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5 February 2024
 
Upcoming Events
06/02/2024

08/02/2024

16/02/2024

29/02/2024 
[Save the Date] GTCC Young Professionals Network Evening

05/03/2024 
[Save the Date] GTCC Meets German Ambassador

14/03/2024 
[Save the Date] GTCC AFTERWORK Briefing & Networking 

28/03/2024
[Save the Date] GTCC Ordinary General Meeting 2024 - 4.30 p.m. onward

For more events, please click 
 
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MAZARS IN THAILAND
 
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CROWNE PLAZA 
BANGKOK LUMPINI PARK
 
Economy
Bank of Thailand pushed to better regulate bank rates
Companies under the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) are calling on the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to better regulate commercial banks' interest rates as increasing financial costs are threatening to slow investment. (Bangkok Post, 03/02/2024)

Rice exports set to dip 14.4% this year
Thailand's rice shipments are expected to fall by 14.4% this year because of lower production and greater competition, according to the Foreign Trade Department. (Bangkok Post, 02/02/2024)

Thai banks take action to help 6.1 million accounts settle debts
Thai commercial banks are now stepping up to restructure 6.1 million outstanding loans worth a combined 3.4 trillion baht, so they can be repaid, the Thai Bankers Association said. (The Nation, 30/01/2024)

Geopolitical tensions seen as major risk to Thai economy, experts say
Thailand’s Finance Ministry and the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) have warned that geopolitical tensions could be a major risk to the Thai economy this year. (The Nation, 29/01/2024)

Thai economy in 'dangerous' recession, needs boost: Julapun
Thailand's economy is in a state of recession owing to a high level of household debt, a deputy finance minister said, raising pressure on the central bank to cut interest rates. (Bangkok Post, 29/01/2024)
 
Economic Factsheet
UPDATE Magazine
Mazars Transfer pricing 2024
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GTAI
Antidumping - Bestimmte offenmaschige Gewebe aus Glasfasern
Die Europäische Kommission verlängert die Antidumpingmaßnahmen. Die Maßnahmen betreffen Waren mit Ursprung in China, Indien, Indonesien, Malaysia, Taiwan und Thailand.

Schuldenberge wachsen weiter 
Die Regierung möchte ihren Bürgern Geld schenken und muss sich dafür weiter verschulden. Trotz Problemen wollen deutsche Unternehmen auch zukünftig in Thailand investieren. 
 
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GTCC AFTERWORK BRIEFING AND NETWORKING 
 
Companies & Industrial Sectors
Auto sector faces bumpy sales
The automotive industry is expected to have unequal sales growth this year, driven by motorists' changing lifestyles and choices by lenders. (Bangkok Post, 05/02/2024)

Hotel margins dented by rising costs
The end of reductions for property tax and elevated energy prices this year have pushed up operating costs for hotels by at least 10%, leading to lower margins even as they service more guests. (Bangkok Post, 03/02/2024)

Startups seen benefiting from 'unicorn factory'
The National Innovation Agency (NIA) has initiated its "unicorn factory" project to incubate and promote local startups to become unicorns through collaboration with venture capital (VC) firms and partners, aiming to encourage global expansion. (Bangkok Post, 02/02/2024)

EV, defence tech, halal food named Thailand’s champion industries’
The industry Ministry is set to intensify efforts to promote small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) associated with three “champion” industries, a government spokesperson said on Sunday. (The Nation, 29/01/2024)

Thailand Industry Outlook 2024-2026: Krungsri
The Thailand Industry Outlook over the next 3 years (2024-2026) covers a range of factors impacting the industries. Those factors include opportunities and challenges that represent the attractiveness of each industry depending on the macroeconomic environment and sector-specific factors. (Krungsri Research, 10/01/2024)
 
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GTCC BUSINESS & STUDY TRIP TO GERMANY 
 
Thailand & ASEAN
Thailand aims to boost cross-border trade
The Thai government has set a goal of reviving cross-border trade including transit trade this year after the value contracted by 2.6% in 2023 from the previous year to 1.74 trillion THB (47.6 billion USD) (Vietnam Plus, 05/02/2024)

Asean digital ministers pledge cooperation to fight cybercrime, control AI
Digital ministers of Asean nations on Thursday pledged to come up with a code of ethics to control the development Artificial Intelligence (AI) and also reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate in the fight against cybercrimes. (The Nation, 01/02/2024)  

Asean endorses Thai initiative for Myanmar
Luang Prabang: Asean and Myanmar have welcomed Thailand's initiative to create a safe zone to provide humanitarian assistance as part of efforts to help solve the Myanmar crisis. (Bangkok Post, 30/01/2024)

Thailand tops ASEAN tourism market, with 28 million-plus arrivals in 2023
Thailand beat other ASEAN countries in tourist numbers last year, welcoming more than 28 million arrivals, or 154% more than the previous year, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said. (The Nation, 27/01/2024)
 
Green Technology
China’s EV automakers ramp up their presence in Southeast Asia
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, including BYD, Hozon Auto, and Great Wall Motor, have made significant progress in penetrating Thailand’s car market. They currently hold an 8% market share and are leading the way in the electric vehicle segment. (Thailand Business News, 04/02/2024)

Isuzu to invest THB32 bn in Thailand to make electric pickup trucks
Isuzu Motors has announced plans to invest 32 billion baht (or US$1.3 billion) in its production base in Thailand over the next five years. The investment will be used to make electric pickup trucks, with the first vehicle scheduled to be made in Thailand in 2025, the company said. (The Nation, 28/01/2024)

