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1 April 2024
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Upcoming Events
Register now for our upcoming events

04/04/2024

04/04/2024

24/04/2024
[Save the date] STCC Multi-Chamber Networking Night

26/04/2024

09/05/2024
[Save the date] GTCC AFTERWORK Briefing with VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center and Networking

24/05/2024

For more events, please click 
 
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MAZARS IN THAILAND
 
Economy
World Bank cuts Thai growth to 2.8% on weaker exports
Thailand's economic growth is expected at 2.8% this year before accelerating to 3.0% in 2025, the World Bank said on Monday, on account of weak exports and a delayed budget. (Bangkok Post, 01/04/2024)

Thai economy expands slowly in February, helped by tourism, central bank says
Thailand's economy expanded slowly in February with growth in the service sector and an increase in tourist arrivals offseting a fall in exports from the previous month, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) said. (Reuters, 29/03/2024)

Thailand considers adjusting budget to accommodate $13.7 billion handout scheme
Thailand's government said its 2025 fiscal budget could be adjusted to accommodate its signature 500 billion baht ($13.71 billion) handout scheme. The "digital wallet" handout plan, a key campaign promise of the ruling party, entails giving 10,000 baht to 50 million Thais to spend in their communities, but has been delayed over funding issues. (Reuters, 29/03/2024)

Thailand presses case for casinos to boost revenues, tourism and jobs
A bill that would legalise casinos in Thailand could be passed in the current government's term, an official said on Friday, as the prime minister backed a move he said would create jobs and revenue and regulate a thriving illicit gaming sector. (Reuters, 29/03/2024)
 
Economic Factsheet
UPDATE Magazine
Technical update in Thailand
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GTAI
Wird Thailand zum Produktionshub von E-Fahrzeugen in Südostasien?
Thailand ist der größte Hersteller von konventionellen Kfz in Südostasien. Auch bei Elektrofahrzeugen erarbeitet sich der Standort einen Vorsprung. (14/03/2024)  

Thailands Werkzeugmaschinen werden mehrheitlich importiert
Der thailändische Markt für Werkzeugmaschinen ist stark abhängig von Einfuhren. Deutsche Maschinen sind zwar angesehen, aber oft zu teuer. Platzhirsche sind japanische Modelle. (01/03/2024)   
 
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GTCC MULTI-CHAMBER EASTERN SEABOARD BRIEFING & NETWORKING
 
Companies & Industrial Sectors
Developers expect govt stimulus for property market by mid-April
Leading property developers say they are confident the government will announce stimulus measures to boost housing sales before the Songkran holiday, or April 13. (The Nation, 01/04/2024)

Toyota well ahead of competitors in orders for cars at motor show
Orders were placed for more than 10,000 cars and motorcycles during the first five days of the 45th Bangkok International Motor Show. Of the total 10,589 orders on the first five days, 9,462 were for cars and 1,127 for motorcycles. Despite the strong trend of EV cars, Japanese carmaker Toyota secured orders for 1,802 cars, followed way behind by Chinese brand MG with 871 orders. (The Nation, 31/03/2024)

Airline projects robust revenue
Bangkok Airways projects 20% growth this year in passenger revenue as demand revives and the company adjusts its pricing strategy, with forward bookings robust for Songkran and the second quarter. (Bangkok Post, 31/03/2024)
 
Sony Group starts operations at a new semiconductor fab in Thailand
Sony Group has started operations at a new semiconductor fab in Thailand to boost production of automotive image sensors for driver-assistance systems. (ThailandBusinessNews, 29/03/2024)

Minimum wage hike sparks debate in Thailand’s hospitality sector
The recent decision by the 22nd Wage Committee to increase the minimum wage to 400 baht per day for employees in 4-star hotels and above in ten provinces renowned for their tourism revenue has sparked debate within Thailand’s hotel sector. (Pattaya Mail, 30/03/2024)
 
