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“Opportunities and Challenges Facing Businesses Investing or Trading in Thailand”

“Opportunities and Challenges Facing Businesses Investing or Trading in Thailand”. Birmingham October 7, 2008. Rodney Bain, Chairman, British Chamber of Commerce Thailand. “Scorecard - Thailand 2008” Rodney Bain, Chairman BCCT

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“Opportunities and Challenges Facing Businesses Investing or Trading in Thailand”

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  1. “Opportunities and Challenges Facing Businesses Investing or Trading in Thailand” Birmingham October 7, 2008 Rodney Bain, Chairman, British Chamber of Commerce Thailand

  2. “Scorecard - Thailand 2008” Rodney Bain, Chairman BCCT • "How the BCCT supports businesses in Thailand“ Greg Watkins, Executive Director BCCT • "Legal Aspects of Doing Business in Thailand' Gary Biesty, Managing Partner, Mayer Brown • "The Thai Property Sector" James Pitchon, Executive Director, CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) • "The Thai Banking Sector“ PeeriyathepHomhuan, County Manager, Bangkok Bank UK

  3. Rodney Bain 24 years in Thailand 8 years with Esso, Dunlop, UN/ESCAP Founded Market-Edge Asia Ltd. 1993 Offices in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia SME database company – Automotive, Insurance, Hospitality, Services British Chamber of Commerce Thailand 8 years on BCCT Board 2006 Vice Chairman 2007- Chairman

  4. Scorecard - Thailand 2008 • Political Situation • Economy • Investment

  5. BUSINESS IN THAILAND SUCCEEDS DESPITE POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY Thailand has been and remains a very good place to invest

  6. Politics (+): new democratic, pro-business, investor friendly; international acceptance; listens and consults foreign business; most investor friendly country in Asia => must deliver Politics (-); coalition - return of “old-style”; TRT reserve team; Democrats failed; politics not developing; income disparity remains; Upcountry elects/Bangkok unseats; Establishment vs Thaksin – poles apart; court cases; future?

  7. Economy (+): growth 5.0% (4.8% - 07) (5.2% -09); ($38bn mega projects; fiscal stimulus package; little direct sub-prime fall-out; exports resilient - market diversification; strong Baht, A S&P Rating ) Economy (-): low confidence (domestic); Inflation 2.3% (07), 6%+ (08); Externals – US/global economy; oil price, THB appreciation (good/bad), food price (good/bad); skilled/unskilled labour shortages

  8. Investment (+): more promising outlook; target THB 3 trillion (USD 93bn) 2008-11; restrictive investment legislation shelved; reduce red-tape; open environment (BOI); overhaul tax structure; ease regulations to promote competitiveness Investment (-): not level playing field - FTA’s, Treaty of Amity, minority ownership; restrictive legislation (eg FBA); bureaucracy; regional competition

  9. Conclusion • - 2006-7 The Lost Years – regaining momentum • - competitive advantage in the region/externals • - encouraging Government initiatives in 2008 • - consultation with foreign business community • - business runs the economy not government • long-term approach – patience/common sense

  10. BUSINESS IN THAILAND SUCCEEDS DESPITE POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY Thailand has been and remains a very good place to invest

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