Bangkok Business Brief Magazine – Publication Information Magazine – Thailand business news and organization & event updates Circulation – 10,000 copies Distribution – Bangkok & the Eastern Seaboard Bangkok Business Brief Magazine - January 2013 Overview The Bangkok Business Brief is a monthly business news magazine and daily website with domestic and regional business news articles aggregated from a variety of news agencies. Short synopses of articles are displayed online, though should the reader wish to view the full versions of the news stories, short URLs are included for easy navigation to the original sources’ story pages. Each month, the printed stories are decided from the most popular online stories, as measured by analytics for Bangkok Business Brief’s website, and are again presented with short URLs and QR codes to take readers to the original articles in their entirety and to other related news, categorized into 12 areas of business interest. The monthly circulation of 10,000 copies is highly targeted towards top- to mid-level managers and executives. Print & Online News Categories The news categories featured in both the Bangkok Business Brief monthly print version and the daily news website represent all sectors relevant to all business readers. Executives have the ability to quickly review the subjects pertinent to the industries in which they are employed or need to be informed about. Circulation Information The circulation of 10,000 copies incorporates direct mailing to mid-level to chief executive business people,including Chamber of Commerce members in Bangkok, the Eastern Seaboard, and around Thailand, as well as strategic, targeted placement in the business centres and executive lounges of Bangkok’s leading 4-5 star hotels’, business and social clubs in Bangkok, and along with food delivery service orders. With readership of the publication being in companies and hotels, the ‘pass on’ rate is estimated to be between 2.5 and 4 times each copy, and thus, the readership has been determined to be between 25,000 - 45,000 each month.

1. BANGKOK
Vol. No. 2, Issue No. 2
BUSINESS BRIEF Mid-January/Mid-February 2013
Read new business briefs everyday at www.BBBrief.com
Photo by West McGowan via Flickr under Creative Commons license.
Ban or plan?
By Dean Outerson
social media on their company complain about the frivolity of becoming somewhat anomalous
As use of social media networks networks. The argument for ban- the social media. For many com- and difficult to manage. And for
has spread throughout the world, ning is that employees are spend- panies, especially B2B compa- every study that laments the loss
and in recent years here in Thai- ing more and more of their work nies, it is also difficult to see how of productivity due to internet
land, many companies have re- hours monitoring and updating social media can be an effective surfing or chatting, there is an-
sorted to blocking the use of their social media accounts, and marketing tool, when most of other study that shows the bene-
so the company is losing valu- the engagement on social media fits of allowing staff members to
able productivity time. There are seems to be B2C. So for many spend time on social media and
Inside even studies that say that billions management teams, the question that it actually makes them more
General Interest 2 of dollars (or pounds or baht) in is, what is the point? Why al- productive rather than less.
Production 3 productivity time is lost to inter- low staff access to platforms that
net surfing (and to social media don’t help the company and just For proponents of digital and
Finance/Investment 4 use in particular) each year. waste company time? social media use in business,
Government/Economy 6 the various options (Facebook,
Retail/Services 8 Other reasons for banning social But as mobile devices have prolif- Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest,
Tourism 10 media and chat programs in- erated and almost become ubiq- YouTube, Instagram, Path, etc.)
Real Estate 12 clude the claim that widespread uitous, and as more and more represent tremendous oppor-
IT/Comms 14 use of these sites and applica- companies have started to em- tunities to learn, to sell, and to
The Chambers 16 tions causes slow internet speeds, brace digital marketing, banning engage with stakeholders and
The Calendar 22 while many CEOs and executives social media in the workplace is Story continues on Page 20

2. 2 BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF Mid-January/Mid-February 2013 www.BBBrief.com
Briefs
To read the full article of a story brief,
enter the short code at the end of
...added that the company had
set aside a significant investment
budget of Bt200 million to Bt300
goo.gl/bH6PF
million for overseas expansion.
the story into your browser: Full story at http://goo.gl/bH6PF
General Interest since 1970. Under the capitalist his peers to follow the path he has their sales grow in the past year
world, focus is now placed on finan- laid out, without fear. Even though and expect an even more ambitious
cial return, while social return has his takeover attempt for Singapore- trend over the next five years, a PwC
been ignored. By doing so, business listed Fraser and Neave has not yet survey says. But the recruitment of
http://goo.gl/ozbNM leaders fail to factor in the true cost.
been resolved, his shrewd strategy skilled staff and the perennial prob-
for the acquisition of F&N and Asia lem of planning for succession will
Businesses “must The WBCSD, the CEO-led organ- Pacific Breweries is dazzling enough remain key challenges facing family
scale up actions” isation with 191 members – lead- to make him our “Businessman of businesses over the long term de-
ing corporations globally including the Year”. spite the buoyant prospects.
