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Journal of The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand Volume 6/2017 VOLUME 6/2017 The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand

Outward Bound How Thai Companies are Flipping the Script and Investing Abroad at Record Rates

In a Bid to Become a Global Lifestyle Brand, Sansiri Looks West Growth in Thai Foreign Direct Investment: A Look at the Numbers Managing Risk in Pursuit of FDI Opportunity Thai Union: 20 Years of Expanding Overseas

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 1 2 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017

THAI-AMERICAN BUSINESS ISSN-T-A 0125-0191 Contents Volume 6/2017 | Covering November - December

10 AMCHAM 2018 Board of Governors 12 Outward Bound: How Thai Companies are Flipping the Script and Investing Abroad at Record Rates 16 In a Bid to Become a Global Lifestyle Brand, Sansiri Looks West 23 19 Growth in Thai Overseas Investment: A Look at the Numbers 21 Managing Risk in Pursuit of FDI Opportunity 23 Thai Union: 20 Years of Investing and Expanding Overseas 26 Honoring Thailand’s Best in the CSR Business 28 AMCHAM Thailand 2017 28 Committee Roundup Report

REGULAR FEATURES

6 President’s Remarks 39 Legal Updates: Recent Legal Changes Affecting Business 40 Member News 41 Government Engagement 42 AMCHAM Executive Director’s Remarks 44 American Chamber Of Commerce In 41 Thailand Foundation 46 Events Roundup 52 Committee Meetings 55 AMCHAM Affinity Program 56 New Members and Changes 58 AMCHAM Membership: Why Join AMCHAM 44 46 49

Cover photo: ACE Award winners (holding trophies, from left) from Dow Chemical, IBM, and Western Digital with award presenters (from left) John DaSilva, Minister Atchaka Sibunruang, U.S. Ambassador Glyn Davies, and AMCHAM President Jeffrey Nygaard.

4 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 5 PRESIDENT’S REMARKS

ADVOCACY HONORARY CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD U.S. Ambassador Glyn T. Davies This year a large majority of the Cham- ber’s efforts focused on supporting AMCHAM BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2017 Thailand 4.0, the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), and Thailand’s quest to PRESIDENT boost growth by shifting the economy Jeffrey Nygaard, Seagate towards high-tech investments and the digital economy. AMCHAM continued to PRESIDENT EMERITUS support the Royal Thai Government’s ef- Brad Middleton, Chevron forts on these fronts along with providing VICE PRESIDENT forums for member companies to hear David Carden, FedEx about these initiatives and ways that they may take advantage of potential oppor- TREASURER tunities. Teera Phutrakul, JTFP At the beginning of the year, the Cham- SECRETARY Dale Lee, CoffeeWORKS ber brought on a Government Affairs Director, Khun Tomwit Jarnson, who has GOVERNORS actively reached out to the Royal Thai Parnsiree Amatayakul, IBM Dear members, Government and arranged appropriate James Amatavivadhana, Minor International Government meetings. Khun Tomwit Another year has come to a close and we also helped organize bi-monthly Govern- Herman Ehrlich, Conrad have wrapped up another great year at ment Affairs Council meetings to -coor Vira-Anong Chiranakhorn Phutrakul, Citibank the Chamber. dinate advocacy issues. This has served Ornkanya Pibuldham, Bank of America to strengthen the Chamber’s advocacy November and December are always efforts which was a priority for 2017. Steve Rich, Caterpillar busy as the Chamber office works hard to Jeremy R. Osterstock, Esso host a number planned activities before A number of very positive events in the the middle of December, when many of regulatory and business environment BOARD ADVISORS our members take off for the holidays. David Lyman, Tilleke & Gibbins occurred over the past several months. AMCHAM President in 1975, 1986 This includes recent improvements in This edition of T-AB Magazine focuses Harold Vickery, Jr. Prem Tinsulanonda customs laws, IPR protection and en- International School on outward bound Thai foreign direct forcement, and ease of doing business, AMCHAM President in 1984 investment. According to the U.S. De- which are all positive steps indicating partment of Commerce’s Bureau of that Thailand is committed to improving EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Economic Analysis, Thailand ranked as the business environment. Judy Benn the fastest growing source of foreign direct investment in the United States Earlier this year, Thailand announced that in 2016. Several Thai companies have the amendments to the Royal Thai Cus- Thai-American Business is published bi-monthly by recently invested in the U.S., and we toms laws were passed and the amend- The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand have a number of articles inside that ments came into effect in mid-Novem- with offices at: 7th Floor, GPF Witthayu Tower A 93/1 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330 highlight these investments along with ber. The new amendments allow for Tel: +66 (0)2 254-1041 Fax: +66 (0)2 251-1605 Thai overseas investment in other parts customs rulings that will be more trans- Email: [email protected] of the world. The internationalization parent, fair, and in-line with international Website: www.amchamthailand.com of Thai companies speaks well of their standards (although there is still room for Editorial Advisory Board: Judy Benn, Harold Vickery, Jr. ability to compete globally and we are improvement). The AMCHAM Customs & Communications Director & Editor: sure there will be positive effects on the Excise Committee deserves recognition Melinda Page domestic economy as these compa- for their efforts on this advocacy front. Email: [email protected] nies innovate and upgrade their local Artwork & Layout: Phaisan Nangnoi resources to support the growing glo- Also at the beginning of November, the Production: Scand-Media Corp., Ltd balization trend. World Bank Group’s latest Doing Business Tel.: +66 (0)2 943-7166/8 Fax: +66 (0)2 943-7169 report showed Thailand has moved up Email: [email protected] I am pleased to provide the membership from 48th place to 26th place among Any opinions expressed in articles in this magazine with the following review of the Cham- 190 economies around the world in the do not necessarily reflect the views of the Chamber. ber’s activities in 2017, covering the ease of doing business rankings for small T-AB Magazine welcomes story and photo Chamber’s main activities in Advocacy, and medium size enterprises. The report contributions from AMCHAM members. Articles may Membership Services, and CSR and Com- be reproduced with acknowledgement, except for munity Support. those taken from other sources. Continued on page 8 66 Thai-AmericanThai-American Business Business • •Volume Volume 6/2017 6/2017 The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 7 PRESIDENT’S REMARKS

also recognizes Thailand as one of the to highlight what U.S. companies do best: worthwhile education program. You can top 10 economies worldwide that have being good corporate citizens. read more about how you can participate improved most in the ease of doing busi- on page 45. ness in the last year. The report stressed I was delighted to participate in the an- that Thailand has made impressive nual AMCHAM CSR Excellence Awards The other two ATF programs, Adopt-a- strides, having adopted eight reforms in dinner on November 21 and hand out School and Fulbright English Teaching the past year, a record for the country in certificates to 59 member companies Assistants, were in effect during the year, a single year, and Thailand has now ris- who met the rigorous qualification but we have seen a declining interest en into the top 15 percent of countries standards for their CSR activities. This in these programs and we will evaluate globally in the ease of doing business – a event, which has become one of the whether or not they will be continued great achievement. Chamber’s signature programs, was next year. extremely well attended and you could At the beginning of December, follow- feel the buzz in the air as more than I wish to extend thanks to those who ing an out-of-cycle review by the US 500 attendees celebrated their CSR helped make it a good year at the Cham- Trade Representative office (USTR), successes for the year. We were also ex- ber in 2017: Thailand was moved from the special tremely pleased to have U.S. Ambassa- 301 Priority Watch List to the Watch List, dor Glyn Davies and the former Minister • To all our members for their support of after more than a decade on the Priori- of Science and Technology Dr. Atchaka the Chamber’s activities and events; ty Watch list. This improvement in Thai- Sibunruang with us for the evening to • To the 60-plus Committee leaders land’s IPR status is a result of the U.S. present special awards. You can read who devoted time to help shape the recognizing that Thailand has made more about the event on page 26 or Chamber’s committee programs and progress on a number of U.S. business in the insert included with this month’s assist the Chamber office in various ca- IP concerns including enforcement, magazine, which highlights individual pacities; patents and pharmaceuticals, trade- company programs. • To our Corporate Partners who provid- marks, and copyrights. ed financial support for the Chamber’s The Chamber’s own community engage- publications and sponsorship of spe- The Chamber will continue pursuing ad- ment programs, run through the Ameri- cial events; vocacy as one of the primary pillars of our can Chamber of Commerce in Thailand • To the AMCHAM team at the Chamber activities in 2018. Foundation (ATF) continue to support im- office who worked countless hours to proving education in Thailand. The main support the membership. MEMBERSHIP SERVICES focus of the ATF’s efforts is the Student Scholarship Program. I am pleased to Last but not least, my thanks to the 2017 The Chamber’s 22 Committees, which say that the Chamber was able to sup- Board of Governors. This year we will cover approximately 80% of the Cham- port 175 underprivileged Thai University say farewell to David Carden, FEDEX and ber’s activities, continued to host robust, students this year and delivered both an Teera Phutrakul, JTFP who are both step- informative activities and reach out to Orientation Camp for new scholarship ping off the board. We are delighted to appropriate Government and local stake- recipients (held in November) and a Ca- welcome four new Board members who holders as necessary. They were very reer Camp for graduating students (held were elected at the October AGM: Da- busy in providing outstanding programs in October). Feedback from participants vid Nardone, Hemaraj Land & Develop- this year. Individual Committee round-up attending both camps was extremely ment; Yukontorn Wisadkosin, Ford Motor; reports with more details can be found positive with many students indicating George Hartel, Newell Brands; and Greg starting on page 28. that the scholarships and camps provid- Bastien, American Axle & Manufacturing. ed them with opportunities that made We also welcome Ian Nicholls, General In light of a slight decrease in member- a major impact both on them and their Motors, who is stepping in for a one-year ship numbers from the previous year--at- families. period to complete the term of his suc- tributed to an increase in the annual at- cessor who left mid-year. I look forward trition rate in renewals and a lack of new One note on the scholarship program: to working with them and the Governors companies joining the Chamber--the the number of students receiving schol- continuing from 2017. 2018 Board of Governors has recognized arships decreased from 200 last year to the need to identify ways to cater to the 175 this year due to a lack of funding My best wishes to all for a peaceful and changing demographics of our member- available through the Chamber. We would prosperous New Year. ship. You will be hearing more about this like to encourage member companies to early in 2018. sponsor students directly through the Best regards, Foundation. The AMCHAM Community Engagement Committee handles all the CSR AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT logistics of identifying, evaluating, and coordinating the scholarship program at The last pillar of the Chamber’s mission, no administrative cost. This is an excel- Jeff Nygaard CSR and Community Support, continues lent way for companies to participate in President

8 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 9 MEET THE BOARD AMCHAM 2018 Board of Governors

Jeﬀrey Nygaard JeﬀreySeagate Nygaard PresidentSeagate President

Brad Middleton David Nardone Herman J. Ehrlich Vira-Anong Chairanakhorn Phutrakul BradChevron Middleton HemarajDavid Land Nardone & Development HermanConrad BangkokJ. Ehrlich Vira-Anong ChairanakhornCitibank Phutrakul ViceChevron President HemarajVice Land President & Development ConradVice President Bangkok ViceCitibank President Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President

Dale Lee Jeremy R. Osterstock Steve Rich Ian Nicholls CoﬀeeWORKSDale Lee JeremyEsso R.(Thailand) Osterstock CaterpillarSteve Rich GeneralIan Nicholls Motors CoﬀeeWORKSSecretary EssoTreasurer (Thailand) CaterpillarGovernor GeneralGovernor Motors Secretary Treasurer Governor Governor

Parnsiree Amatayakul James Richard Amatavivadhana Ornkanya Pibuldham Yukontorn ‘Vickie’ Wisadkosin ParnsireeIBM Thailand Amatayakul James MinorRichard Retail Amatavivadhana Group BankOrnkanya of America Pibuldham Merrill Lynch YukontornFord Motor ‘Vickie’ Company Wisadkosin IBMGovernor Thailand MinorGovernor Retail Group Bank of AmericaGovernor Merrill Lynch Ford MotorGovernor Company Governor Governor Governor Governor

George Hartel Gregory Bastien David Lyman Harold Vickery, Jr. NGeorgearai Intertrade Hartel AmericanGregory Axle & Bastien Manufacturing Tilleke & DavidGibbins Lyman International Prem TinsulanondaHarold Vickery, International Jr. School Governor Governor Board Advisor Board Advisor Narai Intertrade American Axle & Manufacturing Tilleke & Gibbins International Prem Tinsulanonda International School 10 Thai-AmericanGovernor Business • Volume 6/2017 Governor Board Advisor Board Advisor Our Guiding Statements and values lead us to continuously improve our students’ learning experience at all stages of development. AMCHAM 2018 Board of Governors

Jeﬀrey Nygaard JeﬀreySeagate Nygaard PresidentSeagate President

Dale Lee Jeremy R. Osterstock Steve Rich Ian Nicholls Our new Early Years learning spaces further enhance CoﬀeeWORKSDale Lee JeremyEsso R.(Thailand) Osterstock CaterpillarSteve Rich GeneralIan Nicholls Motors CoﬀeeWORKSSecretary EssoTreasurer (Thailand) CaterpillarGovernor GeneralGovernor Motors the experience of our youngest students through: Secretary Treasurer Governor Governor 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 Parnsiree Amatayakul James Richard Amatavivadhana Ornkanya Pibuldham Yukontorn ‘Vickie’ Wisadkosin ParnsireeIBM Thailand Amatayakul James MinorRichard Retail Amatavivadhana Group BankOrnkanya of America Pibuldham Merrill Lynch YukontornFord Motor ‘Vickie’ Company Wisadkosin IBMGovernor Thailand MinorGovernor Retail Group Bank of AmericaGovernor Merrill Lynch Ford MotorGovernor Company Governor Governor Governor Governor Email [email protected] to book a visit and experience our wonderful learning environments.

www.patana.ac.th [email protected] George Hartel Gregory Bastien David Lyman Harold Vickery, Jr. NGeorgearai Intertrade Hartel AmericanGregory Axle & Bastien Manufacturing Tilleke & DavidGibbins Lyman International Prem TinsulanondaHarold Vickery, International Jr. School Tel: +66 (0) 2785 2200 Governor Governor Board Advisor Board Advisor Celebrating 60 Years of British International Education Narai Intertrade American Axle & Manufacturing Tilleke & Gibbins International Prem Tinsulanonda International School Governor Governor Board Advisor Board Advisor The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand Bangkok Patana is a not-for-proﬁt, IB World School, accredited by CIS and NEASC 11 OUTWARD BOUND Outward Bound How Thai Companies are Flipping the Script and Investing Abroad at Record Rates

Written by: Melinda Page

rom the 1950s up to the turn sophisticated entities now have the financial crisis in 1997-98; prior to the of the millennium, it used ability to develop the resources they crash, Thailand’s economy was growing to be that Thailand’s various need, whether it be talent, technology, at double-digit rates and companies that governments would visit their or distribution channels. That’s why this invested overseas were a rare breed. Post- counterparts in the United States with issue of T-AB is taking a closer look at the crisis, domestic growth proved elusive, caps in hand requesting this and that – changing business environment and how prompting Thai companies to look from development aid and equipment companies are changing along with it. elsewhere for investment opportunities. donation to investment funds. This is no According to Pananond’s research longer the case,” wrote Pavida Pananond The trend of Thai companies turning and numbers from the United Nations in the Bangkok Post on October 5. outward can be traced back to the Asian Conference on Trade and Development Pananond, an Associate Professor of International Business at Thammasat University’s Business School, has been astutely studying the relatively new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): phenomenon – and the quickly rising tide – of Thai companies investing abroad. THAILAND According to Pananond’s research, Thai foreign direct investment (FDI) outflows were a meager $3 million in 1980, while #1 FDI inflows totaled $190 million. Back then, foreign companies invested 63 times more Fastest-growing source of FDI in the United States in 2016 capital in Thailand than Thai companies (by UBO) sent beyond the Kingdom’s borders. Flash forward to 2014, and the gap between inflows and outflows had shrunk to less than two times, with foreign companies investing $12.6 billion here, and Thai companies Supporting U.S. Jobs Investing in Innovative R&D Expanding U.S. Exports investing $7.7 billion abroad. 1,000 - 2,499 $5 million $103.1 billion Number range of U.S. workers employed Value of research and development (R&D) Total contribution to U.S. goods exports by U.S. affiliates of majority Thai-owned spending by U.S. affiliates of majority by majority Asia and Pacific-owned firms What’s more, Thailand was the fast- firms in 2015.* Thai-owned firms in 2015 operating in the United States in 2015.* est-growing source of FDI in the United States in 2016, pouring $2.08 billion into America. According to the U.S. Bureau of (in USD millions) TOP 6 INDUSTRY SECTORS Economic Analysis, majority Thai-owned 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 By # of announced Thai FDI projects in the USA firms supported as many as 2,499 Amer- Position (UBO) $418 $458 $515 $514 $2,082 Food & Tobacco ican jobs and invested $5 million in U.S.- Flow $245 $79 $572 $472 $1,628 based research and development. Admit- Plastics in (in USD millions) Chemicals tedly that’s a small fraction of the total 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Position $3.7 trillion that flowed into the U.S., but it $10,773 $9,957 $11,054 $10,594 $11,774 Auto Components marks a sea change here in Thailand. Flow $1,041 -$710 $1,499 $299 $1,105 Real Estate

Food & Tobacco The numbers all point to a rapidly Last Updated August 2017 Sources: Bureau of Economic Ananlysis (latest available as of August 21, 2017), fDi Markets (data from July 2008 - June 2017) internationalizing slate of Thai-owned *The market-specific number has been suppressed to avoid disclosure of individual companies’ data businesses, and American companies should take note. No longer are Thai- TERMINOLOGY - UBO: Ultimate Beneficial Owner; the entity at the top of an affiliate’s ownership chain. Position/Stock: Snapshot of cumulative FDI taken at year end. Flow: FDI coming into a country over a period of time. owned firms waiting for the world to come to them—instead, these increasingly

12 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): UNITED STATES

Thailand

Largest Source of FDI Fastest Growing Source Large and Fast-Growing

Largest Sources of FDI Fastest-Growing Sources of FDI in the United States (by UBO) in the United States (by UBO) Rank Market 2016 Position Share Rank Market 2016 Position CAGR In USD millions of total In USD millions 2011-2016 1 United Kingdom $598,319 16.1% 1 Thailand $2,082 55.5% 2 Canada $453,641 12.2% 2 Argentina $4,935 46.4% 3 Japan $424,347 11.4% 3 China $58,154 44.7% 4 Germany $372,778 10.0% 4 Singapore $73,677 36.9% 5 Ireland $279,647 7.5% 5 Chile $2,614 30.4% 6 France $267,573 7.2% 6 Ireland $279,647 28.1% 7 Switzerland $196,595 5.3% 7 Brazil $36,869 24.1% 8 The Netherlands $191,937 5.2% 8 Israel $55,362 21.3% 9 Singapore $73,677 2.0% 9 Turkey $1,290 17.2% 10 Spain $67,179 1.8% 10 Greece $1,057 16.2% 11 China $58,154 1.6% 11 Bermuda $33,460 16.2% 12 Belgium $55,940 1.5% 12 Belgium $55,940 14.7% 13 Israel $55,362 1.5% 13 South Korea $38,750 14.4% 14 Australia $54,307 1.5% 14 Denmark $17,726 13.0% 15 Sweden $52,730 1.4% 15 Canada $453,641 12.9%

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis. UBO refers to Ultimate Beneficial Owner. CAGR refers to Compound Annual Growth Rate. Fastest-Growing Source of FDI ranks makets with 2016 FDI stock in the United States greater than $1 billion.

