Satirical Depths - A Study of Gabriel Okara's Poem - 'You Laughed and Laughed...
Cynthia griffin
1. Thailand Country
Outlook 2011
U.S. Commercial Service, Bangkok
Commercial Counselor Michael McGee
Commercial Attaché Francis “Chip” Peters
2. Thailand At A Glance
About the size of Thiland
Over 65 million people
Bangkok 8-10 million
Chiang Mai over 180,000
Infrastructure
Suvarnabhumi Airport
Laem Chabang Port (20th in world)
Eastern Seaboard – Industrial Zone
3. Political Overview
Type of Politics: Constitutional
Monarchy
Head of State: King Rama IX
Prime Minister: Yingluck Shinawatra
King Bhumibol Adulyadej
PM Yingluck Shinawatra Democracy Monument, Built in 1932 to Commemorate Thailand 1st
Constitution
4. Thailand Economic Outlook
GDP: $263.5 billion
GDP per capita: $3,921.3 (09)
Inflation rate: 5.5% (08), -0.9 (09)
Unemployment rate: 1.4% (08); 1.5% (09)
Key industries
Tourism, food processing, agro-industry,
automotive, electrical & electronics, gems &
jewelry, services
- Tourism revenue accounted for 6% of GDP
5. Thailand’s Market Strengths
Strategic Location in the Heart of Southeast Asia
Inexpensive Source of Labor
Future Growth Potential
Government Support for Free Trade Agreements
Cheap Property for Investment & Rental
High-quality Infrastructure
Excellent Healthcare & Int’l Schools
Quality of Life for Expatriates
Friendly Local People
6. Challenges in Thailand
Political Situation
Corruption/Transparency
Weak IPR Protection
Currency/Strong Thai Baht
Customs/Tariffs Issues
Unrest in Southern
Provinces
7. Thailand, Gateway to Southeast Asia
Major Transportation
30 Commercial Airports; 4 Major International Airports
9 Major Ports; 2 Primary Seaports (Klong Toey Port in Bangkok
& Laem Chabang Port in Eastern Seaboard)
64, 600 Km. Highway Network
4,070 Km. Railway Line
9. Thailand: The Heart of ASEAN
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a 10 member
countries with 580 million consumers (9% World Population)
Key ASEAN location for:
Tourism
Medical Tourism
World-class Healthcare
Service
Automobile
Manufacturing
Fashion & Jewelry
10. Importance of ASEAN to US
One of the fastest growing
economies
A number of infrastructure
development projects
Combined GDP of over $1.5
trillion
ASEAN integration by 2015
Strategically significant
region
Concluded FTAs with China, Japan, South Korea, Australia-New
Zealand Region & signed FTA in goods with India
11. U.S. Investment in Thailand
The U.S is the second largest investor in Thailand, after
Japan – investment estimated at approximately $24 billion.
Key areas for US investment:
- Petroleum & chemicals
- Finance
- Consumer products
- Automobile production
12. US-Thai Trade Facts
In 2009, US was Thailand’s largest export market ($16.6
billion), China was 2nd ($16.1 billion)
In 2009, Thailand was our 23rd largest trading partner
($26 billion) & 28nd largest export market ($7 Billion)
US is Thailand’s 3rd largest trading partner after Japan
and China
- Imports from US $8.4 billion; exports to US were
$16.6 billion
US is Thailand’s 4th largest supplier
- after Japan, China & Malaysia
13. US–Thai Treaty of Amity
Allows American citizens & businesses incorporated in the US or in
Thailand to maintain a majority shareholding or to wholly own its
company in Thailand (engage in business on the same basis as
would a Thai national).
These companies are exempt from most of the restrictions on foreign
investment imposed by the Foreign Business Act of 1999.
But still restrictions on investment in
communications, transport, fiduciary functions, banking involving
depository functions, the exploitation of land or other natural
resources & domestic trade in agricultural products.