Deteriorating air quality impacting tourism in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai continues to be ensnared in a crisis as thick smoke haze blankets the region, significantly reducing visibility and posing health hazards to residents. The situation remains dire, with the city’s skyline obscured by smoke, making it impossible to see buildings and homes even from vantage points atop Doi Suthep. (Pattaya Mail, 01/04/2024)
 
UOB, Alibaba.com to boost SMEs in B2B e-commerce expansion
UOB Thailand has partnered with Alibaba.com, one of the world’s largest wholesale marketplaces, to support Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their e-commerce endeavours. (The Nation, 20/03/2024)
 
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GTCC BUSINESS & STUDY TRIP TO GERMANY 
 
Thailand & ASEAN
EV maker VinFast signs partnership agreements with 15 dealers in Thailand
Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast said on Wednesday that it had signed partnership agreements with 15 dealers in Thailand, its latest effort to expand in Southeast Asia and tap growing demand in the region. (Reuters, 27/03/2024)
 
Thailand, China, and Laos forge new routes
Thailand is in talks with China and Laos to revolutionise their airspace, with Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co Ltd (Aerothai) president Nopasit Chakpitak revealing plans to accommodate a staggering 100,000 more flights. (Thaiger, 30/03/2024)
 
Thai land bridge project shaking ground for shippers
While the country’s trade outlook for 2024 indicates exports are expected to rebound by 4.3% year-on-year from a decline of 8% in 2023, Thailand’s Chumphon-Ranong Land Bridge megaproject has sent shudders among supply chain experts who fear its impact on the future of Malaysian sea exports. (The Sun, 28/03/2024)

Malaysia mulls expanding rail project towards Thai border
To outmanoeuvre economic rivalry with Thailand, Malaysia is contemplating extending its mammoth rail project closer to its northern neighbour, sparking debates over prosperity or peril. (Thaiger, 27/03/2024)
 
Green Technology
RATCH fosters renewables business in Australia
RATCH Group PCL has reported to SET that its wholly-owned subsidiary in Australia, RATCH-Australia Corporation Limited, has finalized a 10-year private power purchase agreement with ZEN Energy Retail Pty Limited, a prominent electricity retailer in Australia. (The Nation, 29/03/2024)

Toyota to mass-produce Hilux EV by 2025
Toyota plans to mass-produce a battery-electric Hilux pickup truck by the end of 2025, the president of its Thailand unit said. (Bangkok Post, 26/03/2024)
 
New plant in Thailand to help Delta Electric double parts output for EVs
Delta Electric has doubled its capacity to manufacture components and parts for electric vehicles (EV) with the opening of a new plant in Thailand. The new production facility at the Bangpoo industrial estate, known as Delta Plant 8, produces all of the electronics control parts required to drive an EV, including combined control units, EV charging controllers, and DCDC converters. (The Nation, 22/03/2024)
 
Bilateral Business
Thailand's Central Group wants to acquire Signa retail assets, report says
Thai retailer Central Group wants to take over some real estate assets from insolvent Austrian property company Signa, including KaDeWe in Germany and Selfridges in London, Business Insider reported. (Reuters, 30/03/2024)

Thailand keen to join the chip frenzy
Thailand wants to attract more foreign investment to produce advanced semiconductors this year, according to the Board of Investment (BoI). (Bangkok Post, 29/03/2024)
 
Thailand offers tax waiver to attract 'world-class events'
Thailand announced a tax waiver for organisers of large international concerts, sporting events, and festivals to try to attract big events and position itself as a regional tourism hub. The Board of Investment will grant organisers of large international events requiring an investment of at least 100 million baht ($2.74 million), an import duty exemption on equipment and facilitate the temporary entry of required foreign staff. (Reuters, 28/03/2024)
 
BOI Targets Major Post-Roadshow Investments
The Board of Investment (BOI) anticipates a substantial influx of investments totaling 558 billion baht into Thailand, spurred by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's promotional tours across 14 countries. Sectors expected to benefit from this include digital technology, electric vehicles (EVs), electronics and semiconductors, and logistics. (NNT, 27/03/2024)
 
