If you can't see this email click here.
image
24 July 2023
image
 
Upcoming events
 
image
MAZARS IN THAILAND
 
Economy
UTCC anticipates exports contracting by up to 2.5%
Exports this year are likely to contract by between 1.2% and 2.5%, the lowest level in three years, according to the latest forecast by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). (Bangkok Post, 20/07/2023) More

Employment set to remain flat in H2
Thailand's employment rate is expected to remain flat in the second half of this year as the global economy has turned sluggish, the country's tourism industry has yet to fully recover, and local politics remain uncertain, says the Employers' Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai). (Bangkok Post, 18/07/2023) More

Economic damage from El Nino could hit 40-60 billion baht
Economists are concerned about the impact of El Nino on the Thai economy, noting that the damage could reach around 40 billion baht or even 60 billion baht if the situation is prolonged. (The Nation Thailand, 17/07/2023) More

Thailand affirmed at BBB+, outlook stable
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Thailand's long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating (IDR) at BBB+ with a stable outlook. (Bangkok Post, 15/07/2023) More

Volatile politics set to hit economy
Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research) expects the domestic political situation to be a key factor affecting the Thai economy in the second half of this year. (Bangkok Post, 12/07/2023) More
 
Economic Factsheet
UPDATE Magazine
Mazars newsletter
image
image
image
 
GTAI
Stromexporte bringen Laos Geld und neue Probleme
Laos will in großem Stil Strom aus Wasserkraft nach Thailand und Vietnam exportieren. Dazu müssen neue Großkraftwerke gebaut werden. Hohe Umweltschäden sind unvermeidlich. (Marcus Hernig, 19/07/2023) More
 
Global Gateway im Asien-Pazifikraum
Die EU hatte bereits 2018 eine EU-Asien-Konnektivitätsstrategie ins Leben gerufen. Global Gateway baut nun darauf auf und setzt Schwerpunkte in Entwicklungsländern. More
 
Companies & Industrial Sectors
Thai phone market seen as regional sweet spot
With a market value of more than 100 billion baht, Thailand's smartphone market will continue to be a "sweet spot" in Southeast Asia for device makers, mainly for the flagship models, amid the country's challenging economy and less handset subsidy support from mobile phone operators, says Chinese smartphone maker Oppo. (Bangkok Post, 24/07/2023) More

Hotels upbeat despite woes
Thailand's big hotel chains continue to be undaunted by the political uncertainty, with a confident outlook in place as long as the situation remains calm and violent protests and crackdowns do not emerge. (Bangkok Post, 22/07/2023) More

New firms surge amid Thai recovery
New corporate registrations are expected to reach 83,000-90,000 this year, boosted by the increase in foreign tourists and the Thai economic recovery, outstripping an earlier projection of 75,000-78,000, according to the Commerce Ministry's Business Development Department. (Bangkok Post, 21/07/2023) More

Bio strategy targets B190bn investment
Industry officials are formulating new measures under a bioindustry plan to generate investment worth 190 billion baht and put Thailand on track to become a bio hub of Asean within 2027. (Bangkok Post, 21/07/2023) More

BoT okays 3 virtual bank licences
The Bank of Thailand has decided to grant only three virtual bank licences initially, saying the number is suitable to ensure stability of the local financial market and protect depositors from risk associated with new businesses. (Bangkok Post, 20/07/2023) More

Surge of esports opens major opportunities for Thailand, trade office says
Esports are growing at a double-digit rate, with the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) on Friday estimating that the number of gamers who participate in gaming competitions will double from 9.8 million in 2021 to 18.7 million players in 2027. (The Nation Thailand, 15/07/2023) More
 
SME D Bank loans set to reach B70bn
Most loans being issued by the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME D Bank) are to increase liquidity, with only a few for investment as entrepreneurs are still concerned about the unclear political situation, according to president Nartnaree Rathapat. (Bangkok Post, 12/07/2023) More
 
Hire-purchase lenders call for rate hike
The Thai Hire-Purchase Association (THPA) has asked the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) to increase the maximum interest rate for hire-purchase loans as the business is being affected by rising rates. (Bangkok Post, 11/07/2023) More

Banking and investment IT spending brisk
Gartner Inc. forecasts 8.1% worldwide growth as firms seek more agile IT infrastructure. Information technology spending by worldwide banking and investment service businesses is forecast to grow this year by 8.1% to US$652.1 billion. (Bangkok Post, 04/07/2023) More
 
image
GTCC OKTOBERFEST 2023
[SATURDAY LAST TABLE]
 
Thailand & ASEAN
EEC development plan unveiled at public hearing
The draft of a five-year plan to develop the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) was presented at a public hearing held by the EEC Office on Friday at Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel. (The Nation Thailand, 21/07/2023) More
 