Signed in 1833 & Amended in 1966
14. Flooding in Thailand
Worst flooding in 50 years
Flooding closes 7 industrial estates
in Bangkok area
Over 650,000 Thai workers
displaced
Extensive Disaster Recovery and
Rebuild Efforts Expected
Water management,
infrastructure, construction…
Contact: Office.Bangkok@trade.gov
15. 2010 Best Prospects
For U.S. Exporters
Aircraft & Aircraft Parts & Food Processing & Packaging
Equipment
Automotive Parts &
Aftermarket Equipment Franchises
Defense Sales Medical/Laboratory/Healthcare
Devices
Education & Training Services
Safety & Security Equipment
Electrical Power
System/Equipment Telecommunication & Broadcast
Equipment
Electronic Components
16. Laos Market
- Opportunity & Challenges
Population: less than 6 million
Advantages:
Political stability
Low costs of land, labor & energy
Plentiful land & water resources
Abundant mineral resources
Challenges
Small market, with low purchasing power
Undeveloped basic infrastructures & logistics, scarce skilled labor
Unstable currency, difficult for investment plan
Protective regulation, rather than investment promotion oriented
17. Cambodia Market
- Opportunity & Challenges
Population: About 14.5 million
Advantages:
Pro-business, pro-growth policy
Low labor & business costs
Abundant natural resources, especially oil & gas
Liberal policy towards foreign worker inflow
Investors can set up 100% foreign-owned investment projects
Largely dollarized economy & absence of capital & exchange controls
Challenges
Corruption, under-the-table costs add 50% to cost of doing business
Inefficient government bureaucracy
Inadequately educated, skilled workforce
Inadequate transport & communications infrastructure
Undeveloped financial & banking system
Ineffective legal system
18. Burma
- Business Outlook
Population: About 48 million
US trade and investment sanctions in place
- Limited exports of U.S. products occurs
Unrecorded & under-recorded border trade very common
Major trading partners:
- Thailand, China, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, S. Korea & Bangladesh
In 2009, USA exported $7 million & imported $100,000
Challenges
Corruption & cronyism
Opaque & arbitrary policymaking/unpredictable trade policies
No rule of law & no independent judiciary
Inadequate infrastructure & outdated technology
Undeveloped financial & banking system
19. The U.S. Commercial Service
Agency:
– U.S. Department of Commerce
Mission:
– Promote U.S. Exports
– Protect U.S. Commercial Interests Abroad
– Promote Investment in America
Locations:
– In US: 109 Export Assistance Centers
– Overseas: 128 offices in 77 countries
20. Our Role
Counseling US Companies
– Changes in regulations & standards
– Economic trends
– Networking and contact Lists
Trade Promotion
– Organize US Pavilions at trade shows
– Supporting trade missions
– Arranging meetings with potential distributors
Advocacy for US Firms
– Support for major tenders
– Resolving trade barriers
21. How to Find the Right Partner
Practical Tip for SMEs in the US Looking to Export
• Identify prospective distributors, sales agents, or partners
• What’s their experience? What regions and industries do they cover?
• A critical mistake is rushing into an agreement with the wrong partner
How the US Commercial Service Can Help:
• Locate qualified local companies as
partners, agents, or distributors
• Consider our “Gold Key Service”
• We help select local companies to meet
with and join you in these initial meetings
22. Promote Your Products & Services
Practical Tip for US SMEs with a Presence In Thailand
• If you already have a distributor in Thailand or a local
office, we can help you extend your reach
• Target key potential clients by sector and position
• Offer an educational seminar that both informs and provides
exposure for your firm
How the US Commercial Service Can Help:
• Consider our “Single Company Promotion” service
• We invite contacts among government, media, and private
industry, with invitations from the US Embassy
• Help you identify deal audience at your press
event, seminar, product launch, or reception.
23. Thank You
Useful Sites
• US Embassy Bangkok Web site
bangkok.usembassy.gov
• Commercial Service Web site
www.buyusa.gov/thailand/en
24. Government Public Work Projects
Rail-based Mass Transit Projects
Government allocated $8 billon to fund mass transit system in Bangkok over
the next 5 years.
Projects over the next 5 years will mostly be developed by the Mass Rapid
Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and the State Railway of Thailand
(SRT).
• Upcoming Projects:
Extension of First Subway Line (Blue Line) & Expansion of Subway Network
Extension of the Elevated Transit System “Skytrain” (Green Line)
Double Tracking & Expanding of Rail Networks (Red Line)
Upgrading Signaling & Communication Systems, Maintenance Center
Sourcing of new locomotives.