WHAUP eyes green hydrogen
WHA Utilities and Power (WHAUP), an arm of Thailand's biggest industrial land developer and operator WHA Corp, is conducting a feasibility study on a green hydrogen project to serve growing demand for clean power, especially in the digital technology sector. (22/01/2024)

Toyota drives EV and hydrogen push in Thailand, its 'second home'
Toyota Motor is preparing to launch an extensive decarbonization campaign in Thailand, partnering with leading local businesses like the Charoen Pokphand Group with an eye on commercial demand for electric and fuel-cell vehicles. (Nikkei Asia, 20/01/2024)
 
Bilateral Business
Balancing 2 large projects
The proposed Land Bridge project in southern Thailand is viewed by the current administration as a marker of its success in drawing foreign investment, similar to how previous governments regarded the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). (Bangkok Post, 05/02/2024)

Thai foreign minister advocates ASEAN-EU cooperation at AEMM meet in Brussels
Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara pointed out the fragile nature of world peace and stability when he was addressing the 24th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) in the Belgian capital on Friday (February 2). (The Nation, 04/02/2024)

German president arrives in Thailand on trade, investment mission
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin welcomed Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Government House on Thursday, eyeing a boost in trade and investment from Europe’s biggest economy. (The Nation, 25/01/2024)

With 60 accredited hospitals, BOI ready to drive Thailand’s medical hub ambitions
Thailand has a great potential to become a global medical hub, with 60 hospitals meeting international healthcare standards, the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) chief said. (The Nation, 21/01/2024)
 
Legal / HR / CSR / Education / Health
PM2.5 dust levels worsen, schools keep kids indoors
The levels of fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) are still high in 30 provinces, including Bangkok, and schools nationwide are limiting outdoor activities for fear of risking their students’ health. (Bangkok Post, 03/02/2024)

PM pushes for Schengen visa exemption in meeting with German president
The president of Germany on Thursday promised Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin that his country would support Thailand’s push for more use of clean energy, while Srettha sought help from him to empower Thailand’s passport by exempting Thai nationals from having to get a Schengen visa. (The Nation, 25/01/2024)
 
Member News
B.Grimm sets B150bn revenue goal in 2028
B.Grimm Group, Thailand’s oldest trading conglomerate, has set a target to earn more than 150 billion baht in 2028 through its key businesses that aim to better protect the environment and develop the healthcare system. (Bangkok Post, 30/01/2024)

Gulf Energy captures top corporate brand award
Gulf Energy Development has won the "Thailand's Top Corporate Brands" award for achieving the highest corporate brand value, amounting to 340 billion baht, in the energy and utilities sector. (Bangkok Post, 26/01/2024)

Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park presents pioneering waste management system to Deputy Governor of Bangkok
On 26 January 2024, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park has welcomed Mr. Chakkapan Phewngam, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, to learn about the hotel’s pioneering role in waste management and sustainability.

Renowned Italian Chef Giacomo Vinci Joins Rossini’s at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok
Rossini’s proudly welcomes Chef Giacomo Vinci, new Executive Sous Chef taking the helm at the city’s renowned Italian restaurant’s kitchen.

GTCC members' promotions 
Check out GTCC members' special offers on accommodation, restaurant / food delivery, and other services.
 
New Members
Chamber Representative
Bernd Wachter

Chamber Representatives
Dr. Ram Piyaket
Dr. Pietro Borsano

Chamber Representatives
Wan Weng Keong
Alexander Carl Hallmann

Chamber Representatives
Komkrid Trakuljunsang
Thomas Logemann

Chamber Representative
Markus Gabel
Chamber Representatives
Stephan Thiemonds
Thongplew Banpao

Chamber Representatives
Sompohn Leelapraphan
Paka Kamonrat

Chamber Representatives
Thanutya Sukkeaw
Panisara Chutikarnjanadhechathorn

Chamber Representatives
Yoshihiko Seki
Phenapa Deeprasert

Chamber Representatives
Robert Wittebrood
Wasinee Tungboonsaensin
 
Trade Fairs
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ITB Berlin 
5-7 March 2024, Berlin, Germany

ITB Berlin 2024 will take place as a pure b2b event providing a platform for the entire value chain of the travel industry. It hosts the leaders of the global travel industry, showcasing decisive trends and providing unlimited opportunities for the travel business. The internationally acclaimed ITB Berlin Convention will take place parallel with the show as a live event.  
 
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The German Trade Fair Industry: Using post-crisis momentum to drive change
AUMA highlights current trends and prospects in the trade fair business in its annual publication, “AUMA Trends 2023/2024”. The digital brochure provides a comprehensive overview of the issues affecting the German trade fair industry following the coronavirus pandemic. An abridged version is now available in English. 
 
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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AHK World Business Outlook: Fall 2023
Results of a survey of German chambers of commerce abroad, delegations and representative offices. The survey was conducted from 25 September to 20 October 2023.
 
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Results of Survey on labour situation of GTCC member companies in Thailand
A survey on labour situation had been conducted among GTCC member companies during 11-25 September 2023. It is found that 65.5% of the survey participants experienced a labour shortage in the past 12 months, while 62.1% found it manageable. Lack of skilled workforce in Thailand is the major causes of their labour shortage (65.5%), followed by competition from other companies (58.6%) and language and cultural barriers (24.1%). 
 
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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.
 
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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. 
 
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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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 <>. For more information please see our website for our .
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