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10 June 2024
 
Upcoming Events
Register now for our upcoming events

11/06/2024
[Invitation only] GTCC New Members Meet-Up @GTCC office

13/06/2024

20/06/2024

21/06/2024

26/06/2024

11/07/2024
[Save the Date: 18.00-21.00 hrs.] GTCC AFTERWORK Networking @Ascott Thonglor Bangkok

For more events, please click 
 
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FORVIS MAZARS IN THAILAND
 
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GTCC YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK EVENING WITH BUMRUNGRAD INTERNATIONAL
 
Economy
Government to set new growth target, accelerate investment spending
The government will accelerate its investment spending and set a new target for economic growth this year, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said. The government wants to see at least 70% of the investment budget disbursed within the current fiscal year ending September. (Bangkok Post, 10/06/2024)
 
Kingdom ranks 32nd in trade modernisation index
Thailand now ranks 32nd out of 65 countries on the Global Trade Modernization Index (GTMI) 2024. (Bangkok Post, 10/06/2024)
 
Govt to launch National Energy Plan in September
The new Master Plan to include 600mw nuclear plants and cap electricity costs at less than 4 baht a unit (The Nation, 07/06/2024)
 
TCC, FTI leaders expect economic recovery in second half
Thailand's private sector anticipates the economy to recover in the second half of the year, with increased expectations from the government's stimulus measures, Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), and Kriengkrai Thiennukul, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) chairman, said on Monday. (The Nation, 04/06/2024)

Cabinet gives green light for Thailand to seek BRICS membership
The Cabinet has approved Thailand's participation in the BRICS group to enhance the country’ role as a leading player among developing countries and to increase its involvement in shaping international economic policy. (The Nation, 01/06/2024)
 
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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"MEET THE BAVARIAN DELEGATION" & GTCC AFTERWORK
 
Companies & Industrial Sectors
PM not worried by Suzuki Motor exodus
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has expressed confidence that other auto manufacturers will not withdraw their production bases from Thailand, following the decision of Suzuki Motor Corporation to do so. (Bangkok Post, 08/06/2024)

Premium cars cannot avoid plunge in sales
The decline in domestic car sales is having a broad impact on the automotive industry, even dampening the premium car segment, which typically resists downturns in consumer spending, according to Mercedes-Benz (Thailand). (Bangkok Post, 08/06/2024) 

Concerns over decline in steel consumption
Sluggish car sales in Thailand led to an 11-12% decrease in premium-grade steel sales during the first four months of 2024, underscoring worries concerning reduced steel consumption in the country this year, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). (Bangkok Post, 07/06/2024)

Thai food exports sees 6.3% growth YOY in first four months
Thailand exported food products valued at 420 billion baht from January to April, a 6.3% increase year on year (YoY), the Department of Trade Negotiations said on Friday. (The Nation, 07/06/2024)

Tourism minister eager to add B500bn in revenue
Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich is planning to generate an additional 500 billion baht in tourism revenue this year to reach the record-high target of 3.5 trillion baht by surveying projects that lack a stimulus budget and requesting funds from the cabinet. (Bangkok Post, 07/06/2024)

Agoda CEO sees potential for Thailand to become Asian Silicon Valley
Thailand has the potential to become Asia's Silicon Valley, Agoda CEO Omri Morgenshtern said on Thursday, while expressing his support for the government's vision of transforming the country into a leading technology hub. (The Nation, 06/06/2024)
 
Value of Thai e-commerce nears 6 trillion baht
Insurance sector sees the highest growth as customers ditch in-person shopping for the internet (The Nation, 04/06/2024)

PSP banks on EV industry expansion for growth
PSP Specialties Plc, Thailand's largest lubricant producer by capacity, is benefiting from the growth of the electric vehicle (EV) industry by selling lubricants and lubricant-related products suitable for battery-powered cars. (Bangkok Post, 30/05/2024)

Ezy Airlines expands into new markets in Southern Thailand
Following its soft-opening in Hua Hin, Ezy Airlines is ready to offer scheduled and charter flights and sees itself as a short-haul airline connecting major and secondary cities in the south within 60 minutes. (Khaosod English, 27/05/ 2024)
 
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GTCC BUSINESS & STUDY TRIP TO GERMANY:
9-17 NOVEMBER 2024
 
Thailand & ASEAN
Discussion on anti-corruption measures for Asian Pride Alliance to boost LGBTQIA2S+ rights
The Asian Pride Alliance (APA) initiative has been formed in Phuket to promote gender equality and LGBTQIA2S+ rights in the region. (Bangkok Post, 08/06/2024)

Asian shares advance on rate-cut optimism
RECAP: Asian stocks revived as central banks in the euro zone and Canada began their rate easing cycles this week, adding to expectations that the US Federal Reserve could soon follow suit. (Bangkok Post, 08/06/2024)

