DECEMBER 2019 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #113

TOP NEWS SUPPORTED BY Deutsche Bank: A hopeful turn Legal: New contract controls introduced for residential property leasing businesses in School News: Christmas market and celebration / Lantern parade 2019 / Loy Krathong ceremony / “Do it for the blind” - swim and run charity event

THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE DEAR FRIENDS AND MEMBERS OF THE STCC

and artificial intelligence, more businesses have to resort to cost-cutting measures. The Fed- eration of Thai Industries (FTI) reported that the automotive industry, which is a major source of employment, contracted in terms of car output by 22,5% in October. It is not that pret- PRESIDENT BRUNO G. ODERMATT ty a picture, weaker economic SERVICE growth leads to lost revenues, As we draw closer to the end which leads to further cost cuts STCC CALENDAR of a challenging year, we all and, finally, leads to job losses. are working hard on achieving The official unemployment rate Tuesday 3rd December 2019: this year’s revenues and costs as of September stood at 1%, STCC + Swiss Embassy Network- budgets. One would definite- which is enviable, though this ing Event: 18:30 at Embassy of ly agree that the overall busi- figure might be distorted. ness and trading environment Sunday 8th December 2019: has become extremely chal- Because there is no real un- Christmasbrunch SSB (+STCC), lenging over the last couple employment insurance scheme 11:00 Brasserie 9 of months. Since 70% of Thai- available in Thailand, those who land’s GDP comes from exports, lose their jobs will enter the Thursday 12th December 2019: the US- trade dispute and so-called informal sector, move STCC Stamm at the strengthening Baht are the to part-time jobs, or become Arnoma Hotel 18:00 main drivers behind the current self-employed. These people rather pessimistic outlook. The are largely counted as employed Saturday 14th December 2019: SSB Jass event manufacturing and service sec- in the statistics, hence the low @ Brasserie 9, 13:30 tors have been feeling the pain unemployment rate. I will not of flagging shipments, and if yet joining the ranks of pessi- Wednesday 18th December 2019: you add to that the technical mists and still believe that the X-Mas Market and party at RIS disruption from automation government’s fiscal stimulus Swiss School, 14:00 – 22:00

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THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE SUPPORTED BY package should positively im- Norwegian government visit- pact economic growth in 2020. ed Thailand for general talks with their Thai counterpart. The One thing that really bothers me Norwegian Ambassador host- about living in this great city ed an evening reception at her is the continued air pollution. residence with Swiss and Nor- I commented on this trouble- wegian government/business some issue a number of times leaders to provide an update on and will do it again. I have my on-going negotiations. It was a doubts the government is well great display of joint efforts to equipped to solve this ongoing restart trade negotiations and a crisis. There is no doubt that positive step forward, as at the weather patterns are changing end free trade benefits all of us. and that climate change is a real issue. However, we cannot The highlight of our calendar of just blame nature for it, be- events is the yearly Swiss Em- cause most of it is self-inflict- bassy/STCC network event held ed. About 90% of dangerous at the residence of the Swiss PM2.5 particles in the air are Ambassador. A great number TRINA INTERNATIONAL generated by vehicle exhaust, of members showed up for this factories, biomass burning and stellar event this year, as it was dust from construction sites. an opportunity to meet, greet For starters, in 2008 the num- and get to know our newly ap- ber of cars in were pointed Swiss Ambassador to 5,911,696, which has doubled Thailand, H.E. Helene Bud- to 10,244,144 (source Depart- liger-Artieda. As always, it was ment of Land Transport). For a night to remember and we my part, I have had enough of express our appreciation to H.E well-meaning proposals to im- and her team for hosting this prove air quality. I outfitted my wonderful event. You will find home with more high perform- some great pictures inside this ing air purifiers and installed a edition. portable air purifier in my car. It is better to hope for the best Last but not least, if you look- and plan for the worst. ing for a great Christmas gift for your spouse or business col- In some positive news, Swit- league, here are my top 2 book zerland is joining hands with choices in 2019. For fiction, it Norway, Iceland and Lichten- is definitely Margaret Atwood’s stein in restarting the EFTA new book “The Testaments”. It’s (European Free Trade Associa- a sequel to the classic dystopi- tion) free trade negotiations an novel “The Handmaid’s Tale”, with the Thai government. A which she published 40 years high-level delegation from the ago. For non-fiction, the book