25. Government Public Work Projects
ICT Projects
ICT 2010 Projects:
Re-introduction of E-Government Project (government
information network, $36.36 million from 2006-2014)
Rolling out 3G broadband wireless network nationwide in Q4 of
2010
Investment for upgrading 3G network approx. $2 billion (total
2,700 cell sites nationwide)
Opportunities:
2G network maintenance
3G & WIMAX infrastructure & content
26. Best Prospects:
• Automotive Parts & Services/Equipment Market:
Assembling hub in South East Asia (ASEAN) for the world majors (including
GM & Ford)
ASEAN’s largest assembling capacity (over 1 million units/year)
ASEAN’s largest domestic vehicles market (650,000 units expected in 2010)
ASEAN’s most capable automotive parts manufacturing industry
Japanese manufacturers have largest share in the market (over 90%)
One-ton pickups & small passenger cars most popular
• Best Prospects:
Accessories & performance parts
General automotive service equipment & tools
Tire (wheel) & brake service equipment
Body & paint repair service equipment
27. Best Prospects:
• Broadcast Equipment Market:
Total import in 2009 was $5.3 billion, with $52.3 million from US
80-90% of broadcast equipment imported from overseas
Inevitable move from analog to digital TV platform in 2011
Once digital technology is available, approx $3 billion investment will
• flood into the market
• Best Prospects:
Radio & TV transmission
Radio consoles (radio)
Studio equipment for radio & television
Software systems (e.g. automation & advertising
solutions)
Microwave communications equipment
28. Best Prospects:
• Defense Equipment Market:
2010 defense budget approx. $4.7 billion
Thai military’s ongoing modernization program with
government support
Focus on anti-riot & internal peacekeeping activities, border area &
maritime interest protection, suppression of illegal immigrants &
goods smuggling, anti-terrorism, disaster relief
• Best Prospects:
• C4I tactical communication systems, helicopters
(training, tactical, transport), tanks & armored vehicles, training
simulators, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), air defense systems
(ADSs), tactical data links (TDLs), electronic warfare (EW)
equipment, coastal radar systems, amphibious landing crafts, multiple
rocket launch systems (MRLSs) & combat communication equipment
29. Best Prospects:
• Education & Training Services Market:
US dominates the market, with largest market share
Thailand ranks 10th in number of students studying in the US
Thai students taking overseas programs/training valued at $808
million
Market is untapped & open to new-comers
High brand recognition
Word of mouth is crucial
30. Market Share of Overseas Study Destination
USA is the favorite destination, with 25,000 Thai students in 2009.
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0 2009 2008
2008 2009
31. Best Prospects:
• Electric Power System Market:
Generation capacity: 27.7 GW
Growth in electricity demand: 2%
Fuel mix: gas 70%, coal 20.8%, hydro 4.7%,
• Fuel oil 1%, renewable 1.4%, imported 1.9%, diesel 0.2%
Total import of electrical power equipment valued at $4.2 billion
U.S. market share approx. 7%
• Best Prospects:
Power generator, clean coal technology & alternative/renewable energy
technology
Transmission & distribution equipment including underground power
cable & submarine cable extension
Technology & know-how to develop & improve green energy & nuclear
power technology
32. Best Prospects:
• Electronic Components Market:
Market size of $26 billion in 2009; 2010 projected market $28.4 billion
Total imports of $19 billion ($1.7 billion from US)
Manufacturing base for 4 out of 5 major HDD producers: Seagate, Western
Digital, Hitachi & Fujitsu
Over 80% of raw materials used in production & assembling processes of
HDD, integrated circuits (IC) & consumer electronics appliances are imported
The Semiconductor Industry Association forecasts that global semiconductor
sales will grow by 10.2% to $242.1 billion in 2010 and by 8.4% to $262.3 billion
in 2011
• Best Prospects:
Integrated circuit (wafers, dice & chips, substrates & lead frames)
Radio-frequency identification (RFID)
Computer components (CPU, HDD, FDD, CD Rom drives, tape
drives, monitors, printers, LCD projectors, keyboards, mouses, network equipment)
Automotive electronics
33. Best Prospects
Food Processing & Packaging Equipment Market:
Thailand as world’s 7th largest food producer, with over 10,000 food
producers
2009 market size of $2.6 billion; expected growth rate of 10-15% for
the next few years
Total imports of $1.9 billion, with $175 million from US (9% share)
Best Prospects:
Packaging machinery & materials (e.g. film making, form-fill-seal, heat
sealers), refrigerators, freezers, food & drink processing equipment,
cooking & heating machinery, fruit, vegetable & herb processing
equipment, snack foods & confectionery equipment, meat processing
equipment
34. Best Prospects:
• Medical Devices Market:
$1.23 billion market size in 2009 with 12% growth rate
65% imports; US has 30% share
972 public hospitals (104,296 beds) & 328 private hospitals (36,120
