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24 June 2024
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Upcoming Events
 
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FORVIS MAZARS IN THAILAND
 
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GTCC AFTERWORK BRIEFING WITH LUFTHANSA AND NETWORKING
 
Economy
Political risk weighs on economy
Thai politics is nearing a turning point, as next month the political fate of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the leader of the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) are scheduled to have their cases decided by the Constitutional Court. (Bangkok Post, 24/06/2024)
 
Thai exports surge to $26.22 billion in May, marking a 14-month high
Trade surplus returns to the country after five months, as exports driven by agricultural industry rise by more than 7%. (The Nation, 21/06/2024)
 
State revenue tally slightly off target
The government's net revenue collection for the first eight months of fiscal 2024 was 1.5% below its target. (Bangkok Post, 21/06/2024)
 
Economist warns of further industry closures
More businesses in the automobile, electrical appliances, and electronics industries are under threat of closure because they are not moving quickly enough to adapt to digital technology and global trends, an economic expert from the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce has told The Nation. (The Nation, 17/06/2024)
 
Govt aims to disburse 70% of FY2024 investment budget in 4 months
The Finance Ministry is pushing to disburse at least 70% of the government’s fiscal year (FY) 2024 investment budget before the fiscal year ends in four months, Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said on Friday. (The Nation, 15/06/2024)

Thai central bank holds key rate despite government calls for cut
Thailand's central bank left its key interest rate unchanged for a fourth straight meeting on Wednesday, as widely expected, despite public calls by the government to reduce borrowing costs to help revive Southeast Asia's second-largest economy. (Reuters, 12/06/2024) 
 
Cabinet okays 8.28bn baht for measures to help SMEs get loans
Measures set to cover interest, and guarantee fees for 10-year loans of no more than 10 million baht per small business. (The Nation, 11/06/2024)
 
Economic Factsheet
UPDATE Magazine
Forvis Mazars News
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GTAI
Wirtschaftsdaten kompakt - Thailand
GTAI präsentiert Ihnen wieder die Reihe "Wirtschaftsdaten kompakt". Die Publikation gibt Auskunft über allgemeine Kennzahlen eines Landes wie die Fläche oder das Bevölkerungswachstum. Sie erhalten auch einen Überblick über die wichtigsten Kennzahlen zu Wirtschaftslage, Außenhandel und Geschäftsumfeld. Die Klimaindikatoren informieren über Emissionen und erneuerbare Energien. Zudem finden sich Statistiken zu den wirtschaftlichen Beziehungen des Landes mit der EU und Deutschland. (GTAI, 29/05/2024) 

Aktuelle Entwicklungen im thailändischen Datenschutzrecht
Im März 2024 sind Implementierungsvorschriften in Bezug auf den grenzüberschreitenden Transfer von Daten in Kraft getreten. Sie führen Thailands Datenschutzgesetz näher aus. (GTAI, 27/05/2024) 
 
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"UNLOCKING EFFICIENCY: JUNGHEINRICH AGV ENHANCES OPERATIONS IN BROSE'S SMART WAREHOUSE"
 
Companies & Industrial Sectors
Harman building B2.8bn Thai factory
Harman, a US-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, is building its first Southeast Asian factory, with Thailand chosen as its production base to export electronic products for cars. (Bangkok Post, 24/06/2024)
 
Thai govt urged to play a role in developing skilled digital personnel
Thai entrepreneurs in the digital industry have expressed increasing confidence in the industry in the first quarter of 2024, but are still concerned about the shortage of skilled labour and are seeking the government’s intervention, according to the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA). (The Nation, 21/06/2024)
 
Land bridge project would be a boost to shipbuilding industry
While Thailand has some 30 shipyards, a lack of skilled workers means they are unable to meet a growing demand for yachts and speedboats. (The Nation, 21/06/2024)

Thailand’s multibillion-dollar industry braces for La Niña flooding
Sandbag walls and smart flood defences are rising at industrial estates to prevent repeat of 3.5 billion baht losses in 2011 Great Flood. (The Nation, 21/06/2024)
 