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THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE SERVICE of Harvard professor Shosha- 2020. Let’s remain optimistic Thursday 9th January 2020: na Zuboff “The Age of Surveil- and hope that 2020 will be a STCC Stamm at lance Capitalism” is an absolute good year for all of us. Arnoma Hotel 18:00 masterpiece. If you have ever More details for wondered why companies such above events please wait as Google and Facebook are so for the invitation-mail or get it hugely profitable, this extreme- from www.swissthai.com, ly well researched book gives With my best wishes click on “events”. you deep insight. So next time, Bruno G. Odermatt-Maag when you use your mobile app, President your smart watch, your smart TV or your smart thermostat *** MEMBER DETAIL in your living room, be aware Contact the President: UPDATES that your data is collected and Bruno G. Odermatt sold as “behavioral surplus” in President STCC Do you have changes among your a market where companies are [email protected] delegates or changes to your buying predictions of what we Tel: +66 2 652 1911 e-mail, mobile, telephone, are going to do or to buy. I was or fax numbers? quite disturbed once I realized that this form of digital capital- Please send all updates to ism is more intrusive than I ever [email protected] dared to imagine. Basically, it is everywhere around us.

At this occasion I would like to extend to you, on behalf of my colleagues of the Board, the best wishes for the Holiday Sea- son and wish you and your fam- ilies the very best of success in

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THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE EFTA FREE TRADE ECONOMIC COOPERATION

On 5th November, the STCC Board of Directors were invited to a re- ception at the residence of the Nor- wegian Ambassador, H.E. Ms Kjersti Rodsmoen. Our Ambassador H.E. Ms Helene Budliger Artieda and the honorary counsel of Iceland were also present. Switzerland is part of EFTA (European Free Trade Asso- ciation), which is an intergovern- wegian government, including for- mental free trade organization mer ambassador to Thailand H.E. consisting of Switzerland, Norway, Katja Nordgaard, visited Thailand Iceland and Lichtenstein. It was set for general talks with their Thai up for the promotion of free trade counterparts, amongst them also other EFTA members, in preparing and economic cooperation bet- issues related to the Free Trade Ag- the stage for future FTA negoti- ween its members. EFTA has esta- reement (FTA). The Swiss Embassy ations. The Swiss and Norwegian blished free-trade relations with also participated at the FTA talks business community appreciated ASEAN members (2003), and the Board Members of the Nor- the opportunity to obtain first hand the (2018) and signed wegian and Swiss Thai Chambers updates on the trade talks from the an agreement with in of Commerce were updated on the respective Embassies. December 2018. It is currently ne- outcome of the talks and plans for gotiating with and Viet- the future FTA negotiations. It was Bruno G. Odermatt, nam. As EFTA wants to reengage in a delightful evening and showed President STCC trade negotiations with Thailand, a the close cooperation amongst high level delegation from the Nor- Norway and Switzerland, as well 4 DECEMBER 2019 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #113

THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE YEAR-END SWISS BUSINESS NETWORKING COCKTAIL

are very encouraged to see a con- tinuation of the strong support and partnership the STTC enjoys with the Swiss Embassy. We ex- tend our gratitude to H.E. and her The yearly Swiss Business Networ- graced by many Swiss-Thai busi- commercial team for hosting the king Cocktail co-hosted by the ness executives, members of the Swiss-Thai business community Swiss Embassy and the Swiss Thai Foreign Chambers as well as high and making this evening possible. Chamber of Commerce is the high- ranking government officials. It was again a spectacular night light on the calendar of events of H.E. was extremely pleased to with lots of good memories and the STCC. On 3rd December, the welcome the Director-General of we are already looking forward to newly appointed Swiss Ambassa- the Department of Trade Negot- next year’s Networking Cocktail. dor H.E. Helene Budliger Artieda iations, Khun Auramon Suptha- and her husband Alex opened up weethum, and her key staff. Befo- Bruno G. Odermatt, their premises to welcome the re the network evening, H.E. met President STCC Swiss-Thai business communi- with the STCC Board of Directors ty. Over 100 people joined this for a get-together and briefed second-to-none event and it was them about her plans for Thai- a great opportunity for many land and in particular about the members to meet and greet our freshly launched EFTA Free Trade new Ambassador. The event was negotiations with Thailand. We 5 DECEMBER 2019 | SWISS-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | E-NEWSLETTER #113