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 13 OUTWARD BOUND

(UNCTAD), Thai FDI outflows broke the $1 billion mark in 2007, surged sharply in 2012, and reached a record high of $13 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): billion in 2016.

And it’s not just one sector that’s driving UNITED STATES the trend—agricultural concerns, retail developers, financial firms, plastics and chemical companies, hoteliers, rubber U.S. JOBS producers, and food and tobacco firms Supported by FDI: #1 200-600 thousand are all making major investments outside Home to the largest amount 100-200 thousand the Kingdom. It shows no sign of slowing 75-100 thousand down, either, despite signals that indi- of FDI in the world 25-75 thousand cate more stable domestic growth. While Source: UNCTAD (year end 2016) 5-25 thousand overseas investments from Thai firms have in the past focused on manufacturing, companies are now increasingly Supporting Investing in Expanding going out in search of more advanced U.S. Jobs Innovative R&D U.S. Exports technology. This is likely to increase as focus remains on Thailand 4.0. 6,820,700 $57 billion $353 billion Number of U.S. workers employed by Value of research and development (R&D) Total contribution to U.S. goods exports U.S. a liates of majority foreign-owned spending by U.S. a liates of majority by majority foreign-owned rms rms in 2015. Thai names are now grabbing headlines foreign-owned rms in 2015. operating in the United States in 2015. in the Wall Street Journal and in international financial circles for making big, splashy purchases, particularly in the U.S. FDI in the USA (in USD millions) Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) bought 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 American frozen-food producer Bellisio Position (UBO) $2,584,708 $2,727,825 $2,945,795 $3,303,586 $3,725,418 Flow $199,034 $201,393 $201,733 $465,765 $457,125 Foods for $1.1 billion at the end of 2016.

Thai Union, which was already the world’s U.S. FDI Abroad (in USD millions) biggest producer of canned tuna bought 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 a 49% stake in Red Lobster for $575 mil- Position $4,410,015 $4,579,713 $4,910,065 $5,048,773 $5,332,225 lion at the end of 2016. And during Prime Flow $318,196 $303,432 $294,754 $262,569 $280,681 Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s state visit to Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis (latest available as of August 2017) the White House, plans were announced for the state-owned oil and gas company TERMINOLOGY - UBO: Ultimate Beneﬁcial Owner; the entity at the top pf an aﬃliate’s ownership chain. Position/Stock: Snapshot of cumulative FDI taken at year end. Flow: FDI coming into a country over a period of time. PTT to invest $6 billion in an ethane processing plant. Smaller deals abound, too, like Sansiri’s $58 million stake in hip Amer- ican boutique hotel brand The Standard. That said, the real money is flowing much Construction Materials JSC, and multi- This helps explain how the U.S. has be- closer to home. The largest chunk of Thai ple Thai banks – Kasikornbank, Bangkok come the largest single host country of outward FDI goes to concerns within the Bank, Krungthai Bank, and Siam Com- Thai investment in the developed world, ten member states of the Association of mercial Bank – have expanded their according to Pananond’s research. “In South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which operations into Cambodia. These moves value, Thai investment stock in the U.S. accounts for a full 30 percent of Thai in- within ASEAN are indicative of the big grew 10 times from a mere $500 million vestment abroad. Activity is concentrat- ambitions of Thai firms, which are - an in 2006 to $5.2 billion in 2016, while in- ed in Singapore along with some of Thai- gling to transform themselves from do- ward FDI stock from the U.S. to Thailand land’s fastest-growing export markets, mestic players into regional and even did not even double, expanding from namely Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. global leaders. around U.S. $9 billion to just $15 billion during the same period,” she wrote in the Some big deals have been made in the Read on to make sense of the impressive Bangkok Post. region as well, including Central Group’s growth in Thai FDI outflows and find out $1.1 billion purchase of Vietnamese su- what’s behind the numbers. Add to this the fact that Thailand has a permarket chain Big C, along with the $19 billion trade surplus with the U.S.— company’s announced construction of Melinda Page is the Communications the 11th largest in the world—and the a large-scale shopping mall in Phnom Director at AMCHAM Thailand. country looks and feels like a growing Penh. There’s also Siam Cement Group’s She can be contacted at powerhouse. $440 million acquisition of Vietnam [email protected].

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Written by: Melinda Page

hen the first Standard Hotel opened on the Sunset Strip in 1998, Andre Balazs, one of the most prominent im- Wpresarios on the Hollywood scene, was at the helm. The hotel was an immedi- ate hit and defined a particular brand of Los Angeles chic: irreverent, exclusive, a little bit naughty. Celebrities and celeb- rity DJs partied in the hotel’s famously shag-carpeted lobby. Just booking a room bestowed on patrons a certain global cachet.

Not only was The Standard one of the earliest and most successful boutique hotels in the U.S., the brand has had remarkable staying power. Even as the hip factor of many other boutique hotels fizzled, The Standard has retained its original aura of lifestyle-defining exclusivity and allure across 20 years and five hotel openings.

And none of that hints at the most remarkable part of the story.

The twist that perfectly captures the current moment of a third-wave-coffee- drinking global citizenry is that The Standard is now run by a Thai executive.

Srettha Thavisin is president of Sansiri, one of Thailand’s most recognizable brands and a major player in high-end residential property development. In November 2017, Sansiri announced a US$58 million investment in Standard International, the parent company of The Standard hotel brand. That bought Sansiri a 35 percent stake in the U.S. company, making it Standard’s largest shareholder, and Thavisin replaced Balazs as chairman. Srettha Thavisin, President of Sansiri Public Company Limited.

16 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 Thavisin, who has an economics degree from the University of Massachusetts and an MBA from the Drucker School of Man- agement at Claremont Graduate Uni- versity, clearly grasps the power of The Standard brand. In addition to the main acquisition, Sansiri also made smaller investments in five other companies with strong lifestyle-defining identities as part of a total US$80 million package. They included $300,000 in Farmshelf, a New York-based vertical indoor farming startup; $6 million in the U.K.-based lifestyle magazine Monocle; $6.6 million in Host- maker, a London-based management firm for Airbnb hosts; and $12 million in JustCo, a Singapore-based co-working group. The company also acquired the U.S.-based OneNight hotel booking app, which is part of Standard International. The Standard hotel in Los Angeles; Sansiri now owns a stake in parent company Standard International.

The Standard investment is Sansiri’s first cle is a leader in its category, with strong calls “next-generation living.” The com- foray into the U.S. market. The goal, says media and editorial capabilities and a pany sees things like co-working spac- Thavisin, is to develop a global lifestyle devoted following globally,” says Thavisin. es, indoor farming and hotel services as brand that appeals to people who live “Partnering with such a brand would help features that can be adapted and incor- and travel far beyond Thailand’s borders. strengthen Sansiri’s position as a global porated into its future residential devel- “Consumers are becoming more and lifestyle pioneer.” opments, following the model of other more sophisticated. The younger genera- mixed-use international developments tion embraces globalization very well and The key overseas markets for the Sansi- that combine hotel, residential, commer- they have become more accustomed to ri brand, meanwhile, and the focus of its cial, and corporate spaces. a new way of living. This is important be- property marketing efforts, will remain cause we need to offer them something in Asia – namely Hong Kong, Singapore, When asked what makes the U.S. market relevant, and being relevant might mean Taiwan, China and Japan. The company and U.S. brands attractive despite their getting new ideas and technologies from also claims it has no plans to diversify relatively high price tag – particularly at a abroad,” he says. away from the residential real estate mar- time when Southeast Asian markets are ket; instead, it sees the new investments perceived to have much higher growth Sansiri isn’t necessarily trying to raise its as a complement to its core business. potential than those in Europe and North own profile in the U.S. market. Instead, The various acquisitions all work toward America – Thavisin claims location isn’t the company is looking to burnish The establishing a foothold in what Sansiri his primary concern. “We first look for- in Standard brand. “The investment will help accelerate the growth of Standard Interna- tional significantly, with planned expansion outside of the U.S. and into new markets in Europe and Asia. Standard International would in turn help drive Sansiri’s growth – for example, through The Standard Resi- dence in Thailand,” says Thavisin.

The company envisions the latter as a community-centered condominium where experiential common spaces – top-floor lounges with a hard-to-find selection of exotic whiskies, for example – serve as the main draw; it hopes to identify its first location in 2018. Sansiri is also generating much buzz with plans for a Monocle-branded luxury residential project in Bangkok. That partnership will help introduce the Sansiri name to Mon- ocle’s globe-prowling readership. “Mono- Sansiri has invested US$6 million in Monocle, a U.K.-based lifestyle media brand. The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 17 OUTWARD BOUND

Sansiri President Srettha Thavisin with the heads of the six lifestyle brands Sansiri recently invested in. Pictured (from left) are Andrew Shearer, CEO of Farmshelf; Kong Wan Sing, Founder and CEO of JustCo; Tyler Brûlé, Editor-in-Chief and Chairman of Monocle; Srettha Thavisin, President of Sansiri Public Company Limited; Amar Lalvani, CEO and Managing Partner of Standard International; Jimmy Suh, President and Co-founder of One Night; Nakul Sharma, Founder and CEO of Hostmaker.

vestments that strategically complement are, they can deliver the best experience the logistics of turning properties into our core business, rather than using ge- to customers.” What’s more, he says, the short-term serviced apartment rentals ography as the main criteria. Hence, we synergies that can be created between the marketed through online companies have invested in innovative and synergistic new partners will create exciting new types such Airbnb and VRBO. While Hostmak- companies globally, including JustCo from of properties and living experiences, which er’s listings aren’t as exquisitely curated as Southeast Asia,” he says. “The brands will Sansiri is uniquely positioned to provide. those on OneNight, both services could help expand Sansiri’s international cus- bring an endless number of like-minded tomer base, which currently contributes At the same time, Sansiri is seeking to hotel and apartment owners into the fold, approximately a quarter of Sansiri’s reve- leverage new technologies to fuel its am- assuming that Sansiri can work out the nues,” says Thavisin. bitions both overseas and at home. “Our associated regulatory and legal issues. company’s growth will be powered by That may hint at the core of the problem new business models that are enabled by While Sansiri’s $80 million suite of foreign Sansiri is facing and the real reason the technological innovation,” says Thavisin. investments may seem small in compari- company is eyeing foreign companies: son to the billion-dollar acquisitions made slowing growth at home. “The growth The OneNight app, for example, is a mo- by other Thai firms, it’s obvious that Thavi- of the real estate industry is tied with the bile-only platform that allows people to sin is thinking big. “Online booking and growth of Thailand’s GDP, which we expect make same-day hotel reservations after same-day booking have increased dramat- to see increase 3-4 percent in coming 3 p.m. at a steeply discounted rate. Partic- ically in recent years. This is a global trend, years. But Sansiri has high business growth ipating hotels are curated and adhere to and coupled with OneNight’s curated and ambitions,” says Thavisin. “This will definite- The Standard’s design-driven ethos, and enviable portfolio of hotels, it would allow ly be one of the factors driving business for the app has the potential to turn leagues for rapid disruption globally,” says the San- more diversification of investment.” of empty Sansiri apartments into reve- siri chairman. “We want to be on the edge nue-generating overnight stays. This can of the future, shaping new ways to work, On the one hand, The Standard is a rela- be accomplished without building a single new ways to stay, and new ways to live.” tively safe bet for Sansiri. “Standard is a square foot of additional infrastructure. very strong boutique hotel brand that Melinda Page is the Communications doesn’t need to be changed,” says Thavi- Similarly Sansiri has plans to expand Host- Director at AMCHAM Thailand. sin. “The team behind the brand and busi- maker into the Asian market, which could She can be contacted at ness has proved that by being who they have similar results. The service handles [email protected].

18 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 Growth in Thai Overseas Investment: A Look at the Numbers

Written by: Sineenat Sermcheep

A SURGE IN THAI OVERSEAS capacity to venture abroad. units to countries with lower labor costs re- INVESTMENT • Fourth, the progress of the ASEAN Eco- duces production in Thailand and may affect nomic Community (AEC) and Thailand’s employment and exports. Workers in these After the slowdown of Thai overseas in- bilateral free trade agreements with ma- industries are at risk of being unemployed vestment as a result of the Asian Financial jor trading partners created opportuni- and have to relocate to other companies or Crisis in 1997, Thai foreign direct invest- ties for Thai companies to invest more other industries. However on the other side ment outflows increased continuously in the international market. of the coin, there’s also considerable expan- from 2005-2010, rising from $551 million • Fifth, many Thai companies decided to sionary potential for industries in which the in 2005 to $8.1 billion in 2010. This rep- invest overseas in order to increase or overseas investment complements the pro- resents an impressive 15-fold increase in maintain their competitiveness. They duction unit in Thailand. Thai FDI outflows; ASEAN member nations were seeking new markets, natural re- and China remained the major recipients sources, and cheaper labor as well as Some argue that capital outflows may of Thai investments, while Europe and the advantages in the form of brand names, drain future domestic investment, lower U.S. experienced a slower increase. business networks, and advanced tech- production, and reduce exports here in nology. Some companies also decided Thailand, but there is no significant evi- With this momentum established, Thai- to invest abroad with the aim of partici- dence of those effects at the country lev- land became a country with net capital pating in the global value chain (GVC) or el. However, that is a real concern at the outflows in 2011-2012 and reached the following their customers. industry level. Typically what’s been seen highest outward flows of $14.3 billion in is that foreign investments complement 2012 according to data from the Bank of Thai companies invest overseas both in domestic investments; when overseas ac- Thailand. However, these flows dropped the form of greenfield investments and tivities increase, domestic investment, pro- dramatically in 2013-2015 due to low mergers and acquisitions (M&As). During duction, and exports also increase. economic growth and the volatile political 2014-2016, ASEAN countries accounted situation. Some Thai companies decided for 27% of the total investment from Thai- On the positive side, outward investment is to postpone or cancel their overseas in- land, followed by Japan (12%) and China a channel for Thai companies to increase vestment plan in order to cope with their (4%). The food product manufacturing their competitiveness and act as an en- business situation at home. The tense sector was the largest source of overseas gine of growth for the Thai economy. Being economic and political situation has since investment followed by computer, elec- competitive in the globalized market is cru- eased, and overseas investment recov- tronic, and optical products and electrical cially important for companies operating in ered, reaching $13.4 billion in 2016. (Ac- equipment. Other major sectors engag- the current economy. Internationalization cording to UNCTAD calculations, 2016 was ing in FDI include financial and insurance through overseas investment is an opportu- Thailand’s peak year for FDI outflows.) services, mining and quarrying, real estate, nity for Thai companies to access new mar- and wholesale and retail trade. kets and sources of raw materials, relocate This upward trend of Thai investment or extend their production units to more ef- abroad was motivated by five main factors: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE THAI ficient locations, and obtain advanced tech- ECONOMY nology, know-how, and networks. • First, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) gradu- ally liberalized capital outflow measures What are the effects of this huge increase Participating in the GVC is one of the most beginning in 2007 and fully liberalized in overseas investment on the Thai econ- efficient ways for Thai companies to trans- them in October 2010. omy? There are both associated risks and form themselves into high-value-added • Second, the Thai Overseas Investment upsides of this economic activity. firms. Some Thai companies that serve as (TOI) Plan to promote investment subcontractors for multinational corpo- abroad was launched in 2012 by the The outflows inevitably impact the - coun rations (MNCs) from developed countries Board of Investment (BOI). try’s underlying economic structure. For la- follow their customers to the new pro- • Third, Thailand’s economic expansion bor-intensive industries such as textiles and duction bases. This allows companies to led to stronger corporate financial po- garments, gems and jewelry, electronics, expand their businesses and serve their sitions and enhanced Thai companies’ and leather products, relocating production customers in the new markets.

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 19 OUTWARD BOUND

Thailand’s Overseas Investment, 2005-2016 Moreover, the Thai government has introduced the Thailand 4.0 Development Plan with the goal of making innovative and value-based industries the country’s new engine of growth. This policy has driven Thai companies to transform themselves into smart enterprises producing high- value-added goods and services.

Companies attempting to align with the Thailand 4.0 Development plan have increasingly more sophisticated business practices and demand more sophisticated competitive advantages. These companies prioritize R&D and the creation of innovative or high-value added goods and services, especially those in the ten so- called S-Curve industries (named for their potential to create rapid growth), which include next-generation automotive, smart electronics, affluent medical and wellness Source: Bank of Thailand tourism, agriculture and biotechnology, food for the future, robotics, aviation and For Thailand, a developing country in the history, during which they accumulated logistics, biofuels and biochemicals, medi- upper-middle income level, it is important both capital and know-how. Financial and cal hubs, and digital enterprises. Investing for the economy to move up the develop- insurance services have the advantage overseas is one of the most accessible and ment ladder and become a high-income of large capital reserves, and they seek to rapid choices when it comes to acquiring country. Connecting to the world through follow their customers in expanding their new technology and innovative business investment abroad provides a way to businesses to international markets. Ac- practices. become an innovation-based economy. cessing resource-rich locations is a key Those companies that obtain knowledge driver for Thai companies engaged in min- OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESS and technology through investing abroad ing and quarrying, and their high capital PARTNERSHIP can help hasten knowledge transfer to reserves facilitate their expansion abroad. companies that only operate in Thailand. To further develop the Thai economy into In addition, their overseas investment With the development of the digital econ- a high-income country with innovative can help fill in the gaps in their skills and omy and information technology, op- and value-based industries that align with knowledge base, or improve their produc- portunities for small and medium-sized Thailand 4.0, Thai companies need to seek tion technology, which is crucial for fur- enterprises (SMEs) to invest abroad have new business practices and competitive ther economic development in Thailand. increased dramatically. A new wave of Thai advantages. One way to access and uti- SMEs are participating in global investment lize these advantages is through overseas DYNAMICS OF THAI COMPANIES due to the lower cost of investing abroad investment. At this stage of economic and the emergence of a new type of com- development, many Thai companies are Who are the companies that engage in pany: global-born firms. Global-born firms looking for opportunities to participate foreign direct investment from Thailand seek to attain significant competitive -ad in the GVC, cooperate with foreign com- and what are their characteristics? Most vantage from expanding their output and panies to develop new technology and Thai companies investing abroad are large sales in multiple countries. These compa- know-how, and become business part- private sector enterprises. They tend to nies start their businesses with a border- ners with companies from many countries have high capital reserves, advanced tech- less view of markets and develop strate- including the U.S., EU member nations, nology, and know-how, which they use to gies for investing overseas at inception. Japan, and South Korea. Many window of further leverage their advantaged position. business opportunity are now open for The majority of the investors come from Many e-commerce and digital compa- cooperation between Thai companies manufacturing, financial and insurance nies invest overseas because they want and their partners, and they can develop services, mining and quarrying, real estate, to utilize the benefits of being global- or together. and wholesale and retail trade. regional-born firms. SMEs in IT, marketing and advertising, hospitality and recreation, Sineenat Sermcheep, Ph.D, is an Associ- The major manufacturers investing abroad consulting services, logistics, and the dig- ate Dean on the Faculty of Economics at include those from the food product, bev- ital economy are the most likely to inter- Chulalongkorn University and co-editor erage, electrical equipment, and machin- nationalize through overseas investment, of “Outward Foreign Direct Investment ery and equipment industries which are but the trend is also seen in the manufac- in ASEAN” (ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Insti- part of the Thai economy’s backbone. turing sector and companies that partici- tute, 2017). She can be contacted at These companies have a long operating pate in regional networks or the GVC. [email protected].