Legal / HR / CSR / Education / Health
Cabinet green lights bills to modify alcohol control law
The Cabinet has given initial approval to five proposed bills aiming to modify the current alcohol control law, a move that could potentially lead to extended selling hours and more relaxed advertising rules. (Thaiger, 29/03/2024)

Thailand’s lower house passes bill to legalize same-sex marriage
Thailand’s House of Representatives voted to legalize same-sex marriage on Wednesday, bringing the Southeast Asian nation a step closer to becoming the third territory in Asia to guarantee equal marital rights. If passed into law, Thailand would be the first nation in Southeast Asia to legally recognize same-sex marriage. (CNN, 27/03/2024)
 
Member News
QSNCC Earns Thailand MICE Venue Standard Certification
Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) has earned the certification of “Thailand MICE Venue Standard (TMVS) 2023” for its meeting rooms, exhibition halls and special event venues.

Oryx Stainless (Thailand) published the study on Stainless Steel Circular Economy
Increased recycling of stainless steel can make a noticeable contribution to mitigate climate change in Thailand and globally. This is the result of a recent joint study by a number of prestigious Thai and German scientists, on behalf of Oryx Stainless (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Wah Lok at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit featured in MICHELIN Guide for 2024
This marks the third consecutive year of being recognized by MICHELIN, a testament to the consistency of the excellent dining experiences they continue to deliver to their guests. 

“Tagesschau.de – Interview; The NEW Tax Regime in Thailand on Foreign Income”
In Thailand lässt es sich für relativ wenig Geld sehr gut leben. Viele Rentner aus Deutschland wollen dort ihren Lebensabend verbringen. Jetzt sorgen neue Steuervorschriften für Unruhe.

GTCC members' promotions 
Check out GTCC members' special offers on accommodation, restaurant / food delivery, and other services. 
 
New Members
Chamber Representatives
Phaisal Sirisinsuk
Orawan T-sriwong

Chamber Representative
Alexander Christian Holl
Mr. Robert Peter Kerr

Chamber Representatives
Victoria Riviere
Gaspard Lemoine-Scelles
 
Trade Fairs
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Messe-Insights
The AUMA exhibitor outlook for 2024/2025, based on a comprehensive survey of 400 exhibiting companies, provides valuable insights into the industry's trajectory. Conducted by Bonsai Research, the study reflects the perspectives of top-level marketing/trade fair executives, offering a unique and thorough analysis of the German-speaking trade fair landscape. (Report only available in German, )
 
AHK Network News
German companies show optimism in Asia Pacific for 2024
Business situation good, business expectations even better – this is what local companies are telling their bi-lateral German Chambers of Commerce abroad (AHKs) in almost all locations in the Asia Pacific region. Companies in India are particularly positive. This is according to the new AHK Asia Pacific Business Outlook. In September and October 2023 more than 800 AHK member companies were surveyed on their business prospects. (DIHK, 15/01/2024)
 
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Position Paper: Why German Businesses support an EU-ASEAN FTA
This comprehensive position paper underscore the significance of the proposed FTA. The agreement would incentive investments and facilitate the diversification of supply chains and customer bases. As a result, business in the EU and ASEAN can mitigate their reliance on a single market, thus fostering greater resilience and stability. The survey was conducted by the Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce in June 2023 and gathered data from 169 member companies of German Chambers located in ASEAN. 
 
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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.
 
Other News
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APK 2024: 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business
24-26 October 2024

The Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK) is the flagship event for business leaders, executives and political representatives to discuss and promote economic relations between Germany and Asia-Pacific. Sponsoring the APK 2024 in New Delhi, India, gives you the opportunity to place your business right into the spotlight and to raise brand awareness. 
 
Contact Person
Chadaphan Maliphan

Publication and Communication Manager
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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 <>. For more information please see our website for our .
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