Thailand eyes 8 trillion baht revenue in 2027 from soft power
The country sets out to conquer the world with a range of soft powers that will be under the spotlight in an upcoming expo. (The Nation, 21/06/2024)
 
Thai airlines push for jet-fuel tax reduction
Thai Airlines Association seeks excise cut amid industry challenges, while the Finance Ministry stipulates that any tax cuts must lead to lower ticket prices. (The Nation, 14/06/2024)
 
Thailand sits on 44.41 quadrillion baht worth of rare minerals
Department of Mineral Resources learns that 19% of the country has different kinds of minerals that can be used as material in advanced industries. (The Nation, 13/06/2024)

New bill to cut non-essential costs from fuel prices: energy minister
Oil companies will no longer be able to burden consumers with brokerage fees. (The Nation, 12/06/2024)

Auto loan rejections hurting industry
Auto loans from banks are probably 100-200 billion baht lower than expected so far this year because of concerns over non-performing loans, which threatens to affect the entire automotive supply chain, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). (Bangkok Post, 11/06/2024) 
 
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GTCC BUSINESS & STUDY TRIP TO GERMANY:
9-17 NOVEMBER 2024
 
Thailand & ASEAN
Myanmar-Thai border closure strands trucks, stalls trade in Phayar Thonezu
Hundreds of trucks are stranded at Phayar Thonezu in Kyarinseikgyi Township, Kayin State, as Myanmar-Thai border crossings remain closed since June 17. (The Nation, 21/06/2024)
 
Thailand shoots to the top, in ASEAN rankings
Thailand has rocketed up the global competitiveness rankings, securing the second spot in ASEAN. The IMD World Competitiveness Centre’s 2024 report catapulted Thailand from 30th to 25th place worldwide, highlighting a significant leap in economic performance. (Thaiger, 19/06/2024)
 
Thailand looks to maritime tourism connectivity with Vietnam, Cambodia
Thailand is seeking to cooperate with Vietnam and Cambodia in opening a maritime route connecting islands near Trat province of Thailand with Vietnam's Kien Giang province and Cambodia's Sihanoukville province to promote investment, trade, tourism and tourism combined with meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). (The Nation, 17/06/2024)
 
Green Technology
New bill to prioritise climate goals
A civil society group is planning to submit to parliament a bill which it says aims to speed up climate goals while ensuring the rights of local communities to the natural resources in their areas. (Bangkok Post, 24/06/2024)
 
Chinese automakers retain grip over Southeast Asia's EV market
Electric vehicle (EV) sales are surging in Southeast Asia, led by China's BYD (Build Your Dreams) and Vietnam's VinFast, eating into the internal combustion engine car market dominated by Japanese and Korean firms, Counterpoint Research said. (Bangkok Post, 21/06/2024)

A closer look at the new energy plan
Authorities are expected to forward the scheme for approval, but some companies think it doesn't go far enough to meet climate goals. (Bangkok Post, 20/06/2024)
 
PTT to promote adoption of hydrogen and CCS technologies
Sustainability the focus of new investment plan as recently appointed CEO takes over the helm. (The Nation, 17/06/2024)
 
Harnessing Green-Tech: A strategy for carbon neutrality in Thailand
Thailand, a key player in Southeast Asia, has been grappling with its own carbon emissions challenges. (The Nation, 14/06/2024)

Thailand Begins Hydrogen Blending with EGAT-BIG Collaboration
EGAT partners with BIG to advance hydrogen storage and transportation, enhancing clean energy generation towards Net Zero Emissions. (Bangkok Post, 13/06/2024)
 
Bilateral Business
Power generation investment to reach B1tn within 6 years
Investment in the development of new electricity generation facilities, aimed at promoting renewable energy, is expected to reach 1 trillion baht over the next six years under the novel power development plan (PDP), says energy permanent secretary. (Bangkok Post, 22/06/2024)
 
SCB EIC wary of risk to foreign investment
SCB EIC, a research centre under Siam Commercial Bank, has expressed concerns about heightened political risks undermining foreign investment in both financial and capital markets, as well as long-term foreign direct investment. (Bangkok Post, 19/06/2024)
 