20 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 Managing Risk in Pursuit of FDI Opportunity

Written by: Derek Taylor

n 1996, business in Thailand was shrinks in the world’s collective rear-view • Reputational booming, with headlines hailing the mirror. Thailand, traditionally a destina- • Political Tiger economy’s enviable growth tion of FDI, is increasingly investing in • Regulatory rates. A material part of that remark- neighboring countries and even further • Security Iable economic growth was inbound for- afield. In fact, Thailand OFDI nearly dou- • Fraud eign direct investment (FDI). Then came bled over the past decade according to • Cyber the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997, and the Bank of Thailand. The Bank of Thai- • Natural disaster the Global Financial Crisis in 2007. A de- land’s data in the chart below also bear cade later, Thailand is seen as a desirable out some other noteworthy trends in One might observe that these concerns destination for FDI due in part to promo- the country’s OFDI. are not peculiar to Thailand or ASEAN, tion through the Board of Investment and this is absolutely correct. and initiatives like the Eastern Economic The comparison of the beginning and Corridor and Thailand 4.0. ending years’ OFDI is meant to be an Proactive risk management involves indicative glance rather than an exhaus- developing an understanding of the Yet, Thailand’s economic development tive analysis of the time period. Unfor- risk context through activities like con- is entering a new phase, and it is increas- tunately, a deeper economic analysis is ducting threat assessments; reviewing ingly a source of outward FDI (OFDI), beyond the scope of this article (those or developing fit-for-purpose plans, pol- both regionally within the Association wishing to gain greater insight into these icies and procedures; executing process of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and macro trends are encouraged to seek health checks and audits; and undertak- globally. The pursuit of business growth, economic consultation). ing due diligence on potential business at home and abroad, presents entic- partners. ing opportunities to put OFDI capital to Thanks to near-record low interest work. However, businesses in Thailand rates and high liquidity, capital is largely The goal of proactive risk management should carefully plan and implement available to pursue any number of OFDI is building compliant, resilient, and se- controls to mitigate the numerous risks projects targeting business growth. The cure organizations. This deliberate ap- that are encountered along the path key to realizing return on investment is proach to risk management is still im- to realizing return on investment that to make risk management a deliberate portant when operating in domestic or meets or exceeds organizational goals. part of the investment and operations familiar markets, but risk management strategy. The complete list of threats is takes on even greater significance OFDI RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES long, but below is a shortlist of the most when those same organizations are commonly mentioned risks heard from considering an investment in a different The global economy continues to businesses operating in Thailand and country. strengthen as the Global Financial Crisis ASEAN:

Snapshot of Thai Outward Foreign Direct Investment in 2007 and 2016 FDI target 2007 FDI* 2016 FDI* Change USA 161 93 -42% ASEAN 218 196 -10% Japan 193 251 +30% World 961 1,916 +99% EU 179 393 +119% China 4 278 +695% Source: Bank of Thailand *Billions of Thai Baht The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 21 OUTWARD BOUND

BUILDING A COMPLIANT deal, but it is far better to enter such an familiarity and proficiency, think about ORGANIZATION arrangement with eyes wide open. the following question: If you had a serious fall at home resulting in a severe Being compliant is more important and BUILDING A RESILIENT injury, who would you trust to provide complicated than ever as OFDI can in- ORGANIZATION initial medical treatment and get you volve overlapping regulatory regimes to the hospital located far from home, that exercise authority over multiple Singapore’s former Prime Minister, Senior at night, during a thunderstorm? Would sectors. Thailand’s Minister of Industry, Minister Goh Chok Tong, also spoke at the you trust your 16-year-old son or Uttama Savanayana, stated at the re- ASEAN@50 seminar in November. He de- daughter who just received their driver’s cent “Bangkok Post ASEAN@50: In Ret- clared “resilience” by design as the theme license and basic first aid training? Or rospect” seminar that connectivity and for Singapore’s chairmanship of ASEAN in would you trust the emergency medical collaboration are global forces that must 2018. That is to say, organizations will be services team who is well-practiced be leveraged for Thailand firms to grow, encouraged to take deliberate steps to at using the tools of the trade to saying “no one can go it alone these plan and prepare for uncertainty and mit- mitigate damage and facilitate a speedy days.” Such connectivity and collabo- igate negative consequences, rather than recovery? Granted, few people wish to ration, while key, introduces additional rely on individual perseverance alone to deal with crises as often as paramedics compliance risk from joint venture and overcome difficult situations after a- sig treat accident patients. Still, regular business partners across borders. nificant loss has occurred. It is -more im crisis management team training and portant than ever to build resilience into exercises are highly recommended Due diligence is a familiar compliance organizations as greater connectivity and to develop the proficiency that will term to managers considering foreign collaboration between Thailand and other prove instrumental in protecting the investment. However, business decision countries not only generates new oppor- organization’s brand, people, and assets makers must not look at due diligence tunities for growth, but introduces addi- when crises strike. as a tick-the-box exercise. It is surprising tional risks as well. how many due diligence checks on in- BUILDING A SECURE ORGANIZATION dividuals or businesses begin and end Business continuity and crisis manage- with internet searches. It is not uncom- ment planning are at the heart of resil- Business leaders clearly value the security mon to hear a joint venture in another ience by design, but they can also be of their people and assets, without which country is about to be finalized simply some of the least well-understood and they cannot operate. On the other hand, because the joint venture partner is implemented risk management best relatively few managers, save security considered to have a “good reputation,” practices. Business continuity and crisis professionals, have a comprehensive un- but deeper research often reveals a far management are all too often delegated derstanding of what is required to secure different picture. as ancillary duties to a staff member who critical assets. When asked what security has not had the benefit of education, controls are in place, General Managers A few such recent cases involved Amer- training or experience on these crucial often confidently respond they have se- ican companies based in Thailand look- matters. As a result, a business leader cure organizations simply because they ing to enter joint ventures with business- might discover too late the company’s have installed a video surveillance system men in Myanmar and Cambodia. The business continuity/crisis management or have a contract guard force. American companies initially engaged plans are little more than templates those businessmen due to their strong downloaded from the internet with the Upon closer inspection, those same commercial reputations in their home corporate logo printed on the corner of managers are surprised to discover the markets. However, rigorous third party each page. guards do not monitor the camera feeds due diligence revealed both potential because that activity is not specified in joint venture partners were involved in a A good business continuity plan should the contract. Furthermore, if the guards litany of illicit activities that could expose be based on a specific business impact were using the cameras in real time, they the American partner to reputational analysis that elucidates the potential would find some cameras do not cover risk as well as Foreign Corrupt Practices effects of threats to the organization’s critical assets, record unusable images, Act violations. brand, profitability and strategic objec- or are simply inoperable (in which case tives. The crisis management plan pro- there is no footage available for forensic Proper due diligence should go beyond vides a framework for responding to the investigation). public source searches of court, police threats identified in the business conti- and financial records and include- re nuity plan when those threats transition Building a secure organization begins search based on insights from people from being risks to actual incidents. It with understanding the threat context who have knowledge regarding the is worth noting that even a good crisis and vulnerabilities of critical assets. history of the target business entity and management plan will not help much if Greenfield investments benefit greatly behavior of the individuals running the the crisis management team is not profi- from security-by-design where fit-for- business. Business leaders considering cient with using the tool. purpose controls like perimeter barriers, such a joint venture may determine they have the risk appetite to complete the To illustrate the difference between Continued on page 25

22 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 Thai Union: 20 Years of Investing and Expanding Overseas

Written by: Fred Hansen

hinese shoppers in Beijing and Shanghai have no idea that the “Boston lobsters” they’re buying at Hema supermarkets – the Cgrocery store chain of China’s e-commerce giant Alibaba Group – have been brought to them by a Thai company.

In fact, Thai Union Group, the Thai- land-based multinational renowned for its daring takeover of U.S.-based Chicken of the Sea International in 1997, doesn’t even label its seafood in China with the better-known American brand. “The min- ute they hear ‘Chicken of the Sea’ they think it’s a chicken brand,” says Faisal Sheikh, Thai Union’s Managing Director of Emerging Markets. Instead, in China and Southeast Asia, the company uses its King Oscar label – a Norwegian brand specializ- ing in canned sardines and mackerel that In 2016, Thai Union bought a 49 percent stake in American restaurant chain Red Lobster. Thai Union bought in 2014. “King Oscar resonates well. It’s easier to say in Chinese ed calling it ‘Chicken of the Sea’ as a way Sheikh says. “As a result of that, it led to and the color schemes play well with Chi- to sell the product because it looked like all the other acquisitions we have done.” nese preferences,” says Sheikh. chicken. It’s white and doesn’t have a strong taste,” Sheikh explains. Thai Union’s global drive began in Thai Union has adopted a similar strate- earnest in 2010, when it snapped up gy in other parts of the world, promoting The turning point for Thai Union came France’s MW Brands, one of the largest several of the well-established brands in 1997, when Chicken of the Sea filed canned seafood manufacturers in Eu- it’s acquired in the past two decades. for bankruptcy. Either the Thai company “We use John West” – a British company could wait to see who bought Chicken of that Thai Union bought in 2010 – “in the the Sea and hope to preserve its supply Middle East because John West has been contracts. Or it could seize an opportuni- in the market for a long time, for 50 years ty to guarantee its American market and already,” Sheikh says. “I like to say we are integrate forward in the value chain. Thai a 40-year-old company with 200-year- Union CEO Thiraphong Chansiri and the old brands. It would be naïve of us to let then-board of directors decided to risk go of that heritage just because we are buying into the U.S. market, acquiring 50 Thai.” (In Thailand, Thai Union does sell percent of Chicken of the Sea for $97 mil- under its own brand names, including lion; it bought the remaining 50 percent in SEALECT, Fisho, and Monori.) 2001.

It’s all a far cry from the early 1980s, The gutsy deal set a precedent not just when family-run Thai Union got its start for Thai Union, but for Thai corporations supplying raw tuna to the U.S. market. more broadly. “The Chicken of the Sea Chicken of the Sea was then its main acquisition, while it was a question of customer. “The reason they called it survival, geared the company up and Chicken of the Sea was because alba- gave the management confidence that core is white tuna and when it used to we could actually buy a company out- Faisal Sheikh, Thai Union’s Managing Director of come into the San Diego port, they start- side Thailand and run it to be successful,” Emerging Markets. The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 23 OUTWARD BOUND

rope and owner of brands such as John West, Petit Navire, Parmentier and Mare- blu, for 680 million euros. Between 2010 and 2016 the company spent US$2 billion on overseas mergers and acquisitions, including the 2016 purchase of 49 percent of the U.S.-based Red Lobster restaurant chain for nearly US$1 billion. Thai Union is now the world’s biggest ex- porter of canned tuna and one of largest multinational corporations in Thailand, if not Southeast Asia.

While a pioneer, it’s also now just one of a dozen large Thai companies that have gone multinational, with the trend accel- erating over the past decade when Thai corporations led M&A in Southeast Asia. The overseas investments have been driven by a multitude of factors: the need to expand operations beyond the limited Thai Union’s manufacturing plant in Lyons, Georgia. Thailand market; low interest rates and a strong currency; healthy balance sheets encourage the establishment of Interna- “We are a Thai company so of course we and steadily increasing managerial com- tional Headquarters and Treasury Centers want to keep these things close to our petence. Thailand’s direct investments in Thailand. Thai Union was one of the corporate headquarters and our leader- abroad totaled US$58 billion between first local multinationals to take advan- ship structure, which is Thailand-relat- 2011 to 2016 according to central bank tage of the new regulations, obtaining a ed,” says Ayrle, who heads the Treasury data. Treasury Center license from the Bank Center based in Bangkok, which acts as of Thailand in May 2015, and an Inter- an in-house bank for Thai Union Group. Other Thai MNCs on the move include national Headquarters license in August Most of Thai Union’s food processing and the Siam Cement Group, the nation- that year. “I think it is one of the most rad- 50,000 staff are still based in Thailand. al petroleum company PTT, Thailand’s ical moves for really changing Thailand as agro-industry giant Charoen Pokphand, an international headquarters location,” One of the new incentives under the beverage producer and distributor Thai says Thai Union Group Chief Financial Of- IHQ and Treasury Center regulations is Beverage, sugar producer MitrPhol, min- ficer Joerg Ayrle. The new tax incentives placing a ceiling of 15 percent on the ing and energy giant Banpu and global have made Thailand competitive with salaries of expatriates hired and dropping chemicals company Indorama Ventures. Singapore and Hong Kong in the effort to earlier quotas on the number of expatri- And the overseas investment splurge attract multinationals. ates companies could hire. “It’s really an hasn’t been limited to Thailand’s corpo- attempt to bring in and make it more af- rate giants. By the end of 2016, some fordable for foreigners to come here, but 198 listed firms on the Stock Exchange also for Thai companies to build up these of Thailand (SET) had invested overseas. functions,” says Ayrle, himself a German Last year their total overseas foreign di- national. “The more you move into an rect investments amounted to US$5.5 international role, the less important it is billion, more than double the total re- where you come from.” ported in 2015, according to SET data. Canned tuna still accounts for 50 percent The government – through SET and of Thai Union’s revenues, and would have other entities such as the Finance Min- accounted for a lot more if the compa- istry and Bank of Thailand – has been ny had succeeded in buying U.S.-based actively encouraging this overseas push. Bumble Bee in 2014. Although it made It’s made it much easier for companies a successful US$1.5 billion bid for the to establish multinational headquarters struggling U.S. firm, the purchase was in Thailand and list overseas subsidiaries blocked by the U.S. Department of Jus- on the SET, allowing investors to benefit tice over antitrust concerns. In 2014, from the outward FDI trend. Thailand was also put on the Tier 2 Watch list in the U.S. State Department’s human In 2015, for instance, the government Joerg Ayrle, Thai Union Group Chief Financial trafficking report, in part due to reports of enhanced tax and other incentives to Officer widespread human rights abuses in fish-

24 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 eries and other sectors, and in 2015 the The first thrust is to explore new oppor- innovations for its global customers. European Union yellow-carded Thailand tunities in emerging markets. China, for not taking sufficient action against il- predictably, is showing the most growth “Food service is essentially about creating legal fishing. promise. Thai Union buys North Atlantic products that are tailored for restaurants lobsters from Chicken of the Sea’s subsid- and food service companies such as Sy- Although not directly targeted, Thai iary in Canada and flies them live to China, sco in the U.S., Subway, Red Lobster or Union has had to contend with the na- where they are distributed to Hema gro- Olive Garden,” Sheikh says. “We actually tional downgrading, which threatened cery stores under the King Oscar label. create menus and work with the clients to the country’s fisheries exports. In July, “We put a tag on the live lobster with a automate the kitchen, so it makes it easy Thai Union announced, in collaboration QR code on the back that you can scan,” for them to implement the menus. If we with Greenpeace, a host of measures to says Sheikh. “It tells you exactly where can somehow centralize all that cooking improve sustainable fisheries in its Thai that lobster came from, where and when in our factory, then we can create every- operations. They included scaling back it was caught, which flight it took to Chi- thing ready to go and you can hire some- the use of fish-aggregating devices, en- na, what time it landed and when it was in one to essentially follow directions, open suring independent observers are pres- our tanks, what we fed it.” Alibaba, which the bag, put it in the oven for a couple of ent on longline vessels to report on labor provides QR checks on all its produce via minutes and send it to the diner.” abuses, developing a code of conduct mobile phone apps, hopes to expand the for fishing vessels and supply chains, and Hema chain to 100 outlets by next year. As part of this extended effort, Thai Union moving to full digital traceability for fish “Live lobster is one of our hero products. It has recently set up a Global Innovation catches. “Thai Union has fully embraced represents 25 percent of our sales in Chi- Incubator, which it hopes will contribute its role for positive change as one of the na,” says Sheikh. $800 million in revenue over the next four largest seafood companies in the world,” years. “One of our first global innovations says Thai Union CEO Khun Thiraphong. Thai Union has also launched a “marine is sliced tuna, which has been launched in ingredients” division in an effort to make the U.S. this year,” Sheikh says. “It’s tuna After losing the opportunity to buy Bum- the most of its raw materials – transform- that can be sliced like a ham, so you can ble Bee, Thai Union launched a three- ing things like fish eyes into oil and other sell at a deli counter.” Ham of the sea? If pronged strategy to promote its future protein products. And finally, the -com anyone can figure out how to explain that growth, hoping to reach $8 billion in global pany has opened a global food-service to the Chinese, Thai Union can. sales by 2020. It’s getting there. In the first channel. As part of the latter, it’s hired nine months of 2017, total sales amount- more than 200 food scientists, chefs, Fred Hansen is a Bangkok-based ed to $3.1 billion, putting the company on recipe developers and food-processing journalist who has covered Southeast track for $4 billion in sales this year. experts to devise new recipes and food Asia for the past 30 years.

Continues from page 22 access controls and video surveil- at your expense. This cyber threat intel- ment processes, policies, plans and lance are integrated from project ligence will inform the organization’s cy- procedures need to be fit for their inception. Investment in existing op- ber security program approach. purpose. This means designing risk erations may warrant a review to de- management tools that specifically termine where security control sys- TAKING INFORMED RISKS TO SEIZE address the unique aspects of each tems may be missing or inadequate OPPORTUNITY business’s operations. for the desired level of protection for staff or assets. Fueled by macroeconomic trends and If reading this article has created a government initiatives, Thailand OFDI sense of uneasiness about the state Finally, companies from all enterpris- is on the rise. Thai corporations and of your organization’s risk manage- es must endeavor to stay abreast of Thailand-based American multina- ment readiness, that is a good out- the ever-evolving cyber threat land- tional companies are pursuing OFDI to come. It is far better to question and scape. Southeast Asia and Thailand achieve organic and inorganic growth. verify that you are prepared to man- in particular, stand out as hotbeds of OFDI involves risk, to be certain, but age the multitude of risks that could global cyber threat activity. risk taking is a prerequisite to success derail progress toward strategic suc- and must be approached in a thought- cess than be lulled into a sense of In fact, one of the most recent variants ful and deliberate manner. Business complacency. of the WannaCry virus uses Thai as its leaders who are contemplating or cur- primary language. The key issues to rently engaged in Thailand OFDI should Derek Taylor is an Associate Direc- understand are who might target you reflect on whether their organizations tor at Control Risks’ Southeast Asia and what methods threat actors will are secure, compliant and resilient. In office. He can be contacted at derek. employ to achieve their objectives practical terms, corporate risk manage- [email protected].