ECONOMY SPECIAL REPORT BY DEUTSCHE BANK A HOPEFUL TURN

While growth in Asia has slowed below its trend, reaching a trough, as we argued last month, this recent data have been more encouraging and the may be enou gh to force a rethink on policy eas- prospect of a „Phase 1“ agreement between the US ing. Indeed, on the other side of the Pacific, our and China adds to the possibility that the cycle is colleagues recently removed the two rate cuts turning to the positive. Even if the region is only they were previously expecting the Fed to make in reaching a trough, this may be enough to force a December and January , mainly due to the better rethink on policy easing. Indeed, on the other side -than-expected Q3 GDP growth. This raises the bar of the Pacific, our colleagues recently removed the for additional rate cuts in Asia, especially for coun- two rate cuts they were previously expecting the tries with current account deficits. For the time be- Fed to make in December and January, mainly due ing, dollar weakness in this region still provides an to the better-than-expected Q3 GDP growth. This opportunity for rates to go lower here, but that may raises the bar for additional rate cuts in Asia, es- not last much longer. pecially for countries with current account deficits. For the time being, though, dollar weakness in this Expansionary fiscal policy – especially in countries region still provides an opportunity for rates to go where the current account is either in deficit or a lower here, but that may not last much longer. mo- small surplus – could quickly reverse the recent netary, easing. trend of improving external balances. The with- drawal of fiscal stimulus in Indonesia and the Phil- In this report, we go through the changes in policy ippines had been an important contributor to the rates and outlook. reduction in the current account deficit; slower domestic demand growth more generally has done Overview: A hopeful turn the same elsewhere. If governments respond to perceived shortcomings in monetary policy by in- While growth in Asia has slowed below its trend, creasing deficits just as private demand responds recent data have been more encouraging and the to a bottoming out of exports – and admittedly prospect of a “Phase 1” agreement between the US there is quite a lot of supposition here – external and China adds to the possibility that the cycle is deficits could quickly widen again, putting pres- turning to the positive. Even if the region is only sure on currencies.

Asia’s Q3 GDP reports were mixed. China’s growth moderated slightly more than expected to 6.0% in Q3 from 6.2% in Q2, although some high-frequency data – especially the Markit PMI – improved through the quarter. and reported stronger- than-expected growth of 7.3% and 2.9%, respec- tively, in Q3 from 6.8% and 2.4% in Q2. and Singapore both saw unchanged, below-expec- tation growth, of 2.0% and 0.1% respectively, last quarter. Indonesia’s growth rate of 5.0% was mar- ginally higher than expected but at the midpoint of the remarkably narrow 4.8% - 5.3% range observed

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ECONOMY SPECIAL REPORT BY DEUTSCHE BANK for 23 quarters now. Hong Kong reported a sharp support to Asian asset prices. The increasing likeli- contraction of 2.9% in Q3, vs. 0.5% growth in Q2, hood of a trade deal (Phase 1) has already prompted which was both far below consensus expectations strong appreciation of export-sensitive Asian cur- but actually higher than our own forecast. rencies, even the Korean won, against the US dollar. After having appreciated sharply already, without a Since our last publication on 10 October, Bank In- comprehensive agreement that puts US-China rela- donesia (BI), the Bank of Korea (BoK) and the Bank tions on a steady path, however, Asian FX may not of Thailand (BoT) have each delivered a 25bps rate appreciate much against the US dollar next year. cut, as we had expected, while the Monetary Au- thority of Singapore (MAS)’s easing was less ag- Risks to inflation also look balanced, with commod- gressive than expected, lowering the NEER slope by ity price pressure well contained thus far. Inflation 0.5% and leaving an option for further easing until is likely to head higher, but remain benign on bal- April next year. While we do not expect further rate ance for the region, as the economic cycle troughs cuts by the BoK and BoT, we have pared our rate cut below trend and with a strong rebound in growth forecast for BI by 25bps, expecting now only one unlikely until late next year or 2021. Average re- more 25bps rate cut (in December). gional inflation does appear to be heading higher towards mid-2% next year, but this still leaves in- The recent improvement in the data is consistent flation towards the bottom end of the historical with our expectation that growth in China will be range, justifying prevailing bond yields to a large broadly stable over the next year – ranging between extent. Although food price shocks have resulted 6.1% and 5.8% – and growth in Asia ex-China and In- in some intra-regional heterogeneity, as in dia will recover towards 4% by the end of next year, and China, Asia’s inflation outlook remains benign. from 3.5% currently. The Indian outlook is more Meanwhile, core inflation has remained largely sta- uncertain, but we expect a combination of mon- ble at just above 2% since 2016 and is unlikely to etary and fiscal easing to support a bottoming out move much higher in the next year. of growth before the end of this year. As G3 growth slows further over the next two or three quarters, Moreover, inflation expectation and pipeline infla- we expect Asia’s growth premium to rise, providing tion determinants remain dormant

