the United States-Thai- a) South China Sea. The two lead- leaders shared a vision of a stronger land Alliance, the two leaders hailed ers highlighted the importance of alliance for common security, a closer continued efforts to advance their al- a peaceful and stable South China economic partnership for common liance, including through the recent Sea, a vital waterway for global prosperity, and growing people-to- United States-Thailand Strategic commerce, and freedom of navi- people ties. Dialogue and the planned Defense gation and overflight. Consonant Strategic Talks later this year. The two with the Sunnylands Declaration, STRONGER ALLIANCE FOR COMMON leaders also welcomed closer military- they reaffirmed their shared com- SECURITY to-military cooperation and joint exer- mitment to peaceful resolution of cises, including Cobra Gold—the larg- disputes, including full respect for 4. The two leaders emphasized that our est multilateral military exercise in Asia, legal and diplomatic processes, in historic alliance has been a key feature which help promote interoperability accordance with universally rec- in underpinning peace and stability in and friendship. ognized principles of international

32 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 law and the 1982 United Nations both sides decided to strengthen their by the Thai Government to enhance Convention on the Law of the partnership to address this common intellectual property rights protection Sea (UNCLOS). They welcomed challenge. The two sides determined and enforcement and the announce- the adoption of the framework of to work more closely on intelligence ment by the U.S. Trade Representative the Code of Conduct in the South sharing and law enforcement train- of a Special 301 Out-of-Cycle review China Sea (COC) and called for an ing, and to make full use of the Inter- of Thailand because of recent actions early conclusion of the COC. They national Law Enforcement Academy by Thailand to address intellectual also concurred on the need for a (ILEA) in Bangkok to forge networks property issues. They also noted re- cooperative approach to ensuring and enhance coordination among cent progress to further expand bilat- a peaceful, stable, and sustainable law enforcement officials in the Indo- eral trade and tasked their teams to South China Sea. Pacific. They pledged to strengthen resolve expeditiously concerns related b) Korean Peninsula. The two lead- partnership on global health security, to agricultural trade, customs, and ers expressed grave concern about including through close cooperation workers’ rights. the Democratic People’s Republic between the Centers for Disease Con- of Korea’s unprecedented number trol and Prevention (CDC) and its Thai 10. The two leaders recognize the im- of nuclear and ballistic missile tests counterparts, and the joint collabora- portance of the 1966 Treaty of Am- over the last year, and reaffirmed tion at the Armed Forces Research ity and Economic Relations between their resolve, and urged all parties Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS) the United States and Thailand, and concerned, to strictly implement in Bangkok. They expressed that they affirmed the importance of promot- all relevant United Nations Security look forward to strengthening cooper- ing bilateral trade and creating fa- Council resolutions with a view to ation in the area of maritime security vorable conditions for the business realizing a peaceful, stable and de- to advance Indo-Pacific security. of both sides. Prime Minister Prayut nuclearized Korean Peninsula. welcomed the United States as a c) The Situation in Rakhine State. The 8. Recognizing Thailand’s strategic im- leading investor in Thailand. Presi- two leaders discussed the situation portance to the United States and the dent Trump welcomed growing inin Rakhine State of Myanmar, and region, President Trump welcomed vestment from Thai companies in the need for expeditious humani- Thailand’s commitment to the Road- the United States and its potential tarian assistance to affected com- map, which, upon completion of rel- contribution to the creation of jobs munities in a coordinated manner. evant organic laws as stipulated by for American workers. The two lead- They welcomed the Myanmar gov- the Constitution, will lead to free and ers welcomed the enhancement ernment’s commitment to end the fair elections in 2018. The two lead- of collaboration on standards and violence, ensure the safe return of ers also recognized the importance between the private sectors of the displaced persons, and accept the of protecting and promoting human United States and Thailand. recommendations of the Advisory rights and fundamental freedoms. Commission on Rakhine State, and PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE RELATIONS they look forward to implemen- CLOSER ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP tation of these efforts. They ex- FOR COMMON PROSPERITY 11. The two leaders stressed the impor- pressed their support for ASEAN’s tance of strengthening people-to- role in working with the Myanmar 9. The two leaders highlighted the long- people ties, especially youth, as a government to provide humanitar- standing and mutually-beneficial solid foundation for enduring alli- ian assistance. economic relations between the ance and partnership. They recog- United States and Thailand. They nized the important contributions of 7. President Trump recognized the im- underscored their shared desire to over 7,000 Thai students currently portant role of Thailand in ASEAN and strengthen bilateral economic ties, studying in the United States and noted his appreciation of Thailand’s grow their respective economies the Thai-American community, as strong support for a wide-ranging through expansion of trade and in- well as more than 5,000 Peace Corps partnership between the United vestment, and create jobs and favor- volunteers in Thailand over the past States and ASEAN. The two lead- able conditions for commerce and decades. They pledged support for ers pledged to strengthen bilateral business in both countries, including closer cooperation in the areas of and regional cooperation to promote in the digital sphere. They stressed education, youth exchanges, entre- the U.S.-ASEAN Strategic Partner- the importance of promoting free and preneurship, technology and innova- ship, including cooperative efforts to fair trade, including in the Asia Pacific tion, among others. combat regional and global security Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, threats like terrorism, pandemics, and and noted their interest in continu- 12. President Trump and Prime Minister transnational trafficking in persons, ing discussions under the Trade and Prayut saluted the 200th anniversary drugs, and wildlife. The United States Investment Framework Agreement to of the first contact between the Unit- welcomes Thailand’s active role in further reenergize their trade relations ed States and Thailand in 1818, and promoting regional cooperation to and ensure balanced trade. The two welcomed preparations to celebrate combat trafficking in persons and leaders welcomed the progress made this momentous occasion in 2018.

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 33 SPECIAL REPORT The Depreciating Value of Cash

Written by: Joseph Willan

nly a decade ago social me- have been around for thousands of years; The vast majority of modern e-payment dia was just a concept, smart- however, its time could be coming to an systems are simple and easier to use, phones were only available to end. E-payments are overtaking cash; e- something their predecessors did not the privileged and internet ac- wallets are overtaking leather wallets. The offer. Nowadays, e-payment systems are Ocess was not an intrinsic part of our daily future: cashless tuk-tuks, cashless motor- available to any device connected to the lives. The world we live in is constantly bike taxis, cashless street food. internet. Furthermore, social media gi- changing and so too is the way we pay for ants are now jumping on the e-payment things. We are moving at a pace not seen WHAT IS E-PAYMENT? bandwagon and offering such services to since the Industrial Revolution. Similarly, their users. the transformation of technology in the An e-payment system is a method of Industrial Revolution was felt throughout making transactions or purchasing Thailand is in the midst of a cashless industry and society. Today, cash meth- goods or services through an electronic revolution. Recently, the governments ods of payment are being replaced with device without using cash. To under- of Thailand and Singapore opened high- e-payment methods. stand more about e-payments, we need level talks with the aim of forging an to know the history behind it. The origin e-payment alliance between Thailand’s You eat at your favorite restaurant, you of e-payments, of course, is related to PromptPay and Singapore’s PayNow. This pay on your card; you visit your local su- the invention of the World Wide Web in potential alliance of e-payment systems permarket, you pay using your mobile; to 1969. E-payments did not come around would have been inconceivable ten years send your child their allowance, you use until 1994 when the Stanford Federal ago. Singapore, one of the world’s largest an app – where does it end? Who knows, Credit Union was formed to offer its cli- financial centers, partnering with Thai- although we know cashless payment sys- ents ‘online banking services.’ Amazon land, an economy that mainly focused tems are replacing the conventional form was subsequently founded in 1994, the on agriculture to sustain itself. How times of payment: money. Forms of money year Pizza Hut started online food orders. change!