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 25 SPECIAL UPDATES Honoring Thailand’s Best in the CSR Business

Recipients of 2017 ACE Recognition for Corporate Social Responsibility with AMCHAM leadership and U.S. Ambassador Glyn Davies.

n November 21, the tables at ucts and services. And they represent do- ships and brings U.S. knowledge, exper- the Shangri-La Hotel ballroom ing business here in Thailand honorably, tise, or best practices to Thailand. Dow were set for Thanksgiving, and in a way that creates real opportunities Chemical won the Excellence in Promot- the room was packed with for everyone. ing Thailand 4.0 Award, presented by Dr. Omore than 520 guests, all assembled Atchaka Sibunruang, Minister of Science to pay tribute to outstanding corporate Over 70 companies applied for the and technology, in recognition of CSR social responsibility (CSR) programs at awards, 59 companies met the rigorous programming that supports the Thai AMCHAM’s CSR Excellence (ACE) Awards. qualification standards for recognition of government’s efforts under the Thailand Now in their 11th year, the awards their CSR activities, and a panel of impar- 4.0 strategy. And IBM won the Excellence featured two guests of honor – U.S. tial judges selected three as best in class. in CSR Projects Award, presented by AM- Ambassador to Thailand Glyn T. Davies Western Digital won the Excellence in CHAM’s President in recognition of gen- and Minister Atchaka Sibunruang of the Partnership Award, presented by Am- eral excellence in CSR projects. Ministry of Science and Technology – bassador Davies in recognition of a CSR and three new awards. project that promotes U.S.-Thai partner- Ambassador Davies applauded Western

The ACE Awards salute AMCHAM member companies that commit to conducting business responsibly and investing in Thai society. Companies that qualify for recognition must demonstrate long-term efforts to support Thailand’s sustainable development, with CSR programs that have measurable results and create both economic and social gains for a year or more. Taken together, the new awards – Excellence in Partnership, Excellence in Promoting Thailand 4.0, and Excellence in CSR Projects – go straight to the heart of what the ACE Awards are all about. They exemplify companies’ efforts to work hand-in-hand with Thai people, Thai institutions, and the Thai Government to strengthen the country. They help create meaningful partnerships that shift the economy from low- to high-value prod- Attendees celebrate their CSR achievements at the ACE Awards event.

26 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 Special Award Winners and Finalists Excellence in Partnership Excellence in Promoting Excellence in CSR Award Thailand 4.0 Award Projects Award Presented by U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, Presented by Dr. Atchaka Sibunruang, Minister Presented by AMCHAM President Glyn T. Davies and recognizing a CSR project of Science and technology and recognizing Jeffrey Nygaard and recognizing that promotes U.S.-Thai based partnerships excellence in CSR programming that supports general excellence in CSR projects. that bring U.S. knowledge, expertise, or best the Thai government’s efforts under the Finalists: practices to Thailand. Thailand 4.0 strategy. Winner: IBM Finalists: Finalists: Citibank Winner: Western Digital Winner: Dow Chemical Western Digital Dow Chemical Minor International IBM Pfizer

2017 Recipients of AMCHAM CSR Excellence (ACE) Recognition

Gold Status • Hemaraj Land And Development • Johnson & Johnson • HSBC • Laguna Resorts & Hotels • Accenture Solutions • Kenan • Marriott Hotels Thailand-Luxury • AIA • KFC Thailand Hotels & Resorts • Amec Foster Wheeler • McThai • Mondelez International • Amway • Microsoft • MQDC Magnolia • Bank of Ayudhya • Minor International • Samitivej Hospital • Baxter Healthcare • Pfizer • Sansiri • Bumrungrad Hospital • Philip Morris • Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok • Central Food Retail • Procter & Gamble Trading • Tractus • Chevron Exploration & Production • Santa Fe • Western Digital: Winner, Excellence • Cisco Systems • SAS Software in Partnership Award • Citibank • Seagate Technology • Coca-Cola • Standard Chartered Bank • Diageo Moet Hennessy • Thai Rayon ACE Recipients • Dow Chemical: Winner, Excellence in Promoting Thailand 4.0 Award Silver Status • CoffeeWORKS • Esso • KIS International School • FedEx Express • Cargill Siam • Nu Skin • Ford • Caterpillar • Renaissance Hotel • General Motors • Colgate-Palmolive • Robere & Associates • GlaxoSmithKline • Conrad Bangkok • Sri Trang Agro-Industry • Grand Hyatt Erawan • IBM: Winner, Excellence in CSR • The Athenée Hotel • Hanesbrands Projects Award • Uber

Digital for their win, along with all com- AMCHAM Board President Jeffrey AMCHAM program that has been replicat- panies with admirable business practic- Nygaard, who opened the ceremony, ed in several other countries in Asia in- es. “This award highlights the exemplary highlighted the need for companies to cluding Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. efforts of American companies who work focus on creating meaningful long-term Special designations were also given to alongside Thais to bring about innova- impacts. “The companies assembled firms that have received ACE awards for tive, creative change through their CSR here tonight represent the best five or more consecutive years (Gold), and activities. U.S. firms set the gold standard holistic CSR strategies – strategies that three to four consecutive years (Silver). In for innovating with a positive social pur- demonstrate an understanding of the a fitting end to the evening, Nygaard con- pose,” he said. “They pioneer new tech- linkages between business operations cluded by saying, “It’s AMCHAM’s hope nologies and business practices that help and society, and the key role they should that companies operate not just respon- transform Thailand’s economy toward play in creating a world that is prosperous, sibly, but admirably.” Thanks to efforts achieving the goals of Thailand 4.0, but sustainable, and just for everybody.” of member companies who participate also go beyond that to empower com- in the ACE Awards, that hope becomes munities to help themselves.” The ACE Awards have become a signature more of a reality with each passing year.

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 27 SPECIAL UPDATES AMCHAM Thailand 2017 Committee Roundup Report

AMCHAM’s Board of Governors and Committee Leadership on December 6 at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel

AEROSPACE COUNCIL change restrictive laws governing aircraft kingdom. Issues such as market share, age limits pertaining to helicopter main- Board of Investment incentive options, Council Leadership: Jim Grunewald, tenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). In and council perspectives on the devel- Redbird; John Brasch, Triumph Aviation following monthly meetings, the focus of opment of U-Tapao airport were all major Board Liaison: Mark Kaufman, Ford the council’s effort was to show the effect influences on the council’s agenda. of increased aviation safety resulting from Mission: Support and promote aero- a robust airworthiness oversight program The second half of the year provided the space-oriented industries and continu- based on managing the material condi- members with the opportunity to join ally develop effective support for aero- tion of the aircraft as opposed to one that the Thailand Aviation Society (TAS) and space-related projects in the region considers only the relative age of the air- several other aviation-related events by improving government-to-industry craft. Ultimately, this effort was presented planned in the region. TAS is sponsored relationships, increasing understanding as one of the featured aerospace articles by several member companies on the of U.S. and Thailand /ASEAN aerospace in Volume 2/2017 of T-AB Magazine. council and meets quarterly in Bangkok. regulations, and increasing member This invitation has greatly increased the companies’ ability to compete for global Much of the council’s meeting time and council’s network and represents many business. member effort during the first half of the of the aerospace industry leaders that year went into preparing those articles, as are present in the region. The council 2017 Accomplishments: A total of eight aerospace is a new development sector views these events as a superb prospect monthly meetings were held throughout for Thailand and the information to be for recruiting additional aerospace op- the year. The council kicked off the year highlighted was specifically coordinated erators to join the council in the future. with the preparation of our position paper in order to represent all business activ- Additionally, the premier MRO show in SE advocating for the Ministry of Transport to ities that are presently operating in the Asia took place in Singapore this year and

28 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 most of the council’s manufacturing and industry suppliers based in Bangkok and road 331 to Laemchabang is also maintenance/repair member companies the Eastern Seaboard. 99% complete. Advocacy was also were present. sustained on the remaining pri- 2017 Accomplishments: Key accom- ority road infrastructure projects, In the latter part of the year, the council plishments in 2017 included: which include the expansion and leadership participated in presenting dis- resurfacing of local roads. cussion items to the Secretary-General I. Sustaining advocacy on the three of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office priority issues of the Council II. Synergies with other AMCHAM of Thailand, Dr. Kanit Sangsubhun, during Committees the monthly luncheon program. The The Council, led by its Leaders and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Devel- three Working Groups (Policy, Labor and In May, the Council partnered with the opment Plan under Thailand 4.0 aims Infrastructure), continued its advocacy Trade & Investment and HR Commit- to target the aerospace industry to help on three priority topics that are strate- tees in jointly organizing the “Thailand drive the country’s investment in innova- gic to the competitiveness of US invest- 4.0: Plans and Challenges for Harness- tion and advanced technology for future ments in the Thailand auto industry. ing Human Capital” seminar. In July generations. The council is active in the 2017, it jointly organized a seminar on formulation of the aerospace promotion a. Automotive and Related Policies: the New Excise Tax and Its Implications plan and integral to the RTG’s success. − New Excise Law: advocacy through with the Customs & Excise Committee, Our final meeting of the year featured the industry organization and in with participation from the Vice Minis- AMCHAM member Dr Paul Robere’s pre- partnership with the AMCHAM ter of Finance and Director for Excise. It sentation of the new aerospace industry Customs & Excise Committee, with also partnered with the Trade & Invest- standards and what steps member com- the objective of minimizing tax ment Committee to arrange meetings panies can take to become certified. increases and requesting trans- with the Ministry of Industry/EEC and parent regulations. Advocacy un- National Assembly Subcommittees on In summation, much of the council’s dertaken through meetings and Logistics and Transportation to lobby discussion involved aerospace supply issuance of position letters to Min- for EEC policies that will include existing chain and qualifying suppliers to be NA- istry of Finance, and the organiza- investors. DCAP-certified. Several of the council tion of a seminar. members provided company overviews − Non-tariff barriers: organized the at the start of each monthly meeting and industry organization’s meeting BUSINESS ECONOMICS we now have a repository of current / with Minister of Commerce to COMMITTEE applicable news articles, which are post- advocate against Vietnam’s new ed on the council’s webpage after they technical barriers that could halt Committee Leadership: Bob Fitts, Mc- are submitted. The council would like to Thai vehicle exports starting in Jan- Larty Associates; Peggy Creveling, Crevel- thank the membership for their enthusi- uary 2018. ing & Crevelin astic participation and to the numerous − Eastern Economic Corridor: advo- Board Liaison: Vira-Anong Chiranak- other AMCHAM committees who have cated with the Ministry of Industry horn Phutrakul, Citibank provided guidance on issues of mutu- and National Assembly Sub Com- al interest. The council looks forward to mittees to request that incentives Mission: Provide committee members 2018 with special significance, and will programs include existing inves- the opportunity to meet with govern- continue to provide the membership tors. ment and industry sector leaders in an with timely information and a superior interactive environment. Monthly speak- understanding of the regional aerospace b. Building the Supply of Skilled ers focus on issues relating to govern- sector to continue to compete for global Workers ment economic and investment policies, business. − Monitored and worked with Thai analysis of macro-economic trends, and Chamber Labor group to prevent review of developments in key industrial unfavorable changes to the Labor and service sectors. AUTO COUNCIL Relations and Labor Protection Laws. 2017 Accomplishments: The commit- Council Leadership: Yukontorn Wisad- tee hosted a number of engaging speak- kosin, Ford; David Nardone, Hemaraj c. Expanding Critical Road Net- ers in its 2017 meetings. Attendance Land and Development; Gregory Bastien, works in the Eastern Seaboard varied with interest in the specific subject American Axle & Manufacturing − This year marked the completion matter. However, with continual assis- Board Liaison: Ian Nicholls, GM of road projects 344 and 3138 that tance from Board Member Teera Phutr- shorten travel time from Bankgok akul of JTFP, the committee was able to Mission: Provide a forum for discussion / Suvarnabhumi to the Eastern mount a number of topical presentations and development of “one voice” posi- Seaboard and ease the traffic to which included the discussion of politics tions on key automotive issues facing downtown Rayong while road 36 as well as economic trends and sectoral Thailand manufacturers and associated is undergoing expansion. The new developments.

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 29 SPECIAL UPDATES

Some of the year’s highlights included The Committee invested these funds in who are either developing or improving U.S. Ambassador Glyn Davies’s very in- our Thai community in the following areas: their CSR strategies. formative talk about why ASEAN is key in addressing the threat of North Korea. The - Awarded a total of 175 university schol- 2017 Accomplishments: The Corpo- committee was also pleased to host For- arships to qualified, financially in need rate Social Responsibility (CSR) Commit- mer Deputy Prime Minister Kittirat Na Ra- Thai students at 30 institutions of high- tee held seven events in 2017, including nong who spoke on Thailand Macro Eco- er education throughout the country. a co-branded event with the AMCHAM nomics, and, in a joint meeting with the These numbers included 56 new schol- Human Resources Committee. Energy Committee, Dr. Yunyong Thaich- arship recipients from 12 institutions. aroen, Chief Strategist at the Bank of Thai- - Completed 3 Adopt-a-School projects. The Committee’s signature event was land. The committee was also honored to - Administered 5 ongoing Adopt-a- the annual AMCHAM CSR Excellence sponsor the speaker for AMCHAM’s May School projects. (ACE) Awards. ACE recognition identi- monthly lunch, Mr. Rapee Sucharitakul, - Provided 13 teacher fellowships to fies AMCHAM members’ best practices Secretary-General of the SEC, who provid- understaffed primary schools. and demonstrates the linkages between ed insights on the reforms planned by the - In 2016, partially funded 22 Fulbright business operations and society, and rec- State Enterprise Policy Committee, aka English Teaching Assistants working ognizes companies that conduct busi- the “Superboard.” across Thailand in 2017; due to an ness in a way that creates both long-term unfortunate lack of funds, no new Ful- economic and social value. The awards Other speakers for the monthly sessions bright ETAs were funded in 2017. were presented at a dinner during which included the always popular Thailand - Hosted a two-day Orientation Camp 59 AMCHAM members received ACE rec- Property Overview by James Pitchon of for 39 new scholarship students which ognition, and 523 guests attended the CBRE, as well as Mr. Patchara Sarayudhis included an introduction to AMCHAM, celebration. of Fitch Rating agency, Mr. Prinn Panitch- a hands-on CSR activity, communica- pakdi, Country Head of CLSA Securities tion skills training, seminars on road In addition to recognizing member com- Thailand, and Dr. Pongsak Hoontrakul, safety and drinking responsibly, and panies for their CSR efforts and Awarding economist and author of the new book an interactive workshop on unleash- IBM with the CSR Excellence Award, two “Economic Transformation and Business ing their full potential. special awards were given. These include Opportunities in Asia.” - Hosted a three-day FedEx Career the Excellence in Promoting Thailand Camp for 61 final year scholarship stu- 4.0 Award, which was presented by Dr. dents in Bangkok to prepare them for Atchaka Sibunruang, the Minster of Sci- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE their future careers and included sem- ence and Technology, and awarded to inars on resume writing, job interview- Dow Thailand; and the Excellence in Part- Committee Leadership: Jonathan ing, personal finance training, and vis- nership Award (AKA the Ambassador’s Fryer, Mazars; Jan Van Ekeren its to AMCHAM member companies. Award), which was presented by Glyn T. Board Liaison: Mark Kaufman, Ford; The high scores on evaluation forms Davies, the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, Judy Benn, AMCHAM reflect that both camps continue to and awarded to Western Digital. be very well received and greatly ap- Mission: Support education initiatives in preciated by the scholarship students. Throughout the year, the CSR commit- Thailand and contribute to the improve- tee shared the best practices of member ment of Thailand’s social infrastructure The Committee also launched two new companies, presented on the Sufficiency via charitable and civic projects. The com- programs this year – Sponsor a Student Economy Philosophy (SEP) and its appli- mittee facilitates the American Chamber and Sponsor An English Teacher – to pro- cation for business, held a workshop on Of Commerce In Thailand Foundation vide AMCHAM members with the oppor- Trends in Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) (ATF), which allows AMCHAM members to tunity to participate directly in AMCHAM’s for CSR Projects, and partnered with the act on their corporate social responsibil- two main education initiatives. To date 8 Human Resources Committee for a pre- ity (CSR) objectives and enrich the local students have been directly sponsored. sentation and panel discussion on using communities in which they operate. CSR as a powerful tool for employee engagement. Finally, the committee pre- 2017 Accomplishments: The Com- CORPORATE SOCIAL sented its annual overview of the require- munity Engagement Committee (CEC), RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) COMMITTEE ments for member companies to apply for along with Khun Sheree, Khun Pen, the ACE recognition to interested members. Sports Committee, the Young Profes- Committee Leadership: John DaSilva, sionals Committee, Social Networking Kenan Institute Asia; Kannika Jarusuraisin, Events, the Independence Day Picnic P&G CUSTOMS & EXCISE COMMITTEE Committee, the Governors Ball, AMCHAM Board Liaison: Vira-Anong Chiranak- members, sponsors, and many other vol- horn Phutrakul, Citibank Committee Leadership: Paul Sumner, unteers, raised Baht 5.88 million this year PricewaterhouseCoopers; Florina Vistal, for the AMCHAM Thailand Foundation Mission: Serve as rallying point and re- Ford; Malika Bhumivarn, Bolliger Con- (ATF). Many thanks to all donors! source center for AMCHAM members sulting