“We live in the world where every 12 Siam Cement Group and PTT in
seconds, one child died of dirty wa- Thailand which are committed to He easily rose above the other can- Sira Intarakumthornchai, CEO of
ter and insanitation. CO2 continues sustainable development, has set the didates for this year’s honours, in- PwC Thailand, said Thai family
to build up. Woods are depleting. Vision 2050. Under the vision, mea- cluding Dhanin Chearavanont, businesses need to be more proac-
We live in the resources-constraint sures are lined up to ensure that... chairman of Charoen Pokphand tive and put in place proper suc-
world. There are limits.” The words Full story at http://goo.gl/3yGzT Group, who made a surprise en- cession planning. “Despite the eco-
from Peter Bakker, president of the
World Business Council for Sus- Fierce fights against try to China’s insurance takeover
through the Bt287-billion
industry nomic slowdown, family businesses
are thriving worldwide,” he said.
tainable Development, participating global giants of a stake in Ping An Insurance. The
in the “SCG Asean Sustainable De- other candidate was Tos Chirathi- In Thailand, family businesses have
velopment Symposium”, sounded Despite his age, Charoen Siriva- vat, chief executive officer of Central played a key role in driving the
horrible. Yet, it seemed he intended dhanabhakdi has proved fearless. Retail Corp. After the acquisition of economy for decades. It’s a “resil-
to frighten all, to draw business He relentlessly explores overseas Italy’s 11-store La Rinascente chain ient” model for the 21st century as
leaders’ attention and push them to- opportunities even when he is un- in 2011, CRC this year continued... its structure offers significant ad-
wards actions to save the planet. der pressure from global giants. Full story at http://goo.gl/9J5BC vantages and benefits, he added. In
At a time when Thailand is heav- order to keep their companies thriv-
Bakker sees the need that the busi- ily promoting overseas investment Succession a weak ing and relevant, family businesses
ness world revolutionise their busi- to counter “hot money” flowing spot of family firms need to transform themselves and
ness practices given “questionable” into the country, Charoen, 68, has quickly acknowledge the traits es-
progress of what has been agreed at helped raise the profile of Thai Two-thirds of family-owned busi- sential for them to succeed. They...
the four global climate conferences businesspeople and encouraged nesses around the world have seen Full story at http://goo.gl/MtSq3
PPi
Professional Portfolio International
THE PPI MASTERS
EXPAT INVITATIONAL 2013
Thana City Golf Club, Bang-Na Trad Km 14,
Friday 1st February 2013
Tee-Off at 12.30pm
FA B U LO U S P R I Z ES AWA R D ED FOR
• 1ST & 2ND NET SCORE
www.juslaws.com • 1 LONGEST DRIVE & 1 NEAREST THE PIN
• LOADS OF GREAT LUCKY DIP PRIZES TO BE WON
Looking at purchasing property in Thailand • AS MUCH MONEY AS POSSIBLE WILL GO TO CHARITY!
but don’t know where to start?
The cost per golfer including caddie and Players with no official handicap
cart is B3,000. In return you will receive: cards will be pooled into our special
• A Goodie Bag to take home scoring system.
• Acquisition Methods • Contract Review • Free drinks dispensed during your round So start swinging the wrenches
• Title search on the property • Assistance with Transfer • The Prize Giving Ceremony at the course again and enter a team of 4 or come
• Due Diligence • Banking Assistance will include Food & Drinks on us as an individual, by simply emailing
Players with official handicap cards will golf@ppi-advisory.com or call our
free consultation need to bring them to the course for office on 02 6640968.
verification.
