BUSINESS NEWS
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]: 

Business Day introduces work of German Chamber of Commerce

Textile purchase orders from US and EU remain intact

Leo Burnett Ad agency meets the press after regional seminar

Big C Super Center South Pattaya holds grand opening

BCCT receives a holistic view on asset and finance management

Royal Cliff Beach Resort announces appointments

Phayathai Hospital Sriracha announces health promotion and healthcare member programs

Sontaya Khunpluem, Minister of Tourism and Sports opens Cement Thai Home Mart Max, Pattaya Branch

Thailand and Bulgaria sign up to a better future

Business Day introduces work of German Chamber of Commerce

The First Eastern Seaboard Business Development Day of German-Thai Chamber of Commerce was held at the Dusit Resort last week. This seminar was held in English to introduce the work of the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce and its services to a larger audience.

(From left) Jens Huhn, MD of Mixaco Maschinenbau Asia Office, Hans-Dieter Westphal, MD of Rieckermann Thai Engineering, and Frank Lauerbach, regional manager of Beumer.

The session attracted a large number of business people from Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard. Experts were on hand all day to answer questions concerning business development with Thailand and Germany and to receive first hand information about legal issues including, the setting-up of a company, the Foreign Business Law, work permits and visas, land ownership, customs duties, taxes, export contracts as well as dispute resolution.

Stefan Buerkle, head of the Business Economics and Advisory Division conducted the seminar and explained important facts and main functions of the chamber. He pointed out that Thailand is one of the most interesting targets for investment because of its economic, social and political stability combined with a good infrastructure.

Besides the positive aspects, new investment from German companies during the last few years has lessened. Buerkle said, “Many investors based in Germany look at Thailand as old-fashioned, and are concentrating on other targets in Asia, like China. Contrary to that, 74% of German investors in Thailand plan to build up their engagement until 2005.”

“Thailand’s greatest weakness is the strict laws concerning the right of ownership for foreigners and the rather weak implementation of intellectual property rights. We (the chamber) will do our utmost to help you with your problems if you come to us. We act as a mediator, and many times a letter from the chamber can shorten a business transaction,” said Buerkle.

The German-Thai Chamber of Commerce, located in South Sathorn Road in Bangkok, was founded in 1962 and has now more than 500 German, Thai and other companies as members.

The main targets of the chamber are the small and medium sized companies. The chamber will help search for customers and suppliers and advise them in legal questions.

After the seminar all the participants went to the Bay Restaurant at the Dusit to enjoy an excellent lunch before continuing the business day with one-on-one interviews.

After hard day’s work, some fun in the evening at the Moon River Pub was in order. The ‘networking’ went on until the late hours and many serious businessmen and women were seeing dancing to the hot rhythms of Moon River Pub’s house band.


Textile purchase orders from US and EU remain intact

Textile exports to the United States and the European Union have not yet been affected by the US-Iraq war as total purchase orders remain intact. Suchart Chantranakaraj, president of the Thai Clothing Industry’s Association, said the purchasing orders from the US and EU had not yet dropped and he believes the war will not adversely affect the export of Thai textiles.

Suchart said he was confident the US would be able to control the situation and keep its economy growing, which would benefit the Thai export and economy. But he conceded shipping operators had already increased freight service fees and war-risk insurance premiums. Still, this did not affect local exporters because prices of exported products are based on freight on board (FOB).

“We believe we can maintain our textile export base in the US and EU this year. We think textile export could grow 4-5% this year and that is a satisfactory figure,” Suchart said. (TNA)


Leo Burnett Ad agency meets the press after regional seminar

Regional and international executives from Leo Burnett Worldwide met with the local and national press after finishing up a regional seminar at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort during the recent AD Fest Asia held at PEACH.

From left: Miguel Angel Furones, Leo Burnett Worldwide’s chief creative officer, Linda Locke, Leo Burnett Worldwide’s regional creative officer, and Pornsiri Rojmeta, Leo Burnett group chief executive.

Chief creative officers from the worldwide and regional offices, along with Leo Burnett Thailand’s CEO Pornsiri Rojmeta hosted the conference to discuss the regional seminar titled ‘CreAsia 2003’. The seminar brought in more than 100 representatives from 16 Asia Pacific offices to further develop ideas for advertising strategies in the region.

In a discussion with the press, the creative group of advertising executives discussed issues such as the “Brand Belief System” aimed at consumers who have had developed loyalty toward certain brand names. The press conference was an information exchange session and discussion on human behavior and consumer trends in Thailand and throughout the Asia region.


Big C Super Center South Pattaya holds grand opening

Songklod Kaewvisit

Chonburi Governor Sawarng Srisarkun presided over the grand opening of the new Big C Super Center in South Pattaya as he joined management and staff for the opening ceremonies.