30 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 Board Liaison: David Carden, FedEx ter of Finance with the Director of Plan- sources related to information technolo- ning Bureau conducting the briefing, and gy and telecommunications in Thailand. Mission: Building a long-term, construc- with expert panelists from the Commit- Digital Economy works to keep Cham- tive dialogue with the Thai Government’s tee. The seminar was well attended and ber members informed about IT and Customs and Excise Departments in or- provided a venue for information sharing Telecom-related issues and developing der to effectively communicate AMCHAM between the government and the busi- technologies that affect the business members’ customs and excise priorities. ness sector on the upcoming New Excise community. Act. 2017 Accomplishments: This year saw 2017 Accomplishments: The Digital the passage of the New Customs Act Reduce the impact of the new Cus- Economy Committee organized fewer and the New Excise Act, which are the toms Act, effective on November 13, group activities in 2017 than we would two core regulatory advocacies of the 2017 have liked, but relevant (and willing) Customs Committee. The Committee is speakers were hard to find. We had a highly encouraged by the commitment The Committee has raised to the Cus- greater focus on advocacy this year, of its members in collaborating to come toms Department the Customs practices preparing a number of Digital Economy up with well thought out policy positions that impact business operators in con- (DE)-specific position papers and talking and activities to influence the finalization junction with changes to the Customs points for meetings with government and implementation of these laws and Act. This is to ensure that the enforce- officials. thus improve the business environment ment of the law during the changes pe- in Thailand. riod is transparent and fair to all business The activities which we organized and/or operators. participated in during the year included: Applauding the passing of the New Customs Act Strengthening Relationships with February: Joint event with the Legal Com- Government, including Supporting mittee, at which two speakers from local After many years of drafts, consultations their Activities and Programs law firms discussed the potential impact and debates, the New Customs Act was of new Digital Economy-related laws. passed and published in the Royal Ga- A number of meetings were held with zette on May 17, 2017. This is a milestone various Customs and Excise Tax officials March: Helped prepare talking points achievement of AMCHAM and its Cus- to build friendly relationships and keep on issues related to visas for skilled pro- toms Committee, which has persevered the channels of communication open. fessionals and participated in a meeting for 12 years in advocating and working The members also attended seminars on the topic with the Commander of Im- with the Thai government to amend an and accepted briefing invitations from migration Bureau, Division 1. outdated 1926 Customs Law. The most Customs and Excise Departments, which notable changes in the new law are the included hosting the Customs Director June: As a benefit to our members the DE elimination of liability presumptions, General and promoting his Customs Alli- Committee maintained connections with the decrease in the percentage of fines ance program to AMCHAM members. other Chambers, allowing participation in claimed as rewards for whistleblowers, sessions organized by the British Cham- and the introduction of caps to such Collaboration with other AMCHAM ber on PromptPay (June), and Intellectual rewards. While AMCHAM recognizes re- Committees Property Rights and the Computer Crime forms under the new law, the Customs Act (November). Also, in collaboration Committee will continue to advocate The Committee has partnered with the with multiple other Chambers, the com- that Thailand signs up to the Kyoto Con- Auto Council and the Trade & Investment mittee participated on behalf of Am- vention and eliminates the reward shar- Committee in organizing the New Excise Cham in discussions with BOI about the ing system for greater efficiency, trans- Tax seminar and in engaging with gov- Strategic Talent Center initiative. parency, and trade facilitation. ernment on the ECC. August: Visited the IBM Innovation Cen- Passage of New Excise Act, effective ter, with presentations by IBM showcas- on Sept 16, 2017 DIGITAL ECONOMY COMMITTEE ing their latest technology offerings. The Committee also participated in a delega- The Committee closely monitored the Committee Leadership: Peter Fis- tion from AmCham which met with the developments in the New Excise Act, chbach, ISM Technology Recruitment; new Minister of Digital Economy & Soci- from the drafts up to its final passage. A Jirawat Poomsrikaew, Google; Pawasut ety, Dr. Pichet Durongkaveroj. comprehensive position paper was also Seewirot, IBM issued and meetings with Excise officials Board Liaison: Parnsiree Amatayakul, September: Committee members were were arranged to further discuss AM- IBM invited to attend a workshop organized CHAM’s recommendations. On July 20, a by the US Commercial Service on “Thai- seminar entitled “Excise Tax Reform: Im- Mission: Address issues of infrastruc- land and the Digital Economy.” pact on Doing Business in Thailand” was ture, legislation, intellectual property held, presided over by the Deputy Minis- rights, business climate and human re- October: Organized a breakfast event

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 31 SPECIAL UPDATES

with Axel Winter, CTO of Central Retail as and then co-hosted a presentation with - Visit to the Thai Union Shrimp Process- speaker, on the topic of e-Commerce and the Business Economics Committee giv- ing Plant hosted by Trin Tapanya, Mar- managing change. en by the Monetary Policy Director of the keting Department, Manager, Frozen Bank of Thailand to discuss perspectives Business, and Ms. Chanida Chalerm- November: Participated in a meeting on Thailand’s economic outlook and the polyothin, Marketing Section Manager. with new Permanent Secretary of the 2017 economic policy. Then, the com- - Tour of Bangkok Metropolitan Water Ministry of Digital Economy & Society, mittee invited the President & Founding Authority hosted by Wichi Arayaset- Khun Ajarin Pattanapanchai. Also partic- Member of the Electric Vehicle Associ- takorn, Assistant Governor, Water Pro- ipated in a meeting with the new Secre- ation of Thailand (EVAT) to speak about duction System. tary General of the BOI, Khun Duangjai the global trend of electric vehicle tech- - “Agricultural Technology and Thai- Asawachintachit. Also organized and nology and give an update on the recent land” briefing by Ms. Wisalinee Wang- participated on behalf of AMCHAM in a Electric Vehicle policy and investment wittaya, Managing Director, Wisebrand multi-Chamber follow-up meeting with packages in Thailand. The committee Co. Ltd. Khun Duangjai to provide specific feed- also hosted the Deputy Director General - Site visit to Dairy Home dairy and the back on the government’s proposed of the Department of Mineral Fuels, who Minor Cheese and Ice Cream Factory, structure for a new “SMART Visa.” provided an update on the country’s oil co-organzed with the SME Commit- and gas exploration and production busi- tee and hosted by Mr. Witoon Chai- ness and its challenges, windows of op- wattanagulwanit, Factory Manager. ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT portunities and LNG trends. The last lun- - “Thai FDA Legal and Regulatory Up- COMMITTEE cheon featured Dr. Richard Frankel and date” briefing by Dr. Atthachai Hom- his team, who talked about the Economic huan, Manager of Regulatory Affairs, Committee Leadership: Mongkolnimit Evaluation of Hydropower Projects in the and Ms. Siradapat Ratanakorn, Reg- Auacherdkul, Esso; Pairoj Kaweeyanun, Lower Mekong Basin. ulatory Affairs Consultant, both from Chevron Tilleke & Gibbins. Board Liaison: Jeremy Osterstock, Esso - “Insects, a New Trend in Protein” brief- FOOD AND AGRI-BUSINESS ing by Massimo Reverbi, Founder Mission: Provide a forum for member COMMITTEE BUGSOLUTELY. companies to discuss issues related to - The Committee also contributed to the energy business in Thailand and ac- Committee Leadership: Alan Adcock, the White Paper on AMCHAM Contri- tively advocate for energy-related poli- Tilleke & Gibbins; Dee Richmond, Agri- butions to Thailand 4.0. cies, laws, and regulations that increase Source competitiveness and promote the free Board Liaison: Dale Lee, CoffeeWORKS Many of these activities were focused market concept for the energy sector. on new developments in Thailand’s food Mission: Represent the interests of AM- and agricultural sector, with distinguished 2017 Accomplishments: The commit- CHAM organizations in the areas of food, speakers from the industry and the tee continues building capability among agriculture and agri-business. Promote Thai Government. We also continued to member companies while also promot- dialogue between the American food, search out new venues to see and learn ing strong partnerships across all AM- agriculture and agri-business communi- more about Thai agriculture through site CHAM committees. ty, Thai public and private sector decision visits and tours that were both interesting makers and the Royal Thai Government. and fun. Key objectives in 2017 included focusing on “Energy Efficiency and Security,” im- 2017 Accomplishments: This year, the proving the understanding of key chang- Committee conducted the following ac- GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COUNCIL es related to energy and environmental tivities to accomplish its mission: policies, regulations and landscape (En- Committee Leadership: Kannaphong ergy Reform and energy supply and de- - “Developments in Animal Nutrition Duangurai, Dow Chemical; Daniel Hen- mand), new technology, and increasing and Feed” briefing by Dr. Mark Kuja- derson, Vriens & Partners; Nirut Kun- the awareness of the potential impact wa, Vice President, Business Develop- nawat, 3M of a global economic slowdown on Thai- ment, Diamond V Mills Inc. Board Liaison: Ornkanya Pibuldham, land’s economy and the energy outlook. - “Future Competitiveness of Thai Agri- Bank of America The committee also continues advocat- culture” briefing by Dr. Nippon Poan- ing for implementation of critical energy pongsakorn, Distinguished Fellow, Mission: Advocate for the policy priori- and environmental regulations that im- Thailand Development Research Insti- ties of AMCHAM Thailand; build and fos- pact Thailand’s competitiveness. tute. ter engagement with key stakeholders; - “Thailand: A Global Food Innovation and advance AMCHAM’s brand as a trust- The committee continued working with Hub” briefing by Dr. Akkharawit Kan- ed partner in Thailand. other committees to organize activities jana-Opas, Deputy Secretary General, to meet these key objectives. The com- National Science & Technology Inno- 2017 Accomplishments: The Gov- mittee kicked off with a planning session vation Office. ernment Affairs Council (GAC) has held

32 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 monthly meetings throughout the year. 2017Accomplishments: This year has Vice President of Business Development With the additional leadership of Ambas- been another full year of changes and & Partner at Bangkok Smile MALO CLIN- sador Tomwit Jarnson, AMCHAM’s Direc- challenges in the healthcare environ- IC. His presentation, “How Technology is tor, Government Affairs and Public Policy, ment. The committee undertook activi- Changing Dentistry & Enriching Lives,” the GAC has enjoyed regular attendance ties to strengthen and promote innova- demonstrated how new dental technolo- from leading government affairs profes- tive healthcare in Thailand as follows: gy has significantly contributed to quality sionals. Most of the GAC’s focus has been of life improvements of many people. on reworking AMCHAM’s White Paper, May: We presented the expertise of phy- delivered to the Royal Thai Government sician Dr. Nicha Samantarat, CEO and at the end of 2017. A special emphasis founder of the Naturopathic Integrative HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE has been on tailoring the document to Center for Health and Education (NICHE), Thailand 4.0. who shared knowledge and advice on Committee Leadership: Christopher surviving in a toxic world. Dr. Nicha also Schultz, DKSH; Nipatra Tangpojthavepol, The GA Council has also conducted a presented advice on the prevention of APM Group; Richard Jackson, RLC Recruit- survey as part of the advocacy process unknown neurological and autoimmune ment; Najaya Jotikasthira, Philip Morris to collate specific inputs from AMCHAM conditions—which could be signs that Board Liaison: James Amatavivadhana, Committees in order to capture issues, we have been exposed to low-level heavy Minor International summarize, and prioritize the needs of metal toxicity over time. AMCHAM Committee leaders and mem- Mission: Provide analysis and updates on bers. The results will help provide assis- August: The Healthcare Committee ad- HR trends, labor and employee relations, tance in connecting and engaging with dressed the increasing rates of cancer compensation and benefits. Promote Thai government agencies. with a distinguished guest speaker, Dr. understanding of labor practices and pol- Andreas Seeber, Project Coordinator icies and act as a forum for transferring In addition to monthly meetings, of the ONCO-T-PROFILE program and information between member firms and the GAC has met with: H.E. Dr. Pichet Resident – Internal Medicine, Depart- the Thai and the U.S. Governments. Durongkaveroj, Minister of Digital Econ- ment for Hematology and Oncology, omy and Society; Khun Ajarin Pattana- Innsbruck Medical University in Austria, 2017 Accomplishments: panchai, Permanent Secretary of the and Post-Doctoral Researcher, Labora- Ministry of Digital Economy and Society; tory for Experimental Oncogenomics January: The committee began the year and Khun Duangjai Asawachintachit, at the Tyrolean Cancer Research Insti- with a crowded session at the AMCHAM Secretary General of the Board of Invest- tute. Dr. Seeber deliverd a talk entitled boardroom where Dr. Larry S. Persons, ment (BOI). “Enabling Precision Medicine for Can- author of “The Way Thais Lead,” shared cer Treatment.” Discussions included his insights on “Leveraging Thai Leader- The GAC is grateful to its members and advances in understanding how can- ship Values.” Deconstructing the concept the leadership of the various commit- cer behaves at the molecular level and of “face,” Dr. Persons asked participants tees for their input to the White Paper. In helping oncologists learn to treat can- to share their own perceptions and ex- 2018, it aims to increase the participation cer “smarter.” periences as we discussed ways to make of government affairs professionals in its use of face to build stronger Thai leader- meetings, organize more engagements October: Dr. Somboon Roongphornchai, ship teams. with government, and develop further Physician at Vitallife Wellness Center, fo- key messages for AMCHAM on behalf cused on the topic of “Hormone Optimi- March: Analytics is a popular buzzword in of the American business community in zation,” and addressed how changes in HR circles, and the Committee explored Thailand. our hormone levels directly impact how the topic with an event focused on how we age, and how declining hormone lev- we utilize technology and data analytics els are related to premature aging. Dr. to improve HR practices. Guest speak- HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE Somboon is an expert in sports medi- ers included John Lim, ASEAN Workforce cine, weight management, and men’s Science & Analytic leader at IBM Kenexa Committee Leadership: Siriwan health. Fortunately, lifestyle changes (Smarter Workforce), Martin Kilcline, Chuenchomsakun, Pfizer; Sudi Narasim- such as diet and regular exercise can Head of People Technology at Agoda, han, Bumrungrad Hospital; Dr.Thavirap improve hormone levels. We also talked and Mellissa Ripton, People-Technology Tantiwongse, GSK about optimizing and balancing hor- Specialist at Agoda. Board Liaison: Parnsiree Amatayakul, mone levels, along with identifying the IBM appropriate points to take action based April: Guest speaker Srikanth Seshadri on measured hormone levels as a func- conducted an experiential learning exer- Mission: Help AMCHAM members suc- tion of age. cise titled “Immunity to Change,” allowing ceed in Thailand’s healthcare sector and 31 participants to understand the deeper support collaboration between U.S. and November: The Committee took a look at barriers to personal transformation. The Thai firms with an interest in healthcare disruptive technologies in the dental field topic was well-received, especially the issues. with a presentation from Dr. Allen Nazeri, hands-on the exercises.

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 33 SPECIAL UPDATES

May: The HR, Auto, and Trade & Invest- an opportunity to share experiences and holiday and help raise money for the ment Committees jointly presented an best practices on the common challenge AMCHAM Thailand Foundation. Eastern Seaboard event titled “Thailand of transforming HR to be strategic busi- 4.0: Plans and Challenges for Harness- ness partners. Participants commented 2017 Accomplishments: This year’s ing Human Capital”. More than 50 par- that the program was very relevant and Independence Day picnic was held ticipants came to listen to Dr. Kitipong allowed professional connections to be on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Bangkok Promwong Ph.D, Secretary-General, made. Patana School on Sukhumvit Soi 105. Thailand National Science, Technology & More than 1,200 people attended the Innovation Policy Office; Jeffrey Nygaard, Later in August, the committee assem- event and more than 600,000 Baht was Senior Vice President & Head of Glob- bled a panel discussion on “Building and raised for the AMCHAM Thailand Foun- al Operations & Supply Chain, Seagate Retaining Young Talent.” Speakers in- dation. Technology, and President of AMCHAM’s cluded Khun Nayada Vanavichai, Senior Board of Governors; Khun Somnuek Strategy Manager at Minor International, This year’s event featured many high- Ngamtrakulchol, Vice President ASEAN Khun Teerawat Udomyingcharoen, Se- lights including the following items: of Human Resources, General Motors; nior VP and Head of Talent Management Remy Maitam, President, Triumph Avi- at Central Group, and Chris Schultz, Se- - Five bands covering a wide range of ation Services, Triumph Group; and Dr. nior Manager of Group Leadership Devel- American music. Harpal Gill, President & COO, Fabrinet opment at DKSH. All three guests shared - Fourteen food & beverage brands of- Company Limited. what they are doing to identify, retain and fering American and international cui- develop the next generation of talent at sine and beverages. June: The Legal and HR Committees pre- their organization. - A chili cook-off. sented a joint event covering employ- - AMCHAM company members offering ment law and related topics. Speakers September: Khun Bell Benjapatana- entertainment and educational activi- included Douglas Mancil, Legal Commit- mongkol, a Senior Consultant at Gallup, ties for children. tee co-chair, Khun Ratthai Kamolwarin shared data-driven insights about how - The event involved six months of plan- from Chandler MHM Limited, and Khun to engage Millennials. In addition to data, ning from more than 20 volunteer Tisha Tingleucha from Atherton. A lively Khun Bell provided practical tips and in- committee members and over 70 vol- question-and-answer session followed volved the audience in sharing their own unteers on the day of the event. the speakers’ presentations and raised best practices to reach out to Gen Y. Thir- many familiar challenges that AMCHAM ty participants attended and comments member companies face with Thai em- showed an appreciation for the mix of LEGAL COMMITTEE ployment law. information and interaction. Committee Leadership: Douglas Man- Also in June, the HR committee hosted a October: The Committee conducted a cill, PriceSanond; Christopher Knight, Ev- session on CSR as a powerful tool to en- fun and hands-on learning experience erett Knight; Michael Ramirez, Tilleke & gage employees. Guest speakers includ- entitled “Get Results Through Visuals: Gibbins; Suthathip Kallayawinai, Ford ed Khun Budsayada Youngfhuengmon- Using Graphic Facilitation to Enhance Board Liaison: Steve Rich, Caterpillar tra, Director of Group of Sustainability Group Communication.” Khun Nut- Development, Minor International and tawut Kietchaiyakorn, General Manager Mission: Provides an effective forum for Khun Nisagon Khongphaitoon, Corpo- of Learning and Development for DKSH discussing legal and law-related policy rate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs Thailand, led 30 participants through matters related to doing business in Thai- Professional, IBM. practical exercises to learn how to visu- land, as well as U.S. and international legal alize concepts and apply graphic facil- developments affecting U.S. companies July: Longtime member Tom Sorensen, itation in their workplaces. The survey and individuals residing and doing busi- a Partner at Boyden Associates, joined results were all “very good” or “good” and ness in Thailand. The Legal Committee 23 participants to present “Predicting comments indicated this was an engag- is also active in advocacy work on behalf Employees’ Potential,” highlighting the ing and beneficial session. of the American business community in importance of psychometric assess- Thailand. ments to accurately determine which candidates will make the best fit for your INDEPENDENCE DAY PICNIC 2017 Accomplishments: The Legal organization. The presentation focused COMMITTEE Committee increased its collaboration on the different tools available and their with other foreign chambers of com- comparative strengths and weaknesses. Committee Leadership: Tom Whit- merce, particularly the British Chamber craft, RMA Asia of Commerce in Thailand (BCCT), in 2017. August: Trying something new, the HR Board Liaison: Vira-Anong Chiranak- The Committee also continued its focus Committee hosted a small-group sharing horn Phutrakul, Citibank Thailand on joint-committee events since there is session, inviting just 19 HR leaders from a legal aspect to almost all commercial some of the larger Thai and multinational Mission: Provide a day of family en- activity. The Thai government has en- AMCHAM member companies. This was tertainment celebrating the 4th of July acted a substantial amount of legislation