Bangkok Office: 1104/157 Noble Cube, Pattanakarn Road
Tel: (66) 02.187.2640 - 1 • Email: Bangkok@juslaws.com www.ppi-advisory.com
Phuket Office: The Royal Place, 96/14 Chalermprakiet Ror.9 Rd
Tel: (66) 076.304.353 – 5 • Email: Phuket@juslaws.com

3. 2 BANGKOK BU
SINESS BRIEF
December 20
11
BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF Mid-January/Mid-February 2013 Briefs 3 To read the fu
enter the shor
the story into
ll article of a
t code at the
story brief,
end
...added that the
set aside a signi company had
General Inte your browser: of budget of Bt20 ficant investment goo.gl/bH6P
rest liam Shakespe
are
0
million for over million to Bt300
seas
Full story at http: expansion. F
Sponsored by Nature and life in JuliusCaesar. 1997-98
//goo.gl/bH6PF
Use the QR Code reader in your ...
seasons of the
yea
are cyclical _ wa
the impact of s a blessing, as the mains
2008 would ha above the Europ
the phases of the r, life and death, far worse ve been ean average.
smartphone to see all the stories http://goo.gl/o
zbNM Caught up in da moon, the tides. for the region,
ily details, we eas Mokhtar, the managing
” Azman In
India, China
Asia stands to ily forget that - of Khazanah director rough and Thailand,
in a certain category. gain from W has cycles, too.
the business wo
We are all fam
rld told the CI Nasional of Malaysia, tion
MB Asean Confe
ly 12 percent of
contribute to a the popula-
slowdown est with the econo
mic business cyc r
ilia rence. the we
aknesses of
pension, while
of expansion, con le His comme
nts were... sion system are Thailand’s pen-
covery. Howe traction and re- Full story ...
Production into the 24-billion-baht supple-
The shift of eco
no
mentum to the mic growth mo- phenomena affect...
ver, other cyc
lical
at http://goo.gl/d
fu2u
Full story at htt
p://goo.gl/rtpH
3
up numerous East has opened Full story at http://goo.gl/fJ Thailand near Preventing
ments market. The cash was used
Asian countries
opportunities
that olr of list of wor top
Bangkok from
out, suggests an should not miss Panel: Asia bett
mainly for machines to make sup- weakest pens ’s ld
economist.
off, not immun er sinking bigges
plements under its T.R.B.O. brand. e, systems: studion challenge t
The robust eco
no from global cr y
China and em mic growth of ises Greece, India, Ch Land subsidence
http://goo.gl/UrVpE Managing director Pita Limcha-
will open a ne
w
erging economi
es KUALA LUMPUR : The As are home to the
ian cri- pensi
ina and Thailan
weake
d water losses
tops
caused by groun
d
Asian economi opportunity for sis in the late 1990s was a on systems in st national lems that must the list of prob-
roenrat said the investment aims to
es to increase the call for the reg wake-up cripp the world, ko be solved in Ba
Coke’s Thai unit aims wealth from tra ir ion that has tur led by k to ng-
de in goods an out to be ned eign debt, a mix of acute sover- clima mitigate the impact of the
add value to its core business, which
services at a tim
e d a blessing in
dis young retire te change on
States and Europ when the United nearly 15 years later, as the guise high ratios of pension ment ages, a study by multin flooding, says
for group’s top 10 earns the firm more than 1.2 bil-
e
Full story at htt are... financial sec region’s ers an
d
p://goo.gl/S65D6 able to sus tor is now strong and study poor pension take-up, a
tain a certain showed.
ers to work-
The conclusio
ational agencies
.
lion baht a year from raw rice bran
Grow with th of shocks from
e flow Western Hemi
degree
the fallout in
the The Allia
a report entitl
n is containe
ed “Climate Ris
d in
Coca-Cola aims to raise the rank- of cycles
oil and extracted bran, selling both to a panellist
sphere, accord nz and Ad
ing sion Susta Global Investors Pen- Megac aptation in Asian Coastal
ks
at a recent As ina
‘There is a tid conference. ean tracks the bility Index, which Asian ities”, jointly conducted by the
ing of its Thai unit into the top 10 domestically and overseas. CEO
men, which, tak
e in the affair
s of ity of nationa
relative sustai
nabil- Internati
Development Ba
nk,
onal Cooperatio the Japan
leads on to for en at the flood, “There wi l pension sys
contributors of revenue to the group Agrifood is ranked as the third-
tune”, wrote Wi
l- future, an
ll be more crises
d the Asian
in 44 cou
in the showe ntries around the world,
tems and the
World Bank in
n Agency
2010.
crisis in tirees d the number of Greek re-
after investing Bt14 billion in it this biggest Thai producer. Its recently to people of wo
rking age re-
The report recom
Full story at htt mended a...