Singapore, other Asian economies see increased investments amid supply chain shifts
Singapore and five other Asian countries have received most of the investment flows as companies diversify their supply chains and adopt a China-plus-one strategy, economists said. (The Nation, 06/06/2024)

Myanmar excluded from Thai government’s visa-free List: effective June 1
Cambodia and Laos, like Myanmar in the past, only received 14-day visas, but this time they have joined the list of countries that can stay for 60 days without a visa, while Myanmar has not been included, according to a statement from the Thai government. (TheNation, 03/06/2024)
 
Green Technology
Suzuki to stop making cars in Thailand to focus on EV shift
Suzuki Motor Corp will halt production of cars and trucks in Thailand by the end of next year to focus resources on producing electric and hybrid vehicles elsewhere, the company said. (Bangkok Post, 07/06/2024)

Plan rejig raises share of renewables
Renewable power is projected to overtake electricity produced by fossil-fuel power plants over the next 20 years, with the former's proportion set to increase to 51% of total electricity supply in Thailand under the new version of the power development plan (PDP), says the Energy Policy and Planning Office (Eppo). Bangkok Post, 07/06/2024)

Cheaper fuel cost drives Thailand’s higher EV adoption in 2023
Thailand’s total registration of electric vehicles in 2023 crossed 75,000 vehicles, increasing 690% year on year (The Nation, 01/06/2024)

Thailand exploring small modular nuclear reactor technology, says PM
Thailand is exploring small modular nuclear reactor technology as Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy looks to diversify its energy mix amid dwindling reserves of natural gas that produces much of its power, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said. (The Nation, 31/05/2024)

Thais' top concern: Pollution; 74% say it affects their quality of life
The environment continues to be a key concern for Thailand and again rates highest of all public concerns in 2024, according to a Marketbuzz and Thammasat University School of Global Studies Survey. (The Nation, 30/05/2024)

Oyika to develop battery-swapping cabinet business
Oyika, a battery technology solutions provider, has kicked off operations in Thailand with a goal to develop a battery-swapping cabinet business for electric motorcycles. (Bangkok Post, 30/05/2024)
 
Bilateral Business
Mercedes Benz signs pact to produce EVs in Thailand
Mercedes Benz has donated a large lithium-ion battery cell unit to the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) for use in its research. Mercedes Benz (Thailand) has signed a contract with its Thai partner to make battery-powered electric vehicles in Thailand, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said. (The Nation, 10/06/2024)

Minister reinforces push for speedier negotiations
Deputy Commerce Minister Suchart Chomklin has directed the Trade Negotiations Department to accelerate free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with other nations. (Bangkok Post, 07/06/2024)

Thai football fans, including PM, excited for EURO 2024 to spur economic activity
Although it is a European tournament, Thai football fans are eagerly awaiting Euro 2024, which will be held in Germany this year and starts next week. Chairman of Aerosoft, the live broadcast’s key partner in Thailand, believed that if Thailand will miss out on tourism opportunities if it does not broadcast the football tournament. (Khaosod English, 06/06/2024)

Thai Prime Minister highlighting robust economic policies for Thailand
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is attending the UBS Asian Investment Conference (AIC) 2024, an event bringing together more than 2,000 business representatives, investors from financial institutions worldwide, and notable figures in the business sector. (The Nation, 29/05/2024)
 
Legal / HR / CSR / Education / Health
New overseas income rules proposed
The Revenue Department is preparing to amend the law to collect taxes from individuals who have income from abroad, even if that income is not brought into the country. (Bangkok Post, 05/06/2024)

Carbon levy slated for 2025
The Excise Department is scheduled to impose a carbon tax by 2025. However, the overall oil tax burden is expected to remain the same, so the public is unlikely to be affected, said department director-general Ekniti Nitithanprapas. Bangkok Post, 05/06/2024)

Thailand approves tax measures to boost local tourism, official says
Thailand's cabinet on Tuesday approved tax measures to boost domestic tourism during the low season, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul said. The measures, which cover the period from May to November, include tax deductions for companies organising conventions and seminars, he said. (Reuters, 04/06/2024)

High-skill visa attracts 56,000 foreign nationals to Thailand
Thailand currently has over 56,000 foreign nationals with approved visas and work permits. This includes about 50,000 foreign executives and experts working under investment promotion projects. (Khaosod English, 04/06/2024)

Back to school: Thailand targets 1m dropouts for 1.7% GDP boost
Equitable Education Fund launches govt initiative to bust out of poverty cycle and middle-income trap (The Nation, 03/06/2024)
 
Member News
Mazars and FORVIS to form unique new top 10 global network
Mazars, the leading international audit, tax, and advisory firm and FORVIS, the eighth largest public accounting firm in the United States, jointly announce their new, top 10 global network, effective 1 June 2024. The network is now operating under a single brand worldwide, Forvis Mazars. 

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

Chamber Representatives
Grisorn Nakapong
Narin Lertanant
Chamber Representative
Selin Demir

Dr. Wolfgang Sienel
 
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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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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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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