34 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 over the past few years, and the Legal Mission: To share information on re- Terrorism in Asia by Phill Hynes, Head Committee has and will continue to con- gional safety and security issues with of Political Risk and Analysis, ISS Risk duct events assessing how such legisla- AMCHAM members, and develops part- - RSO and Consular Panel Discussion tion has been implemented in practice. nerships with the local Overseas Secu- presented by Sarah Duffy, Chief of rity Advisory Council (OSAC) to further American Citizen Services US Embas- Consistent with AMCHAM’s “Thailand 4.0” security awareness. Discusses general sy; Pete Riva, RSO US Embassy; Layla theme for 2017, the Legal Committee security information, issues, and events Slatter, HM Consul, UK Embassy; Sean conducted events on the legal aspects pertaining to Thailand and the region in Hughes; Regional Overseas Security of IP commercialization and Thailand’s order to advance corporate safety and Manager, UK Embassy; Kirsten Fletch- digital economy. The Legal Committee security standards. er, First Secretary and Consul, Austra- welcomed the Director General of the lian Embassy. Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), 2017 Accomplishments: The com- the US Patent and Trademark Office mittee continued our close cooperation (USPTO), and regional legal and business with both OSAC and the U.S. Embassy’s SME COMMITTEE experts from Singapore for a discussion Regional Security Office. Our first meet- of how trade secrets can add value to ing was held jointly with OSAC, and our Committee Leadership: Paul Robere, business. The Legal Committee conduct- second meeting was hosted by ASIS Robere & Associates; Greg Boudah, ed its traditional annual employment law Thailand in coordination with the Secu- Spokes Jewelry Services Limited; Hon- roundup by partnering with the HR Com- rity Committee and OSAC. The meetings orary Sergeant at Arms, Kevin Windfield, mittee. The anti-corruption event for were all well attended by business profes- Manhattan Asset Management 2017 featured a talk by the Department sionals from the security sector and oth- Board Liaison: Dale Lee, CoffeeWORKS of Justice Attaché at the US Embassy in er business sectors. Thailand. The Legal Committee hosted Mission: Provide a platform for small- an event on international arbitration with The first meeting of the year took place and medium-sized enterprises to share the BCCT that featured a talk by a prom- on May 25 at the Shangri-La Hotel and their collective entrepreneurial experi- inent U.S.-based British solicitor who included general security remarks from ences in Thailand, obtain useful infor- specializes in international arbitration, in- the U.S. Embassy’s Regional Security Offi- mation from recognized local experts on cluding investor-state arbitration. cer (RSO) and a talk on “Security’s Role in challenges that SME company leaders Brand Protection” led by Coca Cola ASE- face, and learn of affordable high-quality With the BCCT, the Legal Committee AN’s Security Director and Public Affairs services and products that SME compa- co-hosted a multi-chambers briefing on Director. nies can obtain. Thailand’s Computer Crimes Act. As part of its assessment of recently enacted leg- The second yearly meeting was held on 2017 Accomplishments: The Commit- islation, the Legal Committee welcomed October 19 at the Marriott Grand Marquis tee hosted or co-hosted nine programs, a Commissioner of the Trade Competition Queen’s Park Hotel. This daylong event with an average of 24 attendees covering Commission and a distinguished econo- was entitled “Emerging Risks, Cyber- topics including: financial planning, - in mist to give their insights on the recently crime, and Terrorism Affecting Security vestment opportunities, promoting your enacted trade competition law. The Legal and Supply Chain in Southeast Asia.” Top- business on the Internet, strategic plan- Committee also conducted an event as- ics and guest speakers were: ning, lessons learned by expats, IT devel- sessing Thailand’s class action legislation opment, using the Internet for financial that was enacted several years ago. - Transportation Asset Protection Asso- transactions, and tax planning for your ciation (TAPA) by Petri Kelo, Managing business. All of the topics were well pre- The Legal Committee will continue to en- Director TAPA Service Center Thailand. sented by highly qualified speakers and gage in advocacy work on all aspects of - OSAC Mission and Overview by Pete well received. The leadership intended Thai law that affect US business interests. Riva, RSO US Embassy. to provide a wide range of subjects that The Legal Committee’s planning meeting - Indominable Hydra: Transnational Ter- would appeal to the majority of the par- for 2018 took place at noon on 18 De- rorist Threat by Dr. Jolene Jerard, Re- ticipants. In some cases it was felt that the cember 2017, and all members of other search Fellow, Nanyang University. subject matter covered more than one committees were strongly encouraged - Southern Thailand and its Implica- committee and as such, it was promoted to attend this and future planning events tions for Security in Thailand by Jason as a joint event. to suggest Legal Committee programs. Morris, Manager Asia, Intelligent Risks. - Logistical Support during Evacuations We started our programs in January with by Shaun Boulter, Regional Security a presentation on the “Startup Ecosys- SECURITY COMMITTEE Director, Global Secure, AXA Partners. tem in Thailand” by Mark Wolf. The pre- - Southeast Asia: An Evolving Cyber senter has vetted and judged hundreds Committee Leadership: Henny Bee- Threat Landscape by Christopher of startups in Thailand, and provided the ber, AES Group; Jake Sauer, Chevron Mosby, CIO and Senior Security Con- committee with valuable information on Board Liaison: Herman Ehrlich, Conrad sultant, Movaci how to start a company in this special- Bangkok - Regionalization and Connectivity of ized arena.

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 35 SPECIAL UPDATES

In March, the SME’s favorite Lawyer, Khun In October, the SME Committee pre- over 1.4 million Baht, an increase of over Kowit Sornwaiya, joined the committee sented an overview of “How to succeed 390,000 Baht from 2016. Thanks to ev- to discuss Intellectual Property for SMEs with Social Media” by Spunky Digital. The eryone who attended these popular and startups. owners of the firm shared a great deal of events and helped our scholarship stu- experience with the committee on how dents meet their financial needs. April allowed us to present the program social media could help develop their that was postponed from February by business. We will continue in 2018 with Spring BrandNow. They brought information and Fall Bowling and Memorial Day and about the “Three Cornerstones of Per- Our last scheduled meeting of the year Thanksgiving Golf tournaments. We are sonal Branding” to the organization. This was a joint meeting with the Legal Com- always exploring new ways to raise mon- was an interesting subject to the entire mittee as we discussed the 2017 Annual ey for the ATF and to bring further joy and SME Committee. U.S. Individual Tax Update. This was es- value to AMCHAM members. The total pecially timely as everyone was contem- raised by the current Committee leader- In May, the SME Committee was intro- plating the new tax changes and how ship adds up to over $560,000 USD for duced to the “How-Tos of the Digital they would affect the SME community. A the ATF! Content Industry.” The presentation was December planning meeting took place made by Mr. Andrew Djie, the Country to plan for the 2018 Committee year; sev- Manager of 9th Studio. He is a German eral individuals have already volunteered TAX COMMITTEE National living in Thailand for more than to present next year, so we’re looking for- 11 years, so he was was well suited to ad- ward to an informative and value-added Committee Leadership: John Andes, dress the concerns and questions from meeting. KPMG; Jonathan Blaine, DFDL the Committee. Board Liaison: Teera Phutrakul, JT Fi- nancial Planners In July, the Committee hosted “Return of SPORTS COMMITTEE the Lawyers” once again to answer ques- Mission: To provide an effective forum tion from the committee regarding: (1) Committee Leadership: Kevin Wind- to discuss tax matters relevant to mem- Corporate and Compliance Matters, (2) field, Manhattan Asset Management bers and inform them of changes and Commercial Transaction Laws and Prac- Board Liaison: James Amatavivadhana, requirements on US tax matters. tices, (3) Funding and Collateral Issues Minor International and (4) Brand Building and Know-How 2017 Accomplishments: Greg Lam- Protection. Khun Kowit Somwaiya and Mission: Help AMCHAM members and ont retired from PwC in 2017 and also Mr. Alan Adcock led the discussion. their guests have fun and have fun giv- resigned as a committee member during ing to the AMCHAM Thailand Foundation 2017. We wish him the best of luck in his In August, we were able to bring back Mr. (ATF). The Sports Committee organizes retirement. Jonathan Blaine from DFDL Carl Heaton, who presented his “Website four tournaments a year, and all proceeds joined the committee in 2017, replacing Optimization Workshop” to the Commit- go to the ATF. his colleague Jack Sheehan who served tee. With over 18 years of experience in on the committee last year. the development of web design, Carl 2017 Accomplishments: The Sports gave a presentation with hands-on ac- Committee organized two charity golf There were some interesting devel- tivities that helped everyone understand tournaments in 2017, planned around opments in Thai and US tax changes, their web applications. the Memorial Day and Thanksgiving hol- and we kept members informed either idays in May and November. The primary through Tax Committee meetings or up- In September, we had a joint committee objective of these events is raising funds dates in TA-B Magazine. meeting with the Food and Agri-Business for the ATF, but it’s also a great way for committee to visit the Dairy Home dairy members and their guests to network In June, the Tax Committee held a meet- and the Minor Cheese and Ice Cream and socialize informally on the links. Be- ing and sought comments from mem- Factory. Both organizations were very tween the two golf tournaments, the bers about the Thai Revenue’s proposal hospitable, and provided very informa- Committee raised over 963,000 Baht. to amend the Thai Revenue Code for tive information about their activities. E-commerce business operators. The The Dairy Home presentation was from The Committee also organized two char- comments were accumulated and a let- the owner, who took the time to show ity bowling events, held in September ter was issued by AMCHAM to the Reve- us his farm and how he had utilized and March, with the aim of getting more nue Department providing commentary, eco-friendly applications to make his AMCHAM members involved, having a questions, and suggestions to the pro- Dairy a “green application.” The Minor fun night, and raising money for the ATF. posed amendments. Cheese and Ice Cream factory gave us a Combined, the two charity bowling tour- plant tour and shared many samples of naments raised over 444,000 Baht. Allowing a public hearing and com- cheese and ice cream. It was a delightful mentary on legislation was a new, but day on the road. The combined 2017 contribution from welcomed, procedure for the Revenue all Sports Committee events totaled Department. A second hearing will be

36 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 available in January 2018 as a result of Sudsawad, Seagate; Ian Hamilton, Colliers year’s meeting highlights: the overwhelming feedback the Reve- International nue Department received. The Tax Com- Board Liaison: Steve D. Rich, Caterpillar - Meetings with the Ministry of Industry mittee co-hosted another meeting in No- on the introduction of EEC and with vember 2017 to get members’ responses Mission: To enhance the trade and in- the National Assembly Sub-Com- to the first round of hearings and to ob- vestment policy environment and allow mittees on Logistics and Transpor- tain further clarifications and concerns in U.S. companies investing and operating tation. These meetings were a joint order to submit to the second round of in Thailand to continually improve their effort between the TIC and the Auto hearings. competitiveness, to increase market Council to advocate that EEC policies access with the same level of playing should include existing investors. Base erosion profits shifting (or BEPS) field, and to reduce or eliminate trade - A special talk in Pattaya on “Pre- was another important issue in Thailand and investment barriers while promot- paring Quality Workers for Industry this year. The Thai government agreed ing business relationships between the 4.0,” jointly organized with the Auto to the Initial Framework, but in so doing, U.S. and Thailand and among ASEAN Council and the HR Committee and the OECD did a peer review of Thai in- countries. presented by Khun Kittipong Prom- centives and found that at least five were wong, Ph.D, Secretary-General of “harmful tax practices,” including the 2017 Accomplishments: Throughout Thailand National Science, Technol- IHQ, ROH, ITC and Treasury Center incen- the year, the Trade and Investment Com- ogy & Innovation Policy Office. TIC tives, which caused the Thai authorities mittee (TIC) has continued to have close also organized a panel discussion to agree to adopt amendments to these cooperation with other AMCHAM com- bringing together four industry ex- harmful regimes. The Tax Committee mittees, namely the Auto Council, HR perts from the electronics & IT man- co-hosted another meeting in Novem- Committee, Customs & Excise Commit- ufacturing industry (Jeffrey Nygaard, ber 2017 to seek members’ concerns tee, and other foreign chambers’ eastern SVP & Head of Global Operations & and suggestions about amendments to seaboard committees to discuss Thai- Supply Chain, Seagate Technology these incentives. land’s current economic development ); the automotive industry (Khun plans related to the trade and investment Somnuek Ngamtrakulchol, VP-ASE- The objective with the E-commerce tax climate. AN of Human Resources of General legislation and tax incentives amend- Motors); the aerospace & aviation ments is to provide AMCHAM’s com- The “Thailand 4.0” Vision and the govern- industry (Remy Maita, President of ments to the Thai authorities, and then ment’s 20-year strategic initiatives, par- Triumph Aviation Services and Tri- seek to have a meeting with the author- ticularly the Eastern Economic Corridor umph Group); and the precision op- ities to emphasize the concerns of the (EEC) Development Plan, introduced in tical & electro-mechanical industry members. February of 2017, have created oppor- (Harpal Gill, Ph.D., President & COO tunities for TIC to engage more with our of Fabrinet). The Tax Committee also hosted its annu- stakeholders, despite the slow progress - A lunch and talk entitled “ASEAN Re- al U.S. tax update in November 2017. The of the Regional Comprehensive Econom- gional Connectivity Update” by As- update included developments affecting ic Partnership (RCEP) and no new bilater- sociate Professor Ruth Banomyong, US taxpayers’ tax returns. The meeting al trade or FTA for Thailand. Ph.D., from the Department of Inter- also included an overview of the US Con- national Business, Logistics & Trans- gress’s tax reform bills and the impact on TIC certainly supports the new econom- port Management of Thammasat U.S. taxpayers. ic model of Thailand 4.0 and we believe University. the EEC is one of the critical strategies to - A special talk on “Automation, Ro- The committee would like to see more achieve the Thailand 4.0 Vision and will botics, and Impact on Work” jointly participation at meetings. If you are not propel Thailand toward the next era of organized with the Auto Council and able or interested in attending, please economic development and long-term presented by three guest speakers: pass on the announcement of Tax Com- prosperity. Tomas Koch, PhD, senior partner at mittee meetings to your finance, tax and McKinsey & Company; Markus Lo- legal colleagues at your companies. The The TIC had planning meetings, engaged renzini, President & CEO of Siemens committee also welcomes the opportu- with policy makers, organized TIC special Thailand; and Djitt Laowattana, PhD, nity to jointly host meetings to reach a talks with other committees, and hosted Associate Professor and a Committee wider group of AMCHAM members. various keynote speakers and industry Member of Robotics Clusters of the leaders with the aim of better under- Thai Government, and Founder and standing the newly introduced econom- Advisor at the Institute of Field Ro- TRADE AND INVESTMENT ic policy model of Thailand 4.0 and the botics, King Mongkut’s University of COMMITTEE EEC plans and priorities, and exchang- Technology Thonburi. ing views among the business commu- Committee Leadership: David Nar- nity on the government-promoted 10 In addition to the above events, the TIC done, Hemaraj Land and Development; S-Curve Industries, called the “Industry leaders participated in several policy di- Anutra Sinchaipanich, Caterpillar; Kwanjit 4.0” under the vision of Thailand 4.0. This alogues and courtesy visits to several

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 37 SPECIAL UPDATES

government agencies led by the Govern- During the summer months, Commit- 2017 goal was again to raise over Baht ment Affairs Council. These engagement tee members attended “The New Ex- 200,000 in support of the AMCHAM activities are part of AMCHAM’s advo- cise Tax and Its Implications” seminar, Thailand Foundation’s Adopt-a-School cacy efforts to address issues as well as opened by Wisutr Srisuphan, Deputy program. Thanks to various venues, new strengthen the diplomatic relationship of Minister of Finance, and Khun Nutta- and old sponsors, and joint chamber ac- and people-to-people ties between the korn Uthensutr, Director of Tax Planning, tivities, the goal is within reach as the final U.S. and Thailand. Excise Department, who spoke on the event of the year approaches. new Excise Act. The seminar was hosted by the Customs & Excise Committee in The year’s YPC events were designed TRAVEL & TOURISM COMMITTEE cooperation with the BCCT, and several to promote increased awareness of the hospitality suppliers and operators at- committee, mix with other chambers, Committee Leadership: Charles Block- tended to find out how it would affect and increase average event attendance. er, InVision Hospitality; Benjamin Krieg, their businesses. The Committee also In total, the committee hosted nine Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20; Jackson supported the 2nd “Digi.travel Thailand events, including seven regularly sched- Ferguson, Anantara Siam Hotel International Digital Tourism Confer- uled networking events in new venues, Board Liaison: Herman Ehrlich, Conrad ence & Expo.” one multi-chamber speed networking Bangkok event with more than 100 guests, and In September, the Committee provided one all-chambers young professionals Mission: Promote the travel and tourism support for Atlanta, Georgia-based In- networking event at Ce La Vi, which wel- markets in Thailand and the U.S. by facil- ternational Society of Hospitality Con- comed almost 250 guests and raised itating communication and developing sultants’ (ISHC) Annual Conference with nearly 50,000 baht. business between Thailand’s private and Khun Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister public sector, and within the AMCHAM of Tourism and Sports as an invited guest Increased young professional activity community of businesses. and speaker. in other chambers, as well as conflict- ing dates, changing leadership, and an 2017 Accomplishments: In addition The Committee hosted the “Sustainabil- unusually high number of holidays this to promoting the Thai market, the TTC ity Trends in Hospitality” Conference in year prevented additional growth. The worked to support outbound travel cooperation with the Thai Hotels Asso- committee is exploring new ways to en- from Thailand and the Greater Mekong ciation in October. And in November, in tertain guests for next year, such as guest Sub-Region (GMS) to the U.S. and pro- cooperation with AustCham, the Com- speakers, wine tastings, joint chambers mote the U.S. as a tourist destination. mittee hosted Khun Kobkarn Wattanav- collaborations, and other activities with This effort included cooperation with rangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, wider appeal. U.S. Commercial Services officers with- who gave a presentation on the current in the U.S. Embassy to enhance and state and future outlook of tourism in The committee once again served as a support “Brand USA” and ongoing B2G Thailand and efforts to regionalize the recruiting tool for AMCHAM, updating ventures. tourism industry. guests with upcoming events and opportunities, as well as a special Young Profes- The Committee also successfully mi- sionals member rate. We grew our direct grated the Phuket Chapter to the Travel YOUNG PROFESSIONALS mailing list and ran promotions through & Tourism Committee in Bangkok, and COMMITTEE Facebook to achieve a larger audience drew new membership from the Phuket and will continue to do so, although Hotels Association which has more than Committee Leadership: Eliot Delunas, AMCHAM is absorbing the independent 50 member hotels in Greater Phuket. Nitro Labs; Joseph Willan, DFDL Young Professionals page by the end of Board Liaison: Wail Farghaly, GM this year. The Committee’s events kicked off in January with the Thailand Tourism Forum Mission: Facilitate social networking YPC will continue to distinguish itself (TTF) 2017 at the InterContinental Bang- events for young professionals from AM- through the charitable Adopt-a-School kok, with 550 delegates in attendance. CHAM’s member companies and beyond, mission. With an upcoming school dona- The event was co-organized with C9 Ho- and provide a fun and informal platform tion scheduled for January 2018 in Phit- telworks with strong sponsorship from to connect with other young profession- sanulok province, the Committee looks Horwath, QUO, JLL, STR and Delivering als in the city. All proceeds from events to increase fundraising, increase spon- Asia Communications. support AMCHAM Thailand Foundation’s sorships, and host at least 10 events for Adopt-a-School Program. the 2018 calendar year. In February, Police Col. Acharyon Krai- thong, Deputy Commander of the Royal 2017 Accomplishments: Under new Thai Tourism Police presented “Road Safe- leadership this year, the committee ty and Safety & Security Intelligence” in co- kicked off 2017 by dedicating two play- operation with the Joint Foreign Chambers grounds to underprivileged schools in of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT). Rayong in January. The committee’s