year. Coca-Cola (Thailand) current- introduced T.R.B.O. rice bran snack p://goo.gl/20yMD
ly ranks in the top 20 contributors. has received positive feedback from
The investment was part of a three- health-conscious consumers. There
year plan that began in June. The is high competition in the supple-
budget has been used to increase ments market, which posts steady...
production capacity and to add new Full story at http://goo.gl/StR5h
product lines including juice prod-
ucts and drinking water, said Archa- Napier grass to be
wat Chareonsilp, public affairs and part of green energy
communications director. plan, minister says
As part of the business plan, the The government will issue guide-
company says it is focusing on in- lines within the next two months
novative products, distribution and on a policy to promote generation
brand communications. Archawat of electricity from Napier grass, En-
said the group saw growth potential ergy Minister Pongsak Ruktapong-
in Thailand after a major change in pisal said. Napier grass, originally
the bottling industry. The arrival... from Africa, is also known as Ugan-
Full story at http://goo.gl/D1K3v da grass or elephant grass for being
a favourite food of elephants.
5-yr auto plan aims
for top-10 ranking Pongsak said Germany had devel-
The third master plan for the Thai oped 7,000 power stations fuelled
automobile sector has been drawn by Napier grass that provided 7,000
up, alongside a study of long-term megawatts, and Thailand could
development of the industry with a match that production. The min-
view to establishing the Kingdom as istry will provide a “feed-in tariff ”
one of the world’s key manufactur- subsidy of Bt4.50 per kilowatt-hour
ing hubs by increasing production (unit) for a period of 25 years to
from 2.3 million units this year to power plants that use as feedstock
5.6 million units by 2050. The Thai- Napier grass supplied by local com-
land Automotive Institute’s five- munities. This grass can be grown in
year master plan for 2012-2016 is many parts of Thailand, especially...
focused on increasing output by an Full story at http://goo.gl/oGCqn
average of 10 per cent annually.
Hi-Q food
The plan is also aimed at making campaigns for
the country one of the top 10 auto- good eating habits
manufacturing nations within the
same time scale and increasing the After starting off with a conven-
use of local content in the industrytional marketing campaign 10 years
from 40 per cent now to 50 per cent.ago, Hi-Q Food Products realised
In addition, the institute’s long-term
that it needed to change strategy if
development goal is to increase pro-sustainability was the company’s
duction step by step over the next ultimate goal. From the campaign
several decades. Targeted output is to promote its products mainly un-
3.3 million units in 2020, rising to...
der “Roza” tomato sauce brand, the
Full story at http://goo.gl/PPwo7 company turned that into a sustain-
able CSR programme – to promote
CEO passes sustainable eating habits among
rice bran oil pills school students as well as their rela-
CEO Agrifood Co, one of Thailand’s tives. “It was started off based on the
major rice bran oil producers, has fact that students consumed less...
invested 40 million baht to advance Full story at http://goo.gl/E742x

4. 4 BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF Mid-January/Mid-February 2013 www.BBBrief.com
Briefs
To read the full article of a story brief,
enter the short code at the end of
...added that the company had
set aside a significant investment
budget of Bt200 million to Bt300
goo.gl/bH6PF
million for overseas expansion.
the story into your browser: Full story at http://goo.gl/bH6PF
Finance / Investment has been quite an experience, a “Backdoor listings on the Thai stock appreciation since the Singapor-
nightmare actually, but it’s my own market are an interesting idea since ean dollar has been outperforming
fault. I neglected communicating Myanmar needs capital and does other currencies over the past cou-
with retail investors, which resulted not have a stock market. Thailand ple of years. Among the UOB’s top
http://goo.gl/wKeiJ in the spread of rumours,” chief... is going to be an important inves- picks are DBS, Keppel Corp, Capital
Full story at http://goo.gl/6wq1M tor and model for Myanmar due to Land, Ho Bee, Suntec REIT, Ascott
Ananda’s chief many factors,” he said. “It’s not that Residence Trust, Ezion Holding and
explains poor Thai ‘backdoor’ they don’t have any wealth but they Nam Cheong.
share performance listings for Myanmar don’t have an organised capital mar-
companies proposed ket. Earnings per share of Singaporean
Ananda Development, the larg- stocks should grow only 0.2 per cent
est initial public offering issuer this Myanmar companies seeking to “People ask me what their M&A this year and 7.7 per cent next year.