beds)
Use of local distributor is highly recommended
Thai FDA requires medical device products registration prior to
importation
– Best Prospects:
Heart valves & artificial blood vessels, disposable diagnostic test
kits,
Quick diagnostic testing devices, respiratory devices & oxygen
Therapy, rehabilitation devices, orthopedic & implant devices
Invasive surgical devices, neurosurgical & other surgical devices
Dermatological devices & accessories
35. Best Prospects:
• Printing/Graphic Arts Equipment Market:
Market size of $1.2 Billion in 2009; projected 2010 market size of $1.3 billion
Imports of printing machinery increased from $192 million in 2006 to $896
million in 2009, ($23 million from US)
Offset & digital printing machinery is 100% imported
0% import duty
Thailand became the largest printing hub in ASEAN
Major export destinations are Hong Kong, Japan & Singapore
• Best Prospects:
Computer to Plate (CtP) technology
High-quality inkjet printers (digital photography, wide format inkjet
printers, printer-based multi-function office devices, & digital presses in imaging
& graphic space) & high-quality printing ink
Post press printing equipment (trimming, perforating, gluing, laminating &
bindery machinery
36. Best Prospects:
• Renewable Energy Market:
Government 15-year Renewable Energy Development Plan: increase
electricity generation from renewable energy to 20% by 2022
Government supporting schemes & incentives:
Government’s subsidy as add-up price on purchasing price of
electricity produced from less than 10MW renewable energy
projects, called “Adder”
Board of Investment tax incentives
Revolving fund program
Government Co-Investing Scheme “ESCO Venture Capital Fund”
Grants for biogas, municipal solid waste & solar hot water projects
Technical assistances
• Best Prospects: Solar, wind, biomass, biogas
37. Best Prospects:
Safety & Security Equipment Market:
Increasing government investment for public safety
Global requirements: international airports, seaports
Market size of $319 million in 2009
Projected market size of $470 in 2010
Increasing private investment for property security
Hi-end property market boom: condominium, hotels, detached houses
Commercial property: shopping malls, office buildings
Best Prospects:
Video surveillance systems: digital video recording & network transmission, CCTV
& night vision equipment
Anti-intrusion device: alarm systems, fire/intruder alarm system
Detection equipment: handheld/walkthrough metal detectors, motion Detectors
X-ray/screening equipment
Access control systems: card technology systems (smart card, proximity-
card, magnetic strip card), biometric devices, security doors & power fences
38. Best Prospects:
• Telecommunications Equipment Market:
ICT market in 2009 was $16.8 billion; projected 2010 market increase
7%
Promising non-voice sector in 2010 is estimated at $787 million; 70%
increase over 2008
Stronger competition among telecom operators to expand new
networks & prepare for new technologies, including 3G and WIMAX
Demand for network infrastructure
• Best Prospects:
2G network maintenance
3G network upgrades
Broadband Internet infrastructure
Wireless communication networks
39. Best Prospects
Water Pollution Control Equipment Market:
Estimated market size of wastewater treatment equipment in 2009 was
$177 million
Import of equipment was $152 million; US share approx. 14%
Growth is expected due to increasing investment in waste to energy &
government’s stricter environmental control
Expected growth of 10-15% over next few years
Best Prospects:
Pumps (submersible, centrifugal, aerator/mixer, dosing, vacuum)
Sludge dewatering equipment (filter presses, belt press, small
dewatering systems)
Screening machines (bar screens, shredding screens)
Consultants & engineering services (pollution prevention
technologies, advance wastewater treatment, water monitoring
system, biological treatment system, renewable energy technology
Advance water treatment chemicals
Notas del editor
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, as the present king. His Majesty is recognized as the Head of State. The King has reigned for 64 years, making him the longest reigning monarch in the world. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government and a hereditary monarch is head of state. The Judiciary is independent of the Executive and the Legislature. The King of Thailand has little direct power under the constitution but is a symbol of national identity and unity. King Bhumibol — who has been on the throne since 1946 — commands enormous popular respect and moral authority, which he has used on occasion to resolve political crises that have threatened national stability. On 2 December 2008, the Constitution Court of Thailand banned a number of political parties for election fraud which included the then ruling PPP (People’s Power Party). The current coalition government was then formed with the opposition Democratic Party representatives. Abhisit, Democrat Party Leader, became Thailand’s 27th prime minister.