Thailand’s adult female literacy placed 6th among ASEAN countries
A report on gender equality and development shows that, despite significant progress in education equality, the disparity still exists. The literacy rate of Thailand’s adult females in 2022 was 92.4%, which was lower than most other ASEAN countries, according to The Asian Development Bank (ADB). (Thai PBS World, 20/07/2023) More
 
Green Technology
FTI launches recycling project for businesses
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has joined forces with two state agencies to work on a project to turn industrial and agricultural waste into raw materials or new products in a fresh move to reduce waste under the circular economy concept. (Bangkok Post, 24/07/2023) More

Thailand accounts for 79% of Asean EV sales
Chinese automakers dominated Southeast Asia’s fast-growing electric vehicle market, selling three out of every four EVs in the first quarter, the research firm Counterpoint Research said on Thursday. (Bangkok Post, 20/07/2023) More
 
Huge Chinese investment in EV production in Thailand forecast: govt
Chinese manufacturers have shown interest in investing in the production of electric vehicles (EV) in Thailand to the tune of 1.44 billion US dollars, deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said on Sunday. (Bangkok Post, 16/07/2023) More

EV sector may face new chip shortage
Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers may encounter another chip shortage following China's recent decision to restrict the export of two metals as a result of the US-China trade dispute, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). (Bangkok Post, 15/07/2023) More

Alternative energy dept to produce power from floating solar farms by 2030
The Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DAEDE) will build floating solar farms on its nine reservoirs to produce some 63.43 megawatts of electricity by 2030. (The Nation Thailand, 10/07/2023) More
 
image
GTCC BUSINESS & STUDY TRIP TO GERMANY
 
Bilateral Business
First meeting on Thailand-EU free trade to be held in September
The first meeting towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Thailand and the European Union (EU) is scheduled for September in Brussels. (The Nation Thailand, 19/07/2023) More
 
EEC Phase 2 courts foreign investors
The Office of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) is inviting foreign investors to get involved in Phase 2 of the project and promising them more attractive incentives, says Chula Sukmanop, the office’s secretary-general. (Bangkok Post, 19/07/2023) More
 
BoI applications catapult by 70% to B364bn in first half
Applications for investment promotion in the first half of this year soared by 70% year-on-year to 364 billion baht in value, led by foreign direct investment skyrocketing 141% as global companies continue to choose Thailand as a manufacturing base, says the Board of Investment (BoI). (Bangkok Post, 11/07/2023) More
 
Legal / HR / CSR / Education / Health
VAT reverse charge scheme in the pipeline
The Revenue Department is planning to launch a value-added tax (VAT) reverse charge scheme in the scrap metal industry to reduce the risk of refund fraud by January 2024, says director-general Lavaron Sangsnit. (Bangkok Post, 18/07/2023) More
 
Ministry unveils platform targeting online scammers
The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry is set to launch the Central Fraud Registry as an automated solution to fight scams and address illegal transactions, fraud and mule accounts. (Bangkok Post, 11/07/2023) More

Transport urges continued subsidies
Bus and airline operators are urging the government to continue to subsidise fuel costs for the whole year to relieve the burden on companies and passengers as the tourism industry slowly recovers to match 2019 levels. (Bangkok Post, 11/07/2023) More

Social Security Fund dips by B17.6bn
In 2022, the Social Security Fund (SSF) declined by more than 17.6 billion baht, the first drop in five years, as a result of decreased market capitalisation (mark to market) and reduced contributions to alleviate the financial burden of subscribers during the pandemic, says a Finance Ministry source who requested anonymity. (Bangkok Post, 11/07/2023) More

Backup plan in works in case budget is delayed
The Ministry of Finance is preparing a backup plan to sustain the economy if delays in forming a new government affect budget disbursement for the 2024 fiscal year starting on Oct 1. (Bangkok Post, 14/07/2023) More

Department clamps down on protected wood shipments
The Commerce Ministry has issued two regulations prohibiting the importation of timber, processed wood and wooden artefacts, unless traders hold a certificate of import, in addition to barring phayung (Siamese rosewood) exports. The first prohibition comes into effect on July 17, with the latter enforced from Aug 16. (Bangkok Post, 15/06/2023) More
 
Member News
Thai Union redoubles sustainability efforts
Nowadays, environmental and social issues have gained unprecedented importance in people's lives due to the increasingly evident impacts they are causing. Many business leaders have taken steps towards sustainability, but there is still a range of awareness levels among the population, leading to varying degrees of eco-friendly practices. (Bangkok Post, 19/07/2023) More

GTCC members' promotions 
Check out GTCC members' special offers on accommodation, restaurant / food delivery, and other services. More
 