year, is blaming the fact that its share raise funds for projects in their strategy should be for Myanmar, A consensus earnings downgrade is
price is trading lower than its IPO country’s fast-developing economy and while there may be plantations... likely, since listed Singaporean firms
on miscommunication with retail might be able to manage “backdoor’’ Full story at http://goo.gl/YeQNh reported lacklustre third-quarter
investors. On its first day of trading listings in Thailand, heard Myan- results. At current valuations, Sin-
last Friday, Ananda shares opened mar experts based in Thailand at the S’pore stocks gaporean stocks are not cheap. “One
at 4.14 baht or 1.43% less than the “Invest Myanmar 2012” conference ‘offer potential’ of the pitfalls of the Singapore Ex-
IPO price of 4.20 baht and closed at in Kuala Lumpur, organised by the UOB Kay Hian’s head of research change is that being an open econ-
3.80 baht or 9.52% less than the IPO training and conference manage- Andrew Chow recommends some omy, Singapore is very susceptible...
price in heavy trade worth 2.21 bil- ment firm Solomon Wise. “top pick” Singapore stocks for Thai Full story at http://goo.gl/NuSqy
lion baht. The large size of the share investors looking to tap opportuni-
float made it the top trading volume Robert Fernstrom, CEO of Bang- ties from the Asean Trading Link 20 Thai companies
of the day. kok-based Emerging Asia Capital scheme. Chow says investors here to explore Myanmar
Partners, gave examples of how fi- may look at the opportunity to in-
The company wrongly perceived its nancing structures used for deals vest in Singaporean stocks as a way The Thai Chamber of Commerce
IPO would be successful after the such as Electricite du Laos and to diversify their risks. Even though will take 20 leading firms to Myan-
warm response from institutional Tanayong in Thailand could be used the upside possibility for the Singa- mar to explore trade and investment
investors, which accounted for 75% to raise money for businesses in porean bourse is small at present, opportunities in the neighbouring
of its 1.33 billion IPO shares. “This Myanmar. investors might gain from currency country. The three-day trip will be
Professional Portfolio International
Dedicated to
Service Excellence
PPI strives to help each client grow,
protect, and enjoy their wealth in their
own way and achieve
Financial Freedom
With its team of very knowledgeable and experienced
Advisers, PPI delivers the highest level of financial
planning and wealth management services to clients
throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.
www.ppi-advisory.com
Professional Portfolio International (PPI)
209/1 K Tower, Tower B, 19th Fl., Unit 4, Sukhumvit 21 Rd.(Asoke)
Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel +662 664 0968, +662 664 0145 | Fax +662 260 7769
Email: clientservices@ppi-advisory.com

5. 2 BANGKOK BU
SINESS BRIEF
December 20
11
www.BBBrief.com
Briefs To read the fu
enter the shor
the story into
ll article of a
Mid-January/Mid-February 2013 BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF
t code at the
story brief,
end
...added that the
set aside a signi company had
5
General Inte your browser: of budget of Bt20 ficant investment goo.gl/bH6P
rest liam Shakespe
are
0
million for over million to Bt300
seas
Full story at http: expansion. F
Sponsored by Nature and life in JuliusCaesar. 1997-98
//goo.gl/b H6PF
Use the QR Code reader in your ...
seasons of the
Mr Sombat said listed companies yea
are cyclical _ wa
the impact of s a blessing, as the mains
2008 would ha combined deposit of Bt5 million.
above the Europ
the phases of the r, life and death, far worse ve been ean average.
smartphone to see all the stories http://goo.gl/o
zbNM Caught up in da moon, the tides. Mokhtar,
will benefit in 2013 from a lower ily details, we eas
for the region,
the managing
” Azman In
Customers are offered special ser-
India, China
Asia stands to ily forget that - of Khazanah director rough and Thailand,
in a certain category. gain from W corporate income tax rate of 20%,
has cycles, too.
the business wo
We are all fam
rld told the CI Nasional of Malaysia, tion
MB Asean Confe
ly 12 percent of
vices such as a limousine service...
contribute to a the popula-
est with the econo
mic business cyc r
ilia rence. the we pension, while
slowdown down from 23% now. They also ex-
of expansion, con le His comme
nts were... Full story at http://goo.gl/uvELB
aknesses of
sion system are Thailand’s pen-
covery. Howe traction and re- Full story ...