Thailand’s major international airports are Suvarnabhumi Airport, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Phuket. Suvarnabhumi International Airport’s current capacity is 42 million passengers/year, 76 flights/hour, 3 million tons of cargo/year.Don Muang Airport is now mainly used for domestic flights. Don Muang International Airport has capacity of 10 million passengers/year, 60 flights/hour, 36,500 tons of cargo/year. Thailand’s Commercial Ports:Laem Chabang Port is one of the top deep-sea ports in Southeast Asia, positioned as the most efficient gateway to Thailand and the Indochina region. It has capacity of 10.8 million TEU. Throughput in fiscal year 2008 was 5.2 TEU.Bangkok Port’s capacity is approximately 1.3 million TEU. Its bonded warehouse now offers several value-added services such as online inventory account reporting, more equipment for lifting and moving goods, and expansion of storage areas.
The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) consists of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Yunan Province of China. The GMS Program, with support from ADB and other donors, fosters the implementation of high priority subregional projects in transport, energy, telecommunications, environment, human resource development, tourism, trade, private sector investment, and agriculture. Objectives of GMS Economic Cooperation:Connect centers of economic activity Facilitate trade, investment, and tourism Reduce transport costs, and facilitate mobility across borders Major Intra-GMS Highway Routes:Mae Sai, Northern Thailand – Kyaington, Burma – Jing Hong & Kunming, Southern ChinaChiang Khong, Northern Thailand – Luang Nam Tha, Laos – Jing Hong & Kunming, Southern ChinaMukdahan, Northeastern Thailand – Savannakhet, Laos – Dong Ha & Da Nang, VietnamBangkok, Thailand – Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Ho Chi Minh City & Vung Tau, VietnamTrat, Eastern Thailand – Koh Kong & Sihanoukville, Cambodia Mae Sod, Western Thailand – Myawaddi, Mawlamyine & Yangon, Burma
Tourism Hub:Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Year after year, Bangkok has been chosen by international tourists to be one of the most favorite places to visit. Thus, tourism contributes to 6-7% of GDP. Income from tourism in 2009 was approx. $16 Billion.Medical Tourism & World-class Healthcare Service Hub:Thailand is known as one of the world’s most popular destinations for medical tourism. The relatively competitive price, high quality service and warm hospitality of Thai people have contributed to a rapid inflow of millions of foreign patients into the country to take advantage of the lower cost of medical treatments. According to the Thai Health Ministry, the medical hub project has attracted $1.5 billion annually for recent years. Regional Hub for Automobile Manufacturing:As home to the largest and most dynamic automotive industry in Southeast Asia, Thailand plays an important role as a key growth center in the global automotive market and serves as a major manufacturing base for world-class automotive manufacturers from Europe, America and Japan. Building on the success of its initial plan to make Thailand one of the world’s major pickup manufacturers, the Royal Thai Government announced its second master plan to become a manufacturing hub for the “Eco car”, with the objective to maintain Thailand’s competitive level and position it as a production hub in the global market. This will increase opportunities for parts manufacturing, automotive technologies and related services in OEM manufacturing. Additionally, greater integration of vehicle markets among ASEAN countries implies a market of regional volume for replacement parts and after-market service equipment. Gems and Jewelry HubThailand’s gem and jewelry industry has emerged as a major international player in the production, processing and trade of the products. The country has positioned itself as a regional hub for diamond and precious stone cutting, capitalizing on its low labor costs, skilled craftsmen and its proximity to major colored gemstone producing countries including Myanmar, Sri Lanka and India. It currently ranks as the world's fifth largest diamond-cutting center. Gems and jewelry is currently the 3rd largest export item in terms of value ($9.76 Billion in 2009), a 17.5% increase over 2008.The Block Burmese JADE Act: Congressman Tom Lantos’ legislation has impacted Thailand’s gem industry as gems originating in Burma are not allowed to be exported to the US. The "Tom Lantos" Block Burmese JADE Act has passed both House & Senateand was signed into law on July 29, 2008.