(from left) Allan Nememsik, vice president of Big C’s administration and operations department; Sawarng Srisarkun, Chonburi Governor; Wanchai Jirathiwat, chairman of Central Group; and Praphan Eiumrungrot, vice chairman of business development and real estate department of Big C, presided over the opening ceremony of Big C Supermarket, South Pattaya branch.

Opened at 9 a.m. on March 28, the brand new 46,000 square meter shopping center is the supermarket chain’s second branch in Pattaya. The Second Road branch has been in operation for over seven years and the company saw a need to widen their market in the growing city of Pattaya.

The new two-story building has enough parking for 800 vehicles and comes complete with a large food center including the big names in fast food such as McDonalds and KFC, as well as Thai favorites MK Suki and Chesters Grill.

This new addition to Pattaya’s shopping scene also features an area available to the residents of Chonburi as part of the ‘One Village, One Product’ scheme with plenty of access to lighting and electricity for stallholders, with no rental charges.

The new Big C will employ local residents and pay local taxes and aims to promote the economic well being of the community it serves.

During the opening festivities, children from Pattaya Schools Numbers 3, 5, 8 and the Pothisampan School put on shows for the crowds of shoppers and guests. Representatives from the Redemptorist School for the Disabled and students from the Nernplubwan School conducted special activities for the local children.


BCCT receives a holistic view on asset and finance management

Brendan Richards

The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) hosted another successful networking night on the Eastern Seaboard. The evening was sponsored by Professional Portfolio International (PPi) and held away from the hustle bustle of Pattaya at L’Opera at the Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate.

(L to R): Chittraporn Inkaew, Angela and Mike Poustie chat with Eric Jordan, MD of PPi at L’Opera.

The essence of the BCCT (L to R): Greg Watkins, executive director, networking stalwart Paul Dobbs, Suwanna Viroonchan BCCT Eastern Seaboard Committee board member and Graham Macdonald, chairman of the BCCT Eastern Seaboard committee.

During his address to the audience, Eric Jordan, managing director of Professional Portfolio International, explained, “We provide a holistic approach to financial and asset management which is customer driven and tailor made to every customer’s requirements.”

Networking stalwarts gathered at the restaurant to discuss the current business climate and future developments in Thailand after the US-led military operations in Iraq.

The atmosphere was upbeat and the general feeling was that the initial military actions most likely will not affect the economic climate in the immediate future.

“But should it drag on Thailand may well experience a drastic slowdown, as has already happened in the tourism sector,” commented Khamhoung Ratsamany, director of industrial estate operations, for Hemaraj Land and Development.

“We have had a few investors postpone their commitments until after the war is over, but stock prices are still going up at this stage,” added Khamhoung.

The mood of the evening was jovial, in spite of the war and the rainy weather, and everyone was glad for the opportunity to mingle and exchange information.

Most notable were George Strampp drumming up support for his charity project, Dham Dhamodharan of TRW Steering and Suspension Company and Lucas Varity (Thailand), BCCT committee chairmen, Graham Macdonald and Greg Watkins, BCCT executive director.

Paul Dobbs, and the ever-smiling Chittraporn Inkaew of Henry Butcher were in attendance and Suwanna Viroonchan BCCT Eastern Seaboard Committee board member put on her networking hat and cordially mingled with the crowd.

The evening’s sponsors, PPi with MD Eric Jordan and director Roger Parry, explained how PPi operates within an international network under the umbrella of Financial Partner International (FPI) with offices in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and United Arab Emirates.

Eric said the PPi aims at providing a total solution for investment, whether it is cash management, stocks & bonds and property investment. “We provide a one stop service for small and large investors,” said Eric.

PPi, based in Bangkok, also provides an extensive range of services including property conveyance to foreign investment law - has access to investment property throughout Thailand and deals in all the legal aspects as well. More information can be found on their website www.ppioffshore.com or www.ppsproperty.com

The next British Chamber night on the Eastern Seaboard is on Friday April 25, at the Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa. More details will be provided closer to the date.


Royal Cliff Beach Resort announces appointments

Panga Vathanakul, managing director of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, recently announced the appointment of two sales managers for their MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) market: Chanchalad Mahapoj and Primprapaporn Held.

Chanchalad Mahapoj

Primprapaporn Held

Chanchalad Mahapoj will be responsible for global sales of MICE for the Royal Cliff Beach Resort and it’s convention center, PEACH (Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall), with an emphasis on the Korean, Taiwanese and Middle Eastern markets.