joined by executives from indus- investing overseas, in particular in pect operating interest rate costs to
The shift of eco ver, other cyc at http://goo.gl/d Full story at htt
tries including sugar, food, banking,
no
mentum to the mic growth mo- phenomena affect...
up numerous East has opened Full story at http://goo.gl/fJ
Asean and [other] emerging mar- decrease in line with the downward
opportunities olr
lical
Thailand near
top
fu2u
Fund to loan
Preventing
p://goo.gl/rtpH
3
of list of wor
property, textiles, hotels and tour-
Asian countries
kets with higher demand for...
that
out, suggests an should not miss Panel: Asia bett
trend in rates. Even so, much de-
economist.
off, not immun er
weakest pens ’s ld money to student
Bangkok from
sinking bigges
systems: studion t
ism. TCC chairman Pongsak As- Full story at http://goo.gl/rUPXi
The robust eco
no
pends on whether the US...
China and em mic growth of
from global cr e,
ises Greece, India, Ch
y entrepreneurs
challenge
sakul said the group will meet Tin Full story at http://goo.gl/3E8gW ina and Thailan Land subsidence
Naing Thien, Myanmar’s minister JCB seeks
erging economi caused by groun
will open a ne es KUALA LUMPUR : The As are home to the
weake
d water losses
tops d
w ian cri- pensi
Asian economi opportunity for sis in the late 1990s was a on systems in st national lems that must the list of prob-
The Finance Ministry plans to es-
for national planning and economic partners for
wealth from tra
services at a tim
es to increase the
e
ir
de in goods an out to be
d Venture capitalists
call for the reg wake-up cripp
ion that has tur
a blessing in
dis
led by
young retire
the world, ko
k to
be solved in Ba
ned eign debt, a mix of acute sover- clima mitigate the impact of the
ng-
tablish a Venture Capital Fund for
te change on
States and Europ when the United nearly 15 years later, as the guise high ratios of pension ment ages, a study by multin flooding, says
development, to discuss new invest- regional expansion e
Full story at htt are... financial sec target tech start-ups
region’s ers an
d
p://goo.gl/S65D6 able to sus tor is now strong and study poor pension take-up, a
tain a certain showed.
ers to work-
students worth Bt15 billion on De-
The conclusio
ational agencies
.
ment regulations and the country’s Grow with th of shocks from
e flow Western Hemi M8VC Co, a new venture capital
degree
the fallout in
the The Allia
cember 12. One third of the fund, or
a report entitl
n is containe
ed “Climate Ris
d in
economic prospects. of cycles
JCB International, the leading Japa- to a panellist fund, has outlined plans to invest
sphere, accord nz and Ad ks
Bt5 billion, will come from the min-
ing sion Susta Global Investors Pen- Megac aptation in Asian Coastal
at a recent As ina
‘There is a tid conference. ean tracks the bility Index, which Asian ities”, jointly conducted by the
nese credit-card provider, is look-
men, which, tak
e in the affair
s of at least 300 million baht in innova-
ity of nationa
relative sustai istry’s budget, and the rest will come
nabil- Internati
Development Ba
nk,
onal Cooperatio the Japan
leads on to for en at the flood, “There wi l pension sys
Myanmar has rich natural resources ing for new partners in Thailand
tune”, wrote Wi
l- future, an tive tech start-up companies next
ll be more crises
d the Asian
in 44 cou
in the showe ntries around the world,
tems and the
from government banks.
World Bank in
n Agency
2010.
crisis in tirees d the number of Greek re-
and will enjoy tax privileges next and elsewhere in Asean to boost its year. The company was founded by to people of wo
rking age re-
The report recom
Full story at htt mended a...