38 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 LEGAL UPDATES Recent Legal Changes Affecting Business New Trade Competition Act Took Effect

he Trade Competition Act (TCA) of mandates that any merger that may criteria for such a relationship will be T2017, which was published in the Roy- lead to a possible monopoly or mar- clarified further in OTCC regulations. al Gazette in July 2017, came into force ket dominance requires prior approv- • In addition, the TCA clarifies the scope on October 5. The main content of the al from the OTCC. The TCA also sets of unfair trade practices, as follows: TCA concerns the regulation of mergers, out criteria for the OTCC to consider - Intervening in the business oper- and it will likely lead to many significant while reviewing applications, and sets ations of other operators without changes, including expanding the powers out a timeframe and procedures for reasonable grounds. of the Office of Trade Competition Com- rejection or approval of applications. - Unfairly fixing the price levels of mission (OTCC), and making the OTCC in- Post-merger notification mandates goods or services. dependent from the government. Other that any merger resulting in signifi- - Unfairly setting conditions that important provisions in the Act: cant reduction of competition must limit the ability or opportunity of be reported to the OTCC within seven other operators to conduct man- • The TCA provides a more detailed days from the date of the merger. ufacturing, trade in goods or ser- definition of a business operator with • The TCA distinguishes between an- vices, or procure credit. market dominance. This requires the ticompetitive agreements within the - Suspending, reducing, or limiting OTCC to set criteria to identify a mar- same market (“hardcore cartels”) and the provision of goods or services, ket-dominant operator, such as mar- anticompetitive agreements in any or causing damages to goods, with ket share and turnover, and to review market (“non-hardcore cartels”). Both the intention of reducing market the definition of such an operator at types of anticompetitive agreements supply to be below demand. least once every three years. may be exempted from the provi- • The TCA provides a dual merger sions of the new TCA if they have a For more information, contact Tilleke & control system. Pre-merger approval relationship “in policy or control.” The Gibbins at [email protected]

IP Rights Recordation System for Trademark Enforcement and Protection

ne of the best ways to stop coun- For the purposes of recordation, the and will stay in effect as long as the trade- Oterfeit products from entering into application would have to be filed with mark registration is active. This will give the market is at the borders before the IP Right Suppression Department of the IP right holder the assurance that entry into Thailand’s territory via the the Department of Intellectual property any allegedly infringing product can be IP Rights Recordation System. This al- (DIP), who will then notify the Customs stopped at ANY border entry. lows for IP right holders to record their of the recordal. IP rights with Customs for border pro- The recording will give Customs the tection. This recording however is only The documents required for recordation authority to suspend or detain not limited to the recording of IP rights for at Customs are fairly straight forward, only the importation or exportation of trademarks. and include an application for recorda- infringing goods, but also goods that tion of trademark rights; a copy of the are in transit. Since the recording of IP For the purposes of filing an application certificate of trademark registration; a rights offers a nationwide protection, for the recordation of trademark rights, Power of Attorney and, more important- enforcements can be initiated by the the actual infringing of goods/counter- ly, some explanatory documents and/or right holder’s request or by the author- feits is not required to entitle an IP right information that may be useful to dis- ity (ex officio). holder to apply for the recordation. This tinguish counterfeit and genuine goods makes it convenient for any trademark (such as catalogues, photographs, sam- For more information, contact Ms. owners to apply for recording their trade- ples, etc.), together with an Affidavit. Pavinee Bunyamissara, Partner, Chavalit mark. In such case, the recording of their & Associates Limited (SCL Law Group) at rights is in place, even before a potential Once recorded with Customs, this will [email protected] threat to their IP right has occurred. effect a nationwide Customs recordation

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 39 MEMBER NEWS Bone-In Beef is Back in Thailand

After a nearly 15-year absence, U.S. bone-in beef is available “At the JW Marriott and New York Steakhouse, we continuingly pro- once again in Thailand. Cuts such as tomahawk, rib eye, t-bone, vide the best service and products to our guests, and as part of our and prime rib can now be found in restaurants and supermarkets commitment to excellence, we proudly announce the newest addi- thanks to the lifting of import restrictions on beef from the United tion to our menu: the return of U.S. bone-in beef,” said Kevin B. Thom- States. The move was celebrated at a November reception at the son, Executive Chef at New York Steakhouse. “Our guests were the residence of U.S. Ambassador Glyn Davies. With more than 200 ex- first in Bangkok and Thailand to experience the world’s finest beef in ecutive chefs and food and beverage managers in attendance, the previously unavailable cuts. The Porterhouse and Bone-in Rib Eye reception marked the reintroduction of premium American steaks have been particularly popular, selling out in the first evening. We will at top restaurants. continue to offer and promote these cuts to anchor our menu.” PepsiCo and Suntory Embark on Joint Venture in Thailand

In March, PepsiCo will team up with Suntory of Japan to launch a agement of the joint venture, which will serve as the bottler for both joint venture, signaling a new round in the local soda wars. PepsiCo companies in Thailand. Suntory and PepsiCo have an established currently has the second-largest share of the market in Thailand, record of successfully working together in other markets, including which is Southeast Asia’s second-largest soft drink market. The the United States, Japan, Vietnam and New Zealand. move will leverage PepsiCo’s existing manufacturing, marketing, and distribution position in Thailand. Suntory is angling to boost its presence in the market, while Pep- siCo aims to significantly expand its product portfolio. Pepsi was Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, PepsiCo’s Thai- once the top-selling cola in Thailand, but a 2013 dispute with its land beverage business, operating as International Refreshment Thai partner, Serm Suk Plc., led to a corporate separation and Pepsi (Thailand) Co., will change its name to Suntory PepsiCo Beverage lost its leadership position to Coca Cola. The company has set a (Thailand) Co. Suntory paid $289 million to acquire a 51 percent goal of recapturing the top slot over the next three to five years, and stake, while PepsiCo will retain 49 percent of the formidable new the joint venture is designed to help meet that goal. PepsiCo will alliance. Suntory and PepsiCo leaders will hold key roles in the man- continue to independently operate its foods business in Thailand. Chubb Opens New Division for SMEs in APAC

Chubb has established new a division in Asia Pacific dedicated to continue to play an expanding role in the local economies across the risk management needs of small and medium sized enter- the region,” said Jason Keen, Chubb’s Regional Head of Property prises (SMEs). This new business division focuses solely on de- & Casualty. “We can provide SMEs a differentiated offering to help livering a sustainable value proposition to SMEs through tailored them thrive.” The new division includes local SME teams in each distribution strategies, innovative products, and convenient sales country, along with three new regional positions in Asia Pacific: platforms. Michael Cellura, Head of Small Commercial Division; Kieran Bren- nan, Head of Product Development, Small Commercial Division; “SMEs’ demands for risk management are rapidly evolving as they and Rob Cameron, Head of Actuarial, Small Commercial Divison.

Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel Unveils New Guestrooms Deluxe and Premier guestrooms at the Anantara Siam Bangkok bathroom with a deep soaking tub and separate glass enclosed Hotel got an injection of fresh luxury thanks to a recently complet- shower. The addition of complimentary smartphones in every ed redesign by Jeffrey A. Wilkes of LTW Designworks. Recognized room gives guests unlimited international calls and texts to 25 for his ability to blend cosmopolitan influences with tradition, countries, and 4G and preloaded apps to explore Bangkok with Wilkes infused the rooms with a more contemporary aesthetic, ease. greeting guests with a subtle Thai character that remains true to the ethos of the Anantara brand. The 307 new Deluxe and The refurbishment of the Deluxe and Premier guestrooms com- Premier guestrooms feature details like Thai silk wall panels and pletes a 470 million Baht project that also upgraded the hotel’s antique maps of Bangkok, and baths feature an en-suite marble suites and public spaces. 40 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT Government Affairs Council Meets with Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society

On November 2, AMCHAM’s Government Affairs Council and representatives of six AMCHAM member companies (Caterpillar, Chevron Thailand Exploration & Production, Citibank, Ford Motor, ISM Technology Recruitment, and Seagate Technology) met with Khun Ajarin Pattanapanchai, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, to discuss the latest Thai government’s policy, Digital Economy issues, and AMCHAM’s cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society in a AMCHAM President Jeffrey Nygaard and Ajarin Pattanapanchai, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Digital consultative capacity. Economy and Society (center) with meeting attendees.

Government Affairs Council Meets with Secretary General of Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)

On November 3, AMCHAM’s Government Affairs Council and representatives of five AMCHAM member companies (Caterpillar, Citibank, Ford Motor, ISM Technology Recruitment, and Seagate Technology) met with Khun Duangjai Asawachintachit, Secretary General, Board of Investment and Khun Chokedee Kaewsang, Deputy Secretary General, Board of Investment to discuss the latest Thai government policy, investment promotion issues, and AMCHAM’s long- term cooperation with the BOI.

AMCHAM President Jeffrey Nygaard and Duangjai Asawachintachit, Secretary General, Board of Investment (holding present at left) and AMCHAM President Emeritus Brad Middleton and Chokedee Kaewsang, Deputy Secretary General, Board of Investment (holding present at right) with meeting attendees.

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 41 AMCHAM’S PREMIER SOCIAL EVENT OF THE YEAR 2015 amcham governors ball

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

I wish to thank our generous 2017 able to put on more than 250 meetings, Corporate Partners, listed at the bottom programs, and events during the year of this page. As a reminder, we are now without all the resources provided by the 2015 amchamsigning up 2018 governors Corporate Partners; our Board and Committee ball leaders. A huge Partnership packages are designed to thank you also to U.S. Ambassador Glyn encompass a host of benefits, including T. Davies for being there when we need AMCHAM Membership, sponsorship him, and to Greg Wong and the staff at for AMCHAM events and sports the U.S. Commercial Service for being come chill out!tournaments, and opportunities for such fabulous partners. And of course, promotional space in AMCHAM media a thank you to the AMCHAM office along with a number of other privileges. team which is there working behind Please contact the AMCHAM office for the scenes at each and every AMCHAM Saturday, April 25, 2015more details if you are interested. event. The Corporate Partnership package You may have heard by now that I will includes sponsorship of the 2018 be leaving AMCHAM Thailand after Shangri-La HotelGovernors Ball on May 5, 2018. This is more than sixteen years. The Board of one of the best galas in town and attracts Governors has engaged an executive Dear AMCHAM Members, more than 500 members and guests for recruiting firm to assist in recruiting a a fun evening of dining and dancing, new Executive Director and hopefully Why does it feel like I just wrote a year- and this year we’ll enjoy “A Night on a successor will be identified during 6 pm -end 1 message ama few months ago? The Broadway” at the Shangri-La Hotel. We the first half of 2018. I will be around year has certainly passed quickly. It was will also hold a spectacular silent auction for a couple months more as I have a busy year, particularly as we expanded which supports the AMCHAM Thailand committed to ensuring a smooth our advocacy efforts. Thecome Royal Thai Foundation chill and its crucial educational out! transition. This is not the time for me to Government showed a willingness to programs. Please mark the date – we’ll say goodbye as I expect that I have one engage frequently with the Chamber announce tickets sales soon, so start or two more Executive Director letters this year. As a result,Saturday, we had many getting your friendsApril together for a25, table! left! 2015 However, in the meantime, if you are outstanding meetings and programs More details on page 43. aware of anyone who would fit the profile which allowed the Chamber Shangri-Laand Hotelof leading the U.S. business community members to discuss issues of mutual I want to extend my sincere gratitude in Thailand, please let me or a member benefit. and thanks to the 2017 President, Jeff of the Board of Governors know. Nygaard,6 pm and to the- 20171 AMCHAMam At the Chamber office, we started Board of Governors and Committee Best regards, Enjoy champagne, Tickets: with planning for 2018 right afterThe the leadersevent for all the timesupports and support they October Annual General Meeting, as we put into making the Chamber successful drinks, a four-couse Baht 4,000 perhave manyperson standing events thatthe must AMCHAMthis year. The Chamber office has just get on the calendar and the planning ten professional and administrative staff Judy Benn dinner, dancing and Black Tie or startsTheme early! Thailandmembers, and Charitablewe would not have been 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

42 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 Platinum Sponsors: Gold Sponsors: Silver Sponsors:

Tel: +66 2687 7800 www.asiantigers-mobility.com

For more information, please contact [email protected] AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN THAILAND FOUNDATION

mer Com ce in of Th er a b ila m n a d h F C o ATF Scholarship u n n a

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n m A Recipients Get ม ูล ย น ท ิธ ศไ ิหอ เท กา ระ Oriented in Bangkok รค้าอเมริกันในป

AMCHAM Thailand Foundation scholarship recipients participated in workshops and community service projects during the Orientation Camp.

he newest recipients of AMCHAM Thailand Foundation (ATF) scholarships traveled to Bangkok from all parts of the country for a three-day TOrientation Camp hosted by AMCHAM. Running from November 3-5, the camp is a vital part of ATF’s scholarship program, which helps cover the tuition and expenses of promising young Thai university students with demonstrated financial needs.

This year, the 39 students who attended the camp gained valuable skills and learned how to get the most from their scholarships and their connection to AMCHAM. In addition to learning how to fulfill the re- the concept of community service, which Wilai from Chiangrai Rajabhat University. quirements of their scholarships (more on they are required to perform in order “Working together with my fellow schol- that below), they got a warm welcome to meet their scholarship requirements. arship recipients and new friends and do- the AMCHAM family, including presenta- ing something good for the Mercy Cen- tions on the issues that are important to On the last day of the Orientation Camp ter children has given me a tremendous American businesses in Thailand. the students visited the Mercy Centre sense of accomplishment and joy.” Farm, where they had a chance to apply Workshops included everything from their newly-acquired understanding of AMCHAM would like to thank Jeunesse basic communications skills to how to community service by planting rice and Global (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Interna- make responsible decisions when drink- vegetables, and repairing a walkway. tional School Bangkok for their support ing. There was a crash course on driving “Now I understand the importance of giv- in sponsoring meals and community ser- safety, and students were introduced to ing back to the community,” said Khun vice activities.

44 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 Eggnog Party Proceeds Donated to Father Joe’s Mercy Centre

Revelers at AMCHAM’s annual Festive Holiday Eggnog Party held on December 7 at Anantara Siam Hotel opened their hearts and wallets and raised 43,750 Baht for the Human Development Foun- dation’s Mercy Centre. AMCHAM Pres- ident Jeff Nygaard and AMCHAM staff visited the Mercy Centre to present the funds raised along with donated toys to the Centre.

The Mercy Centre, cofounded by Father Joseph Maier, has been providing education and support for children in dis- advantaged communities since 1972. Today, the Centre is part of the Human Development Foundation – a U.S. registered 501(c)3 charitable organization – and provides education and quality of life assistance to over 6,000 children and to Pictured are Prawina Sompong of the Mercy Centre, Sheree Tanpensuk of AMCHAM, Father Joseph more than 5,000 adults. Maier, and AMCHAM President Jeff Nygaard.

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ม ูล ย น ไท future workforce! ิธ ศ ิหอ เท กา ระ Invest รค้า นป อเมริกันใ Sponsor-A-Student Since 1976, AMCHAM has supported educational development in Thailand. Through the AMCHAM Thailand Foundation scholarships are awarded to underprivileged Thai university students. At the end of their studies, students converge in Bangkok for a three-day Career Camp to learn basic job skills and meet AMCHAM member companies. Scholarship students have gone on to ﬁnd employment with companies like Chevron, Esso, Ford, Nestle, Bayer, and Kenan Institute Asia and contribute to the develop-ment of the Thai economy and society.

Name: Supanan Name: Yang University: Chiang Mai University University: Rajabhat Chiang Rai University Major: Political Sciences/International Affairs Major: English Khun Supanan has been living with her Khun Yang has constantly performed well in cousin since being orphaned at the age of her studies and has represented her 14. She works part-time as a waitress to primary and secondary school in numerous supplement her family’s income. She has competitions. She has volunteered to help received two certificates for outstanding teach English to hill tribe children as she is academic performance in 2016 and 2017, from the Hmong minority. She dreams of and is an active member of the Democratic becoming a translator in order to help Youth Party at her university. She is also on bridge the differences between communi- the committee of the American Studies Club. ties.

We are seeking donations to keep this successful and critically important program funded. You can contribute by donating: • 90,000 Baht - provides a scholarship for three years and participation in the Orientation & Career Camps in Bangkok • 25,000 Baht - provides a scholarship for one year • 10,000 Baht - provides an opportunity for a student to attend Career Camp in Bangkok

The above proﬁles are only a few of the students available for sponsorship. If you would like to sponsor a student or ﬁnd out more about our programs, please contact [email protected] or call 02-254-1041 ext 212

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 45 EVENTS ROUNDUP Turkey ChariTEE Golf Tournament 2017

AMCHAM’s Turkey Day ChariTee Golf Tournament raised almost 520,000 Baht for the AMCHAM Thailand Foundation and provided a great day of golf, prizes, food, and fun for over 120 golfers at the Vintage Club Golf Course on November 24. Thank you to the Sports Committee, the event sponsors, and everyone who participated.

The view from the bunker. Big thanks to Citibank for bringing Pro With spicy tacos and great guacamole, the food from Coach to the game! Mexicano restaurant at Rembrandt Hotel was a hole in uno.

The Spokes Jewelry model at the Pizza Company! Golfers cool off with Dairy Queen ice cream sandwiches.

Team Western Digital took 1st place in the The Rembrandt Hotel team bagged 1st The Manhattan Asset Management team Championship Flight. place in the Professional Flight. looking good on the links.

46 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 Santa Fe Relocation Services did some heavy lifting in support of the Charity Hole. Thank you to Bumrungrad for providing an ambulance and ER team on standby.

Mexicano restaurant provided food and live Showing off good form on the green. Players check their scores. entertainment.

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Platinum Sponsors Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsor

Event Partners

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 47 EVENTS ROUNDUP

Social Networking Hosted by the Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside On November 8, AMCHAM members gathered on a scenic terrace overlooking the Chao Phraya River at the Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside hotel for the November Social Networking evening. Thanks to Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside’s generosity in hosting the evening, guests were treated to a pasta station and an array of cocktail snacks while they traded business cards with the river as a backdrop. More importantly, the event raised over 19,500 Baht, which will go towards maintaining AMCHAM Thailand Foundation’s (ATF) scholarship program. In 2017, the successful program helped cover tuition and living expenses for 175 deserving Thai university students with demonstrated financial needs.

Simon Matthews, Willem Pentermann, General Manager of Ramada Plaza David Lihn, Chommanee Suthinuk, Tom Thomson, Karnpicha Menam Riverside, David Nardone, Judy Benn, and Herman Ehrlich. Kampangkaew, Simon Matthews, Ivy Chan, and Herman Ehrlich.

Tom Payne, Judy Benn, and Simon Matthews. Kevin Sypolt, Marc Honinckx, and Jane Puranananda. Samuel Sizemore, Joseph Willan, and Thomas Deschenes.

Kochakorn Suwannachuen and the CoffeeWORKS team with Jose De Ivy Chan, Alex Stewart, and Herman Ehrlich with a guest. Jesus Ting, Director of Sales & Marketing, Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside.

Phawadee Peter, Paweena Payne, and Sarudha Netsawang. David Nardone waiting for a plate of Pad Thai. The Manpower Team sponsored the event in style.

Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 48 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 Festive Holiday Eggnog Party at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel AMCHAM members and their families came together to celebrate the festive season at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel on December 7. The event was filled with laughter and joy, along with eggnog from Minor and celebratory tipples from Independent Wine & Spirits. Lots of children’s wishes came true when Santa appeared, and all of them brought home gifts and their own special creations made at the craft tables sponsored by Rose Marie Academy. AMCHAM thanks Minor International, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, Rose Marie Academy, Independent Wine & Spirits, McThai, Bank of Ayudhya, and all of our members for their contributions in bringing true holiday spirit to the event.