With close to ten years of relevant industry experience, Mr. Mahapoj has in the past been associated with both the Amari and Imperial Hotel Groups. Prior to his appointment at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, Mr. Mahapoj worked as sales manager for the Siam City Hotels & Resorts Group for 3 years.

Ms. Primprapaporn Held will also be responsible for global sales of MICE for the Royal Cliff Beach Resort and it’s convention center, PEACH, with an emphasis on Japanese, South Asian and Russian markets.

With more than 6 years of relevant industry experience, Ms. Held has in the past been associated with the Novotel Bangna, Ocean Marina, Amari Orchid Resort and most recently was with the Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa.

The Royal Cliff Beach Resort and PEACH combined offer a total of over 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space which includes the plenary hall at PEACH capable of seating up to 5,800 persons, 3 ballrooms, 21 meeting rooms and a vast range of outdoor space.


Phayathai Hospital Sriracha announces health promotion and healthcare member programs

Songklod Kaewvisit

Moving into the market of preventative healthcare and promoting a healthy lifestyle, Phayathai Hospital’s executive director Dr. Thanakom Manthananon recently announced the hospital’s new membership program for patients and the community at large.

Phayathai Hospital’s executive director Dr. Thanakom Manthananon displays the hospital’s classic card and gold card.

The medical facility has been in operation for 8 years and this is the first time that they have offered the program. Membership cardholders have the choice of two programs: the classic program and the gold card. Both include discounts on a variety of services that will accommodate in-patients and outpatient care with discounts on medical tests and dental treatments.

Gold card members will also receive a free physical check-up as an added bonus. The membership program runs for one year and is available from the hospital directly.


Sontaya Khunpluem, Minister of Tourism and Sports opens Cement Thai Home Mart Max, Pattaya Branch

Songklod Kaewvisit

Sontaya Khunpluem, Minister of Tourism and Sports presided over the official grand opening of Home Mart Center Company Limited and Cement Thai Home Mart Max situated opposite Big C Superstore on Sukhumvit Road. Sansak Ngampiches, president of the advisory board of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, was one of the many distinguished guests in attendance. Held on March 15, the opening of the Home Mart also attracted a lot of shoppers.

Sontaya Khunpluem (left), Minister of Tourism and Sports; Sansak Ngampiches (2nd left), president of the advisory board of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, express their best wishes to Khanchit Vichaboonsiri, owner of Cement Thai Home Mart.

Khanchit Vichaboonsiri, well-known local businessman and owner, explained that Cement Thai Home Mart will facilitate home builders and decoration lovers in Pattaya and Banglamung. The Home Mart, a one stop service, mainly provides shoppers with house furniture, kitchen utensils and equipment.

Khanchit added, “The Home Mart is a sub-branch of the one in Chonburi City and was built to serve the growing demand in house furniture by people in the area who love to shop for quality goods at reasonable prices.”


Thailand and Bulgaria sign up to a better future

Dr Virachai Techavichit, founder of The Regent’s School and honorary consul in Thailand for Estonia, welcomed the Bulgarian minister of education, Associate Professor Dr. Vladimir Atanassov, to the school’s Pattaya campus on Thursday, 20th March. Dr Atanassov and Dr Virachai signed a new agreement confirming Bulgaria as a partner in the Global Connect programme. The minister was very pleased to meet Mrs Patricia Metham, former head mistress of Roedean School, who is well known in Europe, as the principal of the school and directly responsible for the programme. Dr Atanassov also had a chance to meet with students from Bulgaria who are already benefiting from the Global Connect scholarship scheme.

(From left) Charge d’Affaires Roumen Sabev; the Bulgarian minister; The Regent’s founder, Dr. Virachai; and the principal, Mrs. Patricia Metham.

Dr Virachai explained the vision that has led to the scheme’s foundation: “The objective of the ‘Global Connect’ programme - its inspiration and continuing rationale - is to give young scholars from newly emerging countries such as these Bulgarians the opportunity to expand their horizons, to develop a greater breadth and depth of knowledge and to learn from personal experience what it means to be a responsible and enlightened leader in an international community. These Global Connect Scholars will play a critical part in enhancing Bulgaria’s position on the World’s stage.”

Global Connect scholars from Bulgaria join scholars from several other European countries, such as Estonia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. All are selected by the education ministries of their home country through a rigorous process of examination and interview, to ensure that they have the intelligence, the talents and the sense of purpose needed to achieve the highest levels of academic and personal success at The Regent’s School.

The minister was accompanied by Roumen Sabev, charge d’affaires to Thailand, Victor Melamed, honorary consul of Thailand in Bulgaria, Sombat Laohapongchana, honorary consul of Bulgaria in Thailand, the president of the Bulair Company and Mrs. Svetlll Zlatarska, chief of the minister’s office.