year from the Generalised System regional business expansion. The Ponthep Sethiwan, Shakrit Chan- This fund will provide loans of not
p://goo.gl/20yMD
of Preferences granted by developed company currently has direct over- rungsakul, Pawoot Pongvitayapanu, more than Bt3 million per person
countries. Mr Pongsak said Myan- seas operations in Nepal, Bhutan, Kit Arunanondchai, Sua Kanjana- to both university and vocational
mar’s low wages are attractive for in- Indonesia and Singapore. The Sin- sakchai, Varut Bulakul, Permsiri students who have investment or
vestors, with a daily minimum wage gapore unit is also responsible for Tiyavutiroj and Krisd Aksornwong. business plans they are looking to
of 75-120 baht and monthly salaries Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia get off the ground, Deputy Finance
of 3,000 to 6,000 baht for workers and Thailand, where the Bangkok The partners are former pioneer- Minister Thanusak Lek-uthai said
with a bachelor’s degree. office has management control of ing tech entrepreneurs and financial last week. The loans will be pro-
activities in Laos, Cambodia, Myan- advisers. “We aim to be an engine vided to current university and vo-
Mr Pongsak, who is a member of mar and Vietnam. to promote Thailand as an innova- cational school students, and those
the Joint Public Private Consulta- tion hub in Southeast Asia,” said Mr have graduated within the past five
tive Committee, will also represent JCB’s revenue in Thailand, where it Ponthep. He said Thai tech start-up years. The fund will also provide
businessmen on the government’s has had a partnership with Krungth- firms have high business potential support for students who work on a
official trip led by Prime Minister ai Card since 2008, is the largest but lack financial support. freelance basis.
Yingluck Shinawatra to meet Myan- within Asean, mainly because of the
mar President Thein Sein in Nay Pyi high number of tourists. This year alone, foreign venture One third of the loans will be pro-
Taw. The working group of the two capital funds have acquired shares vided interest-free, with the remain-
countries will meet to evaluate the... The Japanese company recently in Thai firms worth hundreds of ing two thirds provided by the par-
Full story at http://goo.gl/JY25X formed an alliance with Phonsa- millions of baht. Mr Ponthep said ticipating state banks at Minimum
vanh Bank in Laos, where it is also M8VC has two types of... Retail Rate plus 2 per cent. The Thai
Dept encouraging exploring a new partnership next Full story at http://goo.gl/XdM1O Credit Guarantee Corporation will
exporters to set year. It also inked a memorandum
Banks focus on guarantee the loans. The venture
foothold overseas of understanding with Myanmar...
unique services
capital fund will focus on 10...
Full story at http://goo.gl/6NiZg Full story at http://goo.gl/II0KW
In the light of upcoming market in- as they target
tegration under the Asean Econom- Analysts bullish on Ambassador: China
ic Community, the International local stocks in 2013 the wealthy bullish on Thai ties
Trade Promotion Department has The Securities Analysts Association Banks are competing to design The Chinese ambassador says his
mapped out a plan to encourage is upbeat that the Thai stock index unique services to tap wealthy country views Thailand as an Asean
Thai exporters to set up businesses will continue its strong rise to 1,471 customers, who want something logistics hub, as evidenced by con-
overseas to ensure sustainable ship- points, forecasting earnings growth completely different from other tinued firm commitments from
ments in the long term. The move of 15.2% for listed companies and client groups. Banks realise high- Chinese construction giants to bid
is part of the department’s plan to 4.6% economic growth next year. net-worth customers are seeking for the high-speed train project.
change its role from purely driving Secretary-general Sombat Nara- something besides solely a high rate “The centre of logistics in Asean is
export growth to one where it also wuttichai said the consensus survey of return on investment from the Thailand, not any other country,”
encourages foreign investment. comprised the views of 22 securities products traditionally on offer. Guan Mu said.
firms.
Director-general Srirat Rastapana Services are often even more im- The ambassador said Chinese com-
said the agency had devised a proj- The highest-returning sector in the portant than financial products to panies are eager to participate in
ect to promote more Thai compa- new year is expected to be build- these clients, who expect to get val- the bidding for the construction of
nies to become internationalised ing materials (32.2%), followed ue-added services after entrusting high-speed railway lines in Thai-
enterprises, so that they have a by property (18.4%) and banks a bank to manage their investment land, expected to begin in late 2013.
wider source of raw materials and (18.4%). Sectors with high dividend portfolio, said Kris Chantanotoke, Mr Guan said China is confident it
a broader range of markets. “Thai yields will be telecommunications executive vice president of Bank of will be selected in the bidding for
producers and exporters can no (5.5%), electronics (5.1%) and en- Ayudhya. As a result, banks are de- the Chiang Mai line, the first of two
longer solely remain in this country, ergy (4.3%). signing services and products based lines expected to be built.