Trade Fairs
image
IFA Berlin
1-5 September 2023, Berlin, Germany
 
Discover innovation, imagine the future and immerse yourself at IFA, the world’s largest consumer electronics and home appliances trade show where you will explore exhilarating product launches and debuts from industry pioneers who dare to reshape the future. More
 
image
IAA MOBILITY
5-10 September 2023, Munich, Germany
 
The IAA MOBILITY is the international meeting place for the mobility of the future. It shows what will move us tomorrow, from the smallest vehicles to automobiles and bicycles to new solutions for public transport. Always in focus: sustainability and the technologies that will shape mobile life in the future. More
 
image
GTCC Business & Study Trip to Germany. "Sustainable Agriculture" by visiting AGRITECHNICA 2023 and Exclusive Site Visits
11-19 November 2023, Hannover, Germany

The business & study trip's content will emphasize the importance of enhancing productivity in the agriculture sector with a focus on preserving the environment and climate. It aims to showcase innovative ideas and practices that enable the agriculture industry to achieve green productivity. This will be accomplished through visits to model farms for sustainable agriculture, leading German companies in agriculture sector, and the renowed trade show for agriculture machinery, AGRITECHNICA, located in Hannover. More
 
image
German Trade fairs take off powerfully
Since January, more than 50 trade fairs have taken place in Germany, more than 60 are still planned until the end of March. Among them outstanding shows such as the travel fair ITB in Berlin, the world's leading trade fair for water, heat and air ISH in Frankfurt and the International Dental Show IDS in Cologne. The latter will celebrate 100 years of existence this March. More
 
AHK network news
image
[Interview] Asien trifft Bayern: Diversifizierung ist angesagt!
GTCC Executive Director Dr. Roland Wein has given an interview on “Asia meets Bavaria: diversification is the order of the day,” to the ASIA BRIDGE Magazine edition 04/05/2023 together with Dr. Tim Philippi from AHK Singapore. The Interview is accessible Here
 
image
Asien-Pazifik-Forum Bayern - 26 Juli 2023
Beim 15. Asien-Pazifik-Forum Bayern beleuchten wir Ihre Möglichkeiten für Absatz, Sourcing, Investment und Innovation. Das spannende Konferenzprogramm erklärt die Neuordnung der Weltwirtschaft, zeigt Wege der Diversifizierung und unterstützt Sie bei Ihrer Strategieentwicklung. Die deutschen Auslandshandelskammern in Asien bieten Ihnen individuelle Beratungsgespräche und über 20 Aussteller präsentieren ihre Asien-Pazifik-Dienstleistungen in Form einer kleinen Messe. Mehr
 
image
AHK World Business Outlook 2023 (ASEAN Focus)
The 2023 survey has been complemented by the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) in the ASEAN region between 20 March and 16 April 2023, in order to derive more insights from the regional business climate. AHK offices are present in seven of the 10 ASEAN member states: Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, also coordinating activities in Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. More
 
image
ASEAN Snapshot 2023
The German Chambers ASEAN Business Council (GCABC), as a #PartnerInASEAN, is pleased to introduce to the fifth edition of the ASEAN Snapshot booklet with a variety of up-to-date charts and infographics about ASEAN economic developments, ranging from demographic, economics, trade and investment information. More
 
image
Asien - Geschenke über die Grenze
Anbei erhalten Sie einen Überblick über die Zollbestimmungen von Geschenken an Geschäftspartner in asiatischen Staaten. Informationen und Hinweise zu den kulturellen Besonderheiten sind ebenfalls abrufbar. Meh
 
Other news
Falling Walls Lab Thailand 2023 -  26 August 2023
Falling Walls Lab Thailand 2023 will be held on 26 August 2023 in Bangkok to bring together a diverse and interdisciplinary pool of students and early-career professionals, and strengthen contacts and cooperation between Germany and Thailand in science and innovation. The event is organised by the Germany Falling Walls Lab Foundation and supported by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Embassy, GTCC, and local partners such as several universities, the NSTDA. Details on the venue and registration will be circulated in July. Click here for the invitation letter and sponsorship 

Stuttgart Ballet Gala Performance - 12 October 2023
Stuttgart Ballet Gala Performance will take place on Thursday 12 October 2023, 19:00 hrs. at Thailand Cultural Centre. The performance is part of the Bangkok’s 25th International Festival of Dance and Music. Stuttgart Ballet is a leading German Ballet Company dating back to 1609 which has kept its reputation as one of the top ten ballet companies in the world. All GTCC members will get 5% discount on purchase of 2 tickets and 10% discount on purchase of 4 or more tickets. Click here for ticket booking
Contact Person
Chadaphan Maliphan

Publication and Communication Manager
image
 
image
 
GTCC Privacy Policy
In compliance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), please be informed that your personal data (name and contact details) is being stored and used by us to send you our newsletter, invitations to our events and invitations to participate in surveys. We confirm that we will not share your personal data with any other organisation and that you can withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us by email <communications@gtcc.org>. For more information please see our website for our Data Protection Policy.
FacebookLinkedInTwitter
 

glueup

Powered by Glue Up
All-in-one CRM Software for Growing Communities