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ECONOMY SPECIAL REPORT BY DEUTSCHE BANK as well, given the fall in commodity prices. Breaking While the improving prospects of a US/China trade the commodity index down to food, metals, and en- deal capture most of the attention, there has also ergy, the price changes thus far this year are -1.2%, been positive news on regional trade and multi- -11.2%, and -13.5%, respectively. Although refla- lateralism. Over the weekend, Asian leaders met in tion risk may not be ignored, as growth stabilizes, a Bangkok and finalized the Regional Comprehensive commodity trough won’t be sufficient to push up in- Economic Partnership (RCEP), which is expected to flation considerably to warrant any concerns over a be signed in 2020. This was supported by 15 mem- reversal in rates, especially given the negative out- bers out of 16, with India opting out for now 1. put gap, which is unlikely to close before late 2020. According an earlier PIIE study2 , RCEP (with all 16-members) would boost its members’ combined income in 2030 by 0.5ppts, which is considerably higher than the 0.1ppt gain estimated for the Com- prehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans- Pacific Partnership (CPTPP signed on 8 March 2018)3 . These agreements are significant not just because of its positive impact on growth but also because it points to continued support for multilateralism and global trade and deeper integration in this region.

Risks to our rate outlook therefore now look more Juliana Lee, balanced, with the Fed likely to remain on hold for Chief Economist, +852 2203 8312 the foreseeable future, downside risks to growth contained but no perceived risk of a significant rise Michael Spencer in inflation. Chief Economist, +852-2203 8303

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ECONOMY SPECIAL REPORT BY DEUTSCHE BANK

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ECONOMY SPECIAL REPORT BY DEUTSCHE BANK

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LEGAL NEW CONTRACT CONTROLS INTRODUCED FOR RESIDENTAL PROPERTY LEASING BUSINESSES IN THAILAND

Contribution by Tilleke & Gibbins must comply with the Contract Committee’s new notification. The Contract Committee of the Consumer Protection Board has announced a number of new controls and Like the 2018 notification, the new notification de- lessee protections regarding residential property fines a “residential property leasing business” as a rental contracts executed from January 29, 2020, business that leases (or subleases) five units of pro- onward. These were detailed in the Notification of perty or more to individual lessees, for residenti- the Contract Committee Re: The Stipulation of Re- al purposes, in exchange for a fee collected by the sidential Property Leasing as a Contract-Controlled business operator, regardless of whether the units Business B.E. 2562 (2019), which was published in are in the same building. This includes all types of the Government Gazette on October 31, 2019. residential property that is leased for residential purposes, except for dormitories and hotels, which This new notification replaces a similarly named are regulated under a separate regime. notification issued by the Contract Committee in 2018, which designated residential property lea- The new notification includes two lists: required sing as a contract-controlled business and gover- terms and prohibited terms. Any business opera- ned any residential lease agreement executed from tor who fails to meet the notification requirements May 1, 2018, onward. may be subject to imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to THB 100,000, or both. Any residential lease agreement entered into un- der the 2018 notification and currently in effect Required Terms and Conditions will continue to be in force until the expiration of the agreement, whereas any residential lease ag- The following terms must be included in the resi- reement executed from January 29, 2020, onward dential lease. If any residential lease agreement

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LEGAL does not contain them, it will be interpreted as •Invoices for the fees in items 1.6–1.8 above including them as implied terms: must be sent to the lessee at least three days before their due dates, and the lessee will have •Residential lease agreements must include a the right to check the information relating to version in Thai, wherein the size of the letters the payments that are shown in the invoices. must not be less than 2 millimeters, and have no more than 11 letters within 1 inch and must •Details of the physical condition of the prop- contain the following details: erty and equipment (if any), which have been inspected and acknowledged by the lessee, 1. Name and address of the business opera- must be attached to the lease agreement, and tor and its authorized person; a duplicate must be delivered to the lessee.