because of the high competitiveness on customers’ lifestyles, which will
of the [increasingly] seamless mar- For asset allocation, the consensus also help foster relations between Yong Suksudprasert, president of
ket worldwide. The AEC will also is that investors should have 45% them and the banks, he said. the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Com-
allow the free flow of trade in goods, in stocks and local funds, 17% in merce, said at least 10 large Chinese
services and investment,” she said. debt instruments and fixed-income At BAY, services for high-net-worth firms have expressed interest in sub-
funds, 10% in global assets, 11% in clients are provided via Krungsri mitting bids. Any investment will be
“We [Thailand] should grasp the gold and gold futures and the rest in Exclusive Banking, which requires in the form of a joint venture with...
opportunity to expand business by property, oil and cash. customers to lodge a minimum Full story at http://goo.gl/BeZw3

6. 6 BANGKOK BUSINESS BRIEF Mid-January/Mid-February 2013 www.BBBrief.com
Briefs
To read the full article of a story brief,
enter the short code at the end of
...added that the company had
set aside a significant investment
budget of Bt200 million to Bt300
goo.gl/bH6PF
million for overseas expansion.
the story into your browser: Full story at http://goo.gl/bH6PF
Government / Economy of domestic growth was due to the “This move is to ensure fairness them likely to encourage people to
highest quarterly rates since 2004 to low-income earners,” said Kit- overextend themselves by taking
of the two contributors in the third tiratt. He insisted that overall tax out loans. The move follows talks
quarter, at 6% year-on-year for pri- revenue will be unaffected by the yesterday between the Bank of Thai-
http://goo.gl/EIbH6 vate consumption and 15.5% for move, which will cost the govern- land and banking executives on the
investment, while exports of goods ment Bt25 billion per annum, as the household-debt issue and banks’
A return to organic and services contracted 2.8% year- corporate income tax cut this year advertising spots.
growth in 2013? on-year in the same quarter. So yes, had in effect expanded Thailand’s
the Thai economy can expand even tax base. Kasikornbank senior executive vice
If anything, 2012 proved the Thai when exports are stagnant, but it... president Teeranan Srihong said af-
economy is able to stand on its Full story at http://goo.gl/Yt3Kz “It’s clear that the tax base has been ter meeting that although the cen-
own feet. It’s the year that domestic expanded by the corporate tax cut. tral bank was not coming up with
growth ploughed ahead against the Cut in personal As such, we can lower personal in- specific measures to tackle the issue,
backdrop of a slowdown in exports. income tax due come tax. As GDP expands, the it was worried that banks’ media
Over three quarters, the economy The Cabinet gave taxpayers a big number of income earners rises, and spots could be encouraging people
expanded by 2.6% year-on-year. Christmas present by cutting their Thailand enjoys a low unemploy- to overspend.
Not much, you may think, but recall personal income tax rates for next ment rate. Overall, the government
that in the first quarter of this year year, although the top rate will re- revenue will not be cut,” he said. KBank will review its advertising,
we emerged from major flooding, main high at 35 per cent, down only regardless of the BOT’s concerns. It
so you can pencil out any manufac- slightly from the current 37 per cent. Overhauling the personal income will consider toning down any ads
turing activity for one whole quar- tax structure was one of the Yin- seen as overstimulating demand for
ter. “The tax cut will result in a govern- gluck Shinawatra government’s key loans, he said. “The robust growth
ment revenue loss of Bt25 billion an- election promises. It takes... of consumer lending this year is
The boost from private consump- nually, but it leaves more money in Full story at http://goo.gl/42cHl partially driven by the government’s
tion and investment returned in people’s pockets, which should lead domestic consumption schemes
the aftermath of the floods, lifting to more consumption and boost the Banks may tone and the campaigns of financial insti-
Thai economic activity in the sec- economy in the long run,” Finance down ads after talks tutions. However, we have not seen
ond and third quarters and bring- Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong said Commercial banks will consider any unusual signs, with each house
ing economic growth back to a in the tax package his ministry sub- toning down their advertising if having measures to control its non-
solid expansion path. The strength mitted for approval. after reviewing the ads they deem performing loans. The BOT’s con-
Security, Compliance or Audits
getting too stressful?
Time to outsource all aspects
of your security?
FOR MORE
INFORMATION
02 653 1971
LBG is a Bangkok and Singapore based security
consultancy company with a dynamic team of
individuals with specialist skill sets and experience.
With ever increasing security issues, many MNC’s are
now looking to outsource their security to comply
with internal audits, gain accreditation and maintain
international standards.
LBG is leading the way in offering simple affordable
solutions to companies looking to outsource all areas
of their security.
Info: aaron@leboutilliergroup.com
www.leboutilliergroup.com