34 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 E-PAYMENT SYSTEMS IN THAILAND citizens and providing ad hoc benefits in businesses undertake. the form of shopping cards, discounted 2. Arranging an inclusive governance The Thai government initiated the Na- travel and the like. framework that brings together differ- tional e-Payment Master Plan with the ent stakeholders to guide the develop- aim to increase Thailand’s e-payment EDUCATION CAMPAIGNS ment of Singapore’s payments land- infrastructure, enabling the public to pay scape in a coherent way. for services without the need of cash. The government is striving to provide ed- 3. Ensuring that an e-payments society ucation and media campaigns to inform has a payment infrastructure that is The plan is separated into five key ele- citizens of the benefits of using cashless interoperable, that will enable rapid, ments, namely: payment systems. simple, and safe electronic payments at every level. 1. PromptPay As Thailand strives to modernize and 4. Helping businesses to digitize their pro- 2. Electronic cards and Electronic Data diversify its economy, Thailand will rely cesses and integrate them with electron- Capture (“EDC”) Development heavily on the use of e-payment systems. ic payments solutions, so as to maximize 3. E-Tax The government is pushing the imple- productivity and efficiency gains. 4. Government Payment and Subsidies mentation of Thailand 4.0 and the use of 5. Education Campaigns e-payment systems is vital to its success China came into the digital age with only to achieve the transformation of the Thai a limited credit and debit card system PROMPTPAY economy. The push for more e-payment and is a key player in e-payments. They services also ties in with Thailand’s grow- bypassed costly implications and leap- PromptPay is making the transfer of funds ing financial technology (FinTech) sec- frogged straight into mobile payments. In simpler. Thai nationals can now use their tor. Thailand has experienced a profound a recent PayPal survey, only 25% of Chi- ID card number or mobile phone number increase in the number of e-payment nese correspondents cited cash as their to link with a bank account. Businesses FinTech startups such as Digio (Thailand), preferred choice of payment, compared can receive payments from clients faster. T2P, Billme (Thailand), AirPay (Thailand), to 48% who cited e- or mobile payments. Veerathai Santiprabhob, Bank of Thai- Pay Solutions, 2C2P (Thailand), and You In China, awareness of e-wallets/mobile land Governor, commented: “PromptPay Technologies Group (Thailand), just to wallets is very high with 83% of corre- will not only bring down money transfer name a few. Such startups offer easy, spondents aware. That is second only to costs but will improve service efficiencies convenient, and safe e-payment services. cash. Recently, Alibaba declared the first and increase access to financial services.” Lessons from the Region week of August ‘Cashless Week’ and We- Furthermore, according to the Minis- Chat also named August 8 “Cashless Day” try of Digital Economy and Society, the As the most advanced economy in and the whole month of August as Cash- PromptPay system will reduce payment South-East Asia, Singapore relies on less Month. costs by at least USD 5.1 billion annually. strong, efficient e-payment systems. The Electronic cards and EDC Development Singaporean government envisages the The awareness in China is being driven city-state as a Smart Nation that revolves by the ubiquity of homegrown internet The government is aiming to encour- around FinTech. A key component of giants, as many of them have started to age more people to use electronic pay- FinTech is e-payment. Singapore based incorporate digital payment features as ment methods, while installing 400,000 banks have devised a range of e-pay- part of their services. EDC machines by 2017 leading to a total ment apps: OCBC’s Pay Anyone allows 800,000 EDC machines nationwide. customers to send money to friends in CONCLUSION Singapore, using only their mobile num- E-TAX ber, Facebook ID, or email address. UOB Time will tell if cash has a future. Many has created UOB Mighty, an all-in-one technology creators extol the value of The Thailand Revenue Department, on mobile banking app and wallet similar to union. ‘Adapt or die’ is truly the new norm behalf of the government, is aiming to Android Pay. in twenty-first century marketing. While put all e-payment transactions into its cash payments may serve a purpose for taxation system with the aim of improv- In a recent speech by Ravi Menon, Man- now, they are constantly being replaced ing efficiency through the practice of aging Director of the Monetary Authority by technology. To finish with a quote producing e-tax invoices and e-tax re- of Singapore (MAS), he expressed Singa- from economist and former U.S. Secre- ceipts. pore needs to follow four key strategies tary of Labor Robert Reich: “There will be to ensure the successful implementation a time – I don’t know when, I can’t give GOVERNMENT PAYMENT AND of the city-state’s e-payment systems. you a date – when physical money is just SUBSIDIES going to cease to exist.” 1. Streamlining the regulatory frame- The government is aiming to ensure ev- work for payments, strengthening Joseph Willan is Consultant at the ery citizen can access financial services. consumer protection; and enacting Regional Banking and Finance Practice Furthermore, the government has been more targeted based regulations on Group at DFDL Legal and Tax. He can be using such data to assess the needs of its the specific payment activities that contacted at [email protected].

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 35 LEGAL UPDATES

Recent Legal Changes Affecting Business

Land and Buildings Tax Draft Bill

he Thai government has pro- use - the ceiling rate will be 0.5%, original after 40 years; for a wooden Tposed changes to its land and with owner-occupied houses ex- house, the same rate after 18 years. buildings tax act. At present, Thai- empt if valued at less than Baht 50 Hotels will be valued at Baht 8,900 land has a ‘house and land tax’ of million, and 0.05% if assessed at a per square meter, and shopping 12.5% of the assessed rental income higher value. malls at Baht 9,350 per square meter. or of the assessed value, whichever is • Land for other commercial uses - higher, with an exemption for owner- the ceiling is 2%, with the actual rate According to the Treasury Department, occupied houses. The changes will varying between 0.03% and 1.5%. the appraisal of land plots throughout include a provision to allow local au- • Vacant or otherwise unused land - the country will be completed before thorities to appraise property values. the ceiling rate is 5%, starting at 2% the projected entry into force of the The draft legislation has proposed and increasing every three years by new law in January 2018. The Board the following new rates: 0.05% until it reaches the ceiling of Investment (BOI) is still monitoring rate. this, and cannot say at this stage if U.S. • Land for agricultural use - the ceil- • For buildings and condominiums, a companies promoted by the BOI will be ing rate will be 0.2% of the assessed nationwide rate of value per square exempt from this new tax regime. The value, with land valued at under meter set at Baht 7,200 to 7,800 for Bill has passed its first reading in t he Baht 50 million exempt from taxes, building. National Legislative Assembly (NLA). and 0.05% of the value for land as- • There will a depreciation allowance sessed at a higher level. based on the nature of the mate- For more information contact the • Land and buildings for residential rial: for a concrete house, 24% of the Treasury Department.

Single Window for Visa and Work Permit System

he Department of Employment After the Single Window system is Work Permit booklet. The BOI is or- Tat the Ministry of Labor is coop- implemented, foreign applicants will ganizing workshops and trainings for erating with the Board of Investment no longer have to manually submit companies in Thailand to train them (BOI) and the Immigration Bureau to documents to the different authorities; on the new system. Companies are implement an e-Service system for instead, they can just submit their ap- advised to enroll in the training pro- foreign experts and foreign national plication online through a mobile ap- gram. employees of BOI-promoted com- plication, wait for the system to sched- panies when they apply for visa and ule an appointment, and then present After January 1, 2018, all BOI-promoted work permits. A pilot project is being themselves at the One Stop Service. companies who use the One Stop Ser- implemented for a Single Window The new process will take approximate- vice Center (OSSC) in Bangkok and the System that is intended to signifi- ly three hours and the system will be Immigration Office and Employment cantly reduce the time and docu- online 24 hours a day. Office in Chiang Mai and Phuket Prov- mentation currently required to ap- inces will be required to use the Single ply. The full system is slated to begin The Work Permit will become an e- Window system. on January 1, 2018, with training and Permit which can be downloaded to a workshops happening over the next mobile phone. The digital Work Permit For more information contact the few months. is expected to replace the hardcopy Board of Investment.

36 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 New Official Guidelines on Anti- Corruption Compliance

he National Anti-Corruption Com- ments of an anti-corruption compli- the organization’s anti-bribery mea- Tmission (NACC) has issued new ance program. They are: sures (e.g. audits). “Guidelines on Appropriate Internal Control Measures for Juristic Persons • demonstrable support by senior The guidelines also provide helpful to Prevent Bribery of State Officials, management to combat bribery in commentary on section 123/5, along Foreign Public Officials, and Agents the organization (i.e. the “tone from with case studies on how the anti-cor- of Public International Organiza- the top”); ruption law may be applied. tions”. The guidelines clarify section • anti-corruption risk assessments; 123/5 of the Organic Act on Coun- • internal anti-corruption measures, Another important development in ter Corruption 1999. Section 123/5 such as policies and procedures, to the guidelines is the introduction of provides that corporate entities are address high-risk areas; the NACC “anti-corruption hotline,” criminally liable for bribing govern- • application of anti-bribery compli- through which any member of the pub- ment officials, but if an organization ance measures to business part- lic can report private sector incidents has appropriate “internal controls” ners; of corruption directly to the NACC by in place, liability can be mitigated, or • keeping accurate books and ac- phone or online. even eliminated. The guidelines spell counting records; out what the NACC considers appro- • human resource policies to combat For more information contact Tilleke & priate internal controls for the pur- corruption; Gibbins at [email protected]. poses of section 123/5. • mechanisms to report possible bribery incidents within an organi- The internal controls contained in the zations (e.g. whistleblowing); and guidelines consist of eight core ele- • periodic reviews and evaluations of

New Payment Systems Act

hailand is in the process of reform- laws: (1) the Royal Decree Regulating payment systems; and (3) supervised Ting laws related to payment sys- Electronic Payment Services B.E. 2551 e-payment services. Criteria for su- tems and services, as well as consoli- (2008); and (2) the Notification of the pervised e-payment systems and e- dating several overlapping laws that Ministry of Finance: Business that Re- payment services will be determined in regulate electronic money businesses, quires a Permit according to Section ensuing subordinate legislation by the with the National Legislative Assembly 5 of the Notification of the Revolution Minister of Finance, based on recom- approving the new Payment Systems Council No. 58 (Electronic Money Card mendations from the Bank of Thailand Act in August 2017. Businesses), dated October 4, 2004. (BOT).