Father Joe, Jackie Davies, U.S. Ambassador Glynn T. Davies, Bill Tom Thomson, Tim Welsh, Peter Fishbach, and Jim Yarbrough. Heinecke, Greg Wong, Judy Benn, and AMCHAM President Jeff Nygaard.

Teera Phutrakul, Harold Vickery, and Brendan Cunningham, Lloyd Wilson, David Lawrence and his adorably festive crew. Kidkom Phumiruk. and guest.

Members enjoy food, drink, and spirited company around the festive tables. These matching sisters are curious about Santa and his elves.

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 49 EVENTS ROUNDUP

Festive Jazzy Luncheon

Over 400 AMCHAM Members and friends gathered for the final luncheon of the year at the Conrad Bangkok on December 13. A live holiday jazz ensemble played holiday classics and attendees gamely participated in reindeer games for a chance to win dozens of lucky draw giveaways generously donated by our members. Winners took home dining vouchers from the Conrad and Rembrandt Hotel, and a special raffle of two economy class roundtrip air tickets to Los Angeles from Hong Kong Airlines drew a crowd and raised more than 40,000 Baht for AMCHAM Thailand Foundation’s scholarship program. A special rendition of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” from members of AFS Freight Services, A very lucky member from Rose Marie American Appraisal, American School of Bangkok, Berlitz Bangkok, and Boonma Moving & Storage. Academy will enjoy a trip to the U.S.A.

Sarinthip Jarunsathainchai, Horst Wiezorrek, John Holiday Jazz music from alumni and students at The lucky winner from Rose Marie Academy won Faulds, Darren Gentry, and Harold Vickery toast Mahidol University College of Music. the big ticket item of two roundtrip economy class the season. tickets to Los Angeles from HongKong Airlines.

The team from Robere & Associates gives Santa the thumbs up. The Heidrick & Struggles team checks to make sure Santa is real.

Lining up for prizes at the lucky draw. Members from Customics Tech Limited picked Everyone was a winner in the lucky draw. up prizes in the Facebook photo contest.

Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 50 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 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] COMMITTEEEVENTS ROUNDUP UPDATE

Committee Meetings: November

Energy & Environment Joint Chambers Chiang Mai Connect Networking On November 6, AMCHAM members gathered at JW Marriott to hear Dr. On November 7, the Netherlands-Thai Chamber of Commerce in conjunction Sarawut Keawtathi, Deputy Director-General, Department of Mineral Fuels, with AMCHAM and Australian, British, French, Italian, German, Singaporean, South Ministry of Energy of Thailand, discuss Thailand’s Petroleum Exploration and African, Swedish, Turkish and Belgian-Luxembourg chambers and the European Production and its Challenges. Pictured from left are Pairoj Kaweeyanun, Association of Business and Commerce (EABC) networked at the Starwork Chiang Chevron, Dr. Sarawut Keawtathi, and Jeremy R. Osterstock, Esso. Mai. Pictured are representatives of the foreign chambers and members.

Legal Multi-Chambers Briefing Food & Agri-Business On November 7, AMCHAM, in collaboration with the British Chamber of On November 8, the committee met at AMCHAM to hear about the protein and Commerce in Thailand (BCCT), AustCham, CanCham, NTCC, EABC, FTCC nutritional benefits of insects, opportunities in food and feed products, future supply and ITCC met at the British Business Centre for a Multi-Chambers Briefing capabilities, and challenges of marketing insect-based food and feeds from Massimo on IP Changes in the Thai Computer Crime Act. Pictured are the speakers, Reverberi, founder of Bugsolutely. Insect-based pasta was also served for lunch. Naughtakid Phomchan and Panisa Suwanmatajarn with committee chairs. Pictured is the speaker (holding pasta box, fourth from left) with meeting attendees.

Healthcare Joint Tax & SME On November 9, the committee met at AMCHAM to hear Dr. Allen Nazeri, On November 16, the committees met at AMCHAM’s Citi Boardroom to hear John Vice President of Business Development & Partner at Bangkok Smile MALO Andes, Partner, KPMG Phoomchai Group, and Jonathan Blaine, Tax Director, DFDL CLINIC, speak about how disruptive technologies in the dental field are Mekong (Thailand) Ltd., present the 2017 Annual U.S. Tax Update. Pictured are the enriching the lives of many. Pictured are committee leader Sudi Narasimhan two speakers (in the middle) with committee members. (second from left) and the speaker (holding present) with attendees.

52 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 Eastern Seaboard Networking Aerospace On November 17, members of the foreign chambers of commerce On November 20, members of the Aerospace Committee gathered at AMCHAM gathered at Cellar Door at Silverlake Vineyard, Pattaya, hosted by The for a presentation from Dr. Paul Robere, President, Robere and Associates Netherlands-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Belgian-Luxembourg/Thai (Thailand) Ltd. The talk, entitled “AS9100D has been released…are you prepared?” Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with AMCHAM. Pictured are the helped aerospace suppliers meet new industry-specific standards. Pictured are leaders of participating chambers. the speaker Dr. Paul Robere (center, holding gift) with meeting attendees.

Business Economics Myanmar Panel Discussion On November 28, the committee met at AMCHAM’s Citi Boardroom to hear On November 28, members met at The St. Regis Bangkok for a Panel on Myanmar how the pace of economic transformation in Asia affects prosperity and the Progress, Potential & Political Pressures led by Ed Ratcliffe, Director of Vriens & emerging middle class, presented by Dr. Pongsak Hoontrakul, member of Partners Myanmar office; Gwen Robinson, Chief Editor, Nikkei Asian Review; Tina the International Advisory Council of the Schulich School of Business, York Singsacha, Senior Advisor at Standard Chartered Bank; and Nyantha Maw Lin, University. Pictured are the speaker (center) with attendees. Senior Advisor at Vriens & Partners. Pictured are the speakers (holding presents).

Legal Multi-Chambers Briefing Energy & Environment On November 28, a panel of Thai, U.K. and U.S. lawyers met at the British On November 29, the committee met at AMCHAM’s Citi Boardroom to hear Business Centre for a discussion on the evolving Thai class action re- Richard Frankel, an environmental engineer with over 40 years of experience gime. Pictured (from left) are Timothy Breier and Chaiporn Supvoranid, in the Greater Mekong Sub-region, talk about his study on the Economics of Partners, Baker & McKenzie and Mr. Peter Shelford, Country Managing Hydropower Development in the Mekong Basin. Pictured (from right, second row) Partner, DLA Piper Thailand. are Richard Frankel, committee leader Mongkolnimit Auacherdkul, and members.

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 53 COMMITTEE UPDATE

Committee Meetings: November and December

Young Professionals Eastern Seaboard Networking On November 30, members and friends gathered at InVite Wine & Cocktail On December 15, members of the foreign chambers of commerce gathered at Bar for a social networking night and raised over 10,000 Baht for the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, Pattaya for a networking hosted by British Chamber of American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand Foundation (ATF) Adopt-a- Commerce Thailand (BCCT) in conjunction with AMCHAM, Australian, Canadian, School program. Pictured from left are Eliot Delunas, committee leader; German, Mexican, South African, and Dutch chambers of commerce and BeluThai. Mehmet Semet, Executive Chef, Monsoon Group; Keoma Intravaia, General The event was sponsored Royal Varuna Yacht Club, Pattaya. Pictured are Rosanne Manager, Moonson Group; and Joe Willan, committee leader. Diamente, Saruda Netsawang, and Sheree Tanpensuk of AMCHAM.

4 Members are not enough?

AMCHAM member companies get up to 4 spots on AMCHAM’s member list. Add additional representatives for 3,000 Baht each or Upgrade to unlimited representatives for 10,000 Baht Corporate Partners get unlimited listings

For more information, contact Khun Orn: [email protected]

54 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 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. Beach Republic Koh Samui Berkeley International School BNH Hospital Bangkok Smile Dental Clinic Banyan Tree Bangkok ATA Services offers10% Amazing deal for AMCHAM Come see us about 10% discount on medications 5 – 10% discount on dental 20% savings on both discount members plus US$100 will donate our special promotion for 20% discount on ward rooms treatments Food & Beverage to ATCF for each card sold. AMCHAM members!

Centre Point Bangkok Thailand Coffee WORKS CB Lockers Compass SkyView Hotel Bumrungrad Hospital Amazing offer for AMCHAM 20% Off La Cimbali Expresso Private Vaults Get 30 days Sukhumvit 24 Enjoy maximum discount members 30% Discount Machines free on all safe deposit Special room rate for Grand Bourbon Street (Bar & Restaurant) 15% off on Rooms 10% discount on food box rentals Premier Room

Global Union Express Dream Hotel 5% discount on Thai’s Royal CPAC Asia Imaging Products 10 % off best available internet Four Points by Sheraton Orchid Holidays at regular price Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya Conrad Bangkok Come Get 20 of you favorite photos 4 Pay 2 for Sunday rates and 15 % discount on Bangkok/Sukhumvit 15 4% discount from all interna- 10% discount for food & printed for FREE Brunch Buffet “a la carte” meals and 15% discount at The Drunken tional IATA published fares ex beverages beverages Leprechaun Bangkok including RTW

Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok InVision Hospitality Marriott Vacation Club 30% OFF total bill at Mondo 15% off any publicly available Joyful Holidays KIS International School LMG Insurance 25% discount from Rental Rate Free playgroup trial at KIS 15% Discount for motor and restaurant and Scalini rates for GLOW and MAI 5% Discount on at Marriott’s Mai Khao Beach, International School other insurance HOUSE Hotels & Resorts the Cruise Fare Phuket Thailand

Outback Steakhouse Prem Tinsulanonda Radisson Suites Bangkok Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 15 % Discount on Dine-In International School Sukhumvit Raja’s Fashions 20% Discount on weekend Purchase of Food and Non-Al- 20% discount on Traidhos 20% discount on a-la-carte Buy 1 suit get 1 shirt free buffet lunch at Food coholic Beverages Camps menu at Punjab Grill restaurant Exchange Neilson Hays Library Sign up for a 12 month membership and get 15 months; Sign up for a 6 month membership and get 9 months; Receive a Renaissance Pattaya Renaissance Bangkok Rembrandt Hotel Resort & Spa free “eco-friendly” NHL Ratchaprasong Hotel Robere and Associates English Language Programs 10% off both food & beverage 15% discount for both Food Special Discount for 15% off all training programs Members Discount bag (worth 300 baht) at MEXICANO, Rembrandt and beverage at Hotel Restau- AMCHAM members Hotel rants Excluding alcohol

Samitivej Hospital 10% discount for Medicine, SPOKES JEWELRY SERVICES Sunrise Tacos The Princeton Review Thailand Laboratory Work, X-rays in Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit So Sofitel Bangkok Free Clean & Check on one 10% Discount 5% discount on Undergraduate case of self-pay by cash or 10-20% off on Food at Sher- 15% discount on food only at Jewelry item, 10% off a your & Graduate Test Prep Courses credit card aton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel’s restaurants Custom Jewelry Design and Admissions Services.

Uber Thailand THE WORK LOFT Your Promotion Here Your Promotion Here Your Promotion Here Your Promotion Here Enjoy 2 first rides discount up Discount for The work Loft to THB 100 each trip with Workspace for AMCHAM uberX in Thailand 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 55 NEW MEMBERS AND CHANGES AMCHAM Welcomes New Members

ORDINARY COMPANY MEMBER freighter equipment. We are also a found- choosing the best airplane seat, to reading member of the oneworld global alli- ing personal travel reviews of hotels, to ance whose combined network serves planning what to do in a destination once over 700 destinations worldwide. you arrive. The Expedia, Inc. portfolio serves both leisure and business travel- American College Consultants, LLC Designate: Kendrick Ko, ers with tastes and budgets ranging from Country Manager Thailand modest to luxury. American College Consultants, LLC is Alternate: Yongyut Lujintanon, an educational services business estab- Sales and Marketing Manager Thailand Designate: Choo Pin Ang, lished to provide customized assistance and Myanmar Director Public Policy APAC to their Southeast Asian clients interest- Alternate: Franklin Fuentes, ed in American educational opportuni- Area Manager Global Market ties. By focusing exclusively on American Management schools and institutions, we are able to

leverage the tremendous variety of de- Customics Tech Limited grees, programs and locations to match

a potential student with the right school, Customics Tech Limited is offer you in the right location and at the right price. mystery shopping services and base Inspirio Co.,Ltd in Thailand. Most of mystery shopping ACC does not usually enter into long- companies don’t have offices in Thailand. Inspirio is a Digital Transformation Agen- term or exclusive contracts with any Imagine operating with shoppers while cy. We specialize in digital transforma- school, instead we seek to focus entirely project coordinators are aboard and have tion and state of the art digital solutions. on the educational and long-term career clueless insight of Thai culture? We are We help business succeed in this digital goals of our clients and their families to here in Bangkok and keep our feet on the economy. We are fortunate to be in part- ensure the best possible outcome. ACC ground to serve your needs. nerships with and serve Fortune 500s also provides representational services to and many new businesses. We also cre- accredited US institutions at regional re- We pamper our shoppers with knowl- ate revolutionary apps that transforms cruiting events on a fee-for-services ba- edge and tools they need, just to make industries. Inspirio provided 2 categories sis. By taking advantage of our location, their work easier. Relationship manage- of services: Digital Transformation and US schools can significantly reduce their ment strategy is used to the utmost level Digital Solutions. costs of recruiting in Asia. to ensure our shoppers are happy with the job, love to work with us and under- Our Digital Solutions use world class stan- Designate: Kie Fallis, Managing Director stand all the work requirements enough dards and state of the art performance to to produce high standard work. help you achieve your digital goals. We customize our services to suit your orga- Designate: Chommanee Suthinuk, nization and use a combination of digital Business Development Manager and business targets to measure success. Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. Alternate: Karnpicha Kampangkaew, Inspirio helps you a create vision of your Operations Manager organization post transformation. Cathay Pacific Airways is an international airline registered and based in Hong To implement your Digital Transforma- Kong, offering scheduled cargo and pas- tion strategy, we help with designing and senger services to more than 110 desti- implementation of a strategic program nations around the world including code- geared for commercial success. Inspirio shares and joint ventures. Expedia Inc offers state of the art Digital Solutions based on best practices. Our vision is to be the world’s best airline. Expedia, Inc. is one of the largest online Our dynamic team provides the highest travel companies in the world, with an ex- Our services range from world class quality service so that our customers are tensive brand portfolio that includes some digital experience design to influencer happy they choose Cathay Pacific. The of the world’s leading online travel brands. management and lead generations: Dig- Cathay Pacific fleet of 146 wide-body air- ital Experience, Digital Media Solutions, craft is one of the youngest in the skies Collectively, the Expedia, Inc. brands Creative Solutions, Digital Analytics and which consisting of Airbus A350-900, cover virtually every aspect of research- Intelligence, World class campaign, and Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 747-8 ing, planning, and booking travel, from strategic projects.

56 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 Designate: Vorasiri Supanichvorapart, vate sector consortium to implement the MEMBER CHANGES Client Service and Marketing VSIP project. The first project of VSIP was Alternate: Charoen Signh, Founding officially launched in January 1996 with and Managing Director the aim to boost Vietnam’s economy and Company Address Changes: reinforce the region’s global standing as a stable investment hub. Oxford Business Group Relocated to Mint WorkLounge, In response to overwhelming demand, 205/21 Soi Sukhumvit 55, VSIP started its expansion projects in Khlong Tan Nuea, Kaplan International English (Thai- southern and northern Vietnam namely Watthana District land) Co., Ltd. VSIP II, VSIP II expansion, VSIP Bac Ninh, Bangkok 10110 VSIP Hai Phong, VSIP Quang Ngai, VSIP Kaplan International English is part of the Nghe An. Company Name Changes: Kaplan Inc. family and its mission: helping individuals achieve their educational Representative: Nguyen Chi Toan, John Bean Technologies goals. For over 75 years, Kaplan has been Senior Marketing Manager (Thailand) Ltd. Is now JBT providing education to students all over Representative: Nguyen Thi Ngoc Han, International (Thailand) Ltd. the world, building on decades of exper- Assistant Marketing Manager tise and continuing to innovate and lead the way forward.

With over 75 years of experience, Kaplan is trusted by students learning English at one of our 41 Kaplan Internation- al schools located in eight countries around the world.

Education is our passion, and we take great pride in ensuring our students have all the opportunities and tools to succeed. Our philosophy is not a simple focus on classrooms and textbooks; it’s about creating a fully rounded experience. Learn English, enjoy new cultures, make new friends, and see the world.

Designate: Ekkapong Na Ranong, Country Manager/ Director

ASSOCIATED COMPANY MEMBER

Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park J.V.Co. ltd

VSIP is a fully integrated Industrial Park and Township that was first proposed by Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet of Vietnam to Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong of Singa- pore in March 1994.

Following an agreement between the two Prime Ministers, Sembcorp Industri- al Parks (formerly known as SembCorp Parks Holdings) was asked to lead a pri-

The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 57 AMCHAM MEMBERSHIP

Participation in events like AMCHAM Thailand’s CSR Excellence Awards is just one of the benefits of membership.

THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN THAILAND Why Join AMCHAM UNIVERSAL BUSINESS PRINCIPLES BENEFITS OF AMCHAM MEMBERSHIP It is fundamental to the philosophy of The American Chamber Of Commerce in Thailand that good ethics and good business ADVOCACY are synonymous. AMCHAM believes that American business plays an important role as a catalyst for positive social change Through its committees and the Board of Governors, by promoting human welfare and the principles of free AMCHAM works to address matters affecting members’ ability enterprise. AMCHAM recognizes that American companies to do business in Thailand. Join with other AMCHAM members already set the highest standards for ethical business practices. experiencing similar issues, create position papers and other We encourage members to communicate information about advocacy pieces and engage Thai and U.S. government their existing programs and practices relative to good corporate officials under the banner of AMCHAM. The AMCHAM Board citizenship in the markets in which they operate. of Governors is committed to creating synergy amongst AMCHAM endorses the following values: stakeholders and connecting industry and government. • Compliance with all applicable laws. MEMBER SERVICES • Good corporate citizenship. • Respect for the individual and dignity of the worker. Network and make business contacts with representatives of • Training and education for our employees. AMCHAM’s 650 member companies. Attend presentations • Environmentally responsible business practices. by prominent U.S. and Thai speakers, monthly membership • Improved market access and promotion of intellectual luncheons and social networking events, golf and bowling property rights. tournaments and the annual Governors Ball. Participate in over • High standards of professional and business ethics. 22 AMCHAM committees covering various sectors. Membership privileges also include up to ten coupons for AMCHAM monthly donation to needy Thai public schools, scholarships for Thai luncheons and, subject to certain conditions, expedited university students and/or fellowships for teachers. appointments for U.S. business visa interviews. For more information on these and the many other benefits CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY of AMCHAM membership, contact Khun Orn at: orn@ amchamthailand.com, call +66 (0) 2254-1041, or visit the Give back to the community where you live and do business AMCHAM website at: www.amchamthailand.com and click on by donating to the AMCHAM Thailand Foundation. Direct your Join AMCHAM.

58 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017 The American Chamber Of Commerce In Thailand 59 60 Thai-American Business • Volume 6/2017