2. Name and address of the lessee; •The security deposit must be immediate- ly returned to the lessee at the end of the 3. Name and location of the property; agreement, unless the business operator has to investigate any damage in order to ascer- 4. Details of the property’s physical condi- tain whether or not it is the responsibility of tion, including any items and equipment in the lessee. If the lessee is found not to have the property; caused any damage, the security deposit must be returned within seven days from the end of 5. Term of the lease, specifying its com- the agreement, and the business operator will mencement date and expiration date; re-take possession of the property. The busi- ness operator is responsible for any expenses 6. Rental fee rates and due dates for pay- incurred in returning the security deposit to ment; the lessee.

7. Public utility fee rates (e.g., electricity, •If the agreement has a prescription period, water supply, telephone) and the due dates the lessee has the right to terminate the agree- for payments and their calculation method; ment before expiration, provided the lessee has leased the property for no less than half 8. Service fee rates (i.e., services that are of the period specified in the agreement. The the business operator’s expenses, relating lessee must provide at least 30 days’ advance to the facilities and securities provided for written notice to the business operator, and the lease of property, which are not costs must not be in default in respect to paying the relating to the residential lease business), rental fee or other expenses. which must be reasonable and at the actual cost paid for the services, and which pro- •The business operator’s right to terminate vide the due dates for payment along with the agreement must be written in red or black their calculation method; and letters, or in bold or italics, and underlined, or emphasized in other ways that make such 9. Security deposit and advance rental fee terms more pronounced than the other content rates. of the agreement.

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LEGAL •For termination of the agreement accord- •Any term that allows the business operator ing to number 6 above, the business operator to change the rental fees, public utilities fees, must provide at least 30 days’ advance written service fees, or any other expenses before the notice to the lessee. However, only 7 days’ ad- end of the agreement; vance notice is required if the cause of termi- nation results from actions of the lessee that •Any term that allows the business operator to directly affect the normal livelihood of the confiscate the security deposit or the advance other lessees. No advance notice is required rental fee without any fault on the part of the if the lessee does not comply with the law and lessee; the regulations relating to public order and good morals. •Any term that allows the business operator, or its representative, to inspect the building or Prohibited Terms and Conditions property without prior notice, unless it is an emergency circumstance that may create dam- If any of the prohibited terms listed below are age or have an impact on the business operator included in a residential lease agreement, that or the other lessees if the business operator agreement will be interpreted as not including does not conduct such emergency inspection; them. These include the following: •Any stipulation of electricity and water sup- •Any waiver or limitation of the business op- ply fees that exceed the rates specified by the erator’s liability from its breach of the agree- relevant authorities; ment or wrongful acts, in respect to the mate- rial part, with no sufficient reason provided; •Any term that allows the business operator to prevent or obstruct the lessee’s access to the •Any requirement placing the total amount of property to seize or remove the lessee’s be- the advance rental fee and the security deposit longings, without exercising the right to ter- above the equivalent of three months’ rent; minate the agreement legally;

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LEGAL •Any term that allows the business operator ing its power—granted by section 35 bis of the to request any fee or expense for renewing the Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522 (1979)—to lease; ensure that written contracts between certain businesses and their consumers contain the nec- •Any term that allows the business operator to essary terms and conditions, thus preventing terminate the agreement without any material consumers from being unreasonably disadvan- breach of the lease agreement by the lessee; taged by unfair contract terms.

•Any term that makes the lessee liable for For more information on this or any notification damages incurred due to ordinary wear and of the Contract Committee or the Consumer Pro- tear from the usage of the property’s contents tection Board, or on any aspect of property leas- and equipment; ing businesses in Thailand,

•Any term that makes the lessee liable for please contact damage to the property, contents, and equip- ment that was not the lessee’s fault, and which Tilleke & Gibbins at [email protected]. occurred during force majeure situations; and

•Any term that makes the lessee liable for de- fects to the property, contents, and equipment which were incurred due to ordinary wear and tear through usage.

Legal Basis

Through this notification, the Contract Commit- tee of the Consumer Protection Board is exercis-

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HAGMANN DINNER RECEPTION AT PIERRE HAGMANN

On 31st October Pierre Hagmann, Deputy Head of Mission of the Swiss Embassy, and his charming wife Khun Namon Yuthavong, invited the STCC Board Members and their spouses to a buffet dinner at their residence in Bangkok. Pierre Hag- mann acts as Advisor to the Board of Directors of the STCC and has been a keen supporter of the Swiss-Thai business community. It was a delight- ful evening with delicious Swiss wine and Swiss food, and Pierre and his wife extended a warm welcome to the Board Members in true Swiss- French hospitality fashion. As the date of invita- tion coincided with Halloween Night, there was and we wish him and his commercial team at the one more reason to get into a party mood. The Embassy continued success in 2020. Thank you Board of Directors extends its appreciation to again Pierre and Khun Namon for your generosity Pierre and his wife for hosting this yearly event and wonderful hospitality.