OECD agrees unanimously to initiate accession talks with Thailand
The 38-nation Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Council (OECD) has agreed unanimously to initiate accession discussions with Thailand, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) said on Monday. (The Nation, 19/06/2024)

Govt sees $22bn investment pledges
Thailand expects at least 800 billion baht (US$21.78 billion) worth of investment applications this year, the government said. (Bangkok Post, 19/06/2024)
 
Thailand's Central buys rest of German luxury retail business KaDeWe
Thai retailer Central Group agreed to acquire the assets it has not already secured in KaDeWe Group, a chain of landmark department stores in Germany, part of tycoon Rene Benko's folded property empire. (Reuters, 14/06/2024)
 
Legal / HR / CSR / Education / Health
Thailand approves VAT on cheap imported goods
Thailand has approved the collection of 7% value-added tax (VAT) on imported goods sold for less than 1,500 baht (US$40.93) from July to December, a finance ministry official said on Friday (June 21). (The Nation, 21/06/2024)
 
Most Thai jobs safe from AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) could have a muted impact on Thai employment, with less than 4% of employees in the service sector at high risk of being replaced by the technology, according to Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research). (Bangkok Post, 24/06/2024)
 
Foreign condo ownership quota being reviewed
The government will study the feasibility of raising the level of foreign ownership allowed in condominiums from 49% of a building’s usable space to 75%, according to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. (Bangkok Post, 20/06/2024)

Thailand’s cybersecurity spending low as cybercrime costs surge
Thailand’s current expenditure on cybersecurity stands starkly low at just 0.2% of corporate revenue, despite the looming surge in cybercrime-related costs projected to reach US$10.5 trillion globally by 2025, according to cybersecurity firm Fortinet. (Thaiger, 19/06/2024)

Thailand makes history by legalises same-sex marriage
‘Equal marriage’ bill set to go into effect by the end of this year, seen as a special New Year gift to the people of Thailand. (The Nation, 18/06/2024)
 
Member News
Austrian Airlines increases frequencies between Bangkok to Vienna
Austrian Airlines increases weekly frequencies between Bangkok and Vienna from 7 to 13 over busy winter period. Largest capacity increase during Winter 2024 schedule as flights increase by 86%.

GTCC members' promotions 
Check out GTCC members' special offers on accommodation, restaurant / food delivery, and other services. 
 
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
DIHK Economic Survey Early Summer 2024 - The German economy fails to gain momentum
The business situation continues to deteriorate. 28 percent of companies report a good situation, while 23 percent report a poor one. The balance of the situation assessment continues its downward trend, dropping slightly from seven to now five points. (DIHK, 15/05/2024)
 
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ASEAN Snapshot 2024
The German Chambers ASEAN Business Council (GCABC), as a #PartnerInASEAN, has recently launched the latest edition of the ASEAN Snapshot with a focus on the German-ASEAN business relations. The snapshot contains a variety of up-to-date charts and infographics about ASEAN economic developments, ranging from demographic, economics, trade and investment information.
 
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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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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. 
 
Other News
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German Day at Renewable Energy Asia
3 – 5 July 2024 QSNCC, Bangkok, Thailand
You are warmly invited to visit the German Pavilion at booth G19 on the German Day! Meet 8 German companies at Renewable Energy Asia and learn more about the latest developments in the area of renewable energy and energy efficiency. At the exhibition stand of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, our German experts will demonstrate their technology “made in Germany“.
 
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FALLING WALLS LAB is coming to Thailand: 24 August 2024
Which wall will your research break? Pitch your innovative idea in just three minutes, showcasing a breakthrough that positively impacts science and society. Submission deadline is 10 July 2024.
 
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APK 2024: 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business
24-26 October 2024, New Delhi
The conference's objective is to provide a platform to deepen the dialogue on current economic developments in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region as well as to build and strengthen personal and economic ties.  
 
Contact Person
Chadaphan Maliphan

Publication and Communication Manager
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