The new draft of the bill is awaiting royal Once the new Payment Systems Act For more information contact Tilleke & assent and is expected to be published comes into force, it will simplify proce- Gibbins at [email protected]. in the Government Gazette within this dures for business operators by repeal- year, becoming effective 180 days after ing these laws. its publication. Under the new law, different types of Under the current system, a business electronic payment systems and busi- that wishes to provide a certain type of nesses will be reclassified into three e-money service is required to apply for new classifications: (1) important e- two licenses, in accordance with two payment systems; (2) supervised e-

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 37 MEMBER NEWS Cargill Expands Animal Nutrition Business in Thailand, Acquires Sri Thai Feed Mill through Public Tender

Cargill’s animal feed and nutrition business is expanding its ca- Akkarit Boontawee, managing director of Cargill Feed and Nu- pabilities in Thailand by acquiring a feed mill in Prachinburi prov- trition South East Asia. ince in Thailand. This feed mill, established in 1996 through a joint venture between Sri Thai Foods and Beverages Co. Ltd. and The feed mill has ceased production, and the plan is to begin Thai-Denmark Swine Breeding Co. Ltd., produces poultry and production in a year. Once fully operational in May 2018, the swine feed. Through the acquisition, the plant will now produce plant will employ around 50 employees and produce 72,000 poultry and swine feed for Cargill’s customers based in Thailand. MT of feed per year for swine and poultry customers in the Eastern and Northeastern areas of Thailand. Given the large “This plant is aligned to Cargill’s animal nutrition business land footprint – 10 hectares or 24 acres – Cargill could ex- growth plans and aspiration to provide the leading and most pand the facility and add more local jobs as the market con- trusted livestock solutions that help our customers grow,” said tinues to grow. Excellent Prospects for Food Exporters The Ministry of Commerce is targeting five percent growth this ucts. However, Thiraphong Chansiri, CEO of Thai Union Group, year for Thailand’s food exports. Malee Choklumlerd, director- noted that the US is the world’s largest single market with very general at the Department of International Trade Promotion, high competition, particularly on price. Thus, product differen- said staple foods were in strong demand in overseas markets. tiation is very important to effectively compete. The ministry will Last year, Thailand exported food products worth THB 595 bil- be holding further workshops to support food producers and lion (USD 18 billion), with the US as a key market. In the first operators to tap into additional markets, including China, South three months of 2017, Thailand shipped THB 29 billion (USD Asia, and ASEAN. 872 million) in food products to the US, the main products were canned and processed fruit and seafood, rice and fishery prod- Source: Thailand Investment Review ThaiBev becomes KFC franchisee Yum Restaurants International (Thailand) recently signed a Thailand, said that she believes there is still a huge opportunity franchise agreement worth THB 11.3 billion (USD 339 million), to open additional KFC outlets in Thailand due to many of the with QSR of Asia (QSA), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of government’s initiatives, including the EEC, which are expected Thai Beverage PLC, to operate about 240 KFC stores in Thai- to result in greater economic activity. The franchisee strategy land. The move puts KFC branches in the country under three is aimed at boosting KFC in Thailand to 1,000 stores in the near franchisees — Central Restaurant Group (224 branches), Res- future, increasing from its earlier plan of 800 stores by 2020. taurant Development (128 branches), and 240 branches for As of July 2017, there are roughly 600 KFC restaurants across QSA. Waewkanee Assoratgoon, KFC general manager at Yum the country.

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The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand happy to include them in T-AB Magazine. Materials and high Niche TourismThailand 4.0 Aerospace and the New S-Curve 10 Thailand as a Medical Tourism Destination The Rise of Entrepreneurs10 Interview and with Startups Dr. Suvit Maesincee 12 A Look at14 Thailand’s Golf10 Tourism 14 Lessons in Entrepreneurship fromThailand Korn Chatikavanij 4.0: SystemsCapturing Upgrade Aerospace Market Share in Asia Linking the Global Health16 Crisis and Wellness Holidays Property TrendsDisrupting Thailand16 16 The Human FactorCan U-Tapao in Thailand Airport 4.0 Be Developed Into an MRO Campus? resolution photos are due one month prior to T-AB’s publication 16 2016 Independence20 Day Picnic Sustainability:40 The New20 FrontierThailand of Entrepreneurship 4.0: PoweredBOI Incentives by Renewable in Thai Aerospace Energy? Thai Property22 Market Overview 40 The Entrepreneur – Bill Heinecke’s RulesAMCHAM for Success Governors Ball 8 Are Condominium28 Prices Rising? 12 Net Profit Computation - Remedy for BOI Companies? 20 U.S. Business in Thailand More Optimistic About Increased Profits 23 date. Please send them to [email protected]

38 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 MORE UPTIME. MORE EFFICIENCY.

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COA0612 320D2 190x260 Thai ad.indd 1 25/02/14 9:23 AM AMCHAM’S PREMIER SOCIAL EVENT OF THE YEAR 2015 amcham governors ball

AMCHAM’SEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S PREMIER REMARKS SOCIAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

international airports. For U.S. citizen graphs conducted here in Bangkok on a members who travel frequently and periodic basis. We will keep you posted if may often find themselves in the long we are successful. line at Immigration, I would recommend 2015 amchamyou consider governorsgetting an APEC travel In Chamber news,ball please note that the card. The card can be used in Bangkok ICT Committee has been renamed the at both international airports. I have had Digital Economy Committee to more an ABTC since they were first issued in closely align with current industry come chill out!2014 and it has saved me countless trends and support Thailand’s strategic hours of frustration! vision for the future.

(Note that the advice below is for U.S. I also want to point out that our 2018 Saturday, April 25, 2015citizens; citizens of other APEC member Corporate Partner Program is now countries should check their own coun- open for renewals. The Corporate try’s APEC centers on how to obtain the Partner Program is an important card). part of the Chamber’s financial structure and accounts for about Shangri-La HotelAn ABTC can be issued to a U.S. citizen 25 percent of the Chamber’s annual Dear AMCHAM Members, who has been approved and is in good revenue. The Partnership packages standing in an existing international include a number of sponsorship Good news for APEC Business Travel trusted traveler program (such as Global benefits including participation in the 6 pm -Card 1 (ABTC) holders!am On September 26, Entry) and is engaged in business in annual ball, sports tournaments, and the U.S. Congress approved the APEC the Asia Pacific region. The steps to join promotional space in AMCHAM’s T-AB Business Travel Card Reauthorization Global Entry and obtain an ABTC are Magazine and annual Membership Act of 2017 which permanentlycome autho- straightforward chill and information can beout! Directory, as well as visibility on the rizes the U.S.’s participation in the APEC found at the Trusted Traveler Program AMCHAM website and at many of the Business Travel Card program that was website at https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/ AMCHAM events throughout the year. first authorized bySaturday, Congress in 2011. April 25,It also2015 includes unlimited membership The 2011 authority was set to expire at At the present time, Global Entry inter- to allow companies to list as many the end of fiscal year 2018. All Ameri- views can only be conducted in the U.S representatives in the AMCHAM can chambers in the Asia Pacific regionShangri-La and it is possible to apply for both Hotel Global database as they wish. Full details on have been vigorously advocating for Entry and ABTC at the same time. If you the Corporate Partnership Program can this reauthorization for the past several already6 pm have Global Entry,- 1 you canam apply be found on page 57 and please feel years. to add on the ABTC but are required to free to contact me with any questions. Enjoy champagne, The physicallyevent appear supportsin the U.S. to sign the Tickets: While the U.S.’s participation in the application form and have a photograph Best regards, travel card program does not extend to taken. AMCHAM Thailand is currently in drinks, a four-couse Baht 4,000 pervisa waivers person as for other APEC memberthe AMCHAMdiscussion with Homeland Security at dinner, dancing and countries, it does allow users to Thailandaccess the U.S. Embassy Charitable Bangkok to see if it is Judy Benn Black Tie or theTheme priority lines at member countries’ possible to have interviews and photo- Executive Director entertainment Enjoy champagne,Foundation Tickets: The event supports drinks, a four-couseThank You toBaht AMCHAM 4,000 ’sper 2017 person Corporate thePartners AMCHAM Thailand Charitable dinner,PLATINUM dancing and Black Tie or ThemeGOLD For more information, please contact [email protected] Foundation Platinum Sponsors: Gold Sponsors: Silver Sponsors:For more information, please contact [email protected] Platinum Sponsors: Gold Sponsors: Silver Sponsors:

SILVER

40 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 TH_KN_STEM_T-AB magazine_AmCham_2017_English_OL.indd 1 21/08/2017 13:47 AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN THAILAND FOUNDATION

mer Com ce in of Th er a b ila m n AMCHAM Hosts FedEx Career a d h F C o

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Career camp participants with U.S. Ambassador Glyn T. Davies (center), Judy Benn of AMCHAM (left), and Gina Galvin of FedEx (right)

or some students, it was their first munication. Life skills including personal trip to Bangkok. For most, it was finance were also covered. Students their first visit to the headquarters were also given a unique opportunity to of iconic American companies visit eight American companies in Bang- likeF Ford, Citibank, and Jelly Belly. And for kok, providing valuable insight into real- all of them, it was a chance to prepare for world workplaces at Pfizer, Conrad Hotel, the year ahead and feel more confident American School of Bangkok, NIST Inter- about life after graduation. national School, Bumrungrad Hospital, Ford Motor Company, Citibank, and Jelly The 59 senior-year students were all re- Belly Candy Company. cipients of American Chamber of Com- merce in Thailand Foundation (ATF) Stu- One of the highlights: panel discussions dent Scholarships, and they converged from career night speakers, who received on Bangkok from 21 universities spread high marks from the attendees. across the country to attend a four-day career camp sponsored by FedEx. “I got many ideas from all the speakers, who advised us about how we should act in Designed to provide students with valu- tact with more than 50 senior executives the real world and what we’ll face in the fu- able skills as they enter the workforce, from dozens of AMCHAM member cor- ture. The activities inspired me to try harder the camp helps them get the most out porations and organizations. and improve my skills, especially the prac- of their scholarships and their connec- tice interviews and the career night where tion to AMCHAM. Running from October Workshops included everything from re- executives gave us personal advice,” said 29 to November 1, the workshops and sume preparation and mock interviews Thongchai Shiesathanakun from Silapkorn activities put participants in direct con- with HR managers to professional com- University in Nakhon Pathom.

42 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Contributors to the event and goodie bags: - New Hampshire Insurance - AIA - Asia Ability - Minor Food Group - Jeneusse Global (Thailand) - John Deere - Mondelez International - International School Bangkok - Newell Brands - Ford Motor Company - Yum Restaurants International Participants in the workshop sessions: - Pacharin Ongarthachat, Seasia Leadavation Center - Sravut Amorasank and Rintarn Jaroenroop, Krungsri Bank - Vorapong Eiamim and Wanvanat Charoenthamawat, Robere & Associates - FedEx Team - Larry Persons, Lead with CQ Career Night Speakers: - Sasathorn Phaspinyo, FedEx Express - Jirawat Jeeradeepalung, Ford Motor Company - Artit Krichphiphat, General Motors Sirin Amornsrisatja from Chiang Mai Uni- sored the career camp since 2010 in an - Prateep Siamwalla, Yannix (Thailand) versity said, “The speaker from Chevron effort to develop a new generation of Hosts of facility visits: was the best. He has a wide vision and business leaders from all parts of Thai- - Jelly Belly Candy Company gave us great counsel and fact-based ad- land. The program has been running - Ford Motor Company vice for finding a job. I’m from a smaller, since 1976, and scholarship recipients - Citibank quieter city, but it was exciting to visit top now number in the thousands. - Conrad Bangkok companies and meet senior managers. I - American School of Bangkok - NIST International School hope that after I graduate, I can qualify for Support for this program comes from - Bumrungrad Hospital a job in Bangkok and return here again AMCHAM’s social events and fundraisers - Pfizer for work. The career camp helped me be- including the Governor’s Ball silent auc- lieve that’s possible.” tion, bowling and golf tournaments, and Mock interview participants: the Independence Day Picnic. - American Axle & Manufacturing - Chevron The camp was capped off by a visit from - Citibank U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Glyn T. Da- - Conrad Bangkok vies, who shared the story of his first job SPONSOR A STUDENT! - en world Recruitment interview, a two-day ordeal at Procter - EthosEnergy & Gamble’s headquarters in Cincin- In 2016 AMCHAM provided 200 - Fedex Express nati, Ohio. “It was a little bit daunting for - Ferro Corporation scholarships, but in 2017 the a 21-year-old in a city I’d never been to - Ford Motor Company before,” said Ambassador Davies. “And I number fell to 175 due to a lack - General Motors didn’t get the job. But I got another job, of funds. In order to maintain - International SOS - John Deere and I’ve learned something about Ameri- this program we are seeking your - Mazars can companies along the way: they’re support to sponsor a student. - Minor Food Group committed to developing talent, and A donation of Baht 90,000 will - MSIG making sure that you all have great and provide a three-year scholarship - Newell Brands fulfilling careers.” - Philip Morris International for a deserving student including - RLC Recruitment Ambassador Davies was joined by Gina attendance at an Orientation and - Target Sourcing Galvin, managing director of FedEx Thai- Career Camp in Bangkok. See the - Thai Ecotrade land in presenting certificates of partici- - Thomson Reuters box on page 44 for more details. - Western Digital pation to all attendees. FedEx has spon- The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 43 AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN THAILAND FOUNDATION American School of Bangkok Improves Library at Ban Nongkam School

On September 29, Ban Nongkam School in Suphanburi Province held a dedication ceremony to thank the American School of Bangkok (ASB) for donating funds for the improvement of the school’s library. The school library has been updated with over 500 new books and a new computer and is now full of shiny new bookshelves, tables and chairs. The total value of the project was Baht 200,000. The funds were raised at last year’s Sukhumvit Fair hosted by ASB.

Students from ASB and students from Ban Nongkam School rejoice at the new library books

Pictured are the ASB principal, administrator and students with representatives from AMCHAM and the recipient school’s principal, school administrators, and the ASB students enjoyed beneficiaries of the project - the students of Ban Nongkam School reading books to the kids

merc Com e in of Th er a b ila m n a d h F C o

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ม ูล ย น ท ิธ ศไ ิหอ เท กา ระ รค้าอเมริกันในป Invest Future Workforce! SPONSOR-A-STUDENT & SPONSOR-AN-ENGLISH TEACHER AMCHAM has been supporting educational development in Thailand through the AMCHAM Thailand Foundation by providing scholarships to underprivileged Thai university students since 1976. AMCHAM also contributes to raising the English pro ciency of Thai students by partnering with the Thai-US Education Foundation (Fulbright Thailand) and sponsoring English Teaching Assistants (ETAs) who work at Thai schools around the country on improving the English curriculum. We are looking to maintain these successful and critically important programs and continue to improve the quality of education in Thailand. A donation of Baht 90,000 provides a student with a scholarship for three years and participation in both an Orientation Camp and Career Camp. A donation of Baht 350,000 will sponsor an ETA for one year. Your donation will impact individual lives in a meaningful and powerful ways and empower Thai youth to reach their potential and be the future Thailand deserves.

Partial donations also welcome. All donations are tax-exempt in accordance with relevant Thai regulations. For more information contact [email protected]

44 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017

GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT AMCHAM Hosts U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross On September 27, AMCHAM Thailand hosted a reception sponsored by Chevron and the U.S. Commercial Service to welcome the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross during his visit to Thailand. Secretary Ross emphasized that Thailand is a significant partner of the United States and stressed President Trump’s commitment to Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region. On September 28, AMCHAM and the U.S. ASEAN Business Council had a roundtable discussion with Secretary Ross regarding Thai-U.S. bilateral Trade and Investment issues. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross meets with AMCHAM’s leadership (from left): Judy Benn (AMCHAM Thailand Executive Director), Mark Kaufman (Ford), Dale Lee (CoffeeWorks), Brad Middleton (Chevron), Glyn Davies (U.S. Ambassador to Thailand), Jeffrey Nygaard (Seagate), Ian Nicholls (General Motors), Herman Ehrlich (Conrad), Jeremy R. Osterstock (Esso), and Teera Phutrakul (JTFP)

Wilbur Ross, AMCHAM and U.S. ASEAN Business Council members during a roundtable discussion Wilbur Ross addresses AMCHAM members at the reception

Wilbur Ross with AMCHAM and U.S. ASEAN Business Council members 46 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 Joint Trade & Investment Cmte/Auto Council Panel on Automation and Robotics On October 6, members of ten foreign chambers of commerce in Thailand, led by AMCHAM, gathered at Holiday Inn Pattaya for a panel discussion on ‘Automation, Robotics, and You.’ Panelists included Tomas Koch, PhD, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company; Markus Lorenzini, President & CEO, Siemens Thailand; and Assoc. Prof. Djitt Laowattana, PhD, Committee Member of Robotics Clusters of the Royal Thai Government Founder and Advisor at the Institute of Field Robotics, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (FIBO). The panel was followed by a networking evening with the participation of the Australian, British, Canadian, German, Mexican, Singaporean, South African, Belgian, and Dutch chambers of commerce in Thailand. The two events were kindly supported by WHA Corporation, PCS Security and Facility Services Limited, AVANI Pattaya Resort & Spa, and Rugby School Thailand.

Pictured are the panelists and committee leaders (from left): Florina Vistal, Ford ASEAN Ford Motor Company; Judy Benn, AMCHAM; Markus Lorenzini, Siemens Thailand; Tomas Koch, McKinsey & Company; Anutra Sinchaipanich, Caterpillar; David Nardone, Hemaraj Land And Development Public Company Limited, WHA Corporation Public Company Limited; Assoc. Prof. Djitt Laowattana, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (FIBO); Kwanjit Sudsawad, Seagate Technology; Ian Hamilton, Colliers International Thailand; and Siyaphas Chantachairoj, Hemaraj Land And Development Public Company Limited.

Joint Chambers Eastern Seaboard Networking

On October 6, members of AMCHAM and the Australian, British, Canadian, German, Mexican, Singaporean, South African, Belgian, and Dutch chambers of commerce in Thailand gathered at Holiday Inn Pattaya for a networking evening on the Eastern Seaboard. Pictured are the leaders of participating chambers with Meera Raj, Executive Assistant Manager (third from right) from Holiday Inn Pattaya.

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 47 EVENTS ROUNDUP

AMCHAM Santa Fe ChariBowl Tournament

On September 7, AMCHAM held its second Santa Fe ChariBowl Tournament of the year at Blu-O-Bowl in Siam Paragon. The event gathered 26 teams with 130 bowlers and raised almost Baht 220,000 for the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand Foundation (ATF). Those present engaged in a bit of friendly competition and informal networking with colleagues from AMCHAM member companies. Many thanks to Santa Fe for sponsoring yet another successful bowling fundraiser.

Team Santa Fe team opening the bowling Team PCS, 1st Place Team Chevron 2nd Place tournament

Team Rembrandt 3rd Place Team Citibank Team Manhattan Asset Management

Team Boncafe Team RMA Group They know how to Bowl! (Credit PCS team)

Highest Score Men Khun Nat, PCS It was packed!! Can you find yourself? AMCHAM Highest Score women Khun Nalinphat, PCS members having a great time! 48 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 AMCHAM CSR Excellence Recognition Award Thanksgiving Dinner Join us for a Thanksgiving dinner to honor and give thanks to AMCHAM company members for being responsible corporate citizens and investing in their communities. While we share a traditional Thanksgiving feast with turkey and trimmings, we will recognize the winners of the 11th AMCHAM CSR Excellence (ACE) Recognition. This year three special awards will be presented:

1. Excellence in CSR Projects Award 2. Excellence in Promoting Thailand 4.0 Award 3. Excellence in Partnership

When: November 21, 2017 - 6-9 pm Where: Shangri-La Hotel, Grand Ballroom (BTS Saphan Taksin) Cost: Members Baht 1,200 or Monthly Luncheon Coupon + Baht 300 Non-members Baht 1,500 Includes 3-course turkey dinner with two glasses of wine EVENTS ROUNDUP

Dr. Kanit Sansubhun Talks about the Eastern Economic Corridor at AMCHAM’s September Monthly Luncheon

On September 27, AMCHAM members gathered at the Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 Hotel to hear Dr. Kanit Sangsubhun, Secretary General of Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office of Thailand. Dr. Kanit provided a five-month progress update on the EEC, focusing on the U-Tapao airport development, the link-up of three international airports with high-speed trains, the Laem Chabang port development, the much- needed collaboration in training in innovation- based areas, and the four-year smart visa.

Pictured are (from left): Nirut Kunnawat, 3M Thailand; John Brasch, Red Bird Global Services; Gregory Bastien, American Axle & Manafucturing Thailand; David Nardone, Hemaraj Land & Development; Dr. Kanit Sangsubhum (speaker); Judy Benn, Executive Director AMCHAM; Vira-Anong Phutrakul, Citibank; James Grunewald, Red Bird Global Services; and Benjamin Krieg, Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 October Monthly Luncheon and Annual General Meeting Over 150 members attended the October monthly luncheon and Annual General Meeting on October 18 at the Sofitel Sukhumvit Hotel. Members gathered to cast their votes in the 2018 Board of Governors election. Eight candidates were elected to join the Board (in no particular order): 1. David Nardone, Hemaraj Land & Development; 2. Gregory Bastien, American Axle & Manufacturing; 3. George Hartel, Newell Brands; 4. Yukontorn ‘Vickie’ Wisadkosin, Ford Motor Company; 5. Herman J. Ehrlich, Conrad Bangkok; 6. Jeremy R. Osterstock, Esso (Thailand); 7. Parnsiree Amatayakul, IBM Thailand; and 8. Dale Lee, CoffeeWORKS. The luncheon speaker was U.S. Ambassador Glyn Davies, who provided an update on Thai – U.S. bilateral relations and introduced newly-arrived members of the Embassy team.

Pictured are (from left): Vickie Wisadkosin, Ford Motor Company; Parnsiree Amatayakul, IBM; David Lyman, Tilleke & Gibbins; Dale Lee, CoffeeWorks; George Hartel, Newel Brands; Jeff Nygaard, Seagate, AMCHAM Board President; U.S. Ambassador Glyn Davies; Vira-Anong Phutrakul, Citibank; David Nardone, Hemaraj; Gregory Bastien, American Axle & Manufacturing, Jeremy Osterstock, Esso, and Judy Benn, AMCHAM Executive Director

50 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 AMCHAM 101 September Social Networking

On September 13, AMCHAM members gathered at the Banyan Tree Bangkok for the AMCHAM 101 New Member Orientation followed by the monthly Social Networking evening. Once again Vertigo Too provided a perfect venue for members and friends to socialize and network in an upbeat atmosphere. Thank you to the Banyan Tree Bangkok for hosting a wonderful evening, with delicious food and great service. More importantly, the event raised over Baht 40,000 which will go towards maintaining the AMCHAM Thailand Foundation’s (ATF) scholarship program. This successful program offers scholarships to deserving, but underprivileged Thai students to attend university.

Almost 50 members joined AMCHAM 101 New Member Orientation to Lloyd Wilson, Kevin Windfield, Herman Ehrlich, Eliot Delunas, Paul Robere, hear how they can get the most out of their membership Suphot Rittipichaiwat

Ian Betts, Wannapa Phongsachai, Pol Bordas, Jean Valendez, Reziel Bernante, Zharon Japitana Jhone El’Mamuwaldi, Amelie Poncelet, Lloyd Jurgen Derksen, Diederick Tyndall Wilson, Orawan Ratanapratum

Judy Benn, Brad Middleton, John Neutze, Herman Ehrlich, Mark Kaufmann Emilie Prirot, Ankuresh Pandey, two of our younger members, Samuel Sizemore

Wendy Morrish, Bruce Lasky, Achitsak Banyan Tree Sales representative, Athipat Happy Networkers Pacharawaronwich Jitchaiwat and Taniya Suptaeng The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 51 EVENTS ROUNDUP

Mark Your Calendars Upcoming AMCHAM Events

AMCHAM CSR Excellence Recognition Award Thanksgiving Dinner Venue: Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, NOV Join us for a Thanksgiving dinner to honor and give thanks to AMCHAM BTS Saphan Taksin company members for being responsible corporate citizens and investing in Time: 21 their communities. 6:30 – 9:30 pm While we share a traditional Thanksgiving feast with turkey and trimmings, we Cost: will recognize the winners of the 11th AMCHAM Corporate Social Responsibility Member: Baht 1,200 per (CSR) Excellence (ACE) Awards. This year three special awards will be person or Monthly Luncheon Coupon + Baht presented. 300 The ACE Awards have become a signature AMCHAM program and this year a record number of companies will be receiving recognition for their CSR activities Non-Member: Baht 1,500 per person presented by U.S. Ambassador Glyn T. Davies.

mer Com ce in of Th er a b ila Turkey ChariTEE Golf Tournament 2017 m n a d Venue: h F C o The Vintage Golf Club u n n a

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the American business community in Thailand. A Brunch at 10:30 a.m. and ม ูล ย น ท shotgun start at noon 24 ิธ ไ ศ We are playing for charity so everyone is invited to ิหอ เท กา ระ participate. This is a 2 best balls scramble format. There will รค้าอเมริกันในป Cost: be three flights based on team final score. Handicaps are not calculated and 4,000 THB net per golfer flight assignment is dependent upon final score. Eligibility: Prizes: Trophies will be awarded to each member of the top 3 four-person First 144 entries (4 person teams) received teams of each flight, 3 flights and last place over all. Each player will receive a with payment goody bag plus be eligible for grand lucky draw prizes. Deadline: November 21, 2017 or until sold out!!!

Festive Eggnog Party Venue: Anantara Siam DEC Our festive Eggnog Party is traditionally the start of the holiday season for BTS Rajadamri AMCHAM members. Come wish your AMCHAM friends a happy holiday season. Join us for Minor International’s famous eggnog and Anantara Siam holiday treats, Time: 7 plus wine, beer and spirits 6:00 – 8:30 pm

Rose Marie Academy will provide a children’s corner again this year with fun and Cost: No Charge games for the young ones from 6-8 pm. Please indicate age of children when you Each year we ask members register if you will be bringing them so we can prepare enough supplies. to bring an unwrapped gift or make a donation that will Santa Claus will be making an appearance from 6:30-7:30pm for a photo opportunity. be given to the children at Please note that this is an AMCHAM Members only event, sponsored and paid Father Joe’s Mercy Center. for with AMCHAM funds and thus limited to AMCHAM Member companies and If you are bringing children their families. There is a limit of 4 member company representatives plus spouse/ please do not forget to partner (children don’t count!). Sponsored by indicate their age and gender in the comments box.

Jazzy Festive Monthly Luncheon Venue: Conrad Bangkok DEC Please join us for our final luncheon for 2017, featuring a live band playing a mix of popular and holiday season jazz music. Bring your colleagues, secretary, staff Time: 12:00 – 2:30 pm and other friends for a fun lunch and holiday festivities. Don’t miss the lucky 13 draw of festive gifts. Cost: Member: Baht 900 per Note that bookings for 10 persons will have a reserved table. person or Monthly Luncheon Coupon Last chance to use your 2017 Monthly Luncheon Coupons! Non-Member: Baht 1,400 per person

52 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 SAVE THE DATE! 3RD ANNUAL INVEST IN AMERICA! SUMMIT FEBRUARY 27, 2018

For more information, contact Carolyn Morris: [email protected] EVENTS ROUNDUP

Committee Meetings: September and October

Legal Human Resources On September 6, the committee met at AMCHAM’s Citi Boardroom to hear On September 14, members gathered at the Westin Grande Sukhumvit to hear William D. Greenlee, Jr., Partner and Managing Director of DFDL Myanmar Rungrat (Bell) Benjapatanamongkol, Gallup Senior Consultant, speak about Engaging and AMCHAM Myanmar’s Legal Committee Chair, talk about the Myanmar Millennials to learn practical ways to better engage them. Pictured are (from market and legal environment. Pictured are the speaker (2nd from left, left): Christoher Schultz (committee leader), Rungrat (Bell) Benjapatanamongkol front row) with committee members. (speaker), and Richard Jackson (committee leader).

Trade & Investment Joint SME / Food & Agri-Business On September 15, the committee met at the JW Marriott Bangkok to hear On September 15, the two committees visited Minor Diary Limited and Minor Cheese a Regional Connectivity Update from Dr. Ruth Banomyong, Associate Limited, located in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, to learn about Minor’s Professor at Thammasat University. Pictured are the speaker (center) ice cream and cheese products. Pictured are committee leader Paul Robere and with committee leaders (from left): Kwanjit Sudsawad, David Nardone, Ian Chanya Rodrakquan, Vice President Manufacturing at Minor (center, holding gift) with Hamilton, and Anutra Sinchaipanich. committee members.

Legal Eastern Seaboard Networking On September 18, the committee met at InterContinental Hotel to hear On September 22 members of the foreign chambers of commerce gathered at Paul H Cohen, barrister at law, speak about “International Arbitration: the Avani Pattaya Resort & Spa for a networking hosted by the German-Thai Chamber Worst Form of Cross-Border Dispute Resolution.” Pictured are (from right): of Commerce (GTCC) in conjunction with AMCHAM and the Australian, British, Douglas Mancill (committee leader), Paul H Cohen, and Stephen Helwig Canadian, New Zealand, South African, Dutch and Belgian-Luxembourg chambers. (committee member). Pictured are the leaders of participating chambers.

54 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Young Professionals On September 28, the committee met at AMCHAM’s Citi Boardroom On September 28, committee members and friends gathered at Hooters for to hear about Procter & Gamble’s Environmental Sustainability Toward a social networking night and raised Baht 9,000 for the American Chamber of 2020 from Kitirote Thammarate, Plant Engineer, Procter & Gamble Manu- Commerce in Thailand Foundation’s (ATF) Adopt-a-School program. Pictured facturing. Pictured are the speaker with committee leaders John DaSilva are (from left): Joe Willan (committee leader), Bartlomiej Czarnowski, General (center) and Kannika Jarusuraisin (third from left), and meeting attendees. Manager, Hooters Bangkok, and Eliot Delunas (committee leader).

Food & Agri-Business Human Resources On October 5, the committee meet at AMCHAM’s Citi Boardroom for a On October 6, committee members gathered at the Westin Grande Sukhumvit to Thai FDA Legal & Regulatory update from Dr. Atthachai Homhuan, Man- hear Nuttawut Kietchaiyakorn, Assistant General Manager, Learning & Development, ager of Regulatory Affairs (RA), and Siradapat Ratanakorn, RA Consult- DKSH talk about using graphic facilitation to enhance group communication. Pic- ant, both from Tilleke & Gibbins. Pictured are the speakers (holding gifts) tured are the speaker (left) and committee leader Nipatra Tangpojthavepol. with meeting attendees.

SME Digital Economy On October 10, the committee met at Bourbon Street on Ekkamai to On October 17, the committee met at JW Marriott Bangkok to hear about learn how to Succeed with Social Media from the Spunky Digital Bang- eCommerce and Thailand 4.0 from Axel Winter, Chief Technology Officer of the kok team. Pictured are the speakers (center, holding gifts) and commit- Central Group. Pictured are the speaker (holding gift) with committee leaders tee leader Greg Boudah (far left) with meeting attendees. (from left): Jirawat Poomsrikaew, Peter Fischbach, and Pawasut Seewirot.

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 55 EVENTS ROUNDUP

Committee Meetings: October

Healthcare Business Economics On Ocotber 19, the committee met at AMCHAM’s Citi Boardroom to hear On October 31, the committee met in AMCHAM’s Citi Boardroom to hear Prinn Dr. Somboon Roongphornchaifrom, Physician at Vitallife Wellness Center Panitchpakdi, Country Head of CLSA Securities (Thailand) and a board member of at Bumrungrad International Hospital, talk about hormone optimization. the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), talk about Capital Markets Outlook. Pictured are the speaker (third from right, with gift) with meeting attendees and committee leaders.

Turkey M Cha HA ri C TE M E A

2017 Golf Tournament

November 24, 2017 @The Vintage Golf Club, Bang-Bor, Samutprakarn Brunch 10:30 am and Shotgun 12 noon

Information and sponsorship contact [email protected]

56 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 2018 AMCHAM Corporate Partnership Packages

AMCHAM Corporate Partnership Packages for 2018 are now available, enabling companies to do one-time budgeting and payment for support of the Chamber. In addition to obtaining all the regular benets of AMCHAM membership, these packages provide your company great visibility and outstanding marketing opportunities, including

• Acknowledgement as an AMCHAM Corporate Partner, with corporate logo, on the AMCHAM website home page, in each edition of Thai-American (T-AB) Magazine, in the annual Membership Directory and on the AMCHAM banner displayed at Chamber events • Preferred seating at AMCHAM signature events, such as the Royal Thai Government Apprecation Dinner and the AMCHAM Governors Ball • Ten additional coupons for monthly membership luncheons and 20 coupons for social networking nights • Unlimited AMCHAM representatives

Platinum Partnership Package - Baht 650,000 • 2018 AMCHAM Membership, including unlimited Representatives • Platinum Sponsorship of Governors Ball, including 1 VIP table • Four full page advertisements in 2018 T-AB Magazine • Sponsorship of four charity sports tournaments, including teams at each event • Star Sponsorship at the Independence Day picnic 2018 Corporate Partners • Full page listing in the annual Membership Directory

• Full page premier location Ad in the Membership Directory Platinum • Two reserved spaces at VIP table at each monthly luncheon* • First o er of refusal for sponsorship for any special event

Gold Membership Package - Baht 400,000 • 2018 AMCHAM Membership, including unlimited Representatives Your LOGO here • Gold Sponsorship of Governors Ball, including 1 VIP table • Two full page advertisements in the 2018 T-AB Magazine • Sponsorship of two charity sports tournaments, including one team at each tournament • Star Sponsorship at the Independence Day picnic • Full page listing in the annual Membership Directory Gold • Full page preferred location Ad in the Membership Directory • One reserved space at VIP table at each monthly luncheon* Your LOGO Your LOGO here here • Second o er of refusal for sponsorship for any special events

Silver Membership Package - Baht 250,000 Silver • 2018 AMCHAM Membership, including unlimited Representatives • Silver Sponsorship of Governors Ball, including 1 VIP table Your Your • One full page advertisement in the 2018 T-AB Magazine LOGO LOGO • Sponsorship of one ChariBowl tournament, including a team at one tournament here here • Star Sponsorship at the Independence Day picnic • Full page listing in the annual Membership Directory • One reserved space at VIP table at each monthly luncheon* • Third o er of refusal for sponsorship for any special events The Voice of American Business in Thailand

All packages subject to 7% VAT

*Reserved seating only. Does not include lunch cost, which may be covered by cash or a 2018 luncheon coupon.

For more information contact Sheree at 02-254 1041 x212 or [email protected] NEW MEMBERS AND CHANGES AMCHAM Welcomes New Members

ORDINARY COMPANY MEMBER dustry in South East Asia since 1989. Located in Bangkok, the company has over 12,000 products from over 200 suppliers worldwide. It carries the lat- Bangkok Auto Lease Co., Ltd est in jewelry tools and technology and focuses on providing the very best in Bangkok Auto Lease Co. Ltd. was es- sales and service to customers in Thai- Agoda Services Co., Ltd. tablished on 28 March 1997 during the land and international. The company economic recession in Thailand. Like philosophy is to provide the best selec- Agoda is one of the world’s fastest- other Thai companies, we had to go tion of products and services and to al- growing online hotel platforms. Es- through and pass pain and hardship to ways improve and innovate. tablished in 2005, Agoda was soon pull through and stand stable. From the acquired in 2007 by the world’s largest day that we had only one car on lease, Designate: Gesswein Hudson, seller of rooms online – the Priceline we have grown and expanded our ser- Chairman Group. vices for customers who need to rent Alternate: Sarote Sratongtuan, cars and vehicles for the long term. President Today, Agoda offers well over one million accommodation options around We realize that quality leads to the suc- the globe, with 24/7 service and cess of an organization, and depends support in 38 languages. Operations on various factors including manage- have been set up in Bangkok, Singa- ment policy, human resources, product pore, and major cities across Asia, Af- and service quality, communications, rica, the Middle East, Europe, and the and transportation. Holiday Inn & Suites Rayong Americas. Agoda’s experienced de- City Centre signers have created an easy-to-use We have provided our expertise in website and app that allow instant, transportation services to various orga- Holiday Inn & Suites Rayong City Cen- secure confirmation. Accommoda- nizations. Transportation management tre is situated along Sukhumvit Road, tion offered ranges from budget hos- is one of the major factors that has in- the stylish hotel is just over 30 minutes tels to luxury hotels, villas, homes, and creased the efficiency of our company from U-Tapao Rayong Pattaya Inter- apartments. operations. national Airport and adjacent to the Passione Shopping Destination along Detailed property and room informa- We would like to be a part of your suc- Sukhumvit main road. tion is complemented by interactive cess. We are confident in our capability maps, photo galleries, and reviews to fully supply your organization with Easily accessible via major roads for submitted exclusively by guests who vehicles that are within your budget. a smooth transit to the city centre. have experienced a stay booked via Strategically located close to some of Agoda. Agoda provides a reliable way Designate: Chinsak Putvisutisak, Thailand’s major industrial parks and to explore a destination’s offerings Managing Director seaports, it offers 64 longer-stay suites while evaluating our incredible deals Alternate: Amy Karnjanakit, U.S. in addition to its 224 well-appointed and wide accommodation options. Managing Director guest rooms. Holiday Inn & Suites We take pride in being accountable

and connected, helping the world’s Rayong City Centre caters to business travelers add to their lifetime of explo- travellers working at or near industrial rations. GessweinSiam Co., Ltd. areas such as the Eastern Seaboard In- dustrial Park or Map Ta Phut Industrial Designate: Peter Allen, Managing Park. Nestled in the heart of Rayong – Director, Agoda Outside • Annual Sales: 192.69 Million Baht the gateway to island destination Koh Alternate: Pauline Miralles de • Total Employees: 52 Samet, leisure guests will also enjoy Imperial, Director, International Tax • Line of Business: Trading Company, Jewelry Tools and Supplies the hotel’s convenient proximity to the province’s national parks, premium GessweinSiam Company Limited has seafood, branded shops and stunning been serving the needs of jewelry in- beaches.

58 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 All 288 rooms in the 30-storey hotel 2002 and NIVA International School of- dictions across the Americas, Asia Pa- have been designed to be spacious and ficially opened for operation on August cific, Europe and the Middle East. well-equipped with everything guests 5, 2002. Today, NIVA IS serves over 450 need for both a relaxing stay and a students who come from approximate- Our TMF-Thailand office has been -op productive business trip. Guests can ly 20-30 different countries. All subjects erating for 10 years delivering services stay connected at all times with high- at NIVA International School, with the for: speed internet access in the rooms exception of Thai, Chinese and modern and throughout the building and host languages, are taught in the English • Accounting and Reporting – a meetings or conferences in one of the language. complete range of Accounting nine versatile meeting rooms and ball- and Statutory Reporting and Tax fil- rooms in the hotel. Designate: Gabriel Pierce, Head of ing Services, including preparation Academic Administration and consolidations of reporting in To find out more about the hotel, Alternate: Sudawadee Pho-ong, any major standard (incl. US GAAP, please visit the hotel’s website at www. Marketing & Finance Office IFRS). holidayinn.com/rayong • Legal Administrative – entity incor- poration and management services, Designate: Ian Pirodon, ongoing Corporate Secretarial Sup- General Manager port, Licensing, Registered Office Alternate: Caroline Shen, and Registered Agent Services. Director of Sales & Marketing Thai Union Group PCL. • HR and Payroll – ensuring global Payroll payments are made securely, Founded in 1977, Thai Union has a rich and HR policies, contracts and ben- history of commitment to seafood ex- efit schemes are comprehensively pertise and innovation. From our be- implemented. ginnings as a canned tuna processor and exporter, we built our business on Designate: Thomas Leenders, Niva International School excellence in customer service and Managing Director product quality. We now have an OEM Alternate: Thomas Lekhal, Niva International School is a privately international business and a global Business Development Manager owned coeducational school located portfolio of consumer-favorite brands. in Bang Kapi District, Bangkok, Thai- Our ambitious growth plans are rooted land. Niva IS is a K-12 school with ap- in a commitment to sustainability and proximately 350 students from over 25 forward-looking innovations. different countries. Turner Consulting (Thailand) Designate: Faisal Sheikh, Managing Limited NIVA International School first entered Director of Emerging Market the Thai education scene in 1991 as Alternate: Thiraphong Chansiri, Since 1965, when Turner Construction Niva Overseas School (NOS) catering to President and Chief Executive Officer Company began building outside of the overseas students who wanted to pre- United States, Turner International has pare and take the International Gen- worked in more than 60 countries on eral Certificate of Secondary Education some of the world’s most complex, so- examinations to qualify for admission phisticated, and recognizable buildings. to higher education in Thailand and overseas. Within eight years, NOS had TMF (Thailand) Limited With more than 1,500 dedicated staff, grown considerably to a student popu- Turner International provides compre- lation of approximately 200 students, TMF Group is a leading global provider hensive management services through of high value business services to com- the development, design and con- Niva International Kindergarten (NIK) panies operating and investing globally. struction phases of general building opened in 1999 to cater to the younger We help corporations to expand across projects. With regional operations in siblings of the students of NOS. By the borders by providing business-critical Latin America and the Caribbean, India, end of 2001, the combined enrollment accounting, legal and human resource Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast at NOS and NIK had reached 270 stu- administrative services to enable their Asia, Turner International manages dents and the decision to purchase corporate structures expansion into more than $50 billion of work annually, the land where the current school now multi-countries. With more than 6,000 on projects totaling more than 40 mil- stands was made. The present school qualified professionals we operate in lion square meters. and its facilities were completed in July over 120 offices spread across 86 juris-

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 59 NEW MEMBERS AND CHANGES

Wherever we work, we are proud to Asia. These programs assist in provid- • Education: to support underprivi- provide the accessibility and on-the- ing access to justice services while si- leged local children with schol- ground support of a local firm, sup- multaneously helping to build the next arships in hotel management at ported by the strength, stability, and generation of social justice, pro bono Phuket’s universities and colleges resources of an international company. minded champions. through our annual fundraising efforts Trusted Globally for 50 Years Additionally, BABSEACLE holds several • Environmental & sustainability: to annual convenings providing opportu- share information with member ho- In 2015, Turner International celebrat- nity for participation, collaboration and teliers relating to environmentally ed its 50th anniversary. As we reflect on dialogue. These convenings provide responsible best practices, recycling our accomplishments and honor the a unique space for participants to col- centers, and green suppliers. many dedicated and brilliant people laborate to improve access to justice who have helped bring Turner Interna- for some of the region’s most margin- Representative: Anthony Lark, tional to this point, we recognize that alised communities. They include the President our success, credibility in the industry, Asia Pro Bono Conference, Asia Access Representative: Sumitha Soorian, and geographic reach are largely due to Justice Week and the Asia Justice Development Manager to their dedication, resourcefulness, Marathon (held every January in Chiang and passion for the work we do. Mai Thailand).

Designate: Gregory Hammer, Representative: Bruce Lasky, MEMBER CHANGES Project Manager Director/ Founder and Lawyer Alternate: William Howell, Representative: Nattakan Company Address Changes: Project Manager Chomputhong, Legal Trainer • American Refugee Committee International relocated to 87/2 Wireless Road, 36th Floor ASSOCIATED COMPANY office 17 CRC Tower, All Seasons MEMBERS Phuket Hotels Association Place, Lumpini, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330 Phuket Hotels Association was formed in January 2016 and has since reached • Manheim Asia Pacific Ltd. 60 hotel members as of September relocated to 3, Sukhapiban 2 Road, 2017 and growing. It is a non-profit Prawet, Prawet, Bangkok 10250 BABSEACLE organization led by Anthony Lark as President who is also MD and General • Veritas Partners relocated to 52588 Maria Lane, Scappoose, BABSEACLE’s mission is to help estab- Manager of Trisara. Oregon, U.S.A. 51200 lish, strengthen and support Access to Justice and Rule of Law in Asia and The association represents a mem- Company Name Changes: globally through justice education, bership profile of many of the island’s including a core focus on legal eth- leading internationally branded and in- • dun & bradstreet (Thailand) Co., ics, professional responsibility and pro dependent luxury and mid-scale hotels Ltd. is now D&B (Thailand) Co., Ltd. bono awareness raising.This is achieved for a total of just over 10,400 rooms. through collaborations globally in the • G4S Secure Solutions (Thailand) development of justice education and All of the hotel members has a strong Ltd. is now G4S Security Services access to justice initiatives while simul- commitment to the destination and (Thailand) Limited taneously fostering generations of pro through Phuket Hotels Association are bono minded champions. active in: • Plaza Athenee Bangkok, A Royal Meridien Hotel, is now BABSEACLE has been working collab- • Destination marketing via Brand The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury oratively with universities, law students, Phuket: to promote positive sto- Collection Hotel, Bangkok law faculties, lawyers, members of the ries about the experiences, natural legal community, and justice related beauty and people of Phuket, offer- organizational partners since 2003 ing support to local government and to develop justice education and pro the tourism authorities in promoting bono related programs throughout the destination.

60 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017 AMCHAM Affinity Program The following fine establishments offer discounts or incentives to AMCHAM members

Amara Bangkok American Global TaxPlan Ascott International Management 10-20 % Discount on 10% discount on all IRS American School of Bangkok Anantara Hotels Resorts & Spa Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel Exclusive discount of up to Food & Beverage and FATCA compliance - 50% off registration fees Special discount from Anantara 15 % on Food at Anantara 30% at any of Ascott’s serviced - 10% off first year’s tuition Hotels Resorts & Spas Group Siam Bangkok Hotel residences

ATa Services Co., Ltd. AVANI Pattaya Resort & Spa Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok Marriott Marquis Bangkok Smile Dental Clinic Banyan Tree Bangkok ATA Services offers10% Discount on Room Rate 25% discount on food, at Queen’s Park 5 – 10% discount on dental 20% savings on both discount and Food at AVANI Pattaya The District Grill Room and Resort & Spa Bar and 57th Street 10 -15 % Discount on Food treatments Food & Beverage

Beach Republic Koh Samui Berkeley International School BNH Hospital Bumrungrad Hospital CB Lockers Come see us about Private Vaults Get 30 days Amazing deal for AMCHAM 10% discount on medications Bourbon Street (Bar & Restaurant) Enjoy maximum discount our special promotion for free on all safe deposit members plus US$100 will donate 20% discount on ward rooms 10% discount on food 15% off to ATCF for each card sold. AMCHAM members! box rentals

Dream Hotel Centre Point Bangkok Thailand Coffee WORKS Compass SkyView Hotel CPAC Asia Imaging Products 10 % off best available internet Conrad Bangkok Come Get 20 of you favorite photos Amazing offer for AMCHAM 20% Off La Cimbali Expresso Sukhumvit 24 4 Pay 2 for Sunday rates and 15 % discount on printed for FREE members 30% Discount Machines Special room rate for Grand Brunch Buffet “a la carte” meals and on Rooms Premier Room beverages

Global Union Express 5% discount on Thai’s Royal InVision Hospitality Four Points by Sheraton Orchid Holidays at regular price Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom 15% off any publicly avail- Bangkok/Sukhumvit 15 4% discount from all interna- 10% discount for food & 30% OFF total bill at Mondo 50 % Discount (on Food only) able rates for GLOW and MAI 15% discount at The Drunken tional IATA published fares ex beverages restaurant and Scalini Buffet Lunch or Buffet Dinner Leprechaun Bangkok including RTW at The Brasserie HOUSE Hotels & Resorts

Neilson Hays Library Sign up for a 12 month member- Marriott Vacation Club ship and get 15 months; Sign up Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 KIS International School LMG Insurance Joyful Holidays 25% discount from Rental Rate for a 6 month membership and 20% Discount on weekend 5% Discount on Free playgroup trial at KIS 15% Discount for motor and at Marriott’s Mai Khao Beach, get 9 months; Receive a free “eco- buffet lunch at Food the Cruise Fare International School other insurance Phuket Thailand friendly” NHL bag (worth 300 baht) Exchange

Outback Steakhouse Prem Tinsulanonda Radisson Suites Bangkok Rembrandt Hotel 15 % Discount on Dine-In Raja’s Fashions So Sofitel Bangkok International School Sukhumvit 10% off both food & beverage Purchase of Food and Non- Buy 1 suit get 1 shirt free 15% discount on food only at 20% discount on Traidhos 20% discount on a-la-carte at MEXICANO, Rembrandt Alcoholic Beverages Hotel’s restaurants Camps menu at Punjab Grill restaurant Hotel

Samitivej Hospital Renaissance Bangkok English Language Programs Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Your Promotion Here 10% discount for Medicine, Ratchaprasong Hotel Members Discount 10-20% off on Food at Sheraton Laboratory Work, X-rays in Special Discount for Robere and Associates Grande Sukhumvit case of self-pay by cash or AMCHAM members 15% off all training programs credit card

SPOKES JEWELRY SERVICES Uber Thailand Sunrise Tacos The Princeton Review Thailand THE WORK LOFT Your Promotion Here Free Clean & Check on one Enjoy 2 first rides discount up 10% Discount 5% discount on Undergraduate Discount for The work Loft Jewelry item, 10% off a your to THB 100 each trip with & Graduate Test Prep Courses Workspace for AMCHAM Custom Jewelry Design uberX in Thailand and Admissions Services. members

Restrictions apply. Member must present AMCHAM membership card to receive discounts. Offer is subject to change or termination; new offers, changes and terminations will be announced inT-AB Magazine and on the AMCHAM website. If you have not yet received your AMCHAM membership card, please contact the AMCHAM office. For details and restrictions on these offers please visit: www.amchamthailand.com

TheThe AmericanAmerican ChamberChamber OfOf CommerceCommerce InIn ThailandThailand 61 AMCHAM MEMBERSHIP What our Members Are Saying

“After joining AMCHAM Thailand nearly three years ago and participating in its various committee, social, and networking events we cannot image operating a business in Thailand without our Chamber and its broad, multinational and professional community behind us. As in many areas in our lives, my wife and I approach AMCHAM with a ‘divide & conquer’ approach. Typically, one of us stays behind to keep an eye on our manufacturing operations while the other attends a monthly AMCHAM Thailand luncheon, or an SME, Legal, Customs or Tax Committee meeting. As a privately owned, bootstrap export company, we cannot underscore enough how valuable it is to regularly receive new, current, or revised legal, cultural and compliance information from AMCHAM alongside companies such as Chevron, Ford, CoffeeWorks and Dow Chemical. Where else but within AMCHAM Thailand is this possible? Joining AMCHAM Thailand truly added real value to our operation and professional network. My recommendation: Join AMCHAM early and attend events often, you won’t regret it.”

– Greg Boudah, owner of Spokes Jewelry Services Co., Ltd

Why Join AMCHAM

BENEFITS OF AMCHAM MEMBERSHIP golf and bowling tournaments and the annual Governors Ball. Participate in over 22 AMCHAM committees covering ADVOCACY various sectors. Membership privileges also include up to ten Through its committees and the Board of Governors, AM- coupons for AMCHAM monthly luncheons and, subject to CHAM works to address matters affecting members’ ability certain conditions expedited appointments for U.S. business to do business in Thailand. Join with other AMCHAM mem- visa interviews. bers experiencing similar issues, create position papers and other advocacy pieces and engage Thai and U.S. govern- CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ment officials under the banner of AMCHAM. The AMCHAM Give back to the community where you live and do business Board of Governors is committed to creating synergy by donating to the AMCHAM Thailand Foundation. Direct your amongst stakeholders and connecting industry and gov- donation to needy Thai public schools, scholarships for Thai ernment. university students and/or fellowships for teachers.

MEMBER SERVICES For more information on these and the many other benefits Network and make business contacts with representatives of AMCHAM membership, contact Khun Orn at: orn@am- of AMCHAM’s 650 member companies. Attend chamthailand.com, call +66 (0) 2254-1041, or visit the AM- presentations by prominent U.S. and Thai speakers, monthly CHAM website at: www.amchamthailand.com and click on membership luncheons and social networking events, Join AMCHAM.

62 Thai-American Business • Volume 5/2017