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RIS SWISS SECTION DEUTSCHSPRACHIGE SCHULE BANGKOK CHRISTMAS MARKET AND CELEBRATION (FROM 14:00)

We cordially invite everyone to celebrate Christ- Our Christmas program: mas on the campus of the RIS Swiss Section – German-speaking School Bangkok on Wed- 14.00: Christmas Market and Food nesday, December 18th. Our Christmas market offers a great opportunity to buy lovely gifts or 15.00: Christmas Workshops for Kids to enjoy some Swiss/German delicacies. Children of all ages can enjoy the various activities du- 17.00: Christmas Performances, ring the Christmas workshops in the afternoon. Music and Entertainment

In the evening a delicious Christmas buffet will be 18.00: Christmas Party and Santa Claus presented, and various Christmas performances Evening: Big Christmas Raffle and shows will delightfully entertain our guests.

LANTERN PARADE 2019

We enjoyed an evening of Swiss and German cul- Schütz and students of Grade 4. Our guests were ture with the St. Martin´s Lantern Parade. Child- delighted by the wonderful music played by a ren laughed, enjoyed and listened to the lovely live band as well as a delicious buffet to which St. Martins story presented by our intern Helena everybody contributed.

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RIS SWISS SECTION DEUTSCHSPRACHIGE SCHULE BANGKOK LOY KRATHONG CEREMONY

On Monday, 11 November 2019, RIS Swiss Sec- when the people of Thailand pay respect to the tion - Deutschsprachige Schule Bangkok celeb- goddess of water by floating Krathongs on any rated Loy Krathong, one of the most important and all waterways around the kingdom. The sight and beautiful festivals of Thailand. It is an event of thousands of Krathongs (floating banana leaf

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RIS SWISS SECTION DEUTSCHSPRACHIGE SCHULE BANGKOK

vessels) is a really magical sight, and there are plained the meaning of this festival for the Thai many places in Bangkok and all over Thailand people and performed for their guests traditio- where you can get involved with the festivities. nal interpretations of Loy Krathong dances and songs. Later all students joined the activities So every year RIS Swiss Section invites the in mixed age groups and practiced how to make school community to a special assembly to cele- and decorate the Krathong. At noon all students brate Loy Krathong. Students, parents, proudly presented their Krathongs to the guests in and administration staff were greeted with wel- the inner school yard. A big thank you to our Thai coming words from Principal Simon Dörig. After- Language and Culture Department for organising wards, students of grade 6 presented the history this event and to everyone who contributed. and customs of Loy Krathong, and explained the meaning of this festival for Thai people. Then students, parents and teachers performed va- rious colourful Thai cultural presentations, ex-

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RIS SWISS SECTION DEUTSCHSPRACHIGE SCHULE BANGKOK “DO IT FOR THE BLIND” - SWIM AND RUN CHARITY EVENT

An amazing 51,000 Baht were raised during the “do it for the blind” swim and run charity event. Our Grade 10 organized this event with the aim to collect money to buy a portable swim- ming pool for children in rural areas last Tuesday afternoon. this goal. For every lap the stu- blind children how to swim. With dents swam or ran, their spon- this portable pool he’ll be able to After the kick-off by principal sors donated 25 Baht. The money teach everywhere in Thailand. Simon Dörig, more than 50 stu- will now be given to swim coach dents did their best to achieve Thon Damrongsat, who teaches

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RIS SWISS SECTION DEUTSCHSPRACHIGE SCHULE BANGKOK

Important events in the first semester of the school year 2019-20:

25.01.2020 Thai.Ger - Football Tournament 04.03.2020 Open House Day (07:30 - 14:40) 20. – 24.05.2020 Cultural Festival 23.05.2020 Open House Info Session (13:00 - 15:00) 11.06.2020 Flea Market for Primary School (11:00 - 12:00) 12.06.2020 Graduation Ceremony (10:00) 13.06.2020 Matura Ball

Please visit our website - www.ris-swiss-section.org - and get more information about